12 South’s Wanna Spoon isn’t just a cereal bar — there’s ice cream, coffee, and s’mores kits, too. | Photo by NASHtoday
As part of Small Business Week, we invited business owners to share their favorite local spots. Thanks to their recommendations, we’re sharing this community-powered list of restaurants, shops, and services straight from the folks who know the small business scene best.
Feast on local faves
“Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar for supporting other businesses and using its space for markets.” — Tapered Threads
“The City Juicery is a go-to spot for fresh, cold-pressed juices made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Their commitment to health and wellness shines through in every bottle.” — Te’Miyah Gray, Cosmic Cleaning
Visit Killjoy to find the ingredients for the Summer Sparkler, one of the beverages made in our mocktail series. | Photo by NASHtoday
Try a little retail therapy
“Killjoy, N.B. Goods, Lolu, Kinda Collected, and Subliminal Coffee are all brands we’ve collaborated with. They are all invested in their communities.” — The Exchange Running Collective
“Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique. They’re in Germantown, and it’s half boutique and half antiques with ~25+ vendors. So it’s a TON of micro businesses within another small business!” — Kara Tyler, Juniper & Co. Coffee & Tea
Opening Day: Hip Donelson Farmers Market | 4-7 p.m. | Donelson Station | Free+ | Shop local produce and artisan goods + snack on food from Bag Lady’s Fry Joint.
Saturday, May 10
Summer Annuals Plant Sale | Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Cheekwood | Cost of admission | Take home your favorite varieties in colors ranging from warm pinks and lilacs to vibrant oranges and reds.
Strawberry Jubilee Festival | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Nashville Farmers Market | Free+ | Watch cooking demonstrations and shop strawberry-themed specials in the Market House and farm sheds.
API Market | 2-6 p.m. | Fait la Force Brewing | Free+ | Pick up items from local vendors and enjoy snacks and drinks — a portion of proceeds will support API Middle Tennessee.
Sunday, May 11
Mother Mia Boozy Disco Brunch | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Stateside Kitchen | Cost of purchase | Dance the day away at this brunch service featuring disco hits and cocktails.
Mother’s Day High Tea | 10 a.m. | White Limozeen | $85 | Enjoy a rooftop tea service with a variety of sips and tea sandwiches.
Monday, May 12
Nashville Creative Group Art Party | 5-8 p.m. | 100 Taylor | $7 | Join Nashville Creative Group for a night of creativity and networking with snacks and drinks provided.
The Nashville Zoo shared plans for ZooFlora: An Orchid Safari, an immersive walk-through experience featuring over 50 species of orchids and companion plants. The exhibit, which is included with admission from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, July 6, will showcase blooms from around the world.
Quoted
“I’ll be honest with you, I bet we’re closer than people think,” Nashville-based comedian Nate Bargatze told Esquire when asked about building a theme park in Nashville, adding that Nateland is in the “market-analytics phase.” And that’s just one part of his long-term career plans.
Concert
Attention Lorde fans, Nashville is the third stop on her upcoming “Ultrasound” tour. The alt-pop artist will take the stage at The Pinnacle on Saturday, Sept. 20, and tickets go on sale Friday, May 16.
Sports
Nashville SC will host English Premier League club Aston Villa for a summer friendly at GEODIS Park on Saturday, Aug. 2. It’ll be the Boys in Gold’s first match against a team from one of Europe’s “Big Five” leagues. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 16.
Watch
LeAnn Rimes and Kimberly Williams-Paisley joined the cast of “9-1-1: Nashville,” the upcoming spinoff of ABC’s long-running emergency drama. They’ll star alongside previously announced leads Chris O’Donnell and Jessica Capshaw in the show by Ryan Murphy. (Variety)
Announced
Spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are full ahead of Mother’s Day. Luckily for you, we’ve added a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Tech
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Category
Active
🚲 Get ready to roll
Let’s ride. | Photo provided by Walk Bike Nashville
Tour de Nash, the city’s largest urban bike ride, rolls into its 21st year on Saturday, May 17.
While riders can see more of the city on the 25- and 45-mile routes, the free 5-Mile City Tour is recommended for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a fun, relaxed ride during National Bike Month.
Route details
The 5-Mile City Tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and loops around downtown, following the Cumberland River and passing Lower Broadway, the Gulch, and the Tennessee State Capitol. It’s a fully car-free route and winds through a mix of greenways and closed streets. All routes begin and end at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Ready to roll? Make note of the rest stops and FAQs + register by 12 p.m. on Friday, May 16. After the ride, everyone’s invited to the Finish Line Block Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Buy
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. The marketplace features thousands of unique products and gifts, like this etched rolling pin that can transform your homemade baked goods into genuine works of art.
If there’s one thing I’m taking away from Small Business Week, it’s that local small biz owners show up for each other — not just during a designated week, but every day.
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