The Green Wagon's main goal is to make living sustainably convenient for their East Nashville neighbors, and their neighbors are glad they do. All of their products - from edible to cleaning care - are held up to a rigorous set of standards based on all-natural ingredients, sustainable production practices, and local, US production. There are also an EV charging station, so try to leave the gas guzzler at home. Their latest offerings for winter include Breathe Easy, and all natural vapor rub, Scratchy Soother goat milk and oat soak for dry winter skin, peppermint and eucalyptus sinus steam and honey, all made in Tennessee.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: The Green Wagon embraces the local community as well as the global one by offering items that service both.
Hollie's expert tip: Shop Wednesdays so part of your dollars support area non-profits.
Independent and locally owned, Specs took up residence in East Nashville after some time in Green Hills. Now located in Five Points, they sell high quality ophthalmic eyeglass frames, prescription lenses and sunglasses with or without prescription lenses. An on-site lab allows them to control the quality of lenses and, in most cases, get them cut and installed the same day. They are always trying new lenses, but can special order any pairs you prefer. Their collections are constantly changing, but look for stylish specs from Jason Wu, Derek Lam, Betsey Johnson, Kudith Leiber and 3.1 Phillip Lim.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: Family-owned and operated since 2003, Specs offers a three-year warranty on all frames.
Hollie's expert tip: They only offer Crizal anti-reflective lenses when they couldn't find less costly alternatives without sacrificing quality.
This record store and arts collective that dabbles in vinyl, cassette, VHS, CDs and DVDs while also offering a selection of vintage furniture, custom clothing and jewelry items. However, it is the tunes that rule, and the selection of music is pretty amazing. You can spend hours going back in time with the vinyl selection, and sometimes you can catch bands out back playing to an intimate crowd. Owned by Coco Hames of The Ettes, the shop fits right in with the rest of the magical misfits servicing the area with its own offerings of everything cool.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: You'll always find something you totally forgot you needed at Fond Object.
Hollie's expert tip: Be prepared to spend some serious time flashbacking to all the good times while going through the inventory.
East Side Story has quite a story of its own. In 2012, writer Chuck Beard entered his idea for what would become East Side Story into a nationwide idea contest titled Launch that was put together by Nashville's own Proof Branding Solutions. East Side Story won, and after snagging a brick-and-mortar location when there was an opening at The Idea Hatchery on Woodland Street, they opened their doors. The bookstore is filled with local literature-based artwork and shelves of locally written books. Come back often as they constantly rotate and display photos of artwork and reviews of the current books on the shelves.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: Get inspired by area authors at this all-local shop.
Hollie's expert tip: Sign kids up for their "Book Me" program, an update on the classic Pizza Hut program that encourages reading.
Goodbuy Girls is the place to discover vintage treasures and contemporary outfits on a budget. Since their opening in February of 2010 the owners, Tanya Montana Coe and Kimberly Davison, have dressed hundreds of customers who they lovingly refer to as their GG's. Goodbuy Girls is constantly being stocked with new goods, so it does not hurt to stop in weekly to see the new arrivals and get the latest dish from the GG's. In the shop you will find casual, business and evening wear, as well as locally handmade feather accessories, boots, shoes, purses, jewelry and a recently added Men's (Goodbuy Boys) rack! It's not uncommon to see a Valentino piece hanging next to a hippie dress on the racks or a vintage Gucci sitting next to a handmade tapestry bag, as the shop carries a variety of brands and styles.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: A mix of vintage and contemporary for women, their partner store Hello Boys takes care of the men.
Hollie's expert tip: Turn to them for affordable and authentic cowboy boots.
The epitome of all things local and cozily situated in East Nashville, Alegria offers jewelry, handbags, candles, soaps, clothing and a slew of other pretty pieces and accessories. This shop is more than ideal for picking up a gift, and while you're there, you'll probably want to treat yourself! Conveniently located in the Five Points shopping district, Alegria has neighborhood pride; much of what you'll find within its doors is locally handmade. You'll also find one-of-a-kind leather goods from owner, Bil Breyer. The leather artisan makes custom leather belt buckles, guitar straps, gauntlets, leather jewelry, cuffs, and one-of-a-kind custom fit sandals.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: After 10 years in the neighborhood, this gift shop still shines.
Hollie's expert tip: Stand out by commissioning one-of-a-kind sandals.
Nashville native Courtney Webb is the shop owner, and she designs and makes a line of jewelry and accessories that has been in boutiques and museum shops across the country, including The Museum of Arts and Design. Of course, not East Nashvillians can find that as well as a rotating selection of of small-batch food and handmade goods right in their own backyard at Hey Rooster. This modern take on a general store focuses on living a well-crafted life, although you could always just come by for a soda and a chat just like they did in the past.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: The shop leaves vintage to its neighbors, but still does unusual and unique just right.
Hollie's expert tip: Check regularly to see if there are any classes going on in the Hen House upstairs.
Open since 1999, The Hip Zipper is a pioneer in the neighborhood, and in fact, is considered to be one of the city's oldest all-vintage clothing shops. Owner Trisha Brantley sells only the good stuff, and fans come back more and more because the quality is so good. Men and women can both find fine duds here, every day of the week. And if you have a treasure trove of vintage items to sell, Brantley is interested in purchasing them, especially items from the 1930s-1980s. Not only that, the stock changes with the season so you aren't stuck mooning over sundresses in sub-zero temps.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: All vintage, with one of the best jean selections around if you have time to try.
Hollie's expert tip: Accessories abound, with new items on the shelves pretty much daily.
If magpies were able to secure a loan, they might open a place like Old Made Good, known around these parts as OMG. A little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, OMG embodies everything East Nashville is all about right now - creativity and entrepreneurship with a devil-may-care attitude. Shoppers can find carefully curated furniture pieces, classic vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made by the owners themselves. And they have the full support of the community. When they moved locations and wanted a gold glitter floor, they took to Twitter to raise the $5,000 they needed - and ended up raising more than $7,000. That's a lot of glitter.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: Two enterprising women, tons of vintage mashups and gifts for days - what's not to love?
Hollie's expert tip: Go if only to see the Indigogo-funded glitter floor.
You'll notice right away, Fanny's House of Music is not your "normal" music store. With the belief that playing and buying an instrument should be an easy and comfortable experience, Fanny's carries all kinds of music and instruments in a simple store layout. From Hagstroms to Hello Kitty, their customers love the great selection of new, used and vintage merchandise. Their vintage gear comes and goes quickly! You are going to want to make a habit of coming to the East Nashville store-front or checking the online store often. They take trades and will gladly consign your used gear. Fanny's provides professional repair for your guitars and amps. Also inside at two vintage shops - Star Vintage and Mom & Pop Culture Shop.
Recommended for East Nashville's Best Shopping because: Music and fashion combine in the most amazing way in this house of wonders.
Hollie's expert tip: From new music gear to stylish vintage wear, Fanny's epitomizes Music City under one roof.