This post is primarily for my Nashville peeps, but some of this is online as well. I’ve been searching for the perfect Christmas presents for the folks in my life — you know, those special people who make me feel warm and fuzzy and really, truly loved — and I wanted to be creative. Thanks mostly to Instagram, I stumbled across some really great shops in my new hometown, and I wanted to share in case you had some last minute gifting needs! I love these places so much; I’m gonna go ahead and say “You’re Welcome” now. Enjoy and don’t forget to shop local!
(Sidebar: In an effort to spread the local wealth evenly, I gave my new Nashville friends Huntsville’s own Fred Bread as a holiday gift. It went over as well as I had expected. Anyone know how to get that man to bake bread here?!)
Hey Rooster General Store
This was one of the first places I scouted out once I landed. It’s perfect for creative, handmade and local artisan gifts. Hey Rooster features some popular local brands, but there are some unknowns in the mix as well. I bought some perfect presents here for my Huntsville friends — so perfect in fact, they want to come by the shop next time they visit! The shop is ridiculously adorable — inside and out — and conveniently located off of Gallatin Pike. The owner is incredibly welcoming and pleasant, recently landing back in Nashville after spending some time in Brooklyn. Not only does she offer local Tennessee fare, but also some great handmade jewelry and artisan gifts from NYC artists. She’s got some great things if you left anyone off your list.
Welcome Home Shop
Again, I found this adorable nugget on Instagram through a random trail. I follow Fishs Eddy, which is a great ceramic store in NYC. I commented once how I wished they were in Nashville and the owner of Welcome Home Shop, much to my delight, tagged me to share they sell Fishs Eddy merchandise. A few doors down from the Silly Goose (my favorite Nashville restaurant so far), Welcome Home Shop is easy to find on Eastland Avenue. It’s just behind Ugly Mugs, and it’s worth stopping by. She carries great stuff for the home including dishes, serving pieces, small rugs, pillows, coffee table books (I could’ve gotten lost in all the books) and so much more. There’s a distinct uniqueness to what the shop carries. As I walked the store, I made mental images of things to come back for once I find a house. Go visit, for gifts or for yourself. I bought some of both!
The Fuselage
I drove by this shop on my way to a friend’s house, and I was instantly smitten. The sidewalk out front features giant letters made of steel and tin, cute furniture and large decorative, vintage pieces. Located off of Gallatin as well, the shop sits in front of the popular Barista Parlor (also great, even if hip and trendy). The shop is a second-hand vintage boutique and like the Welcome Home Shop, I made a running list of things to check out later. I did find an amazing vintage cookbook for $10, which easily could’ve sold for $60 in a used bookstore. I was entranced the entire time and even found some old antlers I’ve been searching for (sounds strange but I have big plans for my next mantle). Go by and lose yourself in the beautiful scent of nostalgia. Oh, and the clothes! Great, exquisite vintage clothing!
Volunteer Traditions
Last year, I saw a sticker on a car of the blue circle with the tri-stars from the Tennessee state flag. I wanted one to represent my birthplace and state I love so dearly. I searched everywhere I could think of, but to no avail. I finally bought a state flag sticker and cut the circle out myself. This year, I stumbled upon the same circle embroidered on hats and shirts while shopping at Christmas Village. They have variations of ties, bow ties, sweaters, shirts and stickers. A separate line, called Heritage, features similar items in colors coordinating to football and team colors. (I mean, hello! Have you met me?!) I was in heaven. I’ve been to this place three times in the last couple of weeks. (It doesn’t help I work a couple of blocks away either.) You can order the products online, and all the shirts are Comfort Colors. If you live in the South, and especially Tennessee, you’re going to appreciate this shop. Everyone in the shop is friendly and welcoming, and the story behind its inception is beautiful, too. No wonder I keep going back.
Rustique Nashville
This place may be a new obsession. Also through Instagram, I discovered Rustique when another shop featured some of the store’s merchandise. To be more specific, it was a wooden, hand-painted ornament representative of the blue, tri-star circle. (Can you see the trend here?) By the time I made it by the store, the ornaments were gone. But I did find a beautiful new batch of Tennessee ornaments I snatched up. One for me, and several for friends as house-warming and wedding gifts. The shop seems to sell out of things quickly, so I recommend following the photo feed and making it a regular lunch-break stop. The shop is on the corner of Seventh and Fatherland in East Nashville.
So clearly, even in the midst of a hectic lifestyle, I’ve found time to shop. Merry Christmas and happy last-minute shopping!
Also, don’t forget about #GiveAllTheThings coming on Monday! Be sure to visit Kim’s blog. (Hint. Hint. Some of the items above may be included.)