Located just south of Downtown, The Gulch in Nashville is a former industrial area that has been revitalized into one of the city’s hottest neighborhoods. Old brick warehouses are now home to trendy lofts and bustling restaurants, while the iconic bluegrass venue, The Station Inn, acts as the area’s creative heart.
Whether you want to check out the seasonal markets or explore the top dining spots in the Gulch area, this neighborhood is all about experiences. That’s why shopping in The Gulch is so special. If you’re looking to leave the same old chain stores behind and discover one-of-a-kind treasures, The Gulch’s boutique shopping is for you.
We’ll look at some of The Gulch’s top boutiques below, all of which are locally owned and operated in Nashville, to make your stay truly exceptional.
If you’re looking for trendy women’s fashion, whether for a new job or a night out on the town, then Blush Boutique should be high on your list. With a curated selection of clothes, gifts, shoes and accessories, the choices here are edgy, stylish and constantly changing.
Locally owned and operated, Blush Boutique strives to offer shoppers a singular experience with pieces you won’t find at big box stores. Despite the high quality of its products, the staff here are friendly and welcoming, and the prices are reasonable.
There’s probably no other shopping experience that screams Nashville than a visit to Carter Vintage Guitar. Founded by Gibson’s former in-house historian Walter Carter and vintage guitar specialist Christie Carter, this is one of the world’s leading vintage guitar dealers.
The Carters and their staff are passionate about everything to do with guitars and are happy to help you, whether this is your first guitar purchase or you’re an acoustic specialist. With celebrities and musicians like David Crosby, Post Malone, James Taylor and Sheryl Crow having paid a visit, Carter Vintage Guitars is an unmissable destination for a genuine Nashville experience.
After checking out Carter Vintage Guitars, learn about Nashville’s iconic Music Row to fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture and creativity.
Founded by Tennessee native Elizabeth Allen, e.Allen is a boutique women’s fashion store that offers unique and timeless pieces. After becoming frustrated by a lack of fashion options that reflected her personality and fashion sense, Elizabeth Allen created e.Allen to help fill an important niche in the market.
The result is a store of highly curated offerings, from one-of-a-kind jewelry to eye-catching dresses. The store’s personal stylists can even provide one-on-one assistance to help you craft a look that is fitted to your personality and body type.
Billed as the original plant bar, Jade & Clover turns shopping for a house plant into a fun and singular experience. When you enter the store, you’ll choose a container and then a house plant, cacti or succulents to fill it with. The Jade & Clover team will help you build your creation and suggest details to make it truly unique.
The concept makes for a great gift idea for loved ones back home or as your own souvenir of your trip to Nashville. There’s also some excellent coffee on offer, and the friendly staff provide useful advice about how to take care of your new plant.
Founded by country pop singer Jessie James Decker, Kittenish is your go-to destination if you’re looking for fashion that is confident and a little sassy. Its stylish Gulch location—the first brick and mortar store for the brand—exudes Insta-worthy vibes and is tastefully decorated for special occasions.
Kittenish carries a range of locally made items, so you’ll find something here that is uniquely Nashville. Given that it’s just steps from another Insta-famous landmark, the Nashville Wings Mural, you’ll get plenty of content for your social media feeds. As a bonus, its convenient weekend hours are great if you want to find a perfect Sunday brunch spot after your shopping spree.
A perfect pair of boots is exactly what you need to feel like a true local in Nashville, making family-owned Nashville Boot Co. an essential stop on your Gulch, Nashville shopping spree. The store offers an impressive selection of cowboy and western boots—along with cowboy hats and belts—to help you get the complete western look.
You’ll find the top brands here, including Abilene, Tony Lama, Dan Post, Lucchese, Laredo and Frye. If the selection feels a bit overwhelming, the friendly staff are happy to help so you walk out with a pair of boots that perfectly suit you.
With free parking and a location right across the street from Carter Vintage Guitars, Nashville Boot Co. is a convenient stop when building a quintessentially Nashville-themed itinerary.
Another go-to spot for distinctive women’s fashion items is Parish, featuring a wide range of selections from breezy summer dresses to chic blazers.
This eclectic upscale boutique was founded by celebrity stylist Claudia Robertson Fowler, who built her reputation as the stylist for country music stars like Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Martina Mcbride and Trisha Yearwood.
The shop lives up to its founder’s reputation, as its staff excel at helping shoppers pick out the perfect outfit, whether it’s for a night out on the town or for something comfy to wear at home.
Right next door to Parish you’ll find the incredible Rustler Hat Co., a customized hat store that is a destination in its own right. This place is more than just any hat store; it’s an experience you’ll only find in a city like Nashville.
The Rustler team will guide you through the process of creating your own custom hat, from choosing from an incredible array of hat accessories to even getting your hat branded by the shop’s talented artists. If you’re traveling with a group, be sure to book the Group Bar Experience, where you’ll be given an unforgettable group fitting at the private hat bar.
With its heart-shaped wall art made out of hats, the private bar gives you an unbeatable opportunity to add some stunning photos to your social media feeds.
A jewelry boutique that boasts high-end designs at affordable prices, Uncommon James is another must on your shopping itinerary. You’ll find a wide range of jewelry here, from hoops and chains to luxurious investment pieces.
Uncommon James also specializes in custom engravings, initials and zodiac pieces, so you can create something that is uniquely you. The pieces are all stand-outs but still pair well with a variety of fashion styles. In addition to the jewelry, you’ll find candles, apparel, kitchenware and skincare.
After your visit, check out the trendy Sobro neighborhood located a short walk away and home to Nashville landmarks like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Bridgestone Arena.
Shoe and apparel store Rooted is unlike any other shop you’re likely to visit in Nashville. Its interior combines organic concrete shapes and high glass windows meant to evoke the feeling of exploring a garden. The setup encourages exploration and discovery, with countless corners to snap some stunning photos.
The team here is passionate about fashion and will help you pick out a great pair of sneakers or other apparel from hard-to-find brands. While here, be sure to grab a coffee from Cafe Rooted, the store's convenient integrated coffee shop.
While there’s always plenty to do in The Gulch no matter the time of year, a visit between March and May allows you to immerse yourself in Nashville's springtime charm while still beating the summer heat.
That said, summer shouldn’t be skipped, as it gives you a chance to explore The Gulch Night Market held in July. Meanwhile, The Gulch Holiday Market brings music, food, lights, and holiday spirit to the neighborhood in December.
Many garages and surface lots in The Gulch offer one-hour free parking. After the one-hour limit, expect to pay around $2-3 per hour.
The Gulch is a compact neighborhood, and you can see most of it on foot. If you want a more leisurely way of exploring, consider BCycle, Nashville’s bike share program. Daily passes are $23, and there’s a station right in the heart of The Gulch. Some of the bikes have even been decorated by local Nashville artists.
Speaking of art, be sure to check out some of the neighborhood’s many great murals—all of which make perfect additions to your Instagram feed. The Wings Mural on 11th Ave is a highlight, while The Gulch Dog Park is home to an array of murals by local artists. Other great photo opportunities are Grace’s Alley and Noble Park, both of which host seasonal events.
The Gulch is conveniently located between Music Row and Downtown and can be easily reached from either neighborhood. If you're looking to discover the best areas to stay in Nashville, consider making The Gulch a brief excursion on your way to Downtown and SoBro—where some of Nashville’s other iconic music venues, shopping streets and dining options are located.
If shopping is your main priority, consider staying at Placemakr’s Music Row location for its close proximity to The Gulch.