5 Local Nashville Businesses to Peep 👀 While in Town

Nashville isn’t just a music city — it’s a city of makers, quirky little shops, and places with personalities you won’t find on a postcard. Just because you’re planning to “stay like a local” doesn’t mean you can’t be a tourist for a bit: pop into a studio, buy something made by hand, or try a wellness ritual you didn’t know you needed. Below are five neighborhood businesses we love — all perfect to peep between shows, porch-sitting, Broadway visits and biscuit runs.

1) Lockeland Leather

Quick dip: A Nashville-based leather studio creating handcrafted goods (bags, wallets, corporate/hospitality gifting, and custom work) made locally in East Nashville.

What to peep: Their small‑batch leather goods, custom desk accessories, and hospitality/corporate gifting examples — great for durable souvenirs or a thoughtful locally made gift. They also show process photos and story content if you like the maker backstory.

Visit tips: They’ve recently expanded into a dedicated studio/showroom in Lockeland Springs — check their site or contact them before stopping by for a showroom visit. Great for the hands-on enthusiast as well as folks interested in the craft behind leather goods.

Where to find them: lockelandleather.com

A stack of handcrafted leather menus showcase the color and texture variety possible with Lockeland Leather

2) The Green Ray

Quick dip: An independent, curated bookshop / niche goods store focused on art, design and photography titles. This is a great stop if you prefer beautifully made wares to tourist tchotchkes. Imagine the general store of yore that’s been curated by the most stylish, intentional person you know — that’s The Green Ray. 

What to peep: Coffee‑table art books, rare/out‑of‑print finds, unreal fragrances / candles and visually arresting magazines you won’t see in a chain store. Perfect for gift hunting or a quiet browse away from the crowd. 

Visit tips: Indie bookshops often rotate stock and special finds — ask the staff for recommendations or hidden gems. If you’re collecting a coffee‑table piece, measure your luggage or plan shipping. 

Where to find them: thegreenraybooks.com

A would-be book reviewer thumbs through a stack of hard to find titles at The Green Ray

3) Studio Kelsey

Quick dip: A born-in-Dublin, lives-in-Nashville knitwear and slow‑fashion atelier designing + producing knits from 100% ethically sourced merino wool — Kelsey focuses on vintage knitting processes turned into modern sweaters, homegoods and accessories. 

What to peep: Hand‑knit sweaters, vests, and limited runs of accessories — pieces that show vintage machine knitting techniques and attention to sustainable, small‑batch production. Perfect for shoppers who want clothing with a story, soft feels and a super long wear. 

Visit tips: Studio Kelsey is a small operation; check the brand’s site or socials for restocks, studio visits, and seasonal drops. These pieces can sell out, so ask about made‑to‑order options if your size isn’t on the rack. 

Where to find them: studiokelsey.com

Custom knit duck sweaters for men and women fit for any season

4) Lolu

Quick dip: A wellness studio in East Nashville offering communal sauna, cold plunge and guided contrast therapy classes. Lolu mixes communal wellness classes with drop‑in sessions - cleverly called Free Flows - for the modern, more tatted version of sauna culture.

What to peep: The three‑tiered custom built sauna, salt‑water cold plunge, guided breathwork sessions and social lounge with yummy on‑site coffee. It’s a great reset mid‑trip or a surprising addition to a long weekend. 

Visit tips: Book classes or free‑flow sessions in advance via ClassPass or their site. Arrive early to use the lounge, bring swimwear and flip‑flops, and plan a slow cooldown — many visitors pair a sauna + cold plunge with an in-lobby coffee stop @ Subliminal afterward. 

Where to find them: lolulife.com

Lolu crew gather around the communal cold plunge in a guided hot + cold session

5) Weiss Watch Company

Quick Dip: An independent American watchmaker that designs and hand‑assembles mechanical timepieces in Nashville — the Weiss studio produces small batches and offers studio visits/appointments. It’s a must-stop spot for design, craft and timepiece lovers.

What to peep: Hand‑assembled field and sport watches, glimpses of the watchmaking process, and the opportunity to learn about American small‑batch horology — perfect for someone shopping for a special souvenir or gift built to last. 

Visit tips: Studio visits are typically by appointment — check the Weiss “Visit” page and book ahead if you want an in‑person tour or private appointment. Expect to see craftsmanship demos and ask about personalization or servicing. 

Where to find them: weisswatchcompany.com

Driver knows exactly what time it is thanks to the 42 mm case Weiss field watch