Nashville Like a Local: Insider Tips Beyond the Country Music Scene

First rule of Nashville like a local: get yourself across the Cumberland River to East Nashville. This neighborhood is where the city's creative pulse truly beats.

Last October, I had a three-day layover between hauls and spent most of it in this area. Five Points is the heart of it all—grab breakfast at the Pharmacy Burger (yes, they do breakfast and it's chef's kiss). Then spend the morning browsing through High Class Hillbilly for vintage western wear that puts the tourist shops to shame. The owner, Nikki Lane, is also a badass musician who knows her vintage denim.

For lunch, hit up The Basement East (locals call it 'The Beast')—not just for shows but their stellar food truck rotation. If you're into vinyl, The Groove Records is mandatory—I found a rare Japanese pressing of a Kraftwerk album that's now proudly displayed in my cab during long hauls.

As evening approaches, Rosemary & Beauty Queen is your spot—a cocktail bar in an old Victorian house where the bartenders mix drinks that'll make you forget you ever ordered a basic Jack and Coke. Their outdoor patio with string lights is perfect for fall evenings when you need to wear your chunky knit cardigan and sip something crafty.

Forget what you think you know about Nashville's music scene. While tourists flock to Broadway's honky-tonks, the real sonic adventures happen in warehouses and converted industrial spaces across the city.

My favorite spot is The Cannery Ballroom complex, which includes Mercy Lounge and The High Watt. This trio of venues hosts everything from techno DJs to experimental electronic acts. During my last run through Nashville, I caught a Berlin-based producer who turned the place into something that felt more like Berghain than Tennessee.

For the true underground experience, follow local promoters like DRKMTTR Collective on Instagram—they host pop-up electronic shows in ever-changing locations. These aren't advertised widely, which is exactly why they're amazing. Last fall, I ended up at a warehouse party near Wedgewood-Houston where a local techno collective had set up a sound system that would rival anything I've experienced in Detroit or Chicago.

Pro tip: Nashville's electronic scene runs late, so make sure you've got your portable phone charger fully juiced. Nothing worse than missing the afterparty address because your phone died at 2am. And if you're serious about the music, pack your earplugs – these have saved my hearing through countless sets while still letting the music come through crystal clear.

Listen up, fashion hunters—Nashville's vintage scene is FIRE, but you gotta know where to look. Skip the overpriced "curated vintage" spots downtown that charge $200 for a basic denim jacket.

My route always starts at Pre to Post Modern in Hillsboro Village. This place is a treasure trove of mid-century furniture, vinyl, and clothing that spans decades. The owner, Geff, has an eye like no other. Last time I was there, I scored a 70s jumpsuit that's become my go-to for nights out between long hauls.

For the serious diggers, Hip Zipper in East Nashville requires patience but rewards with authentic pieces at prices that won't make you weep. Their collection of band tees is particularly stellar—I found an original Joy Division shirt that's now my lucky driving shirt.

The true hidden gem, though, is The Basement Vintage, tucked under another shop in 12 South. It's literally underground, which keeps the tourists away. Their selection of vintage boots would make any country star jealous. I picked up a pair of red cowboy boots that have walked through truck stops in 38 states now.

Before you hit the vintage circuit, I recommend wearing your crossbody bag to keep your hands free for serious rack-digging. And bring a garment steamer back to your hotel—most vintage places don't have fitting rooms, so you'll want to freshen those finds before wearing them out.

When I'm hauling through Tennessee, the CB radio chatter is always about where to eat. But forget the tourist BBQ joints—Nashville's market scene is where the real flavors are at.

The Nashville Farmers' Market is open year-round, but fall is prime time. The indoor section houses incredible international food stalls—my regular order is the Venezuelan arepas followed by Turkish coffee that'll keep you wired better than any truck stop coffee ever could. The outdoor farm sheds on weekends showcase local produce that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about tomatoes.

For couples looking for a unique date experience, Richland Park Farmers' Market (Saturdays 9am-12pm) is smaller but incredibly curated. Grab a fresh pastry from Dozen Bakery, some local cheese, and a bottle of Tennessee wine for an impromptu picnic at the adjacent park.

My secret weapon for Nashville food exploration is the East Nashville Night Market (monthly on first Fridays). Local vendors set up food stalls alongside craft artisans, and the whole vibe is magical. Bring your insulated wine tumbler because many vendors offer wine samples but the cups they provide are flimsy.

For a truly local experience, hit up Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville. It started as a food truck and now has a permanent location that still feels deliciously divey. Their elote (Mexican street corn) paired with a fried avocado taco is what I dream about on long interstate stretches.

One of my favorite ways to spend a Nashville weekend morning is what I call the Coffee & Vinyl Crawl. This little self-guided tour will have you feeling like a local in no time.

Start at Barista Parlor in East Nashville—yes, it's hipster central, but their bourbon vanilla latte is worth every penny of the $6 you'll drop on it. The warehouse vibe with motorcycle displays matches perfectly with their seriously good coffee. They also serve a bacon biscuit that's gotten me through many a hangover after late-night sets.

With caffeine in your system, head over to Grimey's New & Preloved Music. This record store is an institution—I've spent hours digging through their electronic and experimental sections. The staff actually knows their stuff and won't judge you for your taste (unlike some pretentious vinyl shops I could name). They often have listening stations set up where you can preview before you buy.

Next, walk a few blocks to Third Man Records, Jack White's yellow-and-black temple to vinyl. Even if you're not into his music, the place is an experience—they have a recording booth where you can press your own vinyl, vintage listening booths, and the most beautiful record pressing facility you'll ever see through their viewing window.

Finish your crawl at Living Waters Brewing, a coffee shop by day and natural wine bar by night. Their pour-over coffee is meticulous, and the space is filled with plants and good vibes. I always bring my reusable coffee mug on these crawls to cut down on waste and keep my coffee at the perfect temperature between stops.