5 Small Town Shops Worth the Drive from Nashville
Take some time to escape the rush of the city and fall in love with small-town charm. From Columbia to Bell Buckle, TN, check out these five local shops near Nashville!
With fall right around the corner, there’s no better time for an afternoon drive to discover hidden gems in Nashville’s surrounding areas. Among them, you’ll find enchanting antique shops, carefully curated gift shops, and more. Escape the rush of the city and fall in love with small-town charm with these five unforgettable spots from Columbia to Bell Buckle!
Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor
15 Webb Rd E., Bell Buckle, TN 37020 • (931) 389-6549
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Are you ready to feel like you’ve just stepped back in time? Look no further than Bell Buckle, TN, a town as quaint as its name. Bell Buckle is located in Bedford County, TN, with a population of 600 and a downtown that is one of the most historic in the state. A visit to Bell Buckle promises an unforgettable experience as you peruse unique shopping, enjoy local eats, browse antique malls, or attend local crafts festivals.
One must-see stop in the bunch is Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor. This turn-of-the-century soda bar is something out of a movie and showcases homemade waffle cones, hand-dipped ice cream, pies and cakes, caramel corn, and an iconic fried green tomato cheeseburger cooked in a cast iron skillet. The aesthetic of this shop alone is worth the drive.
Loblolly Interior Market Antiques
810 Walker St., Columbia, TN 38401 • (931) 388-4676
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sunday and Monday
Are you daydreaming about being transported to 18th-century Europe? Loblolly Interior Market Antiques can do just that, offering one of the most pristine collections of European antiques in the South. Owner Ellen Calvin began sharing her love of antiques by hosting trunk shows featuring magical pieces from her various travels. That led to the opening of Loblolly Interiors 17 years ago, and it has since become one of the most beloved antique shops in Middle Tennessee. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia, this place will have you believing you’ve been beamed to the Versailles Palace!
Creekside Trading Company
4145 Old Hillsboro Rd., Franklin, TN 37064 • (615) 628-8139
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday
Located in iconic Leipers Fork, Creekside Trading is the kind of store that you’ll have to do several laps around to ensure you do not miss anything. If a store had soul, Creekside Trading certainly has a beautiful one. The shop is adorned with captivating merchandise, including antiques, instruments, home goods, accessories, and even locally made goodies. Keep an eye out for a fun hidden detail — the back porch overlooks a charming creek and scenic nature expanse. Purring about the store are two brother cats named “Bengal” and “Jack,” who love to rub up on customers and beg for treats.
Ye Peddler Gift Shoppe
305 W Eighth St., Columbia, TN 38401 • (931) 388-8888
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m; closed Sunday
If southern charm were a tangible place, it would be the beloved Ye Peddler Gift Shoppe. Their tagline is “Wrapping up happy from our home to yours.” You know that feeling you get when the weather slips beneath 65 degrees, the leaves start to fall, and you rewatch “Gilmore Girls” for the 20th time? If you bottled up that nostalgic, seasonal feeling and created a store, you would have Ye Peddler Gift Shoppe. Set in the most picturesque blue historic cottage home, this hidden gem is an excellent stop for mothers, daughters, and brides-to-be.
In business for over 40 years, Ye Peddler specializes in home and bridal. In fact, it is the most popular bridal boutique in Columbia, Tennessee, and generations of mothers and daughters have used the shop to build their wedding registries. This one-of-a-kind boutique has the most exceptional staff of ladies who prioritize the customer’s needs over the sale. They even offer complimentary gift wrapping. Whether you’re a bride, a tourist, or a local needing a gift, shopping at Ye Peddler is an unforgettable experience filled with whimsical charm.
Moss & Embers Home Decorum
2100 TN-96, Burns, TN 37029 • (615) 375-8060
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday through Wednesday
Out of the pandemic rubble, one brave woman decided to pursue a lifelong interior design passion and start her dream shop. Karen and her husband, Dan, left careers in healthcare to create Moss & Embers Home Decorum, a store that celebrates individuality. The couple used their quarantine period wisely, building a store that does not feel rushed or cliché. Instead, Moss and Embers is an intentional and authentic home store that showcases timeless furniture, home decor, textiles, and lighting fixtures that can meet anyone at their price point. The store’s focal point is a working kitchen that Karen and Dan insisted on, complete with a farm sink, kitchen island, and stove. Get ready for a shopping experience that feels like you’ve fallen into a home design magazine!
Enjoy your shopping endeavors! All photography by Madison Rose Lovely unless otherwise noted.
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