The dust may have only just settled in Amsterdam after a successful 4th edition of Denim Days in the Dutch capital, but event organisers are already gearing up for yet another indigo-soaked event this weekend for Nashville Denim Days. Here we give you our scoop on what to do while visiting Music City.
When we heard that Denim Days would be landing in Nashville we jumped at the opportunity of getting to visit one of America’s most storied cities. After all, this is the place that brought us country music, hot chicken and Nudie Cohn. But its not just the cities rich cultural history and incredible soul food that has made this a top spot on our (and many others no doubt) vacation list. Nashville, has more recently been making a name for itself as a creative cultural hub thanks to the growing number of movers, shakers and makers that have made the city their home over the past 5-10 years.
“Nashville is playing an increasingly important role in the American denim and fashion industry, and with its large creative community and deep roots in music, we felt that the city was a natural fit for denim days,” said Andrew Olah, one of the events organisers.
Like its sister events in Amsterdam and New York city, the two-day denim festival, from Nov. 10-11, which will feature a fun packed schedule of indigo exhibits, seminars, pop-up shops and activations from a global network of brands, retailers and mills. Whats special about this edition is the great variety of local talent that will be in attendance at the event.
As its our first time visiting the city, we’ve scoured the web and spoke to friends who are local in the city to help us pick out the best spots to check-out during Denim Days weekend:
The Two Hotels We Love
We’ve been told that getting around Nashville is remarkably easy (and the Uber drivers are super-friendly), but we’re going to be resting our heads in historic downtown as this is the best place to experience the city on foot. The new boutique hotel Noelle is essentially made for Instagram as it aims to give guests “a true Nashville encounter”. If you’re looking for an urban oasis in the middle of the city then look into The 404 in Gulch. There’s no lobby or central hotel space at this four-room bolthole, which is why it’s popular among celebs.
Noelle Hotel: 200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
The 404: 404 12th Ave S a, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Where to Buy Something for Yourself
You may be spending your nights listening to some of the best musicians in the country, but don’t miss out on the amazing vintage shops and eclectic indie boutiques this town has to offer. High Class Hillbilly (owned by nouveau cowgirl Nikki Lane) has an inventory that will make any denim aficionado squeal. Shop here for old-school southern favourites, including vintage plaids and fringe for days. If its vintage band tees you’re after then make sure you check out Black Shag, which has best assortment in town and if you’re looking for a bit of everything and love to hunt for treasure, then the Eighth Avenue Antique Mall is a must (according to Menno and Rudy from Tenue De Nimes)
If its cowboy boots you’re looking for then pick some up at Two Old Hippies or Lucchese, both in the Gulch neighborhood, while Goodbuy Girls in East Nashville offers up great refurbished vintage options.
High Class Hillbilly: 4604 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, USA
Black Shag Vintage: 1220 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, USA
Eight Avenue Antique Mall: 2015 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Two Old Hippies: 401 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
What to See at Denim Days
Highlights at this two day event include names like Nikki Lane (mentioned above), who will headline the performance stage. She’ll also be selling vintage wares from her beloved store High Class Hillbilly so this is a chance to shop it if you can’t make it to the store. Look out too for Sarah Bellos of Stony Creek Colors, makers of bio-based dyes, who will be indigo-dying bandanas for festival-goers. Embroiderer Matt Davidson of Ranger Stitch will be onsite to custom embroider denim for attendees. Atelier & Repairs, a brand built around the idea of transforming the forgotten, is partnering with Belmont University on a T-shirt challenge, asking students to transform $5 t-shirts into garments of their own design. The winner will receive a mentorship with Atelier & Repairs creator Maurizio Donadi. Effortlessly cool fashion brand Madewell will be on hand to present its “Blue Jeans Go Green” initiative, which allows guests to recycle their old jeans in exchange for $20 towards a new pair of Madewell dungarees.
Nasville Denim Days: Marathon Music Works – 1402 Clinton Street, Nashville
The Must-Visit Music Museums
If like us you’re looking to soak up some of Nashville’s country culture and get up close to the iconic outfits worn by singers like Hank Williams, Roy Rogers and Johnny Cash then there’s a couple of great spots you do this. Firstly you’ll want to make your pilgrimage to the The Country Music Hall of Fame. The $25 entry fee is worth it if you dig Merle Haggard-era country music memorabilia—think Wanda Jackson’s guitar, Cindy Walker’s decoupage typewriter, Johnny Cash’s all-black suit, and Elvis’ gold cadillac complete with a TV in the back. If you want to dig further into the history of ‘The Man in Black’ then head over to the Johnny Cash Museum, where you’ll find the largest most comprehensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia on the man himself. The museum founder, Bill Miller, recently opened up his second venture in downtown Nashville with a unique concept venue on Broadway, themed after world famous Country music tailor, Nudie Cohn. The three-floor, 12,000-square-foot venue, Nudie’s Honky Tonk is decorated with priceless vintage “Nudie Suits,” including articles once worn by countries biggest stars and the best thing about it? Its a bar and live music venue so you can sip as you soak in the suits.
The Country Music Hall of Fame: 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Johnny Cash Museum: 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA
Nudie’s Honky Tonk: 409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
The Best Hot Chicken
Of course a trip to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the cities Southern Hospitality. Eat your way through the rising food culture to anchor your trip in the real heart and soul of Music City. Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Arnold’s Country Kitchen are the best no-frills establishments that have helped put hot chicken on the map of finger-licking good food.
Hattie B’s: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Arnold’s Country Kitchen: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
The Most Instagrammed Restaurant in the City
If you’re looking for an brunch experience that you can share with your Instagram followers then we suggest getting a table at Biscuit Love. The restaurant is frequented by tourists and local Gulch residents alike thanks to their mouthwatering flaky confections, which is perfect for taunting your friends on your feed.
Biscuit Love: 316 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Hear Live Music
Imogene + Willie will be hosting a party on Saturday, Nov. 10, in their backyard for chili, tamales and hot toddies in celebration of the first-annual Nashville Denim Days. The event is from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at Imogene + Willie (2601 12th Avenue South) and features food by Rob Newton and Mercedes Lopez, drinks, dancing and music by Lilly Hiatt. This is a great chance to get down to visit their stunning store store/design studio, which is located in a former transmission shop and old gas station. The shop is a virtual shrine to a bygone era where every visible inch is crowded with Americana, flags, rusty signs and old photographs. And its here that the pair have been cranking out their Made-in-America jeans since 2009.
If you’re looking to experience some of the city nightlife then Honky Tonk Row will draw you in with ‘round the clock live music and unlimited whiskey, but don’t forget to venture off of Broadway. Local spots like The Station Inn in the Gulch is great for live bluegrass, while Santa’s Pub, a doublewide trailer is known as being the best venue in the city for karaoke. For a true Nashville live music experience head to the famous Bluebird Cafe. This is where some of Nashville’s music royalty got their start and its still frequented by celebs like Steven Tyler or Melissa Etheridge. Seating is limited to just 90, so make sure you book ahead to ensure you get a spot.
Imogene + Willie: 2601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
The Station Inn: 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
Santa’s Pub: 2225 Bransford Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
Bluebird Cafe: 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215, USA
Denim trend consultant, owner of @samutaro