The Ultimate Nashville Insider’s Shopping Guide
Nashville Skyline. (Photo: Jim Nix)
Nashville: it’s not just for music anymore. In addition to the requisite joints hawking records and instruments, the city is home to amazing artisanal food purveyors, cutting-edge fashion designers, groundbreaking graphic artists, and other retailers offering one-of-a-kind wares. I moved to Nashville from New York City 10 years ago, and between writing for fashion magazines, working as a wardrobe stylist, and running a side business selling vintage clothing, I have dedicated myself to seeking out the best shopping that my city has to offer. So whether you’re looking for guitars or boots, these are 10 of my favorite addresses in my little black book:
A Nashville music hotspot: Gruhn Guitars. (Photo: Christopher Rice)
Lots and lots of guitars to choose from at Gruhn. (Photo: Smithereen)
For Guitars
After 42 years on touristy Lower Broadway, Gregory Gruhn moved his legendary vintage store, Gruhn Guitars, to 8th Avenue South last year. Different location, same amazing stock, which continues to attract collectors (many of them famous) from around the world.
2120 8th Avenue South, 615-256-2033
For Jeans
Imogene + Willie owners Matt and Carrie Eddmenson put Nashville on the map for hardcore blue-jean aficionados, many who come from as far away as Japan to buy a pair of the couple’s high-quality designs, made from specially-woven Cone Mills denim.
2601 12th Avenue South, 615-292-5005
For Records
Nashville is ground zero for buying independent and vintage vinyl—and Grimey’s New & Preloved is the place to go. You can also catch live in-store sets by everyone from Paramore to the Black Keys. Beloved local dive The Basement is downstairs.
1604 8th Avenue South, 615-254-4801
Making chocolate at Olive & Sinclair. (Photos: tmlens)
For Chocolate
Scott Witherow, of Olive & Sinclair, is known in Nashville and beyond for his artisanal chocolate bars in flavors like Salt & Pepper and Mexican Style Cinn-Chili—all created in his East Nashville factory. His creations are available at locations around Nashville, including the Turnip Truck.
970 Woodland Street, 615-248-2000
Letterpress designs at the Isle of Printing. (Photo: Nick Sherman)
For Letterpress Art
Hatch Show Print may be Nashville’s legendary poster printer. However, the city’s new guard uses Isle of Printing, founded by Bryce McCloud, whose company frequently collaborates with local creative powerhouses like Third Man Records. Go for quirky-clever posters, many promoting bands and motorcycles—two of the proprietor’s big interests—and stay to have Bryce and his team design your one-of-a-kind wedding invitations.
624 Ewing Avenue, 615-244-6677
For Books
Novelist Ann Patchett didn’t like watching longstanding Nashville bookstores close around her. So in 2011, she and publishing vet Karen Hayes opened their own bibliophilic paradise, Parnassus Books, with a special section devoted to local authors.
3900 Hillsboro Pike, 615-953-2243
The interior at Peter Nappi. (Photo: Heidi Ross)
For Boots
You’ll find nary a cowboy boot at Peter Nappi, Phillip and Dana Nappi’s gorgeously appointed headquarters located in a century-old former meatpacking plant in North Nashville. There’s also a retail store and studio, where they develop signatures styles (for men and women) that are produced in small factories in Northern Italy.
1308 Adams Street, 615-248-3310
For Accessories
American Picker Mike Wolfe’s Antique Archaeology store in a Victorian-era car factory may attract throngs of tourists. But locals know to hit up the small accessories studios at Marathon Village, specifically Otis James—for ties, caps, and hankies—and Emil Erwin for luxe leather bags.
1305 Clinton Street, 615-327-1010
For Vintage Furniture
Housed in a two-story yellow Victorian on East Nashville’s main retail drag is Deb and Wayne Goodwyn’s antiques emporium, Wonders on Woodland. It’s the stomping ground for savvy collectors in search of great prices on mid-century gems.
1110 Woodland Street, 615-226-5300
For Hand-Crafted Furniture
Cadeau, a new gifts and interiors shop in the 12South neighborhood, carries some of the top talents to emerge from the area’s recent furniture boom, including Holler Designs—the company responsible for the chairs and tables at my coffee shop of choice, Barista Parlor.
2308 12th Avenue South, 615-460-0053
Libby Callaway is a writer and media consultant based in Nashville and New York City. The former fashion editor of the New York Post, she has contributed to publications including Travel + Leisure, Elle, Glamour, and Style.com.
