As a city famous for its live music, soulful culture, and delicious cuisine, Nashville may not be the first place that comes to mind for shopping. However, during my recent visit, I discovered that this vibrant city offers some incredible shopping experiences that rival its more famous attributes. From upscale shopping centers with luxury boutiques to eclectic markets brimming with unique local goods, Nashville is a shopping paradise for anyone looking to take home a special souvenir or treat themselves to something unique.
In this article, I’ll share my personal experiences with some of the best shopping centers and markets in Nashville. Whether you’re into designer fashion, vintage finds, handmade crafts, or unique local products, I’ll guide you through Nashville’s shopping hotspots, offer tips on how to make the most of your visit, and share my recommendations on what to buy and where to go.
1. The Mall at Green Hills: A Shopper’s Luxury Retreat
Location: 2126 Abbott Martin Rd, Nashville, TN 37215
If you’re looking for an upscale shopping experience, The Mall at Green Hills is a must-visit. Located just a short distance from downtown Nashville, this high-end shopping mall offers a variety of luxury retailers, trendy boutiques, and popular national brands. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the elegant, airy atmosphere of the mall—it’s the perfect place for an afternoon of indulgent shopping.
What to Buy:
I couldn’t resist stepping into Louis Vuitton and Gucci, both of which have stunning stores inside the mall. The Tory Burch boutique was also one of my favorites, with its mix of classic and modern designs. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more casual, Apple and Anthropologie provide a refreshing contrast with their laid-back yet stylish offerings.
However, for me, the standout was Lush, a store known for its handmade bath and body products. I picked up a few bath bombs that smell absolutely amazing and made for perfect Nashville souvenirs.
Cost:
The prices at The Mall at Green Hills can vary greatly depending on what you’re looking for. Designer items from stores like Louis Vuitton and Gucci are obviously on the pricier side, with handbags and shoes starting at around $300 to $1,000. On the other hand, a casual shopping spree at Anthropologie or Lush will likely set you back around $50–$150 for a selection of goods.
Tips for Visiting:
- Avoid weekends: The Mall at Green Hills can get crowded, especially on weekends, so I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the rush.
- Parking: The parking at the mall can fill up quickly, so try to arrive early, especially if you plan on spending a few hours shopping. The parking garage is free, and there’s also valet service available.
- Dining Options: After your shopping spree, be sure to stop by The Cheesecake Factory located within the mall for a meal or a sweet treat to end your visit.
Click here to book a table or check out The Mall at Green Hills
2. Nashville Farmers’ Market: A Taste of Local Culture
Location: 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208
If you’re looking for something more unique and local, the Nashville Farmers’ Market is the perfect spot. Located right next to The Tennessee State Museum, this bustling market offers a mix of fresh produce, local food vendors, handmade goods, and vintage items. Visiting the Farmers’ Market felt like a true taste of Nashville’s local culture.
What to Buy:
The market is home to artisan goods like handmade soaps, jewelry, and local honey, all perfect for souvenirs or gifts. I picked up some delicious local jams and handcrafted candles. The food vendors are also fantastic, offering Nashville favorites like hot chicken and Southern biscuits. I highly recommend grabbing a snack from The Pie Wagon, where you can find traditional Southern pies that are out of this world.
For a more substantial meal, be sure to check out The Grilled Cheeserie, which offers gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches—perfect for a quick lunch while you browse.
Cost:
Prices at the Nashville Farmers’ Market are very affordable. For example, fresh produce and handmade goods can be found for $5–$20 depending on what you’re buying. Meals at the food stalls range from $7 to $15 per dish, so it’s great for a casual and budget-friendly outing.
Tips for Visiting:
- Go early or late: The Farmers’ Market can get crowded, especially on weekends, so try to visit in the morning or towards closing time for a more relaxed experience.
- Parking: There is free parking available at the market, but it can be limited, so be prepared to walk a bit if you’re visiting during peak times.
Click here to check out the Nashville Farmers’ Market
3. 12South District: A Trendy Shopping Experience
Location: 2700 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
For a fun and trendy shopping experience, I highly recommend checking out the 12South District. This charming neighborhood is filled with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that offer a more eclectic, local shopping experience. Whether you’re after vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, or home décor, 12South has a little bit of everything.
What to Buy:
I loved browsing through the Imogene + Willie boutique, a local shop that specializes in high-quality denim and stylish casual wear. For vintage enthusiasts, Flipside Nashville is a must-visit, where you can find secondhand clothes, records, and unique items. If you’re looking for something more decorative, White’s Mercantile is the perfect place to shop for quirky gifts, candles, and home décor.
While walking through the district, I couldn’t resist stopping by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a scoop of their famous Brandy Alexander flavor—hands down one of the best ice cream experiences I’ve ever had!
Cost:
Prices in 12South vary depending on the shop, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $20 to $100+ for boutique items. For example, a vintage jacket at Flipside might cost you $40–$60, while a designer piece at Imogene + Willie can range from $100–$300.
Tips for Visiting:
- Explore on foot: 12South is a walkable neighborhood with lots to see, so take your time strolling through the area.
- Plan for food and drinks: After shopping, stop by Burger Up for a delicious burger or grab a coffee at Frothy Monkey to refuel before continuing your exploration of the district.
Click here to learn more about the 12South District
4. Opry Mills Mall: A Shopper’s Dream
Location: 433 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
For a more traditional mall experience, Opry Mills Mall is Nashville’s go-to destination. Located near the famous Grand Ole Opry, this indoor shopping center is home to over 200 stores, making it the largest outlet mall in the region. It’s a fantastic spot if you’re looking for deals on both high-end and everyday brands.
What to Buy:
Opry Mills is packed with stores like Nike, Coach, Kate Spade, and Michael Kors, perfect for finding designer items at outlet prices. For family-friendly shopping, you can also check out stores like Lego Store or Disney Store. I couldn’t resist picking up a cute souvenir from the Opry Mills gift shop, where I found plenty of Nashville-themed items like T-shirts, hats, and mugs.
Cost:
Outlet pricing at Opry Mills means you can score discounts of 20%–60% on brand-name merchandise. For example, a pair of shoes from Nike might cost around $50–$100, depending on the model and current sale.
Tips for Visiting:
- Shop during sales events: Opry Mills frequently hosts sales events, so it’s worth timing your visit around these for maximum savings.
- Use the mall’s app: The Opry Mills app helps you navigate the mall and find out about special deals and store promotions.
Click here to learn more about Opry Mills Mall
5. Nashville Flea Market: Vintage Treasures & Hidden Gems
Location: 500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
For those who love a good treasure hunt, the Nashville Flea Market is the place to go. Held monthly at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, this massive flea market brings together vendors selling everything from antiques and vintage clothing to crafts and collectibles. I spent hours wandering through the booths, discovering unique finds that I couldn’t resist taking home.
What to Buy:
The Nashville Flea Market is a goldmine for vintage lovers, with vendors offering everything from old vinyl records to retro furniture and vintage jewelry. I was thrilled to find a beautiful, vintage record player and a selection of handmade leather goods. The market is also great for finding one-of-a-kind home décor and unique Nashville-themed souvenirs.
Cost:
Prices vary widely depending on the item, but you can expect to find great deals, with most vintage items ranging from $10 to $100+ depending on rarity and condition.
Tips for Visiting:
- Go early for the best selection: The market can get crowded, so arriving early gives you the best chance to find that perfect piece.
- Bring cash: Many vendors at the flea market prefer cash, so be sure to bring enough for a shopping spree.
Click here to learn more about the Nashville Flea Market
Booking Your Nashville Adventure
To make your Nashville trip even more enjoyable, here are a few travel booking platforms that I highly recommend:
- Expedia: Perfect for booking hotels, flights, and even car rentals, Expedia offers great package deals and last-minute discounts.
- Booking.com: Great for finding diverse accommodations from boutique hotels to high-end resorts in Nashville.
- OpenTable: If you want to book a table at some of Nashville’s best restaurants, OpenTable is a fantastic platform to make reservations in advance.
- Kayak: Use Kayak to compare flight prices across multiple airlines to find the most affordable options for flying to Nashville.
Nashville is a city that truly has it all when it comes to shopping. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, unique antiques, or local handmade goods, Nashville’s shopping scene will not disappoint. From the upscale boutiques at The Mall at Green Hills to the vintage treasures at the Nashville Flea Market, there’s something for every kind of shopper. Be sure to explore these shopping destinations and pick up a few souvenirs that reflect the unique spirit of Nashville.
