Exploring Music City’s Literary Gems: Nashville’s Best Bookstores
As a Nashville resident and an avid bookworm, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering some delightful bookstores tucked away in our vibrant city. Whether you’re a local looking for a cozy nook to escape into a novel or a visitor seeking a unique literary experience, Nashville’s bookstores have something special to offer. So grab your tote bag and let’s embark on a literary adventure as we explore the best bookstores in Nashville!
The Bookshop
Self-described as “a nook for people who love beautiful books,” The Bookshop is a charming indie bookstore in East Nashville. This small 500-square-foot cozy haven for book lovers offers a carefully curated selection of titles across various genres. The Bookshop is owned by Joelle Harr, a book editor who uses her 20+ years experience to carefully curate a collection of diverse and thought-provoking books.
Pro tip: If you’re into murals, one of my favorites is located just a few steps away from the Bookshop. Additionally, several delicious restaurants are in the area including Lyra, serving modern Lebanese food, and Chopper, the only robot tiki bar you ever need to visit. So you can visit one of the best bookstores in Nashville, take some cute photos, and grab some good eats while you’re at it!
Novelette Booksellers
Proudly female-owned and operated, Novelete Booksellers opened in 2022 and is a quirky, colorful addition to Nashville’s independent bookstore scene. The bookstore prides itself on celebrating diverse voices and perspectives, with a wide range of LGBTQ+ offerings. The staff is friendly and helpful, so don’t be afraid to ask for some recommendations or strike up a conversation about the latest queer romance that you read!
The Library Cafe
One of the newer bookstores in Nashville, the Library Cafe in Germantown, is a cozy spot for bookworms and coffee nerds to come together. As the name suggests, this cafe celebrates all things literary, but it also takes coffee seriously. From aromatic espressos to creamy cappuccinos, they’ve got your caffeine fix covered. The ambiance is warm, with wooden tables, vintage typewriters, and cozy nooks for reading or catching up with friends. The Library Cafe hosts book clubs, poetry readings, and open mic nights. It’s a hub for creative minds to connect. Keep an eye on their website for upcoming events and special promotions. This is definitely a cute place to find a quiet corner to write or a comfy chair to unwind and one of the best bookstores in Nashville.
Pro tip: Just across the street is Sonny’s, a delightful kid-friendly bar and restaurant featuring lots of outdoor space and yard games. It’s a great place to take kids because it’s loud and open air, so no one will care if the kids are loud too!
Parnassus Books
Possibly the most beloved local bookstore, I would venture to say that Parnassus is hands-down the best bookstore in Nashville. Nestled in Green Hills and co-founded by author Ann Patchett, Parnassus is not just a bookstore; it’s a community hub for bibliophiles. I’ve had the pleasure of attending countless author events at this store, celebrating the book launches of some of my writer friends and the incredibly talented Nashville writing community. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of Parnassus invites you to browse the carefully curated shelves, where you’ll find all of the current best sellers, works by local authors, and themed displays featuring staff recommendations. They also sell a lot of non-book items, like games, socks, knick-knacks, mugs, shirts, and other gifts. Don’t forget to check the events calendar – book signings, author readings, and literary discussions add an extra layer of charm to this iconic Nashville spot.
McKay’s Used Books and Music
A two-story wonderland for book, music, and game lovers, McKay’s is a local institution. This sprawling second-hand store offers a dizzying array of used books, vinyl records, Blurays/DVDs, board games, children’s toys, collectibles, electronics, and more! The multimedia offerings create a one-stop-shop atmosphere, making it easy to spend hours exploring the different sections; you’ll definitely lose track of time as you explore the maze-like aisles. Plus, their trade-in policy means you can trade in your old reads for store credit—perfect for avid readers on a budget. The store occasionally hosts book signings, author talks, and themed sales, so keep an eye on their website or social media pages to stay informed about upcoming events and special deals. It is worth the drive to visit one of the best bookstores in Nashville!
Bonus: The Southern Festival of Books
While the Southern Festival of Books is not a bookstore per se, it is a yearly festival held in Nashville that celebrates the written word and features dozens of booksellers. It is one of my favorite festivals in Nashville and it’s free! There’s always great live music, a variety of food trucks, fun activities for kids, story time and puppet performances, author signings and panel discussions, and lots and lots of local book vendors! Plus, it’s located in Bicentennial Park which is a lovely shaded spot with killer views of the capitol and direct access to the (free!) Tennessee State Museum, the (free!) Tennessee State Library and Archives, and the Nashville Farmers Market — all of which are some of my favorite free things to do in Nashville. If you happen to be in Nashville in October, you won’t want to miss this literary festival!
Map of Nashville’s Best Bookstores
For your convenience, here is a Google Map of all of the best bookstores in Nashville.
That’s my list of Nashville’s best bookstores… so far! It’s not complete yet. Please send me your recommendations for the best bookstores in Nashville so I can go check them out. Bonus points if they serve coffee. 😉
Whether you’re seeking a rare first edition or simply want to lose yourself in the scent of old paperbacks, Nashville’s best bookstores have you covered. Each one tells a unique story, just like the books on their shelves. So next time you’re strolling through Music City, take a detour into one of these literary havens. Who knows? You might discover your next favorite read or strike up a conversation with a fellow book enthusiast. Happy reading! 📚✨
