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Night time aerial view of Pine St. in The Gulch, Nashville

In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to Nashville’s The Gulch

This ultra-hip urban hot spot is home to high-rise condos, cutting-edge eateries, eclectic shops and photogenic murals.

By Kitty Bean Yancey | February 8, 2024

Located between Nashville’s Music Row and downtown, The Gulch is one of the city’s newer and most vibrant neighborhoods. This walkable, centrally located haven offers a sophisticated vibe to complement the funky honky-tonks that line nearby Lower Broadway for a well-rounded Nashville experience.

EAT

From juice bars to barbecue and international eateries, The Gulch’s restaurant scene is sizzling with flavor. Try:

Peg Leg Porker: This family-owned, no-frills barbecue joint serves award-winning dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork plates from owner/pitmaster Carey Bringle. Line up to place your order at the counter and snag a seat in the crowded dining room.

Sunda New Asian: Expect sleek decor at this eatery, plus a menu offering modern takes on Far East favorites, like crispy rice topped with wagyu beef that packs a chili pepper punch. Weekend brunches include tempura French toast and Japanese fried chicken with matcha green tea and spiced honey.

E+ROSE: Health-conscious eaters will find nirvana here with nutritious bowls, smoothies and therapeutic juice shots that are as tasty as they are good for you.

SEE

Cruise The Gulch by bike or simply amble from attraction to attraction, stopping along the way to see the highlights that catch your eye. Discover:

The WhatLiftsYou mural: A pair of lacy angel wings painted by artist Kelsey Montague on a black wall is a photo-op hot spot. There are eye-catching murals elsewhere around The Gulch — so be sure to keep your eyes peeled (and your camera ready).

Frist Art Museum: Just outside The Gulch’s northern boundary, this world-class museum is housed in a former post office with impressive art deco architecture. With exhibits rotating every few months, the museum aims to inspire new perspectives on the world through art.

Station Inn: Come to this live entertainment venue for a taste of Nashville’s music scene. At this casual spot, you’ll hear bluegrass, country and other classic Americana tunes seven days a week.

  • Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp*

SHOP

This neighborhood is the place to purchase unusual, luxe and trendy wares. Browse:

The Gibson Garage: Heralded as “the ultimate guitar experience,” both amateurs and pros buy acoustic and electric instruments at the Gibson guitar brand’s flagship store. Try out dozens of guitars that hang from the ceiling and cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $10,000.

Blush Boutique: Popular with Nashville’s trendsetters, this locally owned boutique caters to the young or young at heart with fashion-forward dresses, miniskirts and accessories. You can even arrange a personal styling session to upgrade your look.

Lucchese Bootmaker: Generations of Nashvillians have strutted their stuff in handmade cowboy boots. Looking sharp doesn’t always come cheap, however. Be prepared to spend anywhere from $400 to thousands for creations in buffalo skin, alligator, suede and ostrich.

  • Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp*

This cosmopolitan neighborhood strikes just the right chord with both the discerning and urbane. It’s an eclectic and fun part of Nashville that you don’t want to miss on your next visit to town.

Hero Image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Kitty Bean Yancey is an award-winning former USA TODAY travel writer who freelances for AARP Magazine and AAA publications, among others.