A Walk Through Wedgewood-Houston
Just a few minutes south of Downtown Nashville sits Wedgewood-Houston, an emerging arts community that arose from the legacy of an industrial rail yard and factory campus. Famous for its varied creative scenes, this active neighborhood is also a popular haven for freelancers.
Although it is a geographically small community, Wedgewood-Houston, or WeHo, appeals to first-time homebuyers looking to put down roots in South Nashville—and a median sale price in the low $200s doesn’t hurt.
This industrial-turned-artsy neighborhood is best explored on foot when you can really take notice of what’s around you. Here is a visual tour of the best spots to visit in Wedgewood-Houston.
Humphrey’s Street Coffee
Not only does Humphrey’s Street serve delicious coffee in an Instagram-worthy former church building, but they also support local causes. Specifically, 100% of Humphrey’s Street profits are contributed to initiatives and scholarships that empower local youth through practical job training and education.
The well-respected social enterprise manufactures hand-milled soaps in the style of another renowned, local nonprofit, Thistle Farms, as well as roasting their own signature blend of coffee. All of this combines to cultivate a rich community within Wedgewood-Houston and makes for a delightful coffee shop experience unlike almost any other in the city.
Bastion
The aptly named Bastion is a true stronghold for Nashville’s creatives. This popular bar blurs the line between a rowdy, bumping club and a sophisticated cocktail lounge. Popular bar games and innovative bleacher seating make for a unique social experience as the bartenders spin vinyl records at maximum volume
There is more than meets the eye though in this Houston Station watering hole. The nondescript accompanying restaurant is incredibly exclusive and pricey, tucked away out of view from the crowd. The dining room seats only 24 guests and boasts a private bar for restaurant-goers. While many enjoy the upscale multi-course meals in the restaurant, nothing really compares to the nachos being served in the big bar next door.
The North American Guitar
The local connection at the North American Guitar, formerly Cotten Music, gives the newcomer deep roots from which to draw in Music City. The Wedgewood-Houston establishment is one of only two locations in the world (the other is in London), and guitars can be viewed by appointment only. This experience is worth the wait though with a knowledgeable staff and some of the most stunning stringed instruments Nashville has to offer.
Flamingo Cocktail Club
By day this old, renovated church is Falcon Coffee Bar, but at night the back of the sanctuary becomes the popular dance spot and cocktail club known as Flamingo. The fitting name is indicated by the back half of the building that is painted hot pink.
Locals love the tropical theme and sophisticated music curation, but most of all they love a spot in the neighborhood that is open until 3 a.m. and sells liquor. All jokes aside, Flamingo’s rotating, seasonal cocktail program is well-known as one of the best in town.
The Packing Plant
A multi-use creative space, The Packing Plant has a reputation for fostering Nashville’s avant-garde. Not only does the building house galleries for the likes of the Watkins College of Arts and Chanel to Chanel, but it is also home to The Free Nashville Poetry Library and studios for local indie radio favorite WXNA 101.5 FM. The Packing Plant is also a staple of the WeHo Art Crawl for cutting-edge lovers of visual creation.
Fort Houston
Much like its companion The Packing Plant, Fort Houston is a haven for Nashville creatives. Specifically, Fort Houston is a workshop and maker space that facilitates such crafts as woodworking, metalwork, screenprinting, and private offices as well as studio space.
They describe themselves as “...like a gym, but for people who build stuff.” It’s true, the space is available for members in the style of a gym or co-working space, and the public is able to enjoy Fort Houston via the galleries housed within or the event space that is available as well. From commercial enterprises to home projects, Fort Houston has no equal.
Dozen Bakery
It’s safe to say that Dozen is regarded as the best bakery in town by almost everyone in the metro Nashville area. Nestled in a nondescript building next to—what else—an art gallery, Dozen is frequently filled to the brim with happy customers who pour out onto the patio with various baked goods and piping hot coffee.
Many of their ingredients are locally sourced and the food must be spectacular because Dozen was initially launched as a temporary cookie pop-up in 2009 and managed to evolve into a full-fledged establishment on the strong recommendations of patrons.
Nashville Craft Distillery
Since 2016, Nashville Craft Distillery has been developing whiskey, gin, and other spirits from local ingredients with an emphasis on the scientific process of distilling. These handcrafted, small-batch spirits are gaining a reputation as some of the finest the city has to offer, and the tasting room is open to the public if further proof is required (pun intended).
The distillers themselves lead tours six days a week, and Nashville Craft Distillery even offers a two-day, hands-on workshop to educate novice distillers about the process of forging these fine spirits. It wouldn’t be Wedgewood-Houston if there wasn’t a do-it-yourself element at play.