Local’s Corner

North Nashville is just a few miles from downtown. Like most places in the city, no visitor can escape this neighborhood’s rich history. For starters, North Nashville is home to 3 historically black universities: Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, and Tennessee State University. Due to the many talents that have come through North Nashville and Nashville in general, this neighborhood has become the R&B and jazz hub.

Most of the musicality is situated on Jefferson Street, which sees an annual Jazz & Blues Festival featuring jazz, blues, funk, gospel, soul, and R&B. Besides music, there are numerous shops and bars around Buchanan Street.

The music and history will draw you into this neighborhood, but the local business will make you fall in love with this area just like a Nashville local.

Nashville’s downtown does not disappoint any visitor or Nashville local as the city’s vibe encompasses the area, from live honky tonk music playing all year long to historic buildings that have been re-imagined into musical venues, exquisite hotels and art galleries, and other attractions. Downtown makes visitors really experience Nashville.

One can shop at a variety of local businesses such as The Arts Company on 5th Avenue North or Boots N’ More on Broadway. To eat and drink like a local, there are also numerous local places such as AJ’s Good Time Bar, which is a honky tonk bar, on Broadway and Moonshot Coffee Bar on Gay Street. If you want to rest up in a hotel, there is always the 21c Museum Hotel on 2nd Avenue North and Bobby Hotel on 4th Avenue North.

Nashville’s downtown has been named “Nashvegas” and with all the different activities to do, music to listen to, and places to see, there is no wonder why!

Can you guess why Germantown is called as such? Yup! You got it, because of the first European immigrants to this particular Nashville neighborhood, Germans! This area hosts the Tennessee State Museum and the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park among other restaurants and shops.

If you are looking for a spectacular dress for that special day, head over to White Dresses on 4th Avenue or if you are interested in some Nashville local antiques, check out Bits & Pieces on Madison Street. Of course, Germantown wouldn’t be complete with out a pint, so stop at the variety of bars and restaurants such as Germantown Pub on Monroe Street or The Picnic Tap on Rosa L. Parks Boulevard and fill up like a local. Like other neighborhoods in Nashville, Germantown also offers some spots to work on health and wellness such as Scout’s Barbershop on 5th Avenue North and Cavi MedSpa on 4th Avenue North.

Because Germantown is one of the oldest areas in Nashville, the atmosphere cannot be rivaled. You might even get a true European feel with the different building architecture.

What Nashville is known for, music, can be said to be born in this particular neighborhood. Many major recording studios are located here such as Historic RCA studio B that recorded Elvis Presley or Southern Ground Nashville, which recorded the Foo Fighters.

And with the music, this neighborhood is known as a “party neighborhood.” Many of the things to see and do are the bars, which stay open until 3am. Check out TailGate Brewery or Tin Roof, both on Demonbreun Street and experience Nashville like a local.

Living in this Nashville neighborhood allows residents to walk easily to Downtown, Midtown, and The Gulch. It is definitely a gateway for other areas for any Nashville local.

Midtown is right next to Vanderbuilt university meaning it is a neighborhood filled with students, but also musically inclined folks and executive business people. Since it is close to downtown and its variety of hotel options, it is a great option for Nashville visitors!

As it is filled with students and visitors, let’s look at sleeping options first. For younger and more adventurous folks, there is the Music City Hostel on Patterson Street and for others there are Home2 Suites on Division Street. Once your sleeping is arranged, here are some restaurant tips such as Giovanni on 20th Avenue South and Nada on 21st Avenue South, both allow visitors to experience Nashville like a local.

As a student haven, Midtown is the neighborhood full of bars and restaurants. If you are a foodie, make sure you stop by this Nashville neighborhood!

12South is one of the smallest neighborhoods. It comprises of a half-mile stretch along 12th Avenue South that is full of shops and dining and drinking options. Though this is a small neighborhood, it holds a lot of local businesses that are well-worth visiting.

For local restaurants we have 12 South Taproom on 12th Avenue South and Five Daughters Bakery on Caruthers Avenue. For local shops, you can stop by Halcyon Bike Shop on Halcyon Avenue to see about biking around Nashville or Planet Cowboy to get some Tennessee gear on 12th Avenue South. And while you are walking around, check out the murals such as “I believe in Nashville” on 12th Avenue South, you will definitely seem like a Nashville local!

Because this neighborhood is so walkable and there are many things to see and do, you will always have a fun and unique time every time!

SoBro is the short form of “South of Broadway,” which is Nashville’s Broadway district. It is all about good times in a newer architectural area; for example, the 15-year-old Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Because of its newer feel, it attracts a lot of brand names such as the Omni Hotel. But, there are some local finds that visitors will love.

Speaking of hotels, if you are looking for a local stay to experience Nashville further, check out Bode Nashville on 2nd Avenue or Cambria on 8th Avenue South. If you are craving something than good ol’ Southern cooking, check out Pie Town Tacos, a taco shop located on Ewing Avenue. In contrast, there is some fine dining at ETCH, situated on Demonbreun Street. And, if you are really into the musical spirit, get your guitar fill at Gibson Garage on 10th Avenue South. Some hidden local gems that will make you feel like a local for sure!

Nashville really puts emphasis on making SoBro lively and modern, but don’t think to miss this neighborhood!

Marathon Village is less a neighborhood filled with residential buildings, but more an old brick complex that housed “Marathon Motor Works” in the early 1900’s. This old building got revamped to house modern businesses and entertainment facilities. A Nashville local must-see!

If you want to be like a local in Nashville, one of our favorite things to do is to drink. Check out Corsair Distillery on Clinton Street and Marathon Music Works, which features live music as well. If you want to pick up some classic Nashville souvenirs, head over to Jack Daniel’s General Store or check out Nashville Olive Oil Co., which is a lesser known classic, both are situated on Clinton Street.

As one of the oldest buildings, even if you have no interest in shopping or drinking, Marathon Village is still worth the visit for the historical factor!

This neighborhood is southwest of downtown and it is one of the more quieter and quainter ones. It is largely residential, but it is still full of locally-owned places that have been established for years. The main road of this neighborhood is Murphy Road which ends at McCabe Park. The Nations and West End neighborhoods are on either side of Sylvan Park.

Being more residential you will get to experience Nashville like a local. There are a lot of the must-see shops where locals go like Grand Cru Wine & Spirits or Import Flowers, both are located on Murphy Road. If you are looking for a local place to eat and drink, there is always Bearded Iris and Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, both are located on Charlotte Avenue. And if you want to work on your health and beauty like a local, there is Climb Nashville and Green Pea Salon, which are both located on Charlotte Avenue.

This neighborhood totally has the “get to know your neighbor” atmosphere. Don’t be surprised if people strike up a conversation with you in the park, store, or bar!

If you are interested in checking out an old industrial area that has been revitalized in recent years, you are just in luck! This is The Gulch! You can find everything in this neighborhood from restaurants and bars to instagrammable spots such as amazing street art!

For restaurants, there are so many to choose from, but just to give you two to give you some local Nashville hangouts, check out Burger Republic on 11th Avenue South and The Gumbo Bros on 12th Avenue South. The local shops are also varied from Carter Vintage Guitars on 8th Avenue South to King Baby Jewelry & Accessories on 9th Avenue South. To not miss out on any of the action, there are a few hotels to choose from in the neighborhood such as The 404 Hotel on 12the Avenue South.

The Gulch is a bit south of downtown Nashville, which means it still has that walkable vibe, but it is more suitable for young adults and older people than families.

Wedgewood-Houston is a mouthful for even local Nashville folks. We call it “WeHo” in day-to-day conversations. It gets its name from having Houston Street and Wedgewood Avenue as its borders. This neighborhood is another industrial area with old warehouses and factories, but now it is full of artists and entrepreneurs starting restaurants, bars, galleries, studios, and more.

Experience Nashville’s “WeHo” by getting some food at Smokin Thighs on Wedgewood Avenue or a drink at The Ranch at Jackalope Brewing Co. on Houston Street. From here you can buy some souvenirs at High Note Gifts on Martin Street or see some antiques at Royal Circus on Houston Street. But, don’t miss out on some street art such as the Cassette Tape on Benton Avenue.

“WeHo” is one of Nashville’s fastest growing neighborhoods due to affordable housing and unique ways to spend time without straying too far from home.

This neighborhood is close to 2 main universities in Nashville: Vanderbilt and Belmont. Most visitors to this neighborhood find it perfect for a daytime stroll. It has wide sidewalks to fit bike lanes or joggers. Through your stroll you can see million dollar homes to affordable fixer-uppers.

If you get hungry on your walk, be sure to stop at Bongo Java or Proper Bagel, both are situated on Belmont Boulevard. If you feel like window shopping like a local, check out Cosmic Connections on Portland Avenue and Local Honey on Belmont Boulevard.

If you choose to settle in Nashville and would like to live in this neighborhood, you can’t find a better place to access other areas of the city.

If you are looking for some natural scenery during your time in Nashville, West End/Elliston holds Centennial Park right in the middle. This park is Nashville’s best urban parks and it also has a full-scale replica of the Greek Parthenon. This neighborhood is quite immense as it holds micro-neighborhoods such as “Elliston Place Rock Block” and Belle Meade.

Some big things visitors can see are the Belle Meade Plantation and Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. If you would like to get some treats like a local before visiting these historic places, check out Koko’s Ice Cream or Sandbar, both are located on City Avenue. Some free activities one can do is to check out the different street art pieces such as “Heiroglitches” located on West End Avenue.

Though there are chain restaurants and stores, West End is still filled with amazing Nashville treasures that you won’t want to miss!

If you checked out the other neighborhoods, we are pleased to inform you that The Nations is another neighborhood in Nashville popular for breweries and fast-casual eateries. There were many industrial buildings in Nashville during the 20th century and The Nations is one area that has been renovated to fit 21st century needs.

Here are some local recommendations to fill your stomach like a local in Nashville: Bold Patriot Brewing Company on 39th Avenue North, El Paseo on 51st Avenue North, and Honest Coffee Roasters on Charlotte Avenue. While you are making your way from eatery to eatery, check out these shops: Cool Stuff Weird Things and Made in TN, both on Charlotte Avenue, and This ‘N That Thrift Shop on Georgia Avenue.

Due to the numerous shops and restaurants in the area, home developers keep coming. More and more residential homes and apartments grow around The Nations bringing in families and individuals alike.