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All Things 5 + B: A Must-See In the Heart of Music City

July 29, 2021  /  Downtown Nashville Blog

All Things 5 + B: A Must-See In the Heart of Music City

“A city within a city” 

- Wendy Welch, Director, Mixed-use Development, Brookfield Properties.

Located in the heart of Nashville is a remarkable scene between Rep. John Lewis Way (formerly 5th Ave N) and Broadway, as its name suggests. Since opening in early 2021, locals and tourists alike have flocked downtown in record numbers to check out this new, booming spot, Fifth + Broadway (also referred to as Fifth + Broad or 5 + B). Here’s what you need to know about downtown’s most transformative mixed-use development, and some tips for easy “add-ons” to your visit so you can make the most of Nashville’s urban core. 


So What Is 5+B?

The retail and dining components of Fifth + Broadway opened on March 4th, 2021. The development takes up a full city block and features the largest food hall in the country, fine dining and casual coffee shops, must-have brand shops like Ray-Ban and Sephora, locally owned boutiques such as Nash Collection and Molly Green, and so much more. While you need more than one visit to experience all of 5 + B’s 28 destinations, here are some highlights that are not to be missed.


So, SO Much More

Making Strides in Music History

Downtown Nashville is now the proud home of the ONLY museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music. The  National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is where you can experience 50+ music genres influenced by African American culture anywhere else. You’ll want to set aside several hours for the interactive exhibits where you can sing a gospel song, learn jazz improvisation or pretend to be a music producer. And don’t leave without visiting the killer gift shop. 

Take the short jaunt over to Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar in Printer’s Alley. Grab a seat, sit back and listen to the sounds of live Blues and Jazz; bet you bring something new to your listening experience after all you learned at NMAAM! 


Connecting, Curating & Creating

One of downtown’s newest destinations showcasing creativity and supporting up-and-coming artists is Studio 208, a platform dedicated to helping the local art community thrive. Be sure to check out their stunning showroom or attend a private art event! 

If you happen to be downtown on the first Saturday of the month, extend your visit and stay for the FirstBank First Saturday Art Crawl, when dozens of downtown galleries open their doors to the public after-hours for browsing, shopping, and sipping. If the timing doesn’t quite work out, “5th Avenue of the Arts” is home to many galleries that are open most days. Take a short walk north on 5th to experience even more of downtown’s great arts scene.


Get the Perfect “Do” For You!

For everything hair and face, The Dry House is a must. Combining classy, chic & FIERCE is this gem of a salon and makeup studio. Shop products, change up your look, you can even get a scalp massage! All at The Dry House. All done-up and nowhere to go? We doubt it, but if you’re lookin’ good and want to capture the moment, book an appointment and take the 7 minute walk to Selfie Scene. With over 25 scenes for photo and video shoots, you can choose from posh to funky backdrops to highlight your fab new ‘do. 


Any-Occasion Dining

Four Levels of Fantastic

There’s nothing quite like The Twelve Thirty Club because it has something for everyone! Elegant and extravagant, 12/30 is dining, entertainment and design all in one. This iconic spot includes four different levels: The First Level which is everything entertainment and dining in an exciting atmosphere, the Honorary Member Level which encompasses a quieter, fine-dining experience, the Twelve Thirty Club which is an immersive, decadent entertainment and dining club, and, finally, the Rooftop Terrace which overlooks the bustling Music City landscape. 

Downtown has no shortage of rooftops to soak in the views, so don’t short-change yourself with JUST a Broadway view. Head down to the Westin hotel and ride the elevator up to L27 Rooftop Lounge for one of the best views of the city. You’ll get there with just a 10 minute walk!


A Flavor For Every Palate 

Hungry, but not sure what you’re in the mood for? You’ll find everything and more at Assembly Food Hall, the largest food hall in the country! This multi-story food utopia will have your mouth watering. Just for an added “WOW-factor”, they included live music starting at 4 p.m. every day! While you’re here be sure to walk up the grand staircase to Sixty Vines, a must-see spot with the perfect atmosphere to unwind & dine. Plus, they have wine on tap! 

Plan ahead and book an educational walking tour to walk off that food coma. Wander Nashville and United Street Tours are two of our faves, and we guarantee you’ll learn more than just a thing or two. 


Top Spots For Shopping:

Nashville Wouldn’t Be Nashville Without You

Designed for locals, tourists and everything in between, The Nash Collection is your one-stop shop for all Nashville apparel. Represent Music City in style with hoodies, ball caps & MUCH more! You’ve got your Nash(ville) statement piece, why not visit Keep Shop a few blocks away, where you can indulge in a statement piece made in Nashville by Nashvillians? This luxury boutique inside the Noelle Hotel plays host to the city’s top fashion designers, makers, and artists. 


Race to Ariat

Embrace your Southern style when you slip into something Ariat. Named after champion racehorse Secretariat, this country-apparel store values everything South, craftsmanship and innovation. Embrace your inner cowboy/cowgirl and gallop on over to Ariat!

If Ariat is up your alley, you simply must visit famed hat makers Goorin Bros. in their 2nd Ave. shop. The bold hat makers have been designing and manufacturing the world’s finest fedoras and flat caps since 1895. When you visit, look up and look around; you’ll surely see the ongoing rebuilding efforts of his historic corridor after the Christmas Day Explosion. Patronizing a local business here shows that you are #2ndAveStrong! 


Luxury Living: 

The Place to Be

Luxurious, elegant and located in the center of everything listed above is The Place. This comfortable apartment residence is the real-deal downtown living experience, just steps away from the best dining, shopping and adventures in Nashville. The Place is more than just a place--it’s home. If you’re in the market, there’s a leasing office right on site where a friendly face is always available to help!

Now that you’ve had a taste of Fifth + Broadway’s flavor we know you’ll want more! Find it all here. See you at 5 + B!