Picture yourself strolling through streets lined with Victorian and early-20th-century architecture, seamlessly blending with hip bars, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant art scene. This eclectic atmosphere ensures that residents and visitors have plenty of things to do in East Nashville, Tennessee, TN, a laid-back artsy enclave situated just across the Cumberland River.
Soaking in its quirky and inclusive vibe, it’s hard to believe that this historic neighborhood has faced its share of challenges. Once home to grand Victorian houses and affluent families, East Nashville’s character began to shift after the Great Fire of 1916, which destroyed over 600 homes. This event led to a period of rebuilding and a more diverse community.
But throughout a history marked by its share of natural disasters and economic challenges, East Nashville’s resilient spirit endured. Today, this area thrives as a hub of local music, craft beer, vintage shops, and some of the best nightlife in the city.
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WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO IN EAST NASHVILLE
Living in East Nashville, Tennessee means immersing in a dynamic mix of colorful culture and a strong community spirit. This vibrant neighborhood offers endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment at every turn.
Dining
East Nashville is home to some of the city’s top restaurants, boosting Nashville’s reputation as a rising food capital of the South. If you’re considering homes for sale in East Nashville, you’ll be right in the heart of this culinary hotspot.
- Casual eats. For “burgers done right” and “fries without equal,” Grill Shack Fries and Burgers serves its no-frills classics using local beef and fresh potatoes every day. Dino’s Bar & Grill is also another local favorite made for late night cravings and traveling pop stars dropping in to dig into the dive bar’s award-winning grub.
- Southern comfort food. To sample local fare, visit Nashville Biscuit House for big breakfasts and homemade desserts. Meanwhile, Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish is practically a landmark, offering fried chicken and fish ranging in spiciness from Lite Mild to Extra Hot. For a generous helping of classic chicken and waffles, head on to Shugga-Hi, which also boasts mouthwatering desserts.
- Upscale dining. Celebrity chef Sean Brock has opened Audrey, an Appalachian-themed restaurant that offers creative twists on traditional favorites, resulting in innovative fare like Jimmy Red Corn Grits and Cherokee White Eagle Grits. June offers limited seating and a five-course menu built on the freshest seasonal ingredients.
- Thirst-quenching spots. East Nashville attracts brew buffs because of its excellent local breweries. One of these is the Southern Grist Brewing Company, which highlights inventive brews in a constantly changing selection. Meanwhile, Pearl Driver is famous for its drinks with a tropical twist and delicious sandwiches and tacos.
- Diverse flavors. You’ve heard of Tex-Mex, but have you tasted Tex-Czech? To sample this intriguing blend of flavors, visit Yeast Nashville for its excellent kolaches, a Czech pastry given a Tex spin by replacing its traditional sweet filling with savory stuffing like bakery’s sausages and cheddar. For a taste of modern Middle Eastern cuisine, a go-to is Lyra that boasts delicious hummus and wood-fired oven-baked pita.
Shopping
Shopping is only one of the delightful things to do in East Nashville, Tennessee, which has a retail scene that reflects its artistic and eclectic vibe.
- Unique finds. Choose from a variety of whimsical and practical items at Apple and Oak, which offers accessories, apparel, drinkware, candles, and many more. If you’re into healing crystals and gemstone jewelry, the East Nashville Crystal Store is right up your alley. Looking for a unique gift or souvenir? Drop by the Gift Horse, which offers gorgeous stationery, including art prints, notebooks, gift cards, and other locally made goods.
- Local favorites. Given East Nashville’s artistic vibe, it’s no wonder that Jerry’s Artarama is a top neighborhood pick. Visit this extensive art supplies shop, which has been “empowering artists since 1968.” Meanwhile, bookworms will enjoy exploring The Bookshop, a charming, 500-square-foot haven that features a wide range of genres. If you’ve just moved in the area, shop at Welcome Home, which houses an array of barware, kitchenware, and home décor.
- Specialty shops. Abode Mercantile is a charming store with an old-fashioned feel, selling artisanal foods, stylish home décor, and one-of-a-kind gifts. If you want to embody the Western lifestyle through fashion, stop by Boot Barn, which offers classic, Western-style boots, cowboy hats, and other fashion essentials that will make you feel like a true Nashville native. For a unique shopping experience, Thunder Moon Collective features a collection of quirky and sustainable products from small businesses across the globe.
- Vintage items. Vintage drum aficionados will have a blast browsing Nelson’s Drum Shop, where they can also hang and talk to fellow enthusiasts. If you have a thing for retro clothing, check out Garage Sale Vintage where you can buy, sell, and trade vintage items while sipping a house margarita.
Entertainment
Known for its dynamic entertainment scene, East Nashville offers everything from intimate music venues to lively bars, as well as performance halls in nearby locations.
- Music. East Nashville is best experienced with music and Basement East is the perfect place to enjoy it. This popular venue features an assorted lineup of live performances, including local bands and touring acts. Need your live music fix every night? Hop on to 5 Spot, which features live music seven nights a week, with some days dedicated to residency performances. Jane’s Hideaway hosts musical performances nightly, with acoustic musicians offering a contemporary take on classic country and bluegrass.
- Shows. Fans of standup comedy can visit The East Room, which features a free Open Mic Comedy Night. This cozy venue also hosts rock bands, theatrical shows, and dance parties. The nonprofit film center Belcourt is a quick drive from East Nashville, hosting festivals and screening American movie classics as well as foreign films. Also nearby is the Woolworth Theatre, which is housed in a historic building and showcasing live performances, film screenings, and other cultural events.
- Culture and the arts. Around five miles from East Nashville, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center is unique in itself because it is state-owned and yet managed as a nonprofit. It enriches the community with its repertoire of theatrical shows, symphony concerts, ballet, and opera, while supporting local schoolchildren. The Nashville Repertory Theatre is also accessible; the city’s top regional theater company has been presenting musicals, new plays, and revitalized classics for over 30 years.
Cultural attractions
The neighborhood’s historic charm and progressive spirit create an exciting environment where creativity thrives, making East Nashville a cultural hub within the city.
- Art galleries. For a taste of local culture, visit the Red Arrow Gallery, one of the city’s premier destinations for contemporary art. Its vibrant program engages with the global art community, enabling the gallery to display a diverse array of artworks. It’s also good to drop by the Raven & Whale Gallery at Five Points, established in 2017 to highlight the photo-surrealistic creations of husband-and-wife artists Jason Brueck and Kate Harrold. You can also catch art exhibits and social events at the Main Street Gallery.
- Outdoor murals. East Nashville is adorned with many murals that capture the community’s appreciation for this art form. a Here are some that have become iconic in their own right: Dolly Parton by Kim Radford along Forrest Avenue; Donut Distillery on Gallatin Avenue; Dragon by Kim Radford on Meridian Street; Fatherland District by Eastside Murals; Flower Balm by Tara Marie Aversa along Gallatin Pike; I Say Tomato by Eastside Murals on Porter Road, Molly Green by Tarabella Aversa on Main Street; Young Warlords on Gallatin Avenue; and Stay Tuned by Adrien Saporiti on Main Street.
- Unique events. Attending unique yearly events is another fun thing to do in East Nashville, Tennessee. The Music City Hot Chicken Festival coincides with the Fourth of July celebration, with the city’s signature dish, ot Chicken, as the star of the show. Visitors can sample Hot Chicken from the city’s top establishments, along with other delicious offerings from local vendors. Live music from local bands keeps the festivities hopping throughout the day. Meanwhile, the Tomato Art Fest is a quirky vegetable-themed event that features tomato-inspired activities, artworks, and costumes.
Landmarks
East Nashville’s landmarks worth visiting and learning about as these evoke the neighborhood’s unique culture, identity, and history.
- Hope Church
- The Five Points
- East Nashville Branch Library
- Cornelia Fort Airpark
Formerly known as the Eastland Baptist Church, this house of worship along Gallatin Avenue was built in 1920 in a Classic Revival architectural style. Renovations and extensions were made over the years, including a two-story addition and a new auditorium. Fans of historic architecture will enjoy the details of the structure: a stone foundation, red brick and stretcher exterior, wooden doors, and marbleized glass windows. Inside is a vintage pipe organ and a sanctuary interior with marble pillars.
Known for its distinctive layout where five streets converge, this neighborhood was a central hub of social and economic activity in the city in the early 20th century. It features historic buildings and landmarks that reflect the community’s past as a bustling commercial and residential district. Over time, Five Points has become famous for its historic architecture, unique mix of shops and restaurants, and its role in Nashville’s cultural growth.
The East Branch Library, the fourth of Nashville’s original Carnegie libraries, was celebrated for its architectural beauty when it opened in 1919. In 2000, it was meticulously restored. Now, it boasts a limestone façade, a marble entrance hall, grand chandeliers, and oak furnishings. Designated as a Metro Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of only two remaining Carnegie public library buildings in the city.
Named in honor of Cornelia Fort, a female pilot who died in the line of duty during World War II, the abandoned airpark now serves as a trailhead in the famous Shelby Bottoms Park. The airpark is also a venue for fundraising concerts to help preserve the area. People flock to the airpark for picnics, walks, and biking especially on sunny days. Its runways now serve as exercise paths.
Outdoor recreation
If you aim to cultivate an active lifestyle, look no further than East Nashville’s scenic parks and green spaces.
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Natural Area
- East Park Community Center
- Frederick Douglass Park
- Cumberland Park
This area spans nearly 1,300 acres of scenic landscapes, including bluffs, rolling terrain, and riverfront areas along the Cumberland River. Dedicated to the city in 1912, Shelby Park is now the city’s third-largest park. It features a community center, a nature center, approximately 10 miles of paved pathways, over seven miles of unpaved hiking trails, several sports fields, and golf courses.
East Park was included in the Master Plan for Parks and Greenways, including this 33,000-square-foot community center located at the corner of Woodland Street and 6th Street South. The center features an indoor pool, gymnasium, community meeting rooms, ceramics studio, performing and fine arts spaces, and areas for fitness. A second-floor jogging track passes through the gymnasium, fitness, and aerobics areas, providing views into the public lobby.
Less than a 10-minute drive away is this park, which covers 32 acres. To the north, it’s bordered by the bustling Ellington Parkway while being surrounded by a residential community. The park has a playground, as well as baseball and soccer fields. The landscape gently descends from North 8th Street to the Frederick Douglass Head Start Center on the park’s western side. Trees offer shade in the northeast, while a wooded area occupies the southwest corner.
The once-neglected riverfront area was converted into a 6.5-acre park in 2012. Drawing inspiration from the state’s landscape, the park includes water elements. It also features climbing areas, walking trails, and additional amenities. The centerpiece is a 1,200-seat amphitheater. Just eight minutes from East Nashville, this park is on the river’s eastern bank, between the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Family-friendly activities
East Nashville is a family-friendly community, offering a variety of amenities and a strong sense of community that appeal to children and adults alike.
- We Rock the Spectrum
- Tabla Rosa Toy Store Cafe
- East Nashville Farmers’ Market
- Two Rivers Dog Park
This indoor play environment features specially-designed sensory equipment, which children of all ability levels can use to play together. Though its play equipment was designed to support children with sensory processing disorders, this kiddie gym has an inclusive approach, welcoming young guests with various abilities to interact and learn from each other.
This establishment has something for nearly everyone. While the toy store is filled with engaging items, the nearby Cecil’s Skate Shop appeals to skaters. Those craving sweets can indulge at the café next door, whose best-sellers include shakes and ice cream. The store owner deliberately created this integrated space as a one-stop destination, making it a convenient and enjoyable spot for families.
This child-friendly market is open every Tuesday afternoon, highlighting over 60 local farmers, chefs, bakers, and small businesses. Located at 5th and Woodland Streets in the First Church of the Nazarene’s parking lot, the market caters to residents and visitors on the hunt for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and many more. The market also features live music, creating a vibrant and community-centered atmosphere.
This dog-friendly park has an expansive off-leash area designed for fur babies of all sizes. Humans, including kids, will also enjoy plenty of tree-shaded areas and a walking track. The park’s ample space and well-kept facilities make it popular among pet owners. Just make sure to closely supervise your pets and kids to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Nightlife
Ready to unwind after a day at work? Dive into East Nashville’s nightlife scene, where you’ll find an array of must-visit spots.
- Beyond the Edge
- Mickey’s Tavern
- The Red Door Saloon East
- Urban Cowboy Public House
- Cobra Nashville
Touted as “Nashville’s neighborhood sports bar”, this establishment offers 25 beers on tap – from local, craft, and seasonal to high alcohol and traditional varieties. This locally owned bar and grill airs all major sports on over 30 HD televisions sets. These ensure you catch every game, whether it’s basketball, baseball, football, tennis, and more.
This non-smoking bar has a foosball, pool table, darts, and an eye-catching jukebox. Want to drink al fresco? You can socialize and enjoy a refreshing drink on their deck. The bar offers a great selection of beers on tap and serves cocktails mixed with premium spirits like Maker’s Mark and Corsair gin.
Located in the historic Five Points district, this saloon is only a few miles from the Titans’ home stadium and close to an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. The establishment boasts a large patio, TVs tuned to sports coverage, and the most extensive drink menu in town.
This local watering hole is all about delicious cocktails, mouthwatering food, and laid-back hospitality. The venue offers a comfortable indoor table seating and an outdoor space enclosed for privacy and noise control. The outdoor area has a fireplace, with plenty of chairs and benches, making it an inviting place to enjoy a drink.
Enjoy the vibrant bar scene with live music in Cobra Nashville, an ideal spot for unwinding and discovering new musical talent. Apart from the nightly live music, the venue includes a game room with billiards, arcade games, and pinball, plus darts in the main bar. Drinking outside is no problem as the bar has front and rear outdoor decks and a spacious courtyard.
DISCOVER YOUR DREAM HOME IN EAST NASHVILLE, TN
There’s a ton of rich cultural traditions and a distinctly modern quirk in East Nashville. If a lively community embracing diverse backgrounds is for you, then East Nashville is for you.
Explore the possibilities of living here with me, Tim Boyls. As a seasoned Realtor in East Nashville, I excel in finding the right neighborhood for my clients. My years of experience has enabled me to bring you the best deal, whether you’re buying or selling your property. Trust a friendly, reliable expert to help you achieve your real estate goals.
Contact me, Tim Boyls, at 317.616.8016 or send me an email to get started.