Green Hills retail can feel a little overwhelming when you're trying to find what you want. My advice? First, park the car (or take WeGo) 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.
If you want a guaranteed good time: There’s nowhere like The Bluebird Cafe. It’s the OG listening room. Yes, it can be hard to get in (either get tickets on the website 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.
If you want to be finely dressed: Mitch Johnson (a retail pro who worked for decades at Neiman Marcus) bought H. Audrey from Holly Williams two years ago. He’s revitalized the beloved shop, packing it with designer dresses, denim, and bags. For shoes, head to The Perfect Pair and Cute and Comfy Shoes and Apparel.
If you need to buy gifts: White’s Mercantile started as a place for Holly Williams 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.” AshBlue stocks bedding, furniture, lighting, and gifts, including mahjong sets.
If you’re looking to update some bling: I mentioned Yearly Co. a few weeks ago as a jewelry destination. In addition to selling pieces, they’ll do trade-ins on old gold pieces for some of their new stuff. Brooke Worthington Jewelry will also redesign some of your grandma’s old pieces into something more modern.
If you have kids: Lonnie Young’s has been selling children’s shoes in the neighborhood for more than three decades. Patch Nashville has upscale kids' clothes (I 💯 would wear this Copenhagen Colors dress to The Bluebird if it were available in adult sizes). Plaid Rabbit has kids’ clothes and accessories.
