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City Cast Nashville

Margaret Kingsbury

Think you know what it costs to live in Nashville? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Margaret Littman

What you actually need for back-to-school varies from school to school, for private schools as well as within the MNPS system. Check with your individual school for dress codes, which may be something termed 

. You’ll likely need solid-color clothes, collared shirts, and no leggings as pants (they’re fine under dresses and skirts). Here are some suggestions on where to buy clothes, school supplies, and a few treats that are wants, not needs.

Local Nashvillian Jennifer Caywood opened growUP in 

 because she wanted to offer kids (and their parents) some options for child development and creativity that didn’t involve screens and batteries. The store has fun back-to-school options including a dry-erase cursive tracing board and placemats that look like looseleaf paper with No. 2 pencil napkins.

A collective of kid-centric, woman-owned businesses, East Nashville’s The Getalong stocks clothes, toys, instruments, and books (including some of my 

; thanks, Jennifer Kite). They also have a robust schedule of activities, such as 

 — one for kids ages two to second grade and another for third to sixth grade. The next session starts Aug. 24.

 and find uniforms for many local private, religious, and charter schools, from branded polos to khakis, skirts, and even scrunchies. You can save your sizes and current inventory in their database so you don’t buy what you don’t need (unless last year’s polo shirt got left in a gym bag somewhere). Owner Geoff Dennie offers a tool to help you figure out the dress code for your kids’ school by grade and gender.

Started in Belle Meade, this boutique now has a location in 

, too. Both are stocked with racks of clothes that can only be described as cute. Yes, there are plenty of basic solids that work as uniform staples, but they also carry 

It's back-to-school time! Check out these locally owned stores in Nashville for your school shopping needs.

Check Out These Locally Owned Stores for Back-to-School Shopping

The Best Stores for Back-to-School Shopping in Nashville

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Nashville

Subscribe to City Cast Nashville's newest newsletter Keep It Local about shopping small

Many (most? all?) teachers outfit their classrooms by paying out of their own pockets — and 

teachers traditionally aren’t paid well in the U.S.

, so those pockets may not be all that full. Unfortunately, MNPS teachers aren’t allowed to make their classroom wish lists public. Of course, that doesn’t mean that their classrooms aren't in need.

If you want to contribute to your kids’ classrooms, many teachers love to have extra age-appropriate books. Green Hills’ 

 are good places to look. Consider picking up some name-brand supplies, not because teachers care about the brand name, but because quality goods tend to last longer.

MNPS is providing supply boxes for all kindergarteners and first graders this year, but you know teachers have extras in case of emergency. Think: Crayons, Kleenex, and Ticonderoga pencils. 

 in East Nashville has a wall of fancy pens and highlighters that will make any teacher happy. 

 isn't locally owned, but Nashville teachers love the White Bridge Road location because it is stocked with educational goodies (Hint: It is a great place to buy a gift card for a teacher).

Got more cash to spend? Consider buying extra sets of headphones that work with school-district-issued laptops. On a budget? Many of you know how I love 

 in Music Valley. It’s a shop jam-packed with second-hand art and craft goodies. Erasers, pens, paint, fabric, buttons, glue, poster board — you name it, they probably have it. Everything is organized by category, so it’s pretty easy to see if they have what you want. If not, head back soon; the inventory changes regularly. All of the profits from the store support work to aid folks with intellectual disabilities in the Nashville area. And if all else fails, 

🧑‍🏫 Teacher Discounts

Help Nashville teachers out by buying classroom supplies at these local stores.

Where To Buy Classroom Supplies for Teachers in Nashville

Help Nashville Teachers Stock Up for Their Classrooms

Exciting news: We’ve hired Rachel Iacovone as our new City Cast Nashville host! Rachel previously served as a host, editor, and director at Nashville Public Radio before joining Connecticut Public to report on the Puerto Rican diaspora, where she won a 2026 award from the Public Media Journalists Association. We’re absolutely thrilled to have her return to Nashville to join our team! And never fear, the wonderful Marie Cecile Anderson isn’t leaving the team; she’s returning to her role as creative producer.

“I missed Music City more than I cared to admit — to others or myself — for a while. There are the predictable things like live music and great food, but ultimately, I really missed the culture we experience day-to-day living here. The seven degrees of separation are two at most in this city, and I love being able to get together a group last-minute on a weeknight and discover that two unrelated friends actually work at the same campus or hospital or coffee shop. I hadn’t experienced that interconnectivity before or since coming to Nashville, and I won’t ever take it for granted again!”

What Nashville restaurant did you miss most while you were in Connecticut?

 at the top of my Nashville restaurants), it was 

 I thought about and missed the most. It’s our best-kept secret from the tourists, though every time I’m there lately, I do see a couple sneaking in with expressions like they know they’re getting away with something. 

 will treat them as kindly as he does when he greets me with a question about how my mom is doing each time. (They’ve met twice.) You can’t order wrong at the cozy converted home: The breakfast biscuit sandwiches are killer, but so is the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans, and shrimp and grits, and…”

If you could change one thing about Nashville, what would it be?

“Our external reputation. I know. I know. I shouldn’t care so much about what others think. But coming from a Latino family, I fielded a lot of questions about my initial move here in 2019. Since then, I’ve made sure to acclimate them, like you do to a pet-store goldfish, by submerging them in 

, and ensuring them I’ll keep up my Spanish skills through 

. Over the years, I’ve expanded that to include the diversity of exhibits at the 

, and the many other cultures with populations here willing to share their food and customs (most recently, at 

 Kurdish breakfast with my mom). Nashville is so much more than, to quote Hayley Williams, 

the latest racist country singer’s bar opening

🎧 Listen to Rachel on our August guide

City Cast Nashville has a new podcast host, Rachel Iacovone! Here are some things she loves most about Nashville.

Why Our New Host Loves Nashville

Meet Our New City Cast Nashville Host — Rachel Iacovone!

What Nashville celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

Whitney Pastorek

Marie Cecile Anderson

  Rachel Iacovone

August is coming in hot here in Nashville, with epic '90s parties, some of our favorite local festivals, and even romance. Here are some must-see events to check out this month, brought to you by the entire City Cast Nashville team.

This month, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting two nostalgic events: 

Club '90s Presents: Michael Jackson Night

 are also combining forces at FirstBank Amphitheater. Cannery Hall is throwing it back on Aug. 22 for 

, a '90s and early 2000s dance rave. That same night, you don’t want to miss 

 at The Basement East. Not in the mood(ring) to dance? Check out this 

 at Sonny’s in Germantown. Grab your slap bracelet and windbreaker and head out on the town!

, East Nashville’s celebration of the most vegetable fruit, takes over Five Points on Aug. 7-8 with vendors, bands, and Bloody Marys. Don’t miss the 

, who just made their Bonnaroo debut. And there’s still time to enter the 

! Meanwhile, there may be a few tix remaining for “

East Nashville Facebook Page: The Musical

,” a now-annual tradition playing at Eastside Bowl on Aug. 6-7. Check out 

 with director Emma Supica to learn more.

“Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind,” or both, if you find yourself seated at the Centennial Park Bandshell later this month. The annual 

 kicks off its rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Aug. 20, and runs every weekend until Sept. 20. The pay-what-you-will performances include related lectures and a concert beforehand. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair, and while you’re welcome to bring a picnic, there will be plenty of food trucks. We’re a proud media sponsor of this year’s festival.

Raise a glass to two of our best local breweries this month: 

 are both celebrating anniversaries! ENBW kicks things off on Aug. 1 with 

, live music, Beer Olympics, and five new beer releases. On Aug. 29, Fat Bottom turns 14, and they’re throwing 

 at their taproom in The Nations. They’ll have adoptable dogs, flash tattoos, and even a limited-edition bottomless beer cup, while supplies last.

 on Aug. 15! The Bookshop will have stickers, totes, and deals, while Parnassus is planning bracelet stations, bouquet bars, and blind dates with a book. If you’re looking for a date that’s a little more tangible than a book, Birdie’s at Lost & Found is hosting a 

 where your friends pitch you to a room full of singles. Or audition for “Love Is Blind,” which is 

More August Activities

Here are some must-see events to check out this August in Nashville, from partying like its 1999 to our fave festivals.

The Best Events & Activities in Nashville for August 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in August 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

Yes, you can bake cookies at home. But it’s hot, and turning on the oven makes it hotter. Plus, Nashville has cookie shops that are doing it better — and we get to support local businesses if we buy a little treat while we are out.

Mathew infused joy into everything, especially his cookies. His recipes are the cornerstone of Pink Door’s operations, so head over to Sylvan Heights and treat yourself. The 

 is the only faux watermelon-flavored item I have ever loved.

. Like Pink Door, there are regular favorites, plus seasonal specialties. 

 is a vegan option. PS: Check out the podcast team’s 

 about the perils of being a small business owner in a big influencer world.

Lots of sugar cookies are decorated beautifully, but they’re just about the photo — they don’t taste good. Not at Baked on 8th! I also love their 

 and the same sense of style as Baked on 8th.

Opened in Donelson in 2024, Doug and Dolly’s started out when Doug was baking at home while his partner and husband Marc was going through recovery. Many things came out of that rough patch, including a gourmet cookie shop. Try the 

"A cookie here and there can make even the worst days a little bit, well, sweeter." — Mathew Rice of Pink Door Cookies

Nashville's Best Local Cookie Shops

The Best Cookies in Nashville

We are living in the golden age of Nashville bakeries, and this new era rose pretty quickly (baking pun intended). A decade ago, you could get good bread at a restaurant, but finding a shop where you could grab a loaf to take home and make a big tomato sandwich was tougher.

 in East Nashville and grab a loaf of Jennifer Latham’s olive bread, say hi to friends hanging out on the patio, and also shop for a few essentials in the 

. If I realize I need bread later in the day (when Mama Bread is already closed), I head to 

, where chef Benjamin Tyson was just named one of

I’m a huge fan of Elodie Habert and her 

. Cocorico supplies baguettes to many local restaurants, and I like to stop in for a 

 while I read a book and people-watch. There’s no Wi-Fi in the Music Row spot, so it’s a good excuse to disconnect and enjoy the baked goods. (Fun fact: “Cocorico” is 

. Sounds so much better than “cock-a-doodle-doo.”)

 “new” location in Woodbine (I know, I know), but I am planning to get there on Aug. 2. That’s when the next 

 is taking place. Buy art and vintage goods from Dozen’s employees, and the bakery will stay open an extra hour for more pastries.

When I want to impress someone, I stop at 

 I have ever seen. (The only others that come close are from Edelweiss in Highlands, North Carolina, and I yapped about those in 

.) If I am trying to impress someone vegan, then I go to 

 in Donelson. If I were trying to impress proud Houstonian and City Cast Nashville executive producer Whitney Pastorek, I’d go to 

, home of kolaches, which is a baked good that Texans feel strongly about.

 is not a local small business. But the New York cookie sensation is coming to 12 South, and I’m ready to give their 6 ounce treats a try. Who am I to turn down the opportunity to make a day sweeter?

🎂 Even More Local Bakeries

Nashville has so many great bakeries! Here are some of our favorites.

The Best Bakeries in Nashville for Fresh Bread & Sweet Treats

Your Nashville Bakery Guide

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites!

Located inside L&L Market in West Nashville, Hattori Nori is the city’s first handroll sushi bar. After his success with local catering company 

, local chef Art Stacks decided to open his first restaurant. The menu and design are an 

This 21+ restaurant in Hillsboro Village offers craft cocktails and elevated tapas. Designed for a sexy vibe, they ask customers to dress in “stylish, fashion-forward attire.” Menu items include oysters, Caribbean oxtails, and jambalaya. Don’t sleep on their late-night happy hours, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Nosh Desserts has expanded into a second location at oneC1TY, right next to the SandBar. Expect the same delicious grab-and-go desserts you can find at their OG Nashville Farmers Market location, from red velvet cake to fresh fruit tarts.

Local country musician Chris Young has opened a sports bar in Midtown. Unlike other celebrity-owned bars, Young aims for Famous Friends to be a more casual, neighborhood hangout. The classic bar food menu has corndogs, wings, and burgers, with vegan options. Craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu.

We listed this Midtown Indian restaurant as one of our 

, and now it’s expanded to East Nashville! Located in Lost & Found’s outdoor hangout space, you’ll find all kinds of delicious cold treats, from masala chai to fig ice cream.

Nashville’s first nitrous cold-brew coffee shop is on Music Row. Originally launched at local farmers markets and later at grocery stores, Blue Hound serves cold-brew lattes and specialty coffees. You can also find pastries and a dog-friendly patio.

Just weeks after opening in Wedgewood-Houston, Culture Club, Nashville’s first frozen Greek yogurt cafe, has already expanded to a second location at Chief’s on Broadway. There’s a walk-up window and indoor seating. As a warning, there might be a bit of a line!

This farm-to-table restaurant in The Arcade changes its menu depending on seasonal produce, but everything’s always freshly prepared. With locations in Florida and North Carolina, Naked Farmer plans to expand to The Gulch with a second Nashville location later this year.

While you’re at The Arcade, stop at this Italian gelato shop for a sweet treat. Originally launched in Memphis, Zio Matto Gelato is also sold at markets around town.

This popular New York-style pizza place got its start in West Nashville in 2010, and after expanding to Franklin and Hendersonville, it’s now opening downtown in the Capitol View district. Several people wrote in to tell me it’s their 

Restaurateur Kevin Boehm has opened three Nashville restaurants this month right next to each other in Wedgewood-Houston. Momotaro serves elegant Japanese fare, Alla Vita focuses on wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, with Middleman, a cocktail and spirits lounge, between them.

Wedgewood-Houston is also now home to Nashville’s first frozen Greek yogurt cafe, Culture Club. Cool down with delicious sundaes like the Momma Bear, featuring granola, blueberries, and artisan honey, or the Roses Are Red, topped with raspberries, pistachio cream, and rose petals.

Wedgewood-Houston is truly hopping, and this new neighborhood spot has a diner feel. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch on the weekends. Check out their happy hour deals and patio.

This national chain opens on June 30 in The Gulch, and is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to donate one meal for every purchase at its grand opening. Sweetgreen serves salads, wraps, and protein bowls.

This popular New York City pizza place is opening its first Tennessee location at Fifth + Broadway. It’s known for its square pizzas and spicy vodka sauce.

Located in North Nashville, Vannie’s Table is open every day and offers coffee, beer, snacks, and a market full of groceries and other local goodies.

This popular cookie brand got its start in Nashville, and has once again opened a physical store in Nashville Yards. Now you can find their freshly baked cookies straight out of the oven every day of the week.

Parents rejoice: East Nashville’s newest coffee shop has a giant playground and outdoor area that’s both kid and dog-friendly. Grab a chai and a pastry and come hang out.

This new Madison dive bar is open until 3 a.m. every day. Pick a tune on the jukebox, play darts or pool, enjoy the patio with your fur children, and don’t forget the corndogs and draft beers.

Giannini’s is a new family-owned restaurant in Hermitage, with a menu of classic Italian favorites like lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, tiramisu, and wood-fired pizza. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 4-9 p.m.

This beloved restaurant right on Old Hickory Lake in Lebanon 

, and while it closed a few years ago, its new owners have officially reopened it. Rent a boat at the Cherokee Marina, then get a bite to eat and listen to live music at the steakhouse.

Enjoy a bite of France in the Gulch at this new café founded by 20-year-old pastry chef Mathis Combaluzier and his father. Inside is decorated with antique furniture with nods to France, but there’s also patio seating. Find croissants, crepes, and all sorts of delectable pastries from 

Head to downtown’s The Arcade for cocktails from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. at Bar Roza, from the chef behind Roze Pony and Cafe Roze. The menu includes artfully crafted cocktails with aromatic mists, non-alcoholic options, and shareable snacks.

This pizza and wine bar is on the patio of the Grand Hyatt’s rooftop bar, lou/na. Feast on artisanal pizzas like the Soppressata + Hot Honey while enjoying the view. No need to make a reservation; it’s walk-up only.

Sylvan Park’s new wine bar and market in a 1930s house offers a selection of curated wines and wine cocktails, shareable plates including charcuterie boards and marinated lamb chops, and a backyard where kids and dogs are welcome. Founder and West Nashville resident Lauren Maranto hopes it 

After closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Calypso Cafe’s Charlotte Avenue location has reopened for dine-in service. You’ll find all the classic Calypso menu favorites — like its fruit tea and black bean nachos — plus updated interiors. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant first opened in 1989, and is now run by the founder’s cousin.

Cheekwood’s Café 29 has closed and been replaced by Perenn, a bakery that got its start in Reno, NV, but made its Tennessee debut last year in Franklin. Perenn will serve its popular bakery items alongside sandwiches, salads, and a coffee and tea menu.

East Nashville’s newest ice cream shop in the Eastwood Village shops offers “

,” with an array of toppings from Lucky Charms marshmallows to black raspberry caps. The menu also includes milkshakes and sundaes.

This popular national bubble tea chain has landed in Brentwood. But you’ll find more than just bubble tea here: You can order ramen, sushi, and rice boxes, too.

Hungry? These are the best new restaurants and bars in Nashville to check out this year.

Check Out These New Nashville Restaurants and Bars in July 2026

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Nashville. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Nashville Food & Drink

Food & Drink

With all the frolicking and sweating, you’re going to need some good gear and good fits for your upcoming water adventures. Fortunately, Nashville’s boutique owners will have you looking made in the shade.

 boutique has two locations — one in Fifth + Broadway in downtown Nashville and one in downtown Franklin. The shop is chock-full of sundresses, sun hats, and sunglasses — everything you need to look pulled together before and after you get in the water.

 has been a Nashville institution since 1855, and its Green Hills shop is a good place for men to look for swim trunks and other summer clothes that look put together. They still offer free gift wrapping, an old-school perk that can’t be beat when buying a last-minute present.

 in Donelson has a good selection of women’s plus-sized swimsuits and swim coverups. Nashville-based 

 has a good selection of one- and two-piece suits with locations in Hillsboro Village, Green Hills, and Franklin.

Don’t forget sunscreen! A post-water-activity sunburn kinda negates the fun in the sun. Swing by East Nashville’s 

 in East Nashville stocks natural bug spray, which you definitely want if you are going to be near the water during mosquito season in Nashville.

Here's where to find good gear and good fits for your Nashville water adventures.

Where To Find Water Gear in Nashville

Dress for Sun-cess

Can You Guess the Rent on These Nashville Listings?

Guess the Rent in Nashville

Explainers

What Nashvillians have been wondering. We break down why things in Nashville are the way they are and how they work.

Nashville, Explained

August and September are the biggest months for fairs in Tennessee. If you’re feeling nostalgic for funnel cakes, pig races, Ferris wheels, and dubiously maintained fair rides, then here are five of the best fairs in the Nashville area.

 Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, Franklin

 $14 for adults, $7 for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-35

In addition to all the classic fair rides and games, check out the birthing pigs exhibit, come face to face with dragons, enjoy historic reenactments, and stay late for fireworks on Friday and Saturday night.

It's fair season! Here are five of the best Nashville area fairs.

Nashville, Explained

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Margaret Kingsbury

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Meet Our New City Cast Nashville Host — Rachel Iacovone!

Your Guide to Nashville in August 2026

The Best Cookies in Nashville

Your Nashville Bakery Guide

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