Nashville in 5 shops: vintage finds, best-selling books and music souvenirs
Apr 25, 2023 鈥 4 min read
These five independent shops are quintessential to Nashville 漏 Bailey Freeman / 老澳门六合彩开奖记录
In our 5 Shops series, we鈥檒l point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world鈥檚 best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we鈥檝e found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.
There are many wonderful ways to burn a hole in your pocket at Nashville鈥檚 independent shops.
A center for artisans and niche retailers as well as songwriters, Music City has something for everyone, whether you鈥檙e a bookworm, a vintage enthusiast or a hardcore concertgoer. Here are five of our favorite shops all over town.
Best for souvenirs
Hatch Show Print
If you鈥檝e been to nearly any major music venue in Nashville 鈥 think Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry, Bridgestone Arena 鈥 you鈥檝e likely seen work by Hatch Show Print. This letterpress print shop has been churning out concert and event posters since 1879, and its signature print style 鈥 with color blocking and big, bold typography 鈥 has become the visual expression of Nashville鈥檚 world-renowned music scene. Take home a print for an easy-to-transport piece of Music City history.
The shop offers tours during which you can learn about the print process, examine the wooden type blocks that the shop has accumulated over the years and hear from printmakers about their craft. You can also participate in workshops where you can make your own posters, t-shirts, tote bags and more.
The last Hatch Show Print piece I bought was a poster commemorating one of the best concerts I鈥檝e ever been to: Icelandic rock band Kaleo鈥檚 performance at the Ryman. It both brings back an epic memory 鈥 and is simply a cool piece of art.
Best for local design
Thunder Moon Collective
An explosion of gold and candy-colored pastels, offers a vivid immersion in fashion, art and design. Guests are greeted by furry critters of the canine and feline varieties while they peruse owner Nina鈥檚 thoughtful selection of clothing and home goods. Sustainably made pieces take priority here, with Thunder Moon sourcing its merchandise from small makers locally and around the world. Snag earrings made at a solar-powered workshop in Malawi, soaps made from consciously sourced ingredients in California and dresses designed by small fashion collectives. Thunder Moon even hosts monthly crafting circles as well as workshops in floral design, perfume blending and more.
I鈥檝e got my eye on these adorable 鈥減ot heads鈥 (pictured above) painted by talented artisans in Mexico . Which one is your favorite?
Best for vintage
Anaconda Vintage
While Nashville has no shortage of vintage shops, it鈥檚 hard to find the holy trinity of second-hand shopping: high-quality garments, a wide variety and affordable prices. Enter . Tucked behind long-loved record store 骋谤颈尘别测鈥檚, Anaconda has wares that span all styles and eras. The shop also strives to be size-inclusive.
In particular, you鈥檒l find a great selection of pants for all genders, plus an accessory wall thoughtfully merchandised with showstoppers that won鈥檛 break the bank. Once you鈥檝e picked out a new outfit, head across the street to for a beer or coffee as a reward.
Best for food
Assembly Food Hall
A somewhat new addition to downtown Nashville, fills a much-needed gap on the Broadway scene: a place to grab a bite and a drink before a show without having to commit to a full sit-down meal. This food hall hosts over 30 different bars and restaurants, including Nashville favorites like , and . This being Music City, the venue also has three different live music stages 鈥 some of which overlook the historic Ryman Auditorium just across the street 鈥 and a rooftop venue, making it a music destination in its own right.
On my last visit I sipped a margarita from and a dug into a piled-high poke bowl from before heading upstairs to the Skydeck for a concert sponsored by local independent radio station Lightning 100. Cheers to that.
Best for books
Parnassus
A Nashville institution through and through, is the local stop for book lovers looking to pick up best sellers, regional publications and book-oriented gifts for their favorite people. The shop is more than a bookstore, though: it鈥檚 a hub for writers and readers, which isn鈥檛 surprising considering it鈥檚 owned and run by award-winning novelist . Parnassus hosts regular author signings and discussions, book-club meetings and kid-oriented story times. The shop also has memorable sections catering to a range of interests, including 鈥淟GBTQIA+ Reads,鈥 鈥淏anned Books,鈥 鈥淢usic Must-Reads鈥 and more.
Knowing the quality of Parnassus鈥 selection, the shop was my first stop when I needed a gift for my mother, a green-thumb gardener who cares for a veritable wonderland of plants at her Kentucky home every summer. I snagged a copy of Gardening in the South by Mark Weathington, a beautiful book dedicated to all the flora that make this part of the world so beautiful.
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