🛍️ See you on 2nd Avenue this Small Business Saturday
Presented by Nashville Downtown Partnership
Rediscover the dozens of boutiques, artisan gift shops, restaurants, and bars on historic Second Avenue. | Photos via Nashville Downtown Partnership
Think back: When’s the last time you strolled 2nd? Today on Small Business Saturday, Nashvillians are invited to rediscover the charm and history of Second Avenue.
Known as “the birthplace of Nashville,” this beloved corridor of downtown (from Broadway to Union Street) has a rich history with original buildings still standing since the early 1800s.
In recent history, the historic street has weathered its share of storms, from the challenges of the 2020 Christmas Day bombing to pandemic closures to ongoing construction. Despite it all, Second Avenue remains home to some of the city’s most beloved small businesses. Today, reconstruction of the public streetscape is underway for a reimagined district.
So now, it’s time to “Turn the Corner” and support the resilient businesses that bring life and character to our city.
How to rediscover 2nd Avenue today:
Shop small, shop local. Every dollar spent here supports the restoration, growth, and preservation of an area that’s central to Nashville’s heritage — as well as contributing to Nashville’s local economy. Shop local businesses for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from handmade jewelry and cowboy boots to artisan chocolates.
Appreciate historic + hidden gems: For a shopping break, grab a tucked-away seat at the breezeway in Butler’s Run with a warming coffee or sweet treat, and soak in the rich history surrounding you. Take a moment to admire the historic architecture of Nashville’s past.
Dine and delight: Plan a post-shopping dinner or drinks stop with friends to celebrate the season. From taco spots to Western watering holes, the many restaurants + bars offer a vibe for whatever you’re feeling. Maybe even catch some karaoke.
Shop Small Holiday Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Golden Slipper | Cost of purchase | The 9th annual shopping extravaganza takes over Madison Street with 50 vendors, photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a holiday wreath station, and a hot chocolate + coffee bar.
Glow in the Park Season Finale | 5-9 p.m. | The Adventure Park at Nashville | $47 | Zip and climb under neon lights to end the park’s season on a high note.
Sunday, Dec. 1
Breakfast with Santa | 10 a.m. | Grand Hyatt Nashville | $45 | The breakfast buffet offers fluffy pancakes, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and sweet holiday treats — plus, Santa hosts a storytime.
Holiday Rooftop Movies | 7 p.m. | The Hampton Social | $14 | Kick off the series with a showing of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and enjoy extended happy hour specials.
Friday, Dec. 6
Kacey Musgraves | Friday, Dec. 6-Saturday, Dec. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $58+ | The seven-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter makes a stop on her “Deeper Well” tour with support from Lord Huron + Nickel Creek.
Saturday, Dec. 7
West Nashville Art Crawl | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sylan Park and Richland/West End neighborhoods | Free | Take a self-guided tour of 12 stops showcasing pottery, paintings, jewelry, textiles, and more from 23 participating artists.
It would cost you nearly $50,000 to buy all the gifts from the “12 Days of Christmas” — up 3.6% from last year. Or you could just peruse our gift guide. Sorry, no partridges in pear trees here. (Tegna)
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Ranked
Retirees welcome. Nashville is the No. 41 top place to retire, at least according to a study by US News & World Report. Check out some of our favorite activities for retired locals.
Civic
There will be at least 23 women serving in the Tennessee Legislature — up by three people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
City Guide
City Guide
🚗 Park it at a Nashville museum
Take a tour of Lane Motor Museum. | Courtesy of Lane Motor Museum
Museums are the cultural hubs of Nashville. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Music City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 18 museums to visit.
Lane Motor Museum, 702 Murfreesboro Pk. | Try This: $10 vault tours on weekends give a glimpse of off-display cars stored below the museum.
Tennessee Central Railway Museum, 220 Willow St. | The hobby shop is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those interested in model trains, accessories, and supplies.
Tennessee Agricultural Museum, 404 Hogan Rd. | There are over 3,000 artifacts throughout two levels of exhibits, as well as an heirloom garden and historic cabins.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
Pro tip: If you’re searching for even more Small Business Saturday inspo, don’t forget to add a few stops to your route today from one of the 300+ local spots our Instagram followers suggested.
