8 Best Places to Shop in Nashville, Tennessee

Landmark Booksellers

There are so many rows of bookshelves filling out this snug bookstore, you’ll feel like you’re burrowing through tunnels of leather-bound volumes. Landmark Booksellers specializes in old, out-of-print, and rare books, but they have some new books, as well. You’ll find plenty of Southern Americana here, and books that focus on regional history, culture, and literature. And all 35,000 books are nestled inside the oldest standing commercial building in Franklin (built in 1808). It’s a bibliophile’s dream.

McKay's Books

Bellevue
This two-story warehouse is the used-media mecca of the South. You can buy, sell, or trade everything from books to movies, CDs, records, games, electronics, and even instruments. If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of aisles to explore, start with the bookshelf next to the stairs. That’s where you’ll find new releases that are up for grabs.

Plaza Mariachi

Nolensville Pike
Your nose will be the first to announce that you’ve arrived, with mouthwatering smells from around the world—Columbia, Mexico, India, the Mediterranean, and more. There’s always a dazzling performance happening in the main atrium, like flamenco guitar, salsa dancing, or aerial arts. The rest of the plaza is a colorful marketplace of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and shops that sell everything from clothes and jewelry to pottery and traditional South American dress. There’s even a barbershop and a grocery store, so you can run your regular errands while you enjoy an international production.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Serendipity

Behind the red front door of this corner shop you'll find lots and lots of gifts for everyone. Travel games, novelty items, little books, and locally made candles with scents such as "Nashville" (whiskey and leather) abound. The store stocks women's clothing and accessories and has quite a collection of children's books, games, and more.

The Factory at Franklin

You'll find boutiques, antiques, restaurants, a guitar shop, and a theater in this airy brick complex of late 1920s-era buildings. Once home to a stoveworks, it's now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Turnip Truck Urban Fare

The Gulch
Need quick access to a natural market in the middle of town? Head to Turnip Truck for Nashville's best local produce; hot bars filled with fresh and healthy options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; locally made bath and beauty products; and more. Most locals skip the trip to Whole Foods altogether since the staff here is always friendly and helpful, the shelves are always stocked, and the local owners are staples of the community.

White's Mercantile

This folksy-chic boutique has the feel of an upscale general store. Owned and curated by country singer/songwriter Holly Williams (daughter of Hank Williams Jr.), every item reflects her style. There are decanter sets with deer and geese on them, candles scented like leather and tobacco, and flannel throw pillows fit for any frontiersman with taste.