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Nashville is slowly climbing to the top of everybody's vacation list (and if it's not on top of yours, we've got a few reasons it should be). Heralded as the Vegas of the South, the birthplace of country music is a growing city full of a new generation of movers, shakers, and makers. You may be spending your nights listening to some of the best musicians in the country, but don't miss out on the amazing vintage shops, boutiques stocked with local designers, and, of course, killer record stores this town has to offer. From old standbys to new storefronts, here's your guide to all things buyable in Music City.
This story was originally published June 9th, 2016 and has since been updated.
Walking into Wilder feels like stepping into someone’s home (if that someone has impeccable style). Run by native New Yorkers Ivy and Josh Elrod, this lifestyle boutique carries everything from furniture to art, jewelry, and apothecary goods by designers like Isaac Nichols, Electra Eggleston, Areaware, and Pamela Love. Make sure to take a look at the calendar in case you can catch one of the ultra-chic art openings, film screenings, or dance parties hosted here. Also look out for the forthcoming concept shop Wilder Etudes, opening in April 2017.
Owned by Nashville native Courtney Webb, Hey Rooster is a modern take on the southern country store, offering well-designed products for the home alongside goodies like artisanal jams and chocolate. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch one of Webb’s amazing pop-up shops, which typically feature local clothing brands and vintage collections.
One of the best record stores in town, Grimey’s is a must-shop for any music nerd visiting Nashville. From new releases to reissues to pre-loved vinyl, you could easily browse these crates for days. After you shop, head downstairs to the Basement, Grimey’s on-site venue. (And for even more records, check out The Groove in East Nashville.)
Located in a converted gas station, White’s Mercantile is southern charm at its chicest. Store owner Holly Williams (daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.) personally selects the shop's inventory, which ranges from Nashville-made Thistle Farm apothecary to one-of-a-kind Moroccan rugs and locally designed jewelry.
The original East Nashville cool-girl store has been around since before East Nashville was the place to be. Filled to the brim with handmade and vintage homewares and art, you’ll definitely leave this place with a new treasure. Make sure to browse owner Ashley Sheehan’s signature Naughty Needlepoints while you're there.
This vintage clothing shop for men and women (owned by nouveau cowgirl Nikki Lane) has an inventory that will make any fashion-forward person squeal. Shop here for old-school southern favorites, including vintage tees, well-worn cowboy boots, and fringe for days.
This Nashville staple can be a little problematic for furniture buffs from out of town — but you could always cancel your return ticket and drive a U-Haul home! Though the clothing selection is equally extensive, mid-century modern furniture is where this shop excels.
Even if you don’t own a Harley, it’s still a good idea to pony up to Moto Moda. The shop specializes in both new and vintage motorcycle gear but has a great selection of men's and women’s clothing, too. Pick up some of the locally made leather goods to complete your look, and when you're done, stop by Sisters of Nature next store to browse some ethically made clothing.
The storefront for Jack White’s record label not only stocks its own collection of limited edition vinyl, but also includes a booth where you can record your own song directly to wax. If you check out a show at the on-site venue, make sure to pick up the specially pressed vinyl of the performance for a piece of music history you’ll treasure forever.
Opened in late 2015, this clothing and home store is a welcome addition to Nashville’s burgeoning fashion scene. The airy boutique’s selection of modern apparel brands (like Jesse Kamm and Ryan Roche) and covetable home goods will excite anyone with minimalist taste.
Run by Emil and Leslie Congdon, Emil Erwin puts out handmade bags, wallets, and other small leather goods. The minimalist style of the shop (as well as the goods sold there) and shapes like bucket bags and foldover totes keep it all feeling very of-the-moment. You’ll definitely leave this place with a keepsake.
Housed in an old service station, this stellar shop for American-made denim also has an outpost in Portland, OR, but the vibes are all Nashville. In addition to jeans for men and women, husband-and-wife team Matt and Carrie Eddmonsen stock the boutique with one-of-a-kind vintage tees, textiles, and jewelry.
Housed in a renovated fire station, this spot could easily have been named the Vintage Band Tee Emporium, as that's far and away the shop's specialty. Store proprietor Tommy Delaney has been collecting rock memorabilia for a long time and, after running a successful Etsy page, opened a storefront in East Nashville last year. In addition to the band tees, expect vintage vinyl, leather jackets, boots, buttons, and more.
Don't expect cowboy boots at this leather goods shop; head here instead for soft, elegant, handmade leather shoes, handbags, and accessories for men and women. Ethically made using a direct factory-to-store model (think Everlane), the shop has cut out the middleman so that you can pick up some beautifully crafted pieces for a much lower price than you'd normally pay.
The brothers behind Salemtown Board Co. make their own skateboards in-house and have a halfpipe outside where you can work on your tricks (if you have any, that is). Not only are the boards awesome, but the shop makes a point of hiring young people from the neighborhood to provide job training and foster a sense of community in North Nashville.
Settled in the newly minted Buchanan Arts District (also home to Emil Erwin), the handmade goods in this homewares store and fabrication studio are well worth the shipping cost. The timeless pieces range from large-scale wooden furniture to industrial-style tabletop lamps to handsome walnut hangers; note the studio is only open by appointment.
Though you may not generally be inclined to spend a ton of time at a kids store, Arcade is going to change that. This spot is chock-full of adorable children's clothes and whimsical toys that could easily be mistaken for pieces of art. Whether you have a child or not, this spot is worth a visit.
While working as an interior designer, Ceri Hoover realized that folded over, the pillows she made were actually great clutches, and thus an excellent brand was born. Whether or not you’re already familiar with Hoover’s exquisite line of Nashville-made shoes and bags (carried by Anthropologie, among other stores), make sure to head to the flagship store in Nashville’s 12 South District.
Walking into Wilder feels like stepping into someone’s home (if that someone has impeccable style). Run by native New Yorkers Ivy and Josh Elrod, this lifestyle boutique carries everything from furniture to art, jewelry, and apothecary goods by designers like Isaac Nichols, Electra Eggleston, Areaware, and Pamela Love. Make sure to take a look at the calendar in case you can catch one of the ultra-chic art openings, film screenings, or dance parties hosted here. Also look out for the forthcoming concept shop Wilder Etudes, opening in April 2017.
Owned by Nashville native Courtney Webb, Hey Rooster is a modern take on the southern country store, offering well-designed products for the home alongside goodies like artisanal jams and chocolate. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch one of Webb’s amazing pop-up shops, which typically feature local clothing brands and vintage collections.
One of the best record stores in town, Grimey’s is a must-shop for any music nerd visiting Nashville. From new releases to reissues to pre-loved vinyl, you could easily browse these crates for days. After you shop, head downstairs to the Basement, Grimey’s on-site venue. (And for even more records, check out The Groove in East Nashville.)
Located in a converted gas station, White’s Mercantile is southern charm at its chicest. Store owner Holly Williams (daughter of Hank Williams, Jr.) personally selects the shop's inventory, which ranges from Nashville-made Thistle Farm apothecary to one-of-a-kind Moroccan rugs and locally designed jewelry.
The original East Nashville cool-girl store has been around since before East Nashville was the place to be. Filled to the brim with handmade and vintage homewares and art, you’ll definitely leave this place with a new treasure. Make sure to browse owner Ashley Sheehan’s signature Naughty Needlepoints while you're there.
This vintage clothing shop for men and women (owned by nouveau cowgirl Nikki Lane) has an inventory that will make any fashion-forward person squeal. Shop here for old-school southern favorites, including vintage tees, well-worn cowboy boots, and fringe for days.
This Nashville staple can be a little problematic for furniture buffs from out of town — but you could always cancel your return ticket and drive a U-Haul home! Though the clothing selection is equally extensive, mid-century modern furniture is where this shop excels.
Even if you don’t own a Harley, it’s still a good idea to pony up to Moto Moda. The shop specializes in both new and vintage motorcycle gear but has a great selection of men's and women’s clothing, too. Pick up some of the locally made leather goods to complete your look, and when you're done, stop by Sisters of Nature next store to browse some ethically made clothing.
The storefront for Jack White’s record label not only stocks its own collection of limited edition vinyl, but also includes a booth where you can record your own song directly to wax. If you check out a show at the on-site venue, make sure to pick up the specially pressed vinyl of the performance for a piece of music history you’ll treasure forever.
Opened in late 2015, this clothing and home store is a welcome addition to Nashville’s burgeoning fashion scene. The airy boutique’s selection of modern apparel brands (like Jesse Kamm and Ryan Roche) and covetable home goods will excite anyone with minimalist taste.
Run by Emil and Leslie Congdon, Emil Erwin puts out handmade bags, wallets, and other small leather goods. The minimalist style of the shop (as well as the goods sold there) and shapes like bucket bags and foldover totes keep it all feeling very of-the-moment. You’ll definitely leave this place with a keepsake.
Housed in an old service station, this stellar shop for American-made denim also has an outpost in Portland, OR, but the vibes are all Nashville. In addition to jeans for men and women, husband-and-wife team Matt and Carrie Eddmonsen stock the boutique with one-of-a-kind vintage tees, textiles, and jewelry.
Housed in a renovated fire station, this spot could easily have been named the Vintage Band Tee Emporium, as that's far and away the shop's specialty. Store proprietor Tommy Delaney has been collecting rock memorabilia for a long time and, after running a successful Etsy page, opened a storefront in East Nashville last year. In addition to the band tees, expect vintage vinyl, leather jackets, boots, buttons, and more.
Don't expect cowboy boots at this leather goods shop; head here instead for soft, elegant, handmade leather shoes, handbags, and accessories for men and women. Ethically made using a direct factory-to-store model (think Everlane), the shop has cut out the middleman so that you can pick up some beautifully crafted pieces for a much lower price than you'd normally pay.
The brothers behind Salemtown Board Co. make their own skateboards in-house and have a halfpipe outside where you can work on your tricks (if you have any, that is). Not only are the boards awesome, but the shop makes a point of hiring young people from the neighborhood to provide job training and foster a sense of community in North Nashville.
Settled in the newly minted Buchanan Arts District (also home to Emil Erwin), the handmade goods in this homewares store and fabrication studio are well worth the shipping cost. The timeless pieces range from large-scale wooden furniture to industrial-style tabletop lamps to handsome walnut hangers; note the studio is only open by appointment.
Though you may not generally be inclined to spend a ton of time at a kids store, Arcade is going to change that. This spot is chock-full of adorable children's clothes and whimsical toys that could easily be mistaken for pieces of art. Whether you have a child or not, this spot is worth a visit.
While working as an interior designer, Ceri Hoover realized that folded over, the pillows she made were actually great clutches, and thus an excellent brand was born. Whether or not you’re already familiar with Hoover’s exquisite line of Nashville-made shoes and bags (carried by Anthropologie, among other stores), make sure to head to the flagship store in Nashville’s 12 South District.
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