“The Ryman Auditorium is the best place in the world to experience live music. It was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943 to 1974 and is known as the Mother Church of Country Music. The stained-glass windows, balcony seating, and Gothic Revival architecture make it a picturesque place to both watch and listen to music. I’ve seen so many iconic shows and performances here that changed my life…Bob Dylan, Mavis Staples, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Elvis Costello.”

“The Basement East is the best new rock club in East Nashville. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and watch a show—lots of up-and-coming bands as well as legacy artists perform here. From Lee Ann Womack to Alice Cooper, you never know who might pop in. They also have delicious nonalcoholic options to choose from if you don’t drink, including canned CBD strawberry mojitos.”

“This is my favorite watering hole and music venue in town. It’s just outside of Inglewood/East Nashville in Madison, Tennessee. They have music six nights a week, a great jukebox, pool table, darts, a big porch with a firepit, and it’s a great place to see up-and-coming singer-songwriters and new bands. They have a full bar (try the spicy meatball shot if you’re brave), and they also carry a variety of NA sparkling and flavored CBD drinks.”

“Thistle Farms is located on Charlotte Ave. It’s one of my favorite places to take a meeting over a tea or coffee, grab lunch, or pick out a thoughtful gift for a friend. Even more than being a restaurant and a store, it’s also a refuge for women survivors to overcome and heal from systems of prostitution and exploitation. They help individuals rehabilitate and transition into meaningful work by creating goods. They sell candles, jewelry, home goods, and the food is delicious.”

“Grimey’s New and Preloved Music and Books is my favorite place to shop for records and literature in Nashville. It’s located in East Nashville near Trinity Lane, and it’s also a great place to catch an in-store performance by one of your favorite local bands. They have every record you can think of, and if they don’t, chances are someone behind the counter might be able to help you track it down. A healthy collection of music memoirs, poetry, magazines, vinyl, and cassettes.”

“This is the best independent bookstore in Nashville, period. They have a large selection and can most likely find any book you could think of, including bestsellers and new releases. They do in-store book events and story time for kids. Patti Smith even popped in to read and sign when she was on her book tour here. Bonus: They also have shop dogs!”

“This place has the best selection of vintage clothing in the city. They have a large selection of stage clothes, vintage band T-shirts, turquoise jewelry, shoes, coats, hats, sunglasses. They have one-of-a-kind items, and it’s rumored that some country music stars sometimes resell their suede, fringe, and nudie suits here. Plus, shopping used and vintage is better for the environment because it’s more sustainable.”

“I love going to the farmers’ market and shopping for groceries with my family in Bicentennial Mall. We pick up fresh produce and local handmade goods while soaking in the green space of the city and supporting local farmers. They have a great garden center, and you can also join a CSA. They also have the Nashville Black Market that helps empower Black-owned businesses from all over the city. There’s a lot of delicious, diverse restaurants, and they even have a Jeni’s Ice Cream tucked inside.”

“This has become one of my favorite local spots to get gifts and home decor. This shop is so cute and quirky. They have the best greeting cards, cute prints, patches, ceramics, jewelry, pins, pipes, and some of the best blown glass in town. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind place that’s completely unique, go to A Shop of Things and tell them I sent you.”