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City Cast Nashville

Keep It Local

Keep It Local by City Cast Nashville features spotlights on local businesses we love, and personal, curated, and neighborly recommendations that will help you live your best Nashville life right now. So, if you’re ready to ditch the national chains, e-commerce giants, and corporate restaurants, sign up today for our new weekly newsletter.

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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

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?

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

 (because who can resist a crossianwich?), and we started talking about 

, the quirky collective in Germantown. I eyed it with interest when the building was closed last year for some Codes repairs. It’s now reopened, and with easy access, lots of light, and clear signage, it feels like a place you want to explore.

And you should! It’s chockful of beautiful, interesting, and weird galleries, boutiques, and tattoo parlors. Every shop has its own hours, so they may not all be open when you’re there, but some have art out front and a Venmo honor system when they’re closed. That’s the case with 

 that look like they’re frying on the sidewalk — exactly how I felt during the “heat dome.” (R.I.P. heat dome, don’t hurry back.)

Crystal Shade runs this gallery and is the director of the 100 Taylor space, so obviously, this is the place to pop in for any and all intel. In addition to selling works like 

 (I need one of my dog Raja, right?), Shade teaches classes and workshops where you can get your hands dirty. Coming soon: 

Speaking of Raja, she thinks lots of stuff in this store made just for her is adorable, like the stuffed 

. They also carry cat treats and toys, plus some 

There were so many little bookends, vases, and 

 in this micro store, I had to put on my reading glasses to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

Donated musician instrument strings are turned into jewelry — and hope — through this innovative program. Strings of Hope teaches survivors of abuse and exploitation to make jewelry from the strings, either as a path to long-term employment or as an interim step to a new career.

From egg sculptures to dog toys, the artisan shops inside Nashville's 100 Taylor Arts Collective have inspiration for all.

Your Guide to Nashville's 100 Taylor Arts

Exploring the 100 Taylor Arts Collective

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Friday, a.k.a. tomorrow, is 

 (Sept. 25 = 9/25 = workin’ 9 to 5). There are a bunch of events going on way longer than just 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but my job here at Keep It Local is to share local shopping finds. A few favorites:

, Nashville’s leading independent yarn store, will match it dollar for dollar (up to $1,000 total). The White Bridge store will also send you a free digital version of their 

. It’s the cutest, but I don’t knit, so I’ll need to find someone to whip that up for me.

. On Friday, they’re discounting a one-hour lane rental to $9.25 and promising to play some of Dolly’s hits while you shoot. They give great instruction for newbies.

, you can grab free (yes, free!) Dolly Day buttons, stickers, and bookmarks from

, which carries lots of locally made goodies. Or, nab 25% off all pink products at 

, the Broadway bar owned by local Strategic Hospitality alongside Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, 

of its sales on Friday will go to the Imagination Library and the 

. Other watering holes, including José Andrés’ 

 in the Gulch (Dolly loved butterflies), 

 downtown, all have drink deals with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Imagination Library.

, a bar named after a Dolly song with a giant pink sculpture of Dolly on the roof, has it going on: In addition to a sweet tea drink, the proceeds from which will go to Imagination Library, they’ll have a Dolly Parton impersonator on stage, and pop-ups from 

 City Cast Nashville has all sorts of other Dolly intel for you, including where to 

While you're celebrating Dolly Day this 9/25, check out these local options for great deals on everything from gifts to Dolly-inspired cocktails.

Local Deals on Dolly Day in Nashville

The Best Dolly Day Deals in Nashville

Green Hills retail can feel a little overwhelming when you're trying to find what you want. My advice? First, park the car (or 

) and start walking. You avoid the Hillsboro Pike congestion, and nothing is that far from everything else. Second, check out these picks, depending on your preferences.

. It’s the OG listening room. Yes, it can be hard to get in (either get tickets on the 

 or be prepared to stand in line). But the payoff is songwriters and storytelling without all the neon flashiness. Bluebird is owned by the nonprofit Nashville Songwriters Association International.

 Mitch Johnson (a retail pro who worked for decades at Neiman Marcus) bought 

 from Holly Williams two years ago. He’s revitalized the beloved shop, packing it with designer dresses, denim, and 

 to sell treasures she found while out on tour. It’s moved and expanded, but it’s still a great place for trinkets, hostess gifts, or little “thank yous.” 

 stocks bedding, furniture, lighting, and gifts, including mahjong 

If you’re looking to update some bling: 

 a few weeks ago as a jewelry destination. In addition to selling pieces, they’ll do 

 on old gold pieces for some of their new stuff. 

 will also redesign some of your grandma’s old pieces into something more modern.

 has been selling children’s shoes in the neighborhood for more than three decades. 

 has upscale kids' clothes (I 💯 would wear 

 to The Bluebird if it were available in adult sizes). Plaid Rabbit has kids’ clothes and 

From bookstores to jewelry and gifts, there's something for everyone at the locally owned shops in Green Hills.

Our Green Hills Local Shopping Guide

Green Hills Shopping Just for You

In the last couple of weeks, I've been in the Green Hills neighborhood more than usual. I was invited to the opening of the 

. Boden’s not local; it’s a British brand that picked Nashville as its second brick-and-mortar location. I dig how colorful and cheerful their clothes are, and they brought in a pink-and-green striped double-decker bus and parked it next to an expanse of pink flowers. Who can resist that!?!

When it comes to shopping in the area, I usually think of 

: A collection of luxury brands anchored by 

, a department store that tugs at my nostalgia as someone who grew up in the West. There’s nothing wrong with the mall; it’s pretty and clean and well organized, but most of the stores are national or international chains. Inside the mall are a few locally owned businesses, including 

Meanwhile, the surrounding strip malls and stand-alone buildings are filled with locally owned boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants. Here’s a guide to shopping Nashville-based businesses when in Green Hills.

The Cosmetic Market has four Tennessee locations (Green Hills, Cool Springs, Brentwood, and Chattanooga), and each store is chock full of 

, haircare, and all the other stuff you might grab at a big box store. Plus, expert staff can help you make smart choices through 

 like makeup applications and facials. There’s almost always a fun seasonal gift with purchase, or some other treat.

This Richard Jones shop emphasizes getting kids away from screens and into playing (indoors or out) with things that spark creativity. There are plush toys (yes, including 

, limited to one per day per person), board games, and books. The day I stopped in, they were sold out of 

 in advance if that’s on your wish list. Need even more kids’ books? Walk from here to Ann Patchett’s 

, which has its own great children’s book section.

I don’t know many people (any people?) who find shopping for bras fun. They’re hard to fit, sizes are weird, and wires poke into your body. But the process is better at Rebecka’s, an old-school-style spot with large dressing rooms and staff who know how to help you get the right fit. Rebecka was the great-aunt of owner Adrienne Francis; she started the business in 1977, and Adrienne modernized it while staying true to its roots.

I still haven't checked out this designer consignment spot right across the street from the mall. But City Cast Nashville creative producer 

 swears by it, and she has never led me astray. I plan to swing by ASAP. Find 

Green Hills is more than just a mall. Here are our top picks for great local shops in the area.

Where To Shop Local in Green Hills

 Is It Possible To Shop Local in Green Hills?

Even though I haven't been in school for some time, the back-to-school vibe this time of year always makes me want a new plaid OOTD. (It doesn’t hurt that it’s the Jewish New Year, too, and traditionally I wear something new-to-me for the holiday.) Local fashion designers might not have the same profile as Nashville musicians, but creativity reigns here, so I set out to discover the work of some of Music City’s fashion designers.

If you want to feel like the Nashville elite, head to Savas Nashville in Wedgewood-Houston. That’s the atelier of Savannah Yarborough, who makes bespoke and made-to-measure leather goods for A-listers and the rest of us, because if one of her jackets is good enough for the likes of John Prine (RIP) and Jack White, it’s good enough for us. Savas develops its own leathers with a tannery in Italy to make men’s and women’s 

 so packed with personality that you’ll want to stock up, even if you’re not someone who sees cowboy boots as part of the essential Nashvillian wardrobe. Ramer has an impeccable sense of style and recently moved the shop into Wedgewood-Houston, which means lots more room for lots more stuff. Must-haves this fall are the 14-inch wingtips, which are a good take on Nashville “office” wear, and a pink boot called, of course, the Dolly, which Jaylin is introducing this week. I also love Planet Cowboy’s 

 grad Liz Alig has designed fair-trade clothing using sustainable textiles, selling online and through boutiques. Earlier this year, she opened her first retail space. The Riverside Village shop is light and airy, showcasing her 

. Every piece is made from recycled textiles or handwoven cotton, farmer-sourced wool, and hand-knit natural sweaters. The shop features lots of pretty, patterned wool you can get your hands on right now.

Natalie Busby’s soft, flowy womenswear is designed and made in Nashville and sold out of an East Nashville studio. Many of the pieces are solid colors with an ethereal quality, ready to toss in a suitcase or wear when the temperatures are hot, but the calendar says “fall.”

Fashionistas, check out these Nashville fashion designers for your next look.

Check Out These Nashville Fashion Designers

Nashville Fashion Designers 

, the singular Mediterranean-inspired coffee shop on Third Avenue South, admiring its aesthetic vibes and thought, “I wish I could live here. I wish my life looked like it was set in this movie,” you’re in luck. No, you can’t actually move in. But Shivani and Alexandros Darsinos, the couple behind the cafe, opened 

 this summer, where you can buy clothing designed by Alex that fits the babu aesthetic. Alex is an architect (yes, he designed the cafe and the shop), and he had always wanted to launch his own fashion house.

It was during one of the couple’s first dates, Shivani says, that they opened up to each other. “I told him, ‘I'm passionate about coffee; I want to open up a coffee shop.’ And he said, ‘I really want to have my own clothing line one day.’ But it definitely seemed like a far-fetched journey.”

As the couple worked together, opening cafe babu, and seeing it grow into a neighborhood gathering place as much as a coffee shop, other dreams seemed less far-fetched. In July, they opened Leo Vas, kitty-corner from cafe babu in Chestnut Hill. The storefront has that signature Darsinos look, with natural stone, hand-finished plaster, sculptural stone, and wood furnishings. Inside are clothes made from fabrics the couple had created specifically for their line.

Both Shivani and Alex are first-generation Americans; her family is from India, through Bowling Green, Kentucky. His roots are from Greece. They combined both traditions in sourcing materials, with metallic threading and cottons, and colors that are rich and deep but not flashy, designed for day-to-night silhouettes. Many of these pieces in the store are limited edition, including one-of-a-kind purses and jewelry from other designers.

The pieces are surprisingly affordable given the fabric quality and small quantities made. Shivani says that was intentional, to give folks an alternative to mass-produced clothes. Leo Vas offers both 

If you see some construction when you shop at Leo Vas, don’t be surprised. The couple is already at work on their 

 project, Bar Ena, which will be adjacent to the store and is scheduled to open later this year.