“Anywhere that isn’t a chain,” my mother used to say.
The phrase was always unleashed every time our family agonized over the decision of where to go out for dinner. No matter the occasion, she always reminded us: “We should support independent restaurants.”
It annoyed me back then, but today I find myself saying the same exact thing.
As a small business owner, I take pride in supporting the hardworking “little guys” who work so tirelessly to make an impact in their community and fulfill their passions all the while.
With Small Business Saturday fast approaching and the holiday season hot on its trail, we thought we’d share a list of our favorite small, local businesses perfect for crossing items off your Christmas list.
Whether you’re in need of a thoughtful gift for someone you love or are hoping to find a special treat for yourself, these ten spots should be your very first stops!
1. The Shop at Thistle Farms
(Sylvan Park) One of Nashville’s most beloved non-profits, Thistle Farms gives a second chance to women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction by providing them with a place to live, meaningful work, and a lifelong network of sisterhood and support. In addition to their humanitarian work, the organization sell delicious bath, body, and home products, as well as jewelry, clothing and other gift-worthy treasures -- all of which are produced by the very women that the organization supports. Everything is available for purchase either from their website, from their brick-and-mortar shop on Charlotte Pike, or from a whole slew of gift shops around town. Best of all, these gifts go much further than simply warming the hearts of the ones you love; they give back to the women who made them.
2. The Belcourt Theatre
(Hillsboro Village) Give the gift of a movie at The Belcourt! This Nashville landmark has recently become my husband’s and my favorite theater for a classic dinner-and-a-movie date night. An independent theater as it is, The Belcourt Theatre shows plenty of independent films, but also gets their hands on major blockbusters, as well. We love grabbing an early dinner in Hillsboro Village and then walking to the Belcourt to catch their latest documentary, indie film, foreign film...or really, whatever strikes our fancy. Plus - they offer craft cocktails at the concession stand, and that, my friends, ups the ante!
3. Bare Bones Butcher
(The Nations) Nashville’s best place to buy meat, Bare Bones Butcher has gained notoriety around Music City both for their excellent meats and their unforgettable cheeseburger. The sleek yet modest shop is primarily a whole animal butcher and grocery, but their small dine-in menu of sandwiches and sides have garnered a cult following. Since the holiday season is always marked by good food, we recommend splurging on some of Bare Bones’ meats to make this year’s feasting extra special. Don’t sleep on their house-made sausages, their mind-blowing bacon, and their entire selection of incredible deli meats. And of course make sure to procure a few gorgeous dry-aged steaks or cuts of heritage pork. Gift cards are available, too!
Photo courtesy of Bare Bones Butcher
4. The Goo Goo Shop
(Downtown) Before the likes of Snickers and Twix, The Goo Goo Cluster was America’s first combination candy bar, invented in 1912. Nashville’s Standard Candy Company conceived of the chocolate-covered cluster filled with peanuts, caramel, and marshmallow nougat, and it quickly became a hit. Over a century later, Goo Goos can now be found for sale across the country, but we recommend heading straight to the source to purchase your treats: The Goo Goo Shop. Located just south of Broadway on 3rd Ave, it offers all your favorite Clusters (my favorite is the Peanut Butter Goo Goo!) as well as apparel, housewares, souvenirs and tours of their factory. Better yet, they regularly hold Chocolate Classes so you can learn how to make your own candy confections at home — or give it as a gift to the budding pastry chef in your life.
5. Parnassus Books
(Green Hills) The bookstores of our youth had all but vanished until Parnassus opened its doors in 2011. And thank goodness! There’s something special about going to a real, live bookstore to peruse the aisles, read the back covers, and pick up a fresh new read. We particularly love Parnassus for its section of books dedicated to Nashville authors — talk about a local experience! — and for the variety of events they often host. Whether it’s a book you’re after, or just a memorable afternoon with a loved one, Parnassus is small business we love to support again and again.
6. Abode Mercantile
(East Nashville) If you’re in need of a thoughtful hostess gift or holiday gift, Abode Mercantile should be at the top of your list. We love that it’s a one-stop-shop for all of our local favorite finds like East Nashville Spice Company spices, Thistle Farms’ body and home products, Grounds and Hounds coffee, Olive & Sinclair chocolate and a whole host of other locally owned goodies. And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out all of the other neighboring, locally owned shops within The Shoppes on Fatherland. We love Gift Horse for greeting cards, Follow Me Cheese for a killer cheese board, and Project 615 for trendy Nashville-focused apparel — but the entire block is filled with fabulous, locally-owned businesses.
7. Lemon Laine
(East Nashville)An all natural beauty and wellness shop situated in East Nashville and filled with all sorts of high-end products you can’t wait to try out, Lemon Laine is one of a kind. Hands-down the most unique part of the store, their Oil Bar is second to none. Make an appointment with mom or a girlfriend and sidle up to the Oil Bar, where LL’s baristas will get to know your skin goal and concoct a special oil catered to your needs. Guests are treated to wine during the appointment, and leave with their own 1oz bottle of personalized facial oil when it’s all said and done. The gift of an Oil Bar is like a gift that goes on and on!
Photo courtesy of Lemon Laine
8. Hatch Show Print
(Downtown) If you really want to give someone the gift of Nashville, Hatch Show Print is just about as close as you can get. The letterpress printing company has been around for 140+ years and has been making posters for shows at the famed Ryman Auditorium ever since the get-go. While snagging posters from a concert can prove difficult (you have to get to the Ryman very early!), there are other ways to take home a prized Hatch Show Print: visit their gift shop inside the Country Music Hall of Fame. From prints to tote bags, coffee mugs to ball caps, and of course tickets to tour the shop itself (!), there’s something truly special about gifting a piece of this Nashville landmark.
9. White’s Mercantile
(12 South, Franklin + Green Hills - coming soon) Last but certainly not least, White’s Mercantile is one of our all-time favorite spots to find unique gifts for everyone we love — husbands, fathers, and babies included! Founded and owned by singer/songwriter Holly Williams (country legend Hank Williams Jr.’s daughter), the store is filled with curated items discovered by Holly while touring out on the road. From cookbooks that’ll soon become your right-hand in the kitchen, to the best smelling candle you’ve ever lit, White’s Mercantile offers gifts that are modern, chic, and have just the right amount of country. With locations in 12 South, Downtown Franklin and a Green Hills location coming soon, it couldn’t be easier to stop in and find a treasure at White’s!
10. Poppy & Monroe
(Germantown) While we initially fell in love with Poppy & Monroe due to its primary role as a natural and eco-friendly nail salon, we find more reasons to love it with every visit. Not only is the salon conscientious about their nail services, but they consider the implications of every service they offer, from massage to makeup, skincare to brow shaping. A gift card to Poppy & Monroe would make a fantastic gift for the woman or man in your life, or you could find something personal in their adorable retail boutique, filled with jewelry, beauty products, accessories and more.