T+L Reports: Tennessee Sings a New Tune

Nashville has a lot more to offer these days than honky-tonk bars and ten-gallon hats, especially across the Cumberland River in the Five Points district. SHOP Located in a former garage, Art & Invention Gallery (1106 Woodland St.; 615/226-2070) stocks kitschy gifts like mechanized wooden toys. · Trisha Brantley spent a decade scouting vintage wares for her boutique, Hip Zipper (112 S. 11th St., Suite C; 615/228-1942). EAT Everyone—from local families to edgy artists—goes for brunch at the Red Wagon Café (1112 Woodland St.; 615/226-2527; brunch for two $18), known for its shrimp-and-grits. Just over the border of Five Points, Chapel Bistro (97 Chapel Ave.; 615/627-1088; dinner for two $54) fuses American and European cuisine in dishes such as pan-seared duck breast in a pomegranate glaze with smoked Gouda–stuffed agnolotti. · Mamarangues, a combination of chocolate meringue and toffee, are the specialty at the 1950's-inspired bakery Sweet 16th (311 N. 16th St.; 615/226-8367). DRINK The walls are lined with vinyl LP's at the 5 Spot (1006 Forrest Ave.; 615/650-9333), a music club that showcases bluegrass, jazz, and acoustic bands, including hometown rockers Blue Mother Tupelo. · Red Door Saloon East (1010 Forrest Ave.; 615/226-7660) brings a taste of the Midwest to the South: Chicago-style hot dogs, Old Style beer. · Cap the night off on the patio at 3 Crow Bar (1024 Woodland St.; 615/262-3345) with a Yazoo, an area brew.
—SAM LUBELL