We’ve been conditioned to think that Music Valley, the neighborhood around Gaylord Opryland, is exclusively for tourists. There are certainly a lot of things that attract visitors, including the Grand Ole Opry, tours, many hotels, and even a campground. But there are also lots of little gems tucked away that are part of my regular shopping routine, places that are quirky, weird, and locally owned — even one that has a bus inside. So, this week’s neighborhood guide is a look at Music Valley. (You can read my previous neighborhood shopping guide, to Old Hickory, here).
If you adore the mid-century modern aesthetic, this is the place to buy beautiful furniture, or just admire the handiwork. I'm currently coveting a set of Adrian Pearsall chairs, but they’re not in the cover-with-dog-hair budget. In addition to selling art, lamps, and furniture, Dashwood has a plant store in the front window, so all those glossy leaves can be yours, even if you can’t afford a sleek, vintage wood sideboard.
For years, I had an idea to build a Hanukkah menorah out of reindeer: Dancer, Prancer, etc. as the eight nights, and then Rudolph as the one who lights the others. Finding outdoor vintage reindeer that looked like the ones in my head was hard. Where did I find the final pièce de résistance? Vinterest. This is a quirky collection of dealers selling antiques, handmade goods, magnets, and things you didn’t even know you needed. It’s a good stop for small gifts.
Music-themed vintage, including lots of t-shirts, hats, and belt buckles, are for sale at Wicked Ollie’s. Even if you’re not in the market, check out Ernest Tubb’s tour bus, decked out and preserved inside the shop. It’s not uncommon to catch live music performances (check their Instagram for a heads-up). Back when this space was Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop, I met Wanda Jackson here, one of my favorite Nashville nights.
When I see people playing “Duck, Duck, Jeep,” that practice of leaving little rubber ducks on the window of fellow Jeep-owners, I used to wonder where they found their inventory of funny, funky ducks. I wonder no more. Duckies has multiple rooms of ducks of all sizes and material, and even a giant bathtub full of ducks for you to look through. They also stock Good Lather candles, soaps, and other non-duck items.
