If you’ve followed Rural Revival from the beginning, then you’ve probably heard me give credit to living in Nashville with (at least partly) inspiring me to start the Rural Revival podcast. Nashville is a city full of entrepreneurs and creativity, with a strong culture of supporting local businesses. It’s a place you find yourself constantly inspired and dreaming. From the time I moved here, I found myself seeing these businesses through the lens of, ‘hey, that could work really well in a small town.’ A lot of the once empty buildings that are now home to some of Nashville’s hottest spots are the same types of buildings you’ll find in a small town. In addition to bringing new life to old buildings, every single one of these businesses has a strong focus on the experience it provides for its customers. So take a minute to sit back, take it all in, and let it inspire ideas for your small town!

>> Danna Larson, Rural Revival Founder

THE LISTENING ROOM CAFE

This former International Harvester building is now an iconic live music venue showcasing the nation's best songwriters in downtown Nashville’s SoBro district. The Listening Room Cafe has been a trailblazer for the revival of the just-south-of-Broadway neighborhood. The expansive space manages to showcase songwriters on stage while leaving plenty of room for eating and drinking from a solid list of bar food staples and comfort food classics. Southern-inspired dishes are accompanied by live music every night, and the restaurant serves lunch, dinner, and a delicious Saturday brunch on its expansive patio.

IMOGENE + WILLIE

Founded in 2009, Imogene + Willie set up shop in a 1950s service station in Nashville’s 12South district, renovating it enough to be modern but maintaining the rugged authenticity of the structure. The fashion company specializes in denim, but also offers a number of other curated goods for their shoppers, providing them with an authentic Nashville experience. Stocked with the brand’s full collection and decorated with antique rugs and treasures on the inside, the store’s backyard has become the setting for the popular “supper + song” series.

AMELIA’S FLOWER TRUCK

Welcome to the original vintage mobile flower shop. This team of three trucks travels to various locations around the city spreading love and cheer on every corner where they pop up. The concept is amazing because it’s all about collaboration! The trucks will partner with local businesses, which draws customers to both. And the fact that it’s an Instagram favorite doesn’t hurt, either. The trucks are also available to rent for events.

PINEWOOD SOCIAL

A trendy restaurant, a comfortable coffee shop, a welcoming work space, a bowling alley, and a craft cocktail bar all in one, Pinewood is a place to be morning, noon, or night. Pinewood Social is located in one of the trolley barns in Rolling Mill Hill and boasts 13,000 square feet. One of six red-brick trolley barns, which trace their history to the Works Progress Administration, have recently been rehabilitated, showcasing high ceilings of exposed wood and bowed steel trusses. The space is now a favorite for locals and visitors alike. (The bowling alley and pool typically have a wait list for days, if that tells you anything.)

BARISTA PARLOR

This hip coffeehouse serves artisanal espresso and local, seasonal cafe eats in an open, industrial venue. Hipster to its core, Barista Parlor boasts great coffee, vinyl, and an attractive Americana theme. With locations throughout the city, you’ll find these shops housed within old sign shops and hot rod garages, like this location in Germantown.

HUSK

Shrimp and grits, anyone? This historic mansion provides the perfect atmosphere for a romantic or celebratory dinner with the ultimate Southern-inspired culinary dining experience. Set in a Victorian house overlooking downtown and the river, Husk provides an authentic, farm-to-table Southern food experience. It offers a daily changing menu that showcases regional foods and traditional preparations at their freshest, including pickling and smoking in ways that excite and surprise the modern palate.

PROPER BAGEL

Proper Bagel features from-scratch kettle-boiled bagels and bialys, a full-service menu, plus fresh market salads, smoked fish, and more. Family owned and operated, Proper Bagel has been smash hit in the Belmont/Hillsboro Village neighborhood since its early 2016 opening. This historic home turned restaurant offers an inviting environment and a one-of-a-kind experience.

TINY LITTLE DONUTS

Tiny Little Donuts is a coffee shop and donut bakery located in a vintage Airstream in Franklin, Tennessee. Made fresh on site, you can find flavors like Classic Cinnamon Sugar, Timeless Glazed, Old School Powdered Sugar, Fresh Lemon Glaze, Special Dark Chocolate, Maple Glaze, and special seasonal flavors. They’re such a hit that they pretty much sell out everyday, which may be the reason they’re opening two new locations this year!