Tanger Outlets
This is the shopping center that locals have been obsessing over since it opened in 2023. Outlets from major names like Coach, Kate Spade, Ralph Lauren and J. Crew share space with a Pottery Barn outlet, a Shake Shack and more. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Tanger likely has it — and for far less than you’ll find anywhere else. Local favorites like Prince’s Hot Chicken add a little Nashville authenticity to this massive shopping center.*
Grimey’s New and Pre-Loved Music
Grimey’s is one of Nashville’s best independent local record stores, with a knowledgeable staff more likely to nerd out over your purchases with you than sneer at your selections. And it’s even got two floors, with printed material downstairs.
Parnassus Books
A great bookstore doesn’t just peddle books. It starts conversations, launches friendships, changes lives, transmits the passions of its staff and anchors a community’s intellectual life. Parnassus, which is co-owned by author Ann Patchett, does all of these things and more.
Hatch Show Print
Need presents for those back home, an outside-the-box wedding gift, or something to distinguish your walls or office cube? This is some of the coolest (and most affordable) art you’ll find anywhere.
Face Foundrie
Need a relaxing break between shopping and mural photo ops? The Gulch’s Face Foundrie can accommodate everything from mini-facials to full spa treatments, with an extensive enhancement menu.*
Marathon Village
It seems many of the folks who head to Marathon Village are hoping to catch a glimpse of American Pickers star Mike Wolfe, who owns Antique Archaeology. But whether you’re there for antiques or cool old cars, definitely take some extra time to check out the other local shops, including The Bang Candy Company and Grinder’s Switch Winery, which offers wine from the Centerville winery.
Music Valley Antiques and Marketplace
This antique mall features inventive furniture, records, knickknacks and memorabilia for every budget, plus a slew of souvenirs worth bringing home.
From Nashville With Love
This boutique in Nashville’s historic downtown Arcade is stuffed with gifts and locally made goods. But what really sets it apart is its selection of permanent jewelry. You can choose among a broad assortment of sterling silver and gold-filled chains and engravable charms, then watch as a jeweler welds it closed on your wrist or around your neck.*
Gruhn Guitars
The instrument shop has been around since 1970 and currently has more than 1,000 guitars, basses, banjos and more. Gruhn has furnished guitars for Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, George Harrison and Paul McCartney.
The Great Escape
Holding one of the largest used CD and record collections in Nashville, this long-standing shop is a favorite for those willing to dig for their treasure. With locations on Charlotte Avenue and on Gallatin Pike in Madison, it’s a great outpost for comic-book lovers too.
The Groove
Just a couple blocks north of East Nashville’s buzzing Five Points neighborhood, The Groove has been a must for vinyl-hunting audiophiles for a decade-plus. The independently owned store offers new and used vinyl, cassettes and CDs, and frequently hosts in-store performances and events.
Paddywax Candle Bar
Totally Rad Toyhouse
Totally Rad Toyhouse is sure to elicit an “I remember that!” from every visitor — from G.I. Joe to Barbie to Marvel, there’s something for everyone. Collectors can buy, sell and trade, or hunt for rare finds.
The Green Ray
AshBlue
Third Man Records
Mecca for fans of Jack White, and the Chocolate Factory to the Nashville-by-way-of-Detroit Last Rock Icon Standing’s Willy Wonka, Third Man Records is unlike any modern musical landmark in the world.
Hail, Dark Aesthetics
The walls of this East Side outpost are covered with the heads of various taxidermied critters and framed bat and insect corpses. It’s not all about death and bones, though — they also carry gorgeous Victorian-inspired jewelry, crystals, Garbage Pail Kids cards and goofy vintage patches.
Best of Nashville Winner:
Best Indie Bookstore: The Bookshop
We’re fortunate in Nashville to have several thriving independent bookstores, from Parnassus to Novellette. But the small-but-mighty The Bookshop is our current favorite — the thoughtful curation of mostly new releases and reissues always has what we’re looking for, and insightful, opinionated booksellers are always happy to help us find something new.
