The enterprising mix of restaurants, shops, galleries, bars and attractions in East Nashville is a byproduct of the creative locals who call the eastside home. With nearly 10 pocket neighborhoods within East Nashville, it is far from homogeneous. Each corner has something different to offer, and today, we take a look at what you’ll find at the corner of Porter Road and Eastland Avenue. A center created by what is now Urban Housing Solutions, the Shops at Porter East is home to 14 incubator spaces designed to foster neighborhood retail business. There are 14 shops and restaurants (plus a Montessori school and law firm) that have moved into this bustling center to bring the neighborhood some diverse options for shopping and eating. Any one of these local businesses is reason enough to visit the Shops at Porter East.
The Shops at Porter East
Amelia Styles
737 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 852-6820
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Founded in 2016, Amelia Styles started online and opened in the Shops at Porter East in February of last year. The brick-and-mortar space is a collection of clothing, accessories and gifts curated by owner Amelia Burnett. The clothing covers a range of styles and price points, making it a destination for all women looking to spruce up their style. Stop by to see what Amelia has in store!
Freshen up your wardrobe with fashionable pieces. Image: Shop Amelia Styles
Apple & Oak
717 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 568-8633
Hours: Sunday and Monday, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You may have heard recent news of Apple & Oak‘s new Hillsboro location, but did you know they are still open in the Shops at Porter East? Apple & Oak has been an East Nashville neighborhood staple since 2015. Their selection of home decor is sure to excite any homeowner. The one-of-a-kind rugs are our favorite items for sale at this spunky little shop, but you will find everything from vintage furniture to neon signs.
Apple & Oak is well-known for their wide selection of rugs. Image: Apple & Oak
BMerin Salon Barber Shop
703 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 579-6160
BMerin Salon was the first business to open in the Shops at Porter East and has been servicing the community ever since. With eight years of business under their belts, the salon is more than equipped to handle your hair needs. Call owner Becky Merin to learn more about what they offer and when you can make an appointment.
Dirty Livin’
725 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Tuesday, noon to 6 p.m.; Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Dirty Livin’ hosted their grand opening last March and opened their doors to shoppers looking for custom tees, denim and vintage and new pieces. An expert at pairing the old with the new, owner Gina Swanson will be more than happy to help you create the perfect look.
Spunky finds will help you jazz up your look. Image: Dirty Livin’
Hummingbird Cracker Co.
707 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (629) 888-3855
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To eliminate waste from leftover pulp when making fresh vegetable juice, founder Krista Francis formed the idea for Hummingbird Cracker Co. Today, the snacks are made with real ingredients, such as organic flax seeds, organic carrot pulp, organic maple syrup, raw walnuts, unsweetened raisins, unsweetened coconut flakes, pink Himalayan salt and cinnamon. The gluten-free, vegan snacks come in two flavors: carrot cake and fiesta. At the shop, you can also find fresh juice and other healthy treats. Plus, Hummingbird Cracker Co. supports the graduates of Mercy Multiplied, a women’s recovery ministry.
Healthy snacks abound — kale chips include! Image: Hummingbird Cracker Co
Hunter & June
727 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Hunter & June is a dog lover’s paradise. Everything you need for your pup can be found in these four small walls. Started by Pete and Kalina Stormer, Hunter & June was formed out of frustration at the lack of well-crafted pet products. There you can find collars, leashes and toys in the cutest styles. Plus, there are fun home decor pieces, too.
Dog lovers will feel right at home. Image: Hunter & June
KOKOS Ice Cream
729 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 270-9611
Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
We were first introduced to KOKOS dairy-free ice cream when we spotted them popping up around town on their ice cream bike. We were thrilled when they opened a brick-and-mortar location, where you can get your fix of dairy-free ice cream any time you want (or any time Thursday through Sunday, at least!). The sweetest member of the Shops at Porter East family, KOKOS Ice Cream opened in January.
Who knew dairy-free ice cream could be so delicious? Image: KOKOS Artisan Vegan Ice Cream
Lilyan James
711 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 873-0664
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Lilyan James, a local handbag and accessories brand with a “sustainable approach to design,” is the newest resident at the Shops at Porter East. Cut and sewn in the United States, the goods combine modern style with quality craftsmanship. Stop by to see the stunning styles for yourself.
Modern style meets quality craftsmanship. Image: Ashtin Paige
Lucaya Clothing Co
713 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Monday, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Color abounds in this clothing shop at the Shops at Porter East. The selection of boho and beach-style clothing is colorful, comfortable and affordable. Pair your new wares with accessories to complete your look. The racks are filled with a variety of styles so you’re sure to find something you love!
Stylish wares fill the racks of this local boutique. Image: Lucaya Clothing Co.
M. Hair Studio
735 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 920-5273
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This boutique salon features 100% animal cruelty-free and vegan products and provides treatments that range from cuts and coloring to waxing and brow tint. The quality of hair care, plus their love of giving back to the community, makes this a favorite Nashville salon!
Update your ‘do — and feel good about it! Image: M. Hair Studio
Massage East
709 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 545-5536
Book an appointment here.
Kathleen Campbell-Smith is an experienced massage therapist who welcomes you to her relaxing space in the Shops at Porter East. Her understanding of massage as a healing treatment makes her especially good at her job. Choose from hot stone therapy, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, pain relief therapy, Swedish massage, prenatal massage and deep tissue massage and let Kathleen work her magic.
Let yourself relax at Massage East!
Pony Show
723 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Monday, noon to 4 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
Noting themselves as a place to get “gifts for gals + pals,” Pony Show invites you to stop by to check out their selection of female-made products, vintage items, t-shirts, prints and art. Owner Pippin Chapman has a knack for curating and creating items you won’t find everywhere else.
You never know what you’ll find at Pony Show! Image: Pony Show
Pomodoro East
701 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 873-4978
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wood-fired ovens make this hip venue a cozy choice when temperatures drop, and the inviting deck is ideal for savoring Italian bites on summer nights. Pomodoro East draws diners with great wines and rustic dishes. We especially love the happy hour menu — a great way to sample their innovative fare. But the comfortable restaurant is also great for the whole family with pizzas and pastas to please everybody.
Pizza, please!
Related: East Nashville Eats: 80+ East Nashville Restaurants by Neighborhood
The Terminal Cafe
733 Porter Road, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 930-0985
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Small but mighty, this neighborhood cafe evokes the feeling of sitting in an airport — a comfortable, stylish airport with friendly faces. Breakfast is served all day, and there is a selection of sandwiches, as well. Snag one of the few seats and pretend you are getting ready to take off to somewhere special — Paris sounds good to us!
Take a seat and imagine all the places you can go. Image: Terminal Cafe
Now you have not one, but 14 reasons to head to this shopping area in East Nashville. We will see you there!
SB TIP: On the first Sunday of each month, the stores and restaurants at Porter East, plus That Awesome Taco Truck, Parnassus Books, Amelia’s Flower Truck, PrissyEm Nashville, HiFi Cookies, Strings for Hope, SCOUT and Darling Salon & Blowout Bar, welcome you to shop, mingle, eat and hang out! Learn more here.
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To learn more about local shops we love, visit the SB Guide!
