Best of Nashville
Best Car Repair: Noor Auto Repair Service
Sad to say, a lot of auto work is motivated by desperation. Facing a northward excursion to southwestern Ohio, I found myself at 4:30 p.m. trying to find a place that could help me get a new battery installed. If you’ve ever tried to get anything done after 4 p.m. around the city, you can imagine what that was like. Cursing the make and model of my car for having a battery arrangement that required garage service, I was at wit’s end when a friend said, “Have you tried Noor’s on Charlotte?” Not only did the Noor operation have a friendly and understanding staff, they had my car turned out and ready, even with other vehicles being serviced, in 40 minutes, and did so for less than I had previously been charged for the same work at Wal-Mart. Capable of domestic and import repair with grace and style under pressure, Noor is hard to beat. —JASON SHAWHAN
Best Place to Get the Same Furniture as Jack White: Past Perfect
When moving into my new apartment last March, I wanted furniture that was stylish, a little retro and most of all cheap. I found Past Perfect on Eighth Avenue South. The proprietor had the perfect dining-room set in a tan-and-black tiki aesthetic. It had four bamboo chairs with comfy black cushions. The matching table came complete with an extra leaf and the price was right about perfect. But it was the first set that I saw, so I told Ms. Hollywood I would have to think about it.
“You might not want to think too long,” the pink-lipsticked, dice-earringed Hollywood told me.
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“Why not?”
“Well, Jack White was in here earlier this week and he’s already bought up the couch that matched the set. It had a rip in the cushion but he said that he used to do upholstery so he could fix it himself. Said he might be back for the rest of the set so...”
I paid cash on the spot. —P.J. TOBIA
Best Vintage Clothing Store: Venus And Mars / Silvery Moon
Surely there are more musicians per capita in Nashville than in any other city, so it’s no surprise that we have a thriving vintage clothing community. Among the standouts are Katy K’s (the go-to place for Western wear), Local Honey (owner Shea Steele cherry-picks the best of the best so you don’t have to wander through endless racks) and Savant/Vintage Couture (featuring one of the more eclectic collections in town). And in a 1940s bungalow in Berry Hill, you have two vintage treasures operating under one roof: Amy Patterson’s Venus and Mars and Angela Reed’s Silvery Moon. Patterson is a sought-after stylist and set/costume designer for film and video shoots, so she has a finely tuned eye for fashion. But don’t take our word for it—GQ just featured the store in the GQ100, the magazine’s list of the best stores for men in America (men.style.com/gq/features/gq100). And if GQ’s word isn’t enough, just ask some of the customers, who include Ryan Adams, Jack White, Gillian Welch and members of Wilco, Kings of Leon and Swan Dive to name a few. —JACK SILVERMAN
Best Store On The Horizon: Whole Foods Market
So what if it’ll lure the last five cars in Davidson County not already bottlenecked in Green Hills traffic to the former H.G. Hill’s site. Nashville loves few things more than a shiny new grocery store, and right now the only people not ready to shower the construction crew with flowers and candy—or flog them to speed things up—are probably in upper management at that other health-food emporium down the block. In other cities, such as Atlanta or its hometown of Austin, this natural-foods behemoth is a destination in itself: a cornucopia of organic goods, fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, wines (fat chance in Nashville) and earthy-crunchy cookies and candies, laid out like presents on Christmas morning. And now we’re getting our own. Take that, Atlanta! What—they’re getting a Trader Joe’s, the cool West Coast chain that specializes in exotic foods? Peach-eating bastards. —JIM RIDLEY
Best Sale: Coco End-of-Season Markdown
Are there any more beautiful words in the English language than “90-percent-off sale”? Not when they’re attached to names like Badgley Mischka, Yansi Fugel and the other brands that grace the windows of Coco on Harding Road. Starting in mid-winter and mid-summer, watch the signs out front for the sale that opens with minor markdowns and peaks with glorious, too-good-to-be-true price slashing. (If you’re shopping for a size 10 petite, preferably in light blue with an elastic waistband, please stay the hell away.) —CARRINGTON FOX
Best Used Musical Instrument Store: Mr. Mark’s Used Music
It’s not a used musical instrument store per se, at least not like any you’ve seen before—if you can recall the Jawa Sandcrawler from the Star Wars movies, packed with robot innards and the occasional functioning protocol droid, then you have some idea what it’s like to be inside Mr. Mark’s Music. The place—all 4,000 square feet of it—is crammed to the rafters with hundreds of reel-to-reel machines, microphones, mixing boards, guitars (including, as of this writing, an archtop signed by Sleepy LaBeef and a pistol-shaped bass built by Shot Jackson), amplifiers, keyboards and all manner of gadgets, gizmos and unidentifiable transistors, varying in condition from near mint to completely disassembled. It’s like a scrapyard for gear sluts. But like any good salvage lot, Mr. Mark’s just looks like total chaos—when I went in search of a piece for a 1960s microphone, which no one else in town even knew where to start looking for, Mr. Mark (Mark Hughes, who made his fortune selling musical equipment on Music Row in the ’80s and ’90s) disappeared into the wreckage for about 15 minutes before emerging with exactly what I needed: a thread adapter about the size of five stacked nickels. It would have been easier to pull a needle from the proverbial hay. —STEVE HARUCH
Best Place to Get Cheap Produce: That Place Across From The Farmers Market
The sad truth is that the gorgeous produce you see in most commercial grocery stores, like most things in our world, is bred for looks, not taste. The red peppers that look the prettiest, that glisten just so, are the ones chosen for breeding—who cares if they have none of the rich sweetness of their less aesthetically pleasing, less popular brethren? At CT Farm Fresh Produce (a.k.a. the place across from the Farmers Market) I procured a dented, misshapen cantaloupe whose pungent smell belied its delectable interior—best one I’ve ever had. They have avocados for 69 cents and loads of ethnic groceries and produce. (Baby bok choy on the George Foreman is a staple in my household of one.) And the best part is walking out with armfuls of goodies and change from a $10 bill in your pocket. —LEE STABERT
Best Place For 12” Vinyl Singles (Now That Tower’s on the Way Out): Spun
If you’re among those (e.g., hip-hop or dance-music enthusiasts and DJs) who are used to buying your new singles on 12” vinyl, times have been getting rough. With Tower Records currently in an indeterminate state of receivership, what’s a vinyl junkie to do? Grimey’s is good, to be sure, and there are lots of used places where you can find your beats and mixes, but nothing currently compares to Spun’s selection of vinyl 12” maxis of the sounds of right now. —JASON SHAWHAN
Best Chiropractor: Dr. Andrea Selby
Dr. Andrea Selby is a chiropractic legend in Nashville. Just ask Eddie George, who was known to make use of Dr. Selby’s services during his days as a Titan. There are also autographed pictures from Dolly Parton and Alan Jackson on the wall. Dr. Selby and Dr. Beth Barnett, her business partner for 20 years and a previous BON Best Chiropractor herself, have turned their Green Hills Chiropractic Clinic into a state-of-the-art facility without sacrificing the individualized attention for the patients. Dr. Selby is also president of the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners, but you couldn’t tell by her demeanor: she’s all business when it comes to your spine but never too busy to catch up on your personal life as well. Dr. Selby will straighten you out in the professional sense; the friendliness comes at no additional charge. —COLLIN WADE MONK
Best Amplifier Repair: Nashville Amplifier Service
OK, so maybe it’s technically in Franklin, but is 15 miles too far to drive for one of the most sought-after amp techs in the country? And who’s more qualified to tweak your old Fender, trick out your Marshall Plexi or fine-tune your Vox AC-30 than Nashville Amplifier Service owner Todd Sharp, who’s played guitar with the likes of Rod Stewart, Hall & Oates, Carlene Carter, Delbert McClinton and Richard Marx, to name just a few? Tired of life on a tour bus, Sharp turned to full-time amp repair in 1994 (though he started tinkering with ham radios back when he was 7 years old). No one knows great tone like a great player, and he’s among the best. If you don’t believe us, ask Vince Gill, The Black Crowes and Aerosmith, just a few of the guitar-centric artists who bring (or ship) their gear to Sharp. For more information, visit amprepair.com or call 591-7556. —JACK SILVERMAN
Best Electric Guitar Builder: Jeff Senn
There’s no shortage of fine boutique electric-guitar builders around, but few do it as well—and as affordably—as Jeff Senn. After cutting his teeth on the road as a guitar tech, Senn decided to turn to guitar building and repair full-time. He’s mastered the art of making guitars in classic designs, and has sold some of his axes to John Fogerty, Graham Nash and Steve Wariner, to name a few. He’ll gladly make a guitar or bass to your specifications, and it will likely sound and play better than most handmade guitars that cost a grand more. Also, while some of the major manufacturers now “relic” guitars—make new ones look like they’re vintage beauties, complete with scratches, dings and fading paint—no one does it as well as Senn. That’s why Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and some guy named Springsteen have sent their new guitars to Senn just to be “relic’ed,” so they can still look cool on stage while keeping their priceless originals safe at home. For information, visit jeffsennguitars.com. —JACK SILVERMAN
Best Place to Be Treated for a Tick Bite: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
It was hard not to be suspicious when Governor Phil Bredesen jetted off to the Mayo Clinic this summer. For a suspected tick-borne illness? Really? There are plenty of ticks here in Tennessee, and Vanderbilt doctors regularly treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever along with other tick-related maladies. While Vanderbilt politely declined to comment on the governor’s decision to seek treatment elsewhere, rest assured that you need not travel to Minnesota for excellent medical care, post-hiking or otherwise. Vanderbilt continues to build a reputation as one of the finest clinical, research and teaching facilities in the country. In 2005, the medical school received more than $244 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health—putting seven of its departments, including pediatrics, in the top 10—and Vanderbilt consistently represents Nashville on U.S. News & World Report’s lists of the nation’s best hospitals and medical schools. —LISA ROBBINS
Best Native Plants Nursery: Gro Wild, Fairview
If you seek native plants for your garden, then get ready for a scenic drive to Gro Wild in Fairview. This nursery offers many wildflowers—including endangered species—that are difficult to find, from Tennessee coneflower to bloom-ready trillium. Gro Wild is primarily a wholesale business, so it does not keep regular hours, but you can call for an appointment. The nursery also holds semi-annual events open to the public: a one-day tree sale in the fall (Oct. 21 this year) and a two-day open house in the spring, a bring-the-family affair with wagon rides, free food and music. Gro Wild’s regular prices are what co-owner Terri Barnes calls “discounted retail”: cheaper than full-price retail, but higher than what the nursery charges its wholesale clients. If you need more than just plants, it offers landscape design and installation services too. Check out www.growildnursery.com for a complete list of available wildflowers, shrubs, trees, grasses, ferns and vines. —LISA ROBBINS
Best Urban-Development Holdout: Station Inn
\Just a few years ago, Station Inn had the Gulch to itself after dark. Now the legendary bluegrass spot fights for street parking with City Hall, Sambuca and Watermark, and upscale condos are rising all around. It’s hard not to worry how long this landmark—where $15 can still buy a night of great music, a slice and a Bud—can hold out against the big money looking to put something shiny and pricey in its place. Station Inn proprietor J.T. Gray does not own the property; the Wehby family, as in the plumbing company next door, does. Andy Wehby says his family wants Station Inn to survive, but he also acknowledges that interest in the property runs high, and while there is no deal on the table right now, that could change any time. Here’s hoping it doesn’t—at least not anytime soon. —LISA ROBBINS
Best-timed Nonprofit Fundraiser: The Boulevard Bolt On Thanksgiving Day
Last year, with help from sponsors, hundreds of volunteers and thousands of runners and walkers, The Boulevard Bolt raised $115,000 for local agencies that serve Nashville’s homeless. Many people have made the Bolt an annual tradition, having found that there is no better way to express thanks on Thanksgiving than with a gift to those in need. On top of that, it’s fun. You gather with family and friends, enjoy a crisp autumn morning outdoors, and burn off a few calories in anticipation of your afternoon feasting. The Bolt is even a great excuse to stay home for the holidays. Tell your family you’d love to brave the airport on the busiest weekend of the year but you just can’t, for charity’s sake. For more information, go to www.thebolt.com. —LISA ROBBINS
Best Hairstylist: Jen Rouse, Shine
There’s certainly no shortage of fine hairstylists in Music City, but in the six years since she began her career, Jen Rouse has attracted a loyal following, particularly among musicians. Local luminaries who have sought out her services include Will Kimbrough, Kim Richey, Jim Lauderdale, Ken Coomer, Neilson Hubbard and Wilco’s Pat Sansone. But you don’t have to be a music bigwig—she does plenty of regular folks too. One of the sweetest people you’ll find in Nashville, Jen has a knack for finding just the right cut for each customer, and isn’t shy about suggesting a new look if you’re feeling daring. And even better, she’s a good (if unlicensed) psychotherapist—after all, isn’t that what we’re really looking for? Jen can be found at Shine in Green Hills (385-1299); if her schedule is full, Brandi Oelkers or any of the other Shine stylists will be glad to help. —JACK SILVERMAN
Best Big Idea: Nashville Waterfront Redevelopment Plan
As anyone who has visited Chicago, Baltimore or Chattanooga knows, a revitalized urban waterfront can be a stunning recreational, economic and social resource. Now Nashville has a chance to discover this for itself. In August, Metro consultants unveiled a plan that would reintegrate the Cumberland into our city. Encompassing 1,800 acres on both sides of the river, the plan includes a proposal to turn a wide swath of post-industrial detritus, parking lots and unused land on Nashville’s East Bank into an island park and marina. There’s just one little hitch: the hundreds of millions such a plan would cost. Of course, the money could be found—city movers and shakers are mining our tax structure as you read to find $455 million for a new convention center. Instead of building a convention hall with built-in obsolescence—oh, c’mon, it’s only been 20 years since the last one went up—howzabout we spend our money on a treasure built into our very landscape that could benefit Nashvillians for centuries to come? Build a great city, and you won’t be able to keep the conventioneers away. —LISA ROBBINS
Best Annual Food-Based Fundraiser: Best Cellars and Best Sellers
Nothing belies the long-held stereotype of hillbilly singers, longneck beer and Jack Daniel’s whiskey like the annual high-dollar fundraiser for the Nashville division of the T.J. Martell Foundation—Best Cellars and Best Sellers. The premise of the black-tie event, which has raised closed to $1 million in seven years, is to pair a Nashville wine collector (cellar) and a country music star (seller) as hosts of a table, then sell the remaining seats ($800 each in 2006). The Best Cellar donates the wines for their table from their private collection, while the Best Seller provides his or her presence—sellers have included Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Sara Evans, Kix Brooks and Keith Urban. Additional star power and cachet comes from the celebrity chefs retained each year to create and cook a special meal for the occasion: top toques who have taken over the Vanderbilt Plaza kitchen include Charlie Trotter, Dean Ferring and Mario Batali. Batali ended up cooking breakfast for a select—and well-wined—group in the wee hours in Best Cellar Tom Black’s West Meade kitchen. —KAY WEST
Best Spiritual Café and Bookstore: Alektor Café & Books
Alektor Café & Books (1807 Grand Ave.) is a portal to the predenominational Christian world. For the first 1,000 years a Christian was just a Christian and food played a large part in the experience. (Even Christ’s first miracle that changed the water into wine was to keep the guests happy at a wedding feast.) In that spirit, owners Father Parthenios Turner and wife Presvytera Marion Turner will feed you body and soul. Gaze upon Byzantine-style icons, listen to CDs of music melodically descended from the time the Apostles roamed the earth, and thumb through books by and about hermits, monks and martyrs to the faith, all while noshing your soup, sandwich or hummus plate. Coffee, tea and Italian sodas are available to wash it all down. The café also lays claim to the “World’s Greatest Brownie,” and if the Ninth Commandment isn’t safe at Alektor, who can you trust? —COLLIN WADE MONK
Best Place to Mix Music and Stargazing: Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
In keeping with its astronomical mission, Dyer Observatory schedules its outdoor concerts in harmony with the sky. In the late afternoon, picnickers claim their spots around the lawn’s open stage. As sunset approaches, the music begins, as does the dancing for those so moved. By the time the music stops, at least on a clear night, the dark night canopy glitters with stars, which visitors can view more closely through the domed observatory’s Seyfert Telescope. For a free concert, catch the eclectic Music on the Mountain series, presented in partnership with the Blair School of Music. Dyer also has teamed up with Amy Kurland to present Bluebird on the Mountain: in-the-round concerts that feature some of the best songwriting talent in town. These are not free, but $70 pays for everyone you can squeeze into your car. Its October 29 event, the last of the spring-through-fall season, starts at 3 p.m. and will include the debut of Star Chamber, a 100-foot interactive outdoor installation by British “land artist” Chris Drury. —LISA ROBBINS