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City Cast Nashville

Whitney Pastorek

How well do you know Nashville? We’re testing your local know-how with 

featuring photos of prominent streets around town. I’ll shout out every person who gets all nine locations correct in a future newsletter!

Margaret Littman

A few weeks ago, I got a box in the mail. When I opened it, I thought, “Steve Soderholm really gets me.” We hadn’t met yet, but Steve, founder and co-owner of 

, had his PR team send some media members the 

 ($45). It’s Ranger Station’s answer to the ubiquitousness of 

. I jumped on the phone with Steve to get the story.

He wanted to make a scent — available in both a candle and a car cologne — that smells like actual autumn: fallen leaves and pine needles, not nutmeg and cloves. The fact that the candle has sold out several times assures me that I’m not alone in trying to avoid all things fake pumpkin and allspice. The candle is back in stock, and Ranger Station is one of a small group of locally owned businesses still on 12 South, so it’s worth a saunter over to sniff what they’ve got in the works.

I’m not out to yuck anyone’s yum. If you like all things pumpkin spice, I hope you enjoy your favorite time of the year. Here are some seasonally appropriate treat ideas that might appeal, whether you love PSL or loathe it.

This summer, I pulled together a guide to 

 for the Nashville Scene. (I know! Journalism is often hard, but sometimes it isn't.) While researching, I became a fan of Cone•cept, the soft serve spot in 

. They recently introduced a soft serve PSL flavor. It’s made with coffee flavor and annatto extract, and co-owner Jeffrey Bak says it’s less sweet than a typical PSL, so I’m going to give it a go. Because their petite ice cream serving is just $2, it's easy to try something new.

This is where you shop if you really want to impress the folks you’re having over for dinner. They’ve got themed tablescapes and home décor — yes, lots of 

, but also seasonal looks that don’t involve the orange squash. I particularly like 

, which remind me of the ones I see frolicking around Inglewood.

Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Cork to Fork program

 is to show off our state’s whiskey culture through seasonal dining, working with restaurants that are incorporating local spirits into their dishes. For fall, Scout’s Pub in Franklin is adding 

 into its bourbon sugar crème brûlée. The Restaurant at 

 uses its own Tennessee Whiskey in a French onion-inspired gratinée, which I am going to try as soon as the temps dip below 60 degrees.

Another place I fell in love with this summer is this Hillsboro Village hotel, which has the best ice cream sandwich I’ve ever eaten. They know that not everyone wants to drive out to 

 to pick the perfect pumpkin, so they asked 

 to bring a pumpkin patch to the neighborhood. Head over to buy pumpkins, have lunch, happy hour, or dinner (order the ice cream sandwich), and then head home to carve jack-o’-lanterns. Proceeds from pumpkin sales go directly back to the farm.

Not sure you need any more pumpkin spice lattes in your life? Try this Nashville shopping guide for other options.

A Nashville Shopping Guide for Pumpkin Skeptics

A Not Too Much PSL-Themed Shopping Guide

Keep It Local

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

Ready to test your knowledge on all things autumnal in Nashville? Take this week’s crossword!

Try out this Nashville crossword on delicious fall flavors, and put your knowledge to the test!

PSL, Yay or Nay? A Crossword

Can You Solve This Seasonal Nashville Crossword?

Margaret Kingsbury

Fall break begins Friday for public school students in Nashville. Here’s your guide to having a great fall break, from day camps to free kid-friendly activities.

Several local day camps still have openings. MNPS has camps at 

, while YMCA’s FunCo is offering programs at 

 have week-long programs for drama kids. The Nashville Police Activities League has a 

The Nashville Public Library has heaps of 

 during fall break for kids of all ages, from 

These upcoming free festivals have lots of activities for kids: 

,” a play based on the book by Sharon Creech, which MNPS fourth graders are reading this year. Or check out “

” at the Nashville Children’s Theatre.

Visit museums with fun children’s areas, like 

🛝 More Nashville Playgrounds

Fall break begins Friday for Nashville kids. Here’s your local fall break activity guide.

Fall Break Tips for Nashville Kids

Your Fall Break Guide for Nashville Kids

Insights into activities, places, and things for Nashville’s kids and their caregivers.

For Nashville's Kids

For the Kids

Dolly Parton fans looking for a fun fall vacation should consider heading to the queen’s hometown — Sevierville, TN. Not only is fall the best time of year to visit the Smoky Mountains, but the town has lots of ways to remember her legacy. Here’s our guide!

 because each room has a full kitchen and there are heaps of kid activities, like an onsite daily fall festival and indoor and outdoor waterparks. However, 

 looks amazing (apparently it’s the world’s first!), and 

Your first stop should be Dolly’s iconic statue in downtown Sevierville. Plus, this month the town is launching a Dolly-themed free, 

, which includes a stop at the former theater where Dolly played her first paying gig.

The Smoky Mountains is also celebrating its annual 

 with themed displays at participating businesses, seasonal treats, and a 

, take pics of all the cool fall decor, and give 

If this sounds like too much walking, take a scenic 

 to enjoy the Smoky’s fall colors. There are eight driving tour options, and many have opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. On the 

Celebrate 50 years of the Apple Barn at its annual 

 on Oct. 9-11. Don’t forget to grab some apple ice cream and fried apple pies! Celebrate Halloween at downtown Sevierville’s 

 festival on Oct. 22. Get your chocolate on at the 

 race to earn money for local nonprofits on Oct. 31. Here’s a list of 

🎢 And don’t forget to go to Dollywood!

Dolly Parton fans looking for a fun fall vacation should consider heading to the queen’s hometown — Sevierville, TN.

Fall Trip Idea: Celebrate Dolly Parton in Sevierville, TN

Take a Fall Trip to Dolly Parton’s Hometown of Sevierville, TN

Everything to know about Nashville neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Nashville Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Toby Rose

For our October installment of Nashville Nights, writer Toby Rose gives her top picks of restaurants and shows for exploring both the silly and gothic sides of Halloween.

Audrey Hobert incorporates costumes and stilts into her bubblegum pop set, which 

 tomorrow night, Oct. 6. Her shows land in that sweet spot between satire and spectacle, and I heard from a reputable source that Hobert has no opener. She also plays her hit “Sue Me” twice — once so fans can record it on their phones, and again to fully savor — creating a cosmic feminine scene.

 in Sylvan Park, where bubbly groups of girlypops cluster inside a 1930’s house, giving the restaurant a slumber party vibe. Their crab claws are drenched in a perfectly high proportion of butter. Order those twice — once to capture on your phone, and again to fully savor.

When I took my son to see Jeff Kinney, I surprisingly had as much fun as he did. The bestselling “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” author’s live show is a fast-paced combination of music and trivia that caters to Gen Alpha’s jumpy little attention spans. 

Kinney’s currently touring for his latest book

, and you’ll be a household hero if you snag tickets to see him at Vanderbilt on Saturday, Oct. 24.

 for dinner, because you won’t have to bug your kids about using their utensils in a hand roll restaurant. I ordered The Signature Set — a meticulously seasoned collection of four fresh rolls. While I was gabbing away, I let a roll sit for too long … and the chef insisted on replacing it with a new one. I’ve never felt so cared for in a restaurant!

Another spot that puts serious care into their food is 

 in Madison, often called Lindo’s by locals. The family-owned Mexican restaurant is bright and cozy, packed with charm and flavor. I tried a few of the chorizo, shrimp, and asada tacos — which come with pico and fresh radishes — and can’t wait to return.

, open now through Nov. 13, is the biggest thrill in town. The haunted house is an entertaining litmus test to see how you fare under pressure. Would you crumble around zombies, or stay the course? Afterwards, walk over to 

 for a nightcap. Even if you’re not a pool shark, perch on the wooden bleachers to experience the best people-watching in town.

More haunted houses to try

​​Enjoy a great Nashville night out with our picks for dinner and a show in October.


3 Ideas for the Perfect Nashville Night in October 2026

Nashville Nights: Dinner and a Show Picks for October 2026

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

If you’ve got the sewing bug, several Middle Tennessee fabric stores can help you quilt, make kids’ clothes, or maybe whip up a Halloween costume (I always vow to start that in advance, but it rarely happens).

This Berry Hill shop is the go-to for people sewing clothes for kids. They stock fabric and patterns, offer 

. Of course, you don't need to be a child or sewing for a child to enjoy many of their fabrics: They carry 

, and I have been known to haul Liberty fabric across the ocean for myself.

Sewing Parts Online has saved me a few times when I needed an obscure tool or machine part. I’ve always ordered online, because of the name. But they have a store open to the public in Dickson, and offer in-person 

), so a Dickson road trip is in my future.

The name says it all. This shop sells quilting fabrics, notions, and other supplies. (Yes, you can use quilting cotton to make clothes, but it doesn’t drape the same way. It might work for something structured, but less so for something flowy.) You can also peruse the website’s class 

Botani is stocked with colorful Kurdish and Middle Eastern fabrics that are flowy and perfect for draping (the opposite of more structured quilting cottons). And, 

If you love to sew clothes, quilts, or even homemade Halloween costumes, these Middle Tennessee area shops should be on your list.

Do You Love To Sew? Check Out These Nashville Shops

Places To Play with Needle and Thread

For a minute, it sounded like the death knell had rung for Nashville fabric stores, particularly for people who make clothes. Textile Fabrics, a beloved independent fabric store, closed in 2025. When JoAnn Fabrics went bankrupt that same year, the selection shrank even further. We already lost 

 — R.I.P. — in 2022. Then, Brentwood’s Stitchers Garden closed early this year.

But the local fashion design scene is growing, as I highlighted a few weeks ago (

). And with the resurgence of so-called “

,” sewing is having a revival. Need evidence? This week, we got not one but two brand-new independent fabric stores.

As loyal readers know, I have a stash of deadstock and second-hand fabric from 

. I don’t need more fabric. But I have had this week circled on the calendar.

 is opening on Harding Pike. It's near the terrific 

 (if you’ve not been, get there ASAP). Sylvia and Battle Kenney founded a 1,800-square-foot shop focusing on fabrics that are hard to find in person in Nashville, mainly adult apparel fabrics such as denim, Oxford cloth, seersucker, and other shirting-weight cottons, silks, wool, and more.

“One of my philosophies is, if you could buy it online and you would be just as happy with it, then we don’t need to prioritize carrying it,” Sylvia says. “But if you would want to match colors or if you would want to feel the texture? Then we want to have it in-store.” That means zippers, thread, and buttons, as well as fabric.

Just 1.9 miles away on White Bridge Pike, across from 

, opening today (there’s even a 10% discount if you can make it over this afternoon). Don Moore has worked as a software engineer and owned a cannabis dispensary in Franklin. When he knew the Tennessee ban on THCA was coming, Moore pivoted again. He loves to sew menswear, and thought about opening a fabric shop; when Vickie Long, who managed Textile Fabrics for years, agreed to partner with him, he jumped in. They rented the old Lumen Lights building and started converting 4,578-square-foot into a fabric store with ample classroom space. 

In addition to high-end apparel fabrics, notions, and other things that are hard to find locally, The Sewist will have a large-format plotter, which will be a complete game-changer for those of us (okay, me!) who buy digital sewing patterns and want to print them out in one piece.

After many of Nashville's favorite fabric shops closed, these new stores are opening to fill the gap.

New Places To Buy Fabric in Nashville

Nashville's Newest Fabric Stores

 will strap on their skates for a Halloween-themed scrimmage-a-thon — 

 — at The Fairgrounds. Skaters are dressing up as Mothman, Bigfoot, and other cryptids for this longstanding derby tradition making its Nashville debut. Ahead of the game, I spoke with two skaters to learn more about the Nashville Roller Derby.

How did you get started in the Nashville Roller Derby, and what do you love most about it?

Elita One: “I found roller derby in 2015 and was hooked right away. What started as a fun way to stay active turned into a community I can't imagine my life without. Derby brings together people from every walk of life, and we all show up for each other because we love the sport. When I moved to Nashville, finding the local league was one of the first things I did. It's the best way I know to make friends fast and feel at home in a new city.”

Brannan #24: “I started skating roller derby in Nashville when I was 11 years old with the 

 team, back when I was spending most of my weekends at the 

. Lots of my teammates were daughters of Nashville's adult team skaters, and so many of them volunteered their time to coach us and share their expertise. The roller derby community raised me to feel empowered, like I could accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. Maybe that's corny and simplistic, but as a young lady in the South, I was often discouraged from certain activities, interests, styles, attitudes, and spaces. Roller derby gave me courage, and I now bring that to all facets of my life.”

Is there anything that makes this league particularly Nashville?

Elita One: “Southern hospitality, for sure! When we travel, other teams tell us how welcoming and kind our skaters are, and they love having us because we're good sports, win or lose. Our roster is also a great snapshot of Nashville itself: longtime locals, people who've moved here from all over the country, and students who came to town for school.”

Brannan #24: “Our longstanding history! Established in 2006, we're one of the oldest recognized flat track roller derby teams in the country and have never disbanded. We're also lucky enough to have the largest, bestest, and most knowledgeable skate shop in the country, 

, one of our longstanding sponsors. They've kept us ready and rolling for decades and are an unrivaled institution in the skating community. Nashville Roller Derby has evolved alongside the sport and seen many eras of rule changes, leadership turnovers, and venue losses, but our foundations remain unshaken! I assure you, we're entering our best era yet!”

How can people get involved in roller derby?

Elita One: “There's a spot for everyone, whether you want to skate, officiate, volunteer, or just cheer from the sidelines. No experience is needed to start. Reach out at 

, or find us on social media @nashvillerollerderby. And coming out to 

 on Oct. 3 is a great way to see what it's all about!”

🛼 Learn more about the team

 Ahead of their Halloween scrimmage, we interview two skaters from the Nashville Roller Derby.

 3 Questions With the Nashville Roller Derby

The Nashville Roller Derby Celebrates Halloween

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

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

How well do you know Nashville's streets? Test yourself with this quiz featuring prominent streets around town.

Test Your Nashville Streets Knowledge With This Quiz

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

Explainers

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

Nashville, Explained

  Rachel Iacovone

I’m blessed to live on Nolensville Pike, where pretty much every Latino food truck is a safe bet for a great, affordable meal. I can play lotería or watch folklorico dancers weekly at 

. And I can even buy my furniture completely in Spanish at 

. But as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I’m realizing not every Nashvillian knows where they can support the community after Oct. 15. So here’s some places to start!

Get a dirty horchata and the Texas scramble at 

, the Good Morning Elena (guava, cheese and ham sandwich) at 

 brunch, the blackened salmon burrito at 

, and a completely out-of-the-box special at 

. As a Boricua, I also have to mention my people’s one and only option locally: 

 down in La Vergne, which serves sancocho as good as my abuelo’s.

There are too many Latine businesses to shout them all out. One of my personal favorites is 

 in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville 2026. Other clothing options abound at 

, where you can buy everything from a guayabera shirt to your daughter’s quinceanera gown. While there are many, many Latine grocers, 

 has been my go-to for years. If any of my fellow Caribbeans have found a good quenepa source though, you give me a call first, okay?

Get your groove on — whether it’s weekly salsa, regular reggaeton or special bachata nights — at 

 also hosts weekly social dancing with free lessons beforehand. Keep an eye out for DJ pop-ups through groups like 

. (Big fan of the Bad Bunny ones!) National tours like 

, an all girls’ reggaeton party, also tend to make stops in Nashville annually.

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

. Take an immersive Spanish class through 

. Learn to pronounce “Dalé!” while chanting it with 

 at a Nashville SC game. Tutor Latine kids through 

’s weekly opportunities. Join a book club focused on Latine authors like 

. And consider sponsoring locally owned Spanish-language news like 

, which is covering our communities in our first language.

My fave Latine-owned business

Where’s your favorite Latine-owned business in town?

Here’s where to dine, shop and volunteer in Nashville’s Latino community, long after Hispanic Heritage Month.

Nashville, Explained

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

Whitney Pastorek

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Nashville, Explained

How To Celebrate Nashville’s Latine Community After Hispanic Heritage Month

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Nashville Nights: Dinner and a Show Picks for October 2026

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