By: Greta Hollar

Nashville has so many cool murals around town and over the years has grown exponentially! I always get asked where these murals are located, so when they come visit Nashville they can visit and have a photo taken there themselves. Over the past year, it’s become a goal to have a photo taken or take a photo at each mural. I would be close to done with my list but many times when would catch wind of three or four more and have to go check it out.

So here you have it! All the well-known Nashville murals and the address to find them. If you do visit and take a photo at one of the murals/places below, be sure to tag me -  @greta_hollar! (I’ll also try to update as Nashville grows!)

Thistle Farms in West Nashville off Charlotte Pike

 The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden in East Nashville

“I Believe in Smashville” Mural by DCXV Industries, Bridgestone Arena

Import Flowers Sunflower Mural - On Murphy Road off West End as you hit Sylvan Park on the side of the Import Flowers building

On the other side of Import Flowers

Octopus in East Nashville - 604 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Good Food for Good People Mural - 4611 Alabama Ave

I Believe in Nashville sign by DCXV Industries- Marathon Music Works, Riverside Village on the side of Mitchell’s Deli, & 12 South right next to Edley’s and Draper James


Hillsboro Mural - KayBob’s/Pizza Perfect, Hillsboro Village, 1602 21st Ave. South

Rolf & Daughters Mural in Germantown  |  Artist: Shantell Martin

Dragon Mural in Hillsboro Village (In between Posh and Pangea)
Artists: David Glick and Adam Randolph

East Nashville Sign - Side of the Joyner and Hogan building at 600 Main St

East Nashville Tomato Mural by Eastside Murals - Eastland Avenue

East Nashville Center 615 - 626 Main Street

Charlotte Off the Wall Mural on Charlotte Avenue (across from Avo)
Artist: Seth Prestwood

Angel Wings Mural in the Gulch (it’s in the entrance of a parking garage next to Taziki’s)
Artist: Kelsey Montague

Johnny Cash lyrics mural (on the side of a parking garage on 5th Avenue N. going towards Broadway) | Artist: Niels Shoe Meulman


In front of the mural above, there’s an ally. Take a left and the two murals below are there!  |  Artist: Tavar ‘Above’ Zawacki

 

Artist: Unknown

If you’re going down 6th Avenue North and pass the Hermitage Hotel, the mural below is on the building directly in front of you.
Artist: duo Herakut

After seeing the mural above, keep going down 6th Ave N and turn left onto Church. Almost immediately to your left past Oscar’s Taco Shop is a paid parking lot with the two murals below.
Artist: Curiot

Artist: Rone

Storyville USA off 8 Cannery Row
Artist: Michael Cooper

Directly across the street from the Storyville USA mural is this fun blue mural! If you’re mapping it, 8th Ave S. and Drexel Street.
Artist: Brian Nash

Bird and Guitar Mural on 8th Avenue at Carter Vintage Guitars

This cool game inspired mural is in Wedgewood/Houston (across from Dozen Bakery on 516 Hagan Street).
Artist: Ronzi

In East Nashville Five Points on the other side of the bicycle shop
Artist: Leah Tumerman

In East Nashville Five Points area next to Bongo Java
Artist: Leah Tumerman & Eastside Murals

Three Brothers Coffee on West End Avenue
Artist: DCXV

Found near a parking lot off 3rd Avenue in Downtown Nashville
Artist: Brandon Donahue & Chris Zidek & Emily Miller & Herb Williams & Sam Dunson

The two below can be found at Epice in 12 South
Artist: Unknown

Artist: Relax Max

Wedgehill Market at 600 Benton Ave
Artist: Josh Blevins

Tristar mural in Wedgewood Houston at the corner of Martin Street and Humphrey Street
Artist: Unknown

The two below are at Printers Press
Artist: Brandon Donahue

Artist: Bongang

On Charlotte Pike next to Richland Park
Artist: Unknown

In the Gulch Across from the strip with Apothecary & Taziki’s
Artist: Ian Ross

Artist: Jason Woodside

What’s your favorite local mural? If we missed yours share it in a comment below!

--------------------------------


Greta is a Nashville Native and local blogger. She loves the Nashville Predators, summer nights at SATCO, shopping trips to 12 South and long walks at Richland Park!
Instagram is @greta_hollar
Website is www.gretahollar.com
Email: greta.hollar@gmail.com

------------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

By: Emmanuel LeGrair

Father’s Day is rapidly approaching and if you’re anything like me, you sometimes are stumped when it comes to what to get for the dads on your list. Our fathers are so important to us; so we just can’t just gift the standard tie or socks. In that light, I wanted to share some great places that you could go to depending on the type of dad you’re shopping for. Keep reading and I hope that you find your father in this list! If not, feel free to reach out to me for any further recommendations and assistance!


Photos: @stay__rooted

The Sneakerhead Father – Rooted
For the dad that has a catalog of sneakers, cleans them religiously, and keeps up with the newest releases, Rooted carries high-end streetwear brands such as Saturdays NYC and Stutterheim, as well as many well-known brands such as Adidas and New Balance. With a beautifully designed space and community minded owners, this boutique offers an amazing shopping experience. He’ll be a loyal customer once you tell him where you got his gift.

Photos: @wheatandco

The Explorer Father – Wheat and Company
If your dad is into the Americana-feel, then visit this shop as soon as possible. Notebooks, bags, boots, leather jackets, barber-grade grooming products, and even a leather-sheathed knife are amongst their offerings. They’ll take care of your dad, and while there you can sneak into some of the other shops in the Fatherland District in East Nashville.

Photos: @haymakersnashville

The Modern Sophisticate Father – Haymakers & Company
This shop is perfect for the dad who loves the classics but also enjoys a step outside of the norm for time to time. They carry accessories, shoes, custom suits, suiting separates, other apparel and accessories, and also have an in house master barber (also perfect for the dad that may not be fond of shopping or inefficiency). Barbour, Levi’s Vintage, Alden, Nisolo, and Daniel Wellington, amongst many other reputable brands, can be found here – you’ll be sure to find something that he’ll love.

Photos: @tamethebest

The Bearded Father – Tame the Beast
Nashville boasts some great beards and no one can deny their appeal and the culture surrounding them. However, those beards don’t just “happen,” they take care and a great deal of grooming. Tame the Beast is a great local company that uses natural and organic ingredients in their products for this exact purpose. And don’t worry, even if he does not have a beard, there is an array of grooming products that anyone can use. Help dad tame his inner beast.

Photos: @oakandinkpaper

The Southern Gentleman Father – Oak and Ink
Nothing says that you care more than a hand-written note, and true southern gentlemen know that. This local company specializes in paper products for men and is looking to revive the lost art of stylish, hand-written notes. They have an array of vintage inspired and masculine goods for most any dad on your list.

Photos: @mitchellbatco

The Sporty Father – Mitchell Bat Company
If your dad has an affinity for sports, has a man-cave or office, or just loves baseball, look no further. Mitchell Bat Company creates heritage inspired baseball bats that are hand painted in Nashville. You can choose from standard styles or have bats customized with his favorite team or another logo. They also carry caps, t-shirts, and other goods. Not only that, but portions of the proceeds go to help revive baseball in inner cities through MLB.com/RBI.
 

Photos: @pepper_boxing 

The Fit Father – Pepper Boxing
If the dad on your is always looking for new challenges, look no further. A fitness facility opening in Green Hills, Pepper Boxing, is one of the newest editions to group fitness. They’ve created a full-body workout incorporating high-intensity rounds of shadowboxing, heavy bag work, and body-weight exercises. Founded by master trainer Alexander Kaufman, the dad on your list is sure to have a great experience here.

Photos: @peternappi +  @nisoloshoes

The Father that Loves Fine Shoes and Leathergoods – Peter Nappi & Nisolo
I could not decide on just one shop for this category. Both shops, located in Germantown and East Nashville, respectively, boast amazing products and stories. If the dad on your list is a stickler for quality, then I guarantee that you’ll find something for him at these stores.

Photos: @theoxfordshopnashville 

The Father About Business – The Oxford Shop
Located in Green Hills, this shop offers classic pieces that every man can use in their wardrobe. Steeped in a long history within the Nashville community, the shop caters to the discerning eye that craves luxury and quality. They boast generations of returning clients in a low-pressure atmosphere. If your dad is about traditional menswear, this may be your ticket.

Photos: @oliveandsinclair

Bonus: The Father with the Sweet Tooth – Olive and Sinclair
If your dad is anything like mine, he loves a good bit of sweets – and my dad loves Olive and Sinclair. Another local sensation that specializes in locally ground chocolates and their popular caramels. Perhaps use these as a primer for the rest of the gifts, a bit of dessert after dinner (that he will likely pay for), or before you have to break some bad news to him.

 -----------------------------------------------

A native of Akron, Ohio, Emmanuel is now a resident of Nashville, Tennessee. He moved to Nashville to pursue a Masters in Education in Leadership and Organizational Performance from Vanderbilt and completed the degree in 2015. As a former teacher, non-profit leader, and one who has experienced a great deal of personal change, he brings his keen sense of style and combines it with his passion for helping others develop, gain confidence, and find their path through his blog, The Better Manual. Emmanuel also works as a consultant and professional vocalist.
Website: https://www.thebettermanual.co
Instagram: @thebettermanual

By: Deane Bowers

You do not want to miss the 43rd Annual American Artisan Festival on Father's Day Weekend June 16-18. Think about that for a second: 43 YEARS! “Longevity” and “art festivals” don’t often appear in the same sentence. That Nashville has supported the American Artisan Festival for 43 years speaks volumes about the Nashville community, about the art, and about the creative force that brought it all together. As a first-time participant coming from Charleston, South Carolina, I was curious to learn more about the Show and its history. After interviewing several local Nashville artists, as well as the Festival Director, Samantha Saturn, I now understand why this Show embraces the heart and creative soul of Nashville.

Pictures of Artwork from participating artists

To appreciate the American Artisan Festival, you need to know more about its founder, Nancy Saturn. Nancy Saturn founded the show in 1971 with the concept and mission of bringing the entire Nashville community together in a free family-friendly event to celebrate American handcrafts. Her novel idea was to provide a venue where the public could connect directly with the artist and experience first hand the magic and beauty of their creative process. She made art accessible to all by breaking down barriers and cultivating these relationships. This still remains the mission, some 43 years later.

Newspaper clipping of Nancy Saturn upon opening The American Artisan Gallery in Nashville. 

As one of Nashville's first gallery owners, Nancy Saturn saw art as the special fabric of this city and valued its beauty, function, and ability to unite people. Nancy was a collector, a promoter, an educator and an ambassador to the visual arts community in Nashville. The American Artisan Festival, which was an offspring of her American Artisan Gallery grew out of Nancy's early love for Appalachian Crafts which evolved into a passion for National Crafts. As a National Craft Retailer, Nancy traveled the country meeting and discovering new artists and celebrating their craftsmanship. Nancy Saturn sadly passed away in 2009, but her creative spirit and foresight still resonate throughout the Nashville community.


Nancy Saturn, her husband Alan Saturn and Samantha Saturn

Nancy’s daughter Samantha Saturn now leads the effort with the goal of having a “43-year-old brand new show!” Samantha got her start working alongside her mother and remembers working in every aspect of the show from booth sitting for artists to running the Coke booth with her high school friends back in the 80's. Over the past two decades, Samantha became more and more involved with all aspects of running this event and has loved immersing herself in everything related to the Festival. It was a gradual and natural partnering working side by side with her Mother as she learned the fundamentals. From traveling around the country to other craft shows to meeting new artists, to being exposed to the operational side of this event, Saturn has developed an exemplary skill set over the past 20 years.

The American Artisan Festival is synonymous with Centennial Park and will be making its return to the Park after a four-year break while the Park underwent major renovations. When the Park was unavailable during this period, the Festival did not seek alternative space. In Saturn's eyes, there was no alternative space to Centennial Park. Saturn adds, "Bringing back the Festival is about celebrating the mission my mother Nancy Saturn set forth as a pioneer and art advocate. She showed all of us that connecting with artists, learning about their process and collecting their work feeds the soul."  Saturn believes the Nashville art scene has experienced a creativity explosion over the past decade and the arts are electrifying and energizing the community like never before. The American Artisan Festival was here at the beginning but is excited to be a part of this new energy and to welcome 150 fine art and contemporary craft artists from around the country representing the highest quality of work including painting, photography, mixed media, garden sculpture, ceramics, glass, wood, furniture, metal, jewelry, wearables and so much more. It is Saturn's hope that this will be an easy, lovely, family oriented day in the Park that will offer something for everyone.  In addition to presenting the best fine art and contemporary American handcrafts, this year's Festival will also feature great music by some of Nashville's most talented musicians presented by SESAC, free children's art activities and fantastic food, beer and wine offerings. This event is free to the public and is visited by more than 30,000 local residents and tourists each year.



Some of Deane Bowers artwork

And speaking of creative energy and legacies, the Festival will blend the traditions Saturn's mother created with exciting new elements such as a site-specific art installation entitled GROW LOVE which is an 80ft labyrinth in the shape of a Magnolia Flower (the Magnolia was one of Nancy Saturn's favorite trees and is a primary tree around Centennial Park). This will connect the Festival to the Parthenon and be a way for visitors to walk this work of art and collectively connect to art as a community as well. The way the Artisan booths and the performance areas have been laid out will feel like taking a walk through an enchanted forest and festival goers will experience the Park and the Pantheon in a whole new way. On the hill under the shade of the trees, there will be an entire area designated especially for the kids with several children's art booths including ceramics, crafts, story hours and face painters to captivate even the most energetic little ones.

Nancy Saturn, the founder of the American Artisan Festival was the Sun that shown brightly on this Festival, but her daughter, Samantha is Saturn. The planet Saturn is known for its beautiful rings and is the only planet with this unique feature. And like the beautiful rings around Saturn, The American Artisan Festival will feel like a beautiful, supportive, inclusive, creative ring around Nashville.

I am certain this will be one of the most positive, uplifting experiences I have ever had as an Artist! I am honored to be a part of this amazing celebration and I know I will feel the warmth and energy of both the Sun and Saturn all weekend long!

---------------------------------------------

Deane Bowers is an Environmental Folk Artist whose work transforms dull, broken and discarded material into bright, colorful, Eco-Friendly Art. Her joy comes from finding each individual artifact and unleashing its potential by assembling unrelated elements into a cohesive whole. The excitement and creative challenge is using ordinary items and giving them artistic relevance that is completely different from their original purpose.

Website: DeaneVBowersArt.com 
Instagram: @DeaneVBowersArt
Facebook: DeaneVBowersArt
Twitter: @DeaneVBowers

 ---------------------------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

By: Rebecca Griffin

Let's start by rewinding back twenty-something years ago to when I was growing up and listening to legendary country music artists on repeat. My dad recorded cassette tapes (yes those existed) for me with countless great songs by The Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Rascal Flatts and so many more talented artists. I can still remember sitting in his truck waiting for what seemed like hours on end just to hear my favorite songs like I Hope You Dance or This Kiss. Now we can just YouTube songs, but there was something so special about waiting to hear a song you love and basking in the moment when it finally came on the radio. Nashville is a city that preserves deeply rooted country music history. It's a city that where the locals make you feel welcome, where the young and hungry never stop performing their songs in bars in hopes to be the next Faith Hill or Keith Urban. It's a city of hope and promise, and I absolutely love it. 

Hopefully, by now you're convinced Nashville is the best city to ever exist. Whether you are or you aren't, I’ll tell you about some of the must-see places to further your interest in the music city. America runs off of coffee, right? I mean, we are all just zombies until we have that first, or second, cup in the morning, right? I have to say that yes, Fido is very popular and can get super crowded, but it completely lives up to its reputation. The lattes are so rich and, bonus, they do latte art, for all you avid coffee drinkers that want a little extra. The food they offer truly is for everyone, as they offer savory food for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Equally as great cafes include Barista Parlor and Frothy Monkey which offer local espresso in hip coffeehouses. 


Photo credit: Barista Parlor @jillianskrillian  |  Fido @itsruhbecca

So now that you've had your morning coffee in a local coffee joint, or maybe you're taking your coffee to go, where to now? I love to walk around Nashville as it has both busy city life on Broadway and relaxed walking areas near Hillsboro Village. For the type that enjoys quiet, relaxed vibes, I suggest taking a stroll through the shops near Fido. There's clothing stores like Posh Boutique and United Apparel Liquidators. A Village of Flowers is a floral shop you have to step in and take in the beautiful fresh cut flowers and snap a quick Instagram picture since it's so breathtakingly beautiful. This little cluster of shops has lunch places too in case you get caught up shopping for hours and get hungry. We've all been there! For a quick bite, there's Provence Breads & Cafe which has the best selection of soup, sides, and sandwiches. You can create your own unique combination or anything your heart desires. Now since you're satisfied as far as food goes, I suggest walking down a little and enjoying the beautiful Vanderbilt campus as it offers beautiful walking paths and shade trees. And, since we're all avid country music fans here, take a look at Taylor Swift's Nashville penthouse which is on 900 20th Avenue South, on the corner of 20th Ave S and Chet Atkins Place. I'm still convinced she should've stayed with producing and singing country music. 


Photo Credit: @itsruhbecca | @avillageofflowers

Of course you can't go to Nashville and not see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. On the main level there is Hatch Show Print where you can tour the print shop and make make your own print for just $15. Inside the museum itself (discounted tickets start at 4pm), on display are the outfits of singers like Miranda Lambert, Shania Twain, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, and so many more. The museum offers a makeshift tourbus where you can record yourself singing to a selection of country songs and play it back for a good laugh, which you have to try. Also on display there are countless records mounted on the walls, as well as the Taylor Swift Education Center featuring outfits she wore on the 1989 Tour, and old cars country music stars like Johnny Cash used to ride in way back in the day. Speaking of Mr. Johnny Cash, make sure to visit his cafe and museum which is off Broadway on 3rd Avenue South. I promise you'll get Burning Ring of Fire stuck in your head! But you'll also get a good bit to eat, and get a nice look inside his museum if you so choose. 


Photo credit: @itsruhbecca  |  @hatchshowprint

Equally as famous is the Grand Ole Opry. Unlike the Country Music Hall of Fame which gets changed up every now and then, the Grand Ole Opry pretty much stays the same, but you have to see it because you get an exclusive look inside famous country music stars dressing rooms and get to walk across the Grand Ole Opry stage at the end of the tour and get your picture taken. The Opry features performances by country music stars several days of the week, where you're likely to see performers like Brad Paisley, Old Dominion, Terri Clark, and so many more. Plus, you should get a coupon offering you a discount on a visit to the Ryman Auditorium which is where the Grand Ole Opry first began.
 

For those into checking out potential emerging artists, try and get a spot at the infamous Bluebird Cafe. The small cafe has become more popular than anyone ever saw coming and is a bit of a ride from downtown Nashville, but it certainly lives up to its reputation. With nightly performances by upcoming artists, be sure to make a reservation and get there early. It's difficult to get a seat inside, but it's one of those places you definitely have to see in Nashville. It's where anyone who wants to be a musician performs it seems. Of course, if you can't get a spot inside the Bluebird Cafe, take your pick among endless bars down Broadway. With places like WannaB's that offer a signup for singing karaoke, Tequilla Cowboy, and Big Bang Nashville, you'll have the entire night to sing, dance, drink, and enjoy Nashville's nightlife. For more of a more relaxed nightlife setting, check out the quirky Greenhouse Bar which exists in an actual greenhouse! There's also UP, which is a rooftop lounge offering signature cocktails where you can view the skyline while sipping out of copper mule mugs. What an absolute dream. 


Photo credit: @uprooftoplounge  |  @itsruhbecca

Nashville truly is a city that has so much to offer. The city has both vintage, country roots and modern livelihood, which makes it the optimal city to visit in light of your taste. With endless shops, museums, eateries, and city views, the convivial city of Nashville offers the best disposition you could hope for. Be sure to check out these places whether you're a local looking to explore new places or a first-time visitor hoping to see the best Nashville has to offer. Nashville has even more to offer, but these are some of my favorites that I think are worth putting at the top of your list.

-----------------------------


Rebecca Grifin is an adventurer at heart who loves to travel, drink strong coffee, and write blog posts. As a soon-to-be college graduate, she's looking to work for an interesting company that allows her to creatively write amazing content. In a dream, she would be a freelance travel blogger who explores countless cities from the depths of Australian beaches to ancient ruins of Rome. Apart from traveling and writing, she's into wellness, supporting local communities, and living a happy, modern lifestyle.

Instagram: @itsruhbecca
Email: rebeccaleagriffin@gmail.com
Website: http://sandbtravels.wixsite.com/home/blog

-----------------------------
Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.

 

By: Kelsey Smith

It’s 10am on a Monday morning and you’re sitting in a coffee shop. Or maybe you’re standing and staring hardcore at people wanting them to get up from their spot so you can take it. Welcome to Nashville. We are not a normal community of people.

Photo credit: The Well @wellcoffeehouse

Going to brunch on a weekday is almost just as crowded as on the weekend. Coffee shops are packed in the middle of the afternoon. There is no rhyme or reason to when there will be traffic. There are coffee shops with multiple locations around town (and I’m not just talking about Starbucks here.) Why is this? Freelancers. We are taking over the town.

Photo credit: The Jam Coffee House @thejamcoffeehouse

As an independent contractor in the music industry, I don’t have a normal schedule. This morning I got off a tour bus at 7am and then went to my part time job at a children’s boutique at 11am. During the week I can go grab coffee with a friend at 10am or 2pm. I can sleep until noon and not feel (too) bad about it. I can run errands all day long or do absolutely nothing at all.

While this all sounds glamorous, it’s not always all it’s cracked up to be. After about 3-5 days of this, it can get incredibly boring and lonely. You begin to sleep too much because you are bored and have nothing better to do. You have to purposely spread your errands out so you can make sure to leave the house and see the sunshine. This also means you don’t know when or where your next paycheck is coming from. Can you afford to eat out or do you need to make a sandwich at home? Side note: my pantry contains ramen, pasta, and mac & cheese, so it’s like I’m back in college.


Photo credit: BOX @boxnashville

But you know what’s wonderful? I’m not alone. I could find a handful of people in whatever coffee shop I’m at and they’re in the same boat. Nashville is pretty big on community, and I love that. Creative Souls Tribe has been a great place to meet other like-minded women pursuing their creative talents and passions. Young Entertainment Professionals is also a good resource for networking and job opportunities. Known is an excellent place for women of all ages to come together and grow in community.

When you have people around you who understand your lifestyle, it makes it so much easier. Nashville is full of wonderful people with interesting and unique jobs, and we need to build each other up and embrace our crazy lifestyles.

-----------------------------------

Kelsey is one of those people that will tell you Texas is the best state and Nashville is the best city. You can find her touring on the road (selling t-shirts or being a PA) or at a local coffee shop (most likely The Well) hanging out with friends. 

Instagram: @riotkelsey
Email: kelseymariah14@gmail.com

---------------------------------

Interested in writing a blog post for The Nashville Guide? Apply here.