Conveniently located near Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities, Hillsboro Village is a collection of shops, boutiques and restaurants perfect for a day’s stroll. A four-block radius with all the makings of its own village, this quaint Nashville neighborhood has rejuvenated the community and attracted young professionals for living and playing.
Little Art House has gained handsome recognition throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee even though it has only been open for a little over a year. Sister owned and run, this thriving business is hoping to provide inviting opportunities for people to imagine, explore, and create in a comfortable, encouraging environment. Since opening, they have already secured a second space in the village in order to provide more classes for all ages.
Cabana, a hip and versatile restaurant and bar, morphs into an upscale hot spot with live music and DJs in the evening. Have the ultimate dining experience and reserve a cabana, which is a semi-private booth with curtains, TV, and an iPod/music player hook-up. Not far is Double Dogs, bedazzled with massive television, playing any and all sporting events, with a menu that ranges from tuna salad to chili dogs. This neighborhood bistro encourages patrons to come as they are and be themselves– oh and bring your puppy for the patio hangs.
Across the street is one of Nashville’s most famous restaurants. A Nashville breakfast tradition, the Pancake Pantry boasts a menu with 21 pancake selections. Combining some surprising ingredients with family flapjack recipes, the ending results are pancakes that melt in your mouth. (Try chocolate chip or sweet potato flavors.) Saturday and Sunday mornings are especially popular at the Pantry, and the waiting line usually wraps around the building down 21st Avenue.
For a healthier, more contemporary menu, head to Fido. This funky coffeehouse is the heart and soul of Hillsboro Village. Fido draws a mix of Vandy students, Music Row execs, musicians and neighborhood locals. Coffee is the main attraction, but large sandwiches and all-day breakfasts are crowd pleasers.
Venturing down Belcourt Avenue, you will find hidden gems like Sushi 88, where they have an all you can eat lunch special (Helpful Hint: WORTH IT). Belcourt Taps offers stuffed burgers and fresh-cut fries served 7 ways along with nightly live music. Stop by Bare Naked Bagel for a quick and tasty bagel sandwich, enjoy a gourmet hot dog at, The Donut + Dog, or famous fried chicken baskets at McDougal’s.
Hillsboro Village may seem small, but unique boutiques and specialty stores abound. If you desire unique entertainment, look no further than the historic Belcourt Theatre. Opened in 1925 as a silent movie house and later, as the location of the venerable Grand Ole Opry, the Belcourt has since returned to its original use as a movie theatre showing classic, unique, and challenging fare not previously available in Nashville. At the moment the Belcourt Theatre is being renovated.
UAL, The Impeccable Pig, Tennessee Chic, and A Thousand Faces each offer their own varied selection of art, jewelry, office accessories, furniture and gifts. For unique gifts or rare finds, these stores are a must. Posh Boutique, a sister shop to the Green Hills favorite, offers a wide selection of the latest styles with prices ranging between $10 and $200, accommodating all budgets. Even glasses aren’t spared by this neighborhood’s chic style: SEE (Selective Eyewear Elements) features unique European designer eyewear.
Located inside the Hill Center Acklen Project, a residential-retail development, is Jeni’s Ice Cream, and Revelator Coffee Company. Jeni’s Ice Crem has unbelievable ice-cream sandwiches. And Revelator Coffee Company provides you the caffeine kick you need for an all day adventure.
BELMONT AREA
Not too far from Hillsboro Village is the Belmont area, which is home to Belmont University, a historic home, shops, and some great eating. In fact, you can plan a full day of Nashville things to do just by taking a journey down the street called Belmont Blvd. While in the area, stop into The Gallery of Iconic Guitars (GIG) on Belmont’s campus. With over 100 instruments, the GIG was designed to celebrate some of the most rare, iconic guitars and stringed instruments ever known.
First stop must be Martin’s BBQ Joint. Owner Patrick Martin incorporates the art of West Tennessee whole hog BBQ at his award-winning restaurant offering you the perfect opportunity to get a taste of some Music City greatness. Some other great dining options include Chago’s Cantina, Blvd Nashville, PM, popular coffeehouse Bongo Java, and local favorite Proper Bagel.
Once you have filled up on food it’s time to do a little shopping. Local Honey provides a selection of vintage apparel that will have you looking fantastic. Or take a moment and look through the goods at Nouveau Classics, a contemporary furniture store.
Next, discover an amazing American adventure at Belmont Mansion, one of the largest house museums in Nashville. They offer a personalized docent tour of the mansion’s 10,000 square feet that explores the beautiful architecture and the life and legacy of its mistress: Adelicia Acklen.
***ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY VISIT MUSIC CITY.
