Many know Nashville, Tennessee as the iconic Music City, but what many fail to realize is that beyond the concert venues and city lights, Nashville’s shopping scene has a lot to offer. The city offers a wide mix of options; from upscale stores to local boutiques, there’s always something for everyone. This past week, I embarked on a journey to spot some of the best finds in Nashville. All spots were assessed on their distance from campus, price points and offerings.
Hillsboro Village
Just steps from Vanderbilt’s campus, Hillsboro Village sits along 21st Avenue. It’s conveniently only about a five- to eight-minute walk from Commons, making it a go-to spot for many students. The artsy area is packed with small boutiques, vintage shops, gift shops and a few larger retail chains. Most stores sell items that are fairly affordable, but when shopping at more well-known stores like Altar’d State, things can be more on the pricey side. Whether you’re looking for a going-out piece, a unique find or just to browse, Hillsboro Village is a solid place to go. The street is also lined with restaurants, perfect for stopping for a bite to eat or even a sweet treat!
The Gulch
The Gulch is one of the most urban and up-and-coming areas in Nashville. Only an eight-minute drive away from Vanderbilt, The Gulch is home to a bunch of entertainment spots, restaurants and shopping. The area is full of boutiques, as well as some bigger stores. It has stores ranging from Lululemon and Urban Outfitters to Kittenish and Parish. The Gulch’s stores and shops cater to all audiences, regardless of budget. I would definitely recommend stopping by The Gulch if you’re looking for a new outfit, wanting to discover a local brand or just wanting to explore more of Nashville!
12 South
12 South is where eclectic vintage meets trendy boutiques. The neighborhood is full of personality and is the perfect place to wander around and maybe even stumble on a unique treasure or basic staple for your closet. 12 South is located about 12 minutes by car from Vanderbilt’s campus, near the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood. One of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhoods, 12 South is home to an array of local businesses, thrift stores, pop-ups shops, high-end chains and famous restaurants. The retail options range from the famous LoveShackFancy, with its preppy skirts and dresses, to stores like Serendipity, a locally owned Nashville gift shop full of charming knick-knacks and unique finds. 12 South has a shopping spot for people of all interests, so the affordability depends on where you go. The food scene is equally incredible, offering something delicious no matter the hour. In addition, the murals and local charm of 12 South create a lively atmosphere where neighborhood life and shopping culture naturally intersect.
Green Hills
The well-known Green Hills area is home to more of an upscale shopping experience. Only a 15-minute drive from campus, the Green Hills area encompasses The Mall at Green Hills, Hill Center Green Hills and other stores that line Hillsboro Pike. The Mall at Green Hills houses upscale luxury stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Golden Goose and more. It also has favorites like Urban Outfitters, Garage, Zara, Free People and even a Skims store coming soon.
Most items sold in The Mall at Green Hills are at higher prices. However, there are still many affordable options available. Just across the street is the Hill Center at Green Hills, which offers a walkable, open-air environment with intimate storefronts, ideal for a low-key shopping experience. It showcases an array of dining options, boutiques and bigger-name brands with retailers like Anthropologie, Brandy Melville, Paper Source, Whole Foods and many more.
