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Across the Cumberland River, East Nashville is home to several historic neighborhoods that are finding themselves in the midst of a renaissance. Its low-key vibe and neighborly personality make this community a great place to escape, without leaving town. Although over 600 structures were destroyed in the great East Nashville Fire of 1916, the area still boasts an eclectic mixture of antebellum buildings. Historic Edgefield is one of only two locally zoned "historic preservation districts". Additionally, the area has been featured on the HGTV network during Bob Vila's "America" and in HGTV's "Our Place" series. The Lockeland Springs Historic Neighborhood is a turn-of-the-century streetcar suburb, two miles northeast of downtown Nashville. The tornado of 1998 ripped through this historic neighborhood destroying or damaging at least 300 homes, but the neighborhood has rebounded stronger than ever with renovations, additions, and new construction.
A bustling retail area known as Five Points links Edgefield and Lockeland Springs. Several restaurants, a coffeehouse, hardware store, city library and neighborhood watering hole anchor this thriving area that is seeing more and more commercial investment each month. Within East Nashville, sports enthusiasts frequent Three Crow Bar and Beyond the Edge. Also featured in the Five Points area is The Turnip Truck, a holistic store offering organic foods, vitamins, and beauty products.
A taste of New Orleans and great live music can be found at the French Quarter Cafe. Mad Donna’s features an eclectic cuisine, with a variety of creative cocktails and a dance floor, which all blend together to create a very urban-chic ambiance. East Nashville is also home to the European-style café, Marche which serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in a comfortable and cozy setting. For a taste of old Mexico, visit the Rosepepper Cantina, where guests may find themselves being serenaded by a Mariachi band. Goodies are baked fresh each day at Sweet 16th, a great local bakery that makes scones, muffins, cakes, and Mamarangues, a mixture of chocolate and toffee. Margot Cafe and Bar, housed in an antique gas station, turned brick-and-timber gourmet restaurant, has quickly become one of Nashville's most outstanding restaurants. Another great restaurant is Allium, which serves French-inspired cuisine and offers a great view of Downtown Nashville. Allium also features a full bar with top-notch wines, spirits, and beers.
Five Points is home to several galleries including the Art & Invention Gallery and adjoining studio, Garage Mahal. Having five to six shows annually, including the signature Tomato Art Show in August and Holiday Artisan Show in December; Art & Invention Gallery focuses on inventiveness in fine art, crafts and original furniture. Voted Nashville's "Best Festival" in 2007, the Tomato Art Festival is a laid-back event that has attracted regional and national attention for its celebration of the fruit. Visitors and locals alike are increasingly finding themselves crossing the river to sample the varied eating and nightlife venues available in East Nashville. Whether you're in the mood for great music or incredible food, you can find them all just east of downtown. |
