Best Nashville, Indiana Shops (2025)

There are so many shops in Nashville, Indiana that it can be hard to know where to start—especially if you’re only visiting for a day or two. With over 125 stores in town and even more scattered across Brown County, trying to figure out which ones are actually worth your time (and money) can get overwhelming fast.

Since moving here in 2016, I’ve walked into nearly every storefront, chatted with the owners, and bought everything from birthday gifts to pantry staples to custom leather repairs. This list is my personal ranking of the absolute best stores in town—the ones I recommend over and over again.

Whether you’re after handmade art, vintage treasures, spices, toys, tools, or just something unexpected, these are the places I return to myself. I’ve grouped them by category and curated it to make shopping simple—so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff.

Scroll through or use the Table of Contents to jump straight to what you’re searching for. Every listing includes my personal take, plus notes on what makes each shop special and what to look for while you’re there.

Ready to find your new favorite shop in Brown County?

👉 Prefer to see a list of ALL the shops in Brown County, Indiana, not just the local favorites? I’ve got a post for that too!

🗺️ You can also check out my interactive, color-coded map of Brown County shops for the most up-to-date info on shop locations, hours, and more!

1. Rivers & Roads Home

• Best for: Locally-Made Items; Home Decor; Kitchen & Housewares; Handicrafts; Jewelry; Bath & Body; Cards & Papergoods
• Offers: Online Shopping

If I had to choose just one shop to send someone to in Nashville, this would be it. Rivers & Roads Home is hands-down my favorite store in Brown County.

It’s everything you want from a small-town, locally owned artisan shop—thoughtfully curated, full of personality, and packed with handmade goods that are both beautiful and useful.

Located in the Old State Bank building, the space itself is charming, but what really makes it special is the people behind it. Gracie makes gorgeous pottery, and Adam’s beeswax candles come in a fun range of sizes and shapes (the morel mushroom one is always a favorite). They also carry pieces from other Indiana artists, so you’re always discovering something new.

Whether I’m shopping for a thoughtful gift or just treating myself, I always make a stop here. And if you’re visiting for the first time? Start here. Trust me.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 76 E MAIN ST |

2. Brown County Toy Chest

• Best for: Toys & Games; Books; Candy & Sweets; Jewelry
• Offers: Online Shopping, Local Delivery

The Brown County Toy Chest is Indiana’s oldest specialty toy store and an absolute gem for families. While it’s not usually where I go when shopping for myself (although I’ve definitely picked up a few puzzles and games here), it is hands-down where we spend the most money locally. Nearly every birthday or holiday gift for my kids comes from this store, along with most of the games in the Barn Burner.

The staff here works incredibly hard to create an experience that’s as helpful as it is fun. They’re friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about helping families find the right toys and games for every age and stage. Since moving to their new, expanded space on Van Buren St, they’ve created more room to explore, test out toys, and get hands-on with craft kits and puzzles.

Whether you’re shopping for something specific or just browsing for inspiration, this is one of the first places I recommend to visitors with kids. It’s playful, welcoming, and filled with things that encourage creativity and connection—what more could you want from a toy store?

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 100 S VAN BUREN ST |

👉 Looking for more kid-friendly fun after your stop at the Toy Chest? Head down the street and around the corner to Antique Alley to play outdoor yard games, catch a weekend magic show at Denny’s Magic Showroom, or explore Brown County Model Trains. You can also check out my full post on planning a family fun getaway to Brown County, Indiana for even more ideas.

3. Brown County Antique Mall & Route 46 Vintage

• Best for: Antiques, Vintage & Thrift; Home Decor; Art; Jewelry; Kitchen & Housewares; Furniture; Clothing; Rocks & Crystals
• Offers: On-Site Parking

If you’re into treasure hunting, these two shops should be at the top of your list. Located right next door to each other, about 3.5 miles east of downtown Nashville, Brown County Antique Mall and Route 46 Vintage make it easy to turn one stop into a full afternoon of vintage shopping.

Brown County Antique Mall

The Brown County Antique Mall is my hands-down favorite place to thrift or antique shop in all of Brown County. It’s open 7 days a week (a rarity for antique stores around here!) and has the largest, most diverse selection of vendors and styles.

The layout makes it easy to browse without feeling chaotic, and the prices are usually really reasonable. I almost never leave empty-handed, and many of the art, lighting, and vintage pieces at the Barn Burner came from here.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 3288 SR 46 E |

Route 46 Vintage

Route 46 Vintage is in the red building next door to the Brown County Antique Mall. The owner does a great job keeping the space fresh and well-curated with a rotating mix of clothing, furniture, décor, and unexpected finds. You never quite know what you’ll discover, which is part of the fun.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 3288 SR 46 E |

4. Local Galleries & Artist Co-Ops

• Best for: Locally-Made Items; Art; Photography; Handicrafts; Home Decor; Jewelry; Cards & Paper Goods; Kitchen & Housewares; Furniture
• Offers: Online Shopping

It’s impossible to name a single “best” when it comes to art galleries and artist co-ops in Brown County. The right one for you will depend on your personal style, budget, and the kind of art or handmade items you’re drawn to. Some focus on fine art, some on functional crafts, and some blur the line between the two.

Below are my go-to spots when I’m shopping for art, gifts, or even something hands-on to do with friends or family:

Second Story Studio

Located upstairs above The Candy Dish (in the former B3 Gallery space), this reimagined studio is one of my favorite new additions to town. It features rotating exhibits, a beautifully curated gallery shop, and monthly classes and workshops with visiting artists. You can even rent the space for private events.

It’s such a smart, creative use of space—and a must-see if you love contemporary art and emerging talent.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 61 W MAIN ST |

Hoosier Artist Gallery & Brown County Craft Gallery

These two artist co-ops are longtime staples in town, and I recommend visiting both if you can. They’re both filled with original work from Indiana artists and always feel like a treasure hunt.

Hoosier Artist Gallery

Hoosier Artist Gallery showcases beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces created by local and Indiana artists. You’ll find contemporary and representational pieces, including oil, acrylic, and watercolor paintings; metal, wood, and stone sculptures; unique jewelry; stained and fused glass; photography; ceramics; and more.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 45 S JEFFERSON ST |

Brown County Craft Gallery

Brown County Craft Gallery features the work of dozens of local artisans, offering a wide variety of artwork and handicrafts, including pottery, jewelry, metalwork, stained glass, original watercolors, prints, and woodworking. 

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 62 E WASHINGTON ST |

Our Little World Studio

Equal parts gift shop, gallery, and hands-on workshop space. Our Little World Studio has a warm, creative atmosphere and a ton of variety. Their Make & Take Studio is one of the best spots in town for interactive fun—you can make your own candles, glaze pottery, or try a seasonal craft project.

They also have a Wine & Craft Bar, Percy’s Perk Arthouse Coffee, and a gift shop full of handmade goods. We’ve hosted birthday parties here, and it’s always a hit.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 20 N VAN BUREN ST |

Brown County Art Guild & Brown County Art Gallery

These two are more traditional galleries and a great way to experience Brown County’s history as an artist colony.

Brown County Art Guild

Brown County Art Guild features original paintings by local and regional artists, plus smaller prints and occasional workshops. I especially love when they host their “The Artist Is In” events—such a fun way to see artists creating live.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 48 S VAN BUREN ST |

Brown County Art Gallery

The Historic Brown County Art Gallery—one of the oldest galleries in the US—showcases both historic and contemporary Indiana artists. It’s not where I usually shop for gifts, but it’s a beautiful space and worth visiting if you appreciate fine art and want to learn more about the area’s creative roots.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 1 ARTIST DR |

5. Nashville Spice Company & The Wild Olive

• Best for: Specialty Foods, Books, Kitchen & Housewares, Candy & Sweets, Locally-Made Items
• Offers: Online Shopping

If you love to cook—or just want to bring something flavorful home—these two food-focused shops are must-visits. They’re my go-to stops when I need kitchen inspiration, a unique hostess gift, or a little something new to try for dinner.

Nashville Spice Company

Nashville Spice Company is the kind of store that makes you want to cook something new. They bottle their own line of spices, rubs, and blends right here in Brown County, and the quality is top-notch.

Several of their spice blends are staples in my kitchen, and this is always a store I visit when I’m shopping for Christmas presents. Beyond the spices, they also carry jams, sauces, cheese, cookbooks, and foodie gifts—so whether you’re shopping for someone else or just need a little dinner inspiration, this is the place.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 227 S VAN BUREN ST |

The Wild Olive

Located on West Main St, next door to the PNC Bank, The Wild Olive specializes in premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars—and they let you taste before you buy, which makes it fun to try new things.

They also carry sauces, pastas, and other gourmet pantry items that pair perfectly with their oils. It’s easy to find something here that feels special but is still totally usable in a regular weeknight dinner.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 37 W MAIN ST |

6. Naughty Dog Books & Fallen Leaf Books

• Best for: Books, Cards & Paper Goods, Toys & Games
• Offers: Online Shopping

If you love books—or love gifting them—these two shops are must-visits. They’re both independent, locally owned, and full of charm, but each has its own distinct vibe. I rotate between them often, depending on what I’m looking for and the kind of bookstore mood I’m in.

Naughty Dog Books

Located in a historic bank building on East Main Street, this shop is the kind of place that feels like it was made for a Hallmark movie. It’s bright, friendly, and well-organized, with a great selection of bestsellers, thoughtful gifts, and bookish merch.

The mystery section is cleverly housed in the old vault (yes, really), and the mother-daughter team that owns the shop does a great job creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. They even host monthly book clubs, which is such a great community touch.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 76 E MAIN ST |

Fallen Leaf Books

Fallen Leaf Books feels totally different from Naughty Dog Books, but just as special. For me, it’s like something out of a cozy, small-town novel—quiet, welcoming, and packed full of treasures.

In addition to plenty of new books and best sellers, you’ll find everything from used and rare books to signed editions, local history, maps, and quirky gift items. This is the spot I go to when I want to browse slowly and get lost in the shelves.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 45 S JEFFERSON ST |

7. Wood Fairy Apothecary

• Best for: Plants; Bath & Body; Home Decor; Cards & Papergoods; Locally-Made Items
• Offers: Online Shopping

Wood Fairy Apothecary is one of those shops that’s hard to describe but easy to love. Equal parts plant store, gift shop, and potion lab, it leans into the dark whimsy of the woods with tongue-in-cheek humor and earthy charm.

While the plant selection isn’t quite as broad as what Ironweed used to offer (RIP Ironweed, you’ll be missed), the Wood Fairy Apothecary more than makes up for it with its locally made soaps, oils, and seasonal salves, plus a rotating assortment of unexpected treasures.

If your idea of the perfect shopping trip involves a few plants, a little sass, and a dash of forest magic, this is your spot. It’s not just a store—it’s a whole mood.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 84 S VAN BUREN ST |

8. Sora Binti Boutique & Mulberry Cottage

• Best for: Clothing; Jewelry; Home Decor; Bath & Body; Cards & Paper Goods
• Offers: Online Shopping

It’s hard to pick favorites when it comes to women’s boutiques in Nashville—especially since I’ve got pieces from many of them in my own closet—but these are my favorites. Whether you’re after cozy vibes, playful accessories, or something totally unexpected, each of these spots brings something different to the table.

Sora Binti Boutique

This spot absolutely nails the boutique experience. It’s cozy and stylish without being overwhelming, and the collection of women’s clothing, accessories, and perfumes is always on point. I love that they carry extended sizes and stock thoughtful, unique pieces that still feel wearable. It’s the kind of shop where you can find something you’ll wear again and again—but still get compliments on every time.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 75 S JEFFERSON ST |

Mulberry Cottage

Mulberry Cottage has something for every style, size, and budget. It’s a store my daughter and I both enjoy shopping in, and the mix of clothing, jewelry, paper goods, and home items makes it a fun place to browse (and always hard to leave empty-handed). It’s approachable and charming—exactly the kind of shop you hope to find on a weekend trip.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 46 W MAIN ST |

Special Mention: Hippies & Cowboys Trading Post

This quirky shop has a totally different vibe than the others—less of a boutique feel and more of a treasure hunt—but it’s one of my absolute favorites for that reason. It’s filled with eclectic finds, cheeky signs, and items you won’t see anywhere else.

The best part? The owner told me that she runs it like a real trading post. If you’ve got something interesting to offer, she just might trade with you. I love seeing places lean into that kind of old-school creativity.

| FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 173 S VAN BUREN ST |

9. Local Artisan-Owned Shops

One of my favorite things about shopping in Nashville is how many of the stores are run by the people who actually make the goods they’re selling. From hand-stitched leather to bold pottery to candles poured right in front of you, these artisan-owned shops are full of character—and craftsmanship.

Whether you’re looking for a gift, a keepsake, or just want to see real artists and makers at work, these are the places I always recommend.

Moonshine Leather

• Best for: Locally-Made Items; Handicrafts; Clothing; Tools
• Offers: Online Shopping

This place is a Brown County institution. Every belt, bag, wallet, and leather good is handmade right here in town by folks who care deeply about their craft—and it shows. I’ve shopped here for years and have also brought in items for repairs and custom work. The team always delivers top-tier quality.

In addition to the leather goods, they also sell leather scraps and supplies for anyone wanting to try their hand at leatherwork. Whether you’re browsing for a gift or something to last you a lifetime, this is one of those shops you won’t forget.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 38 S VAN BUREN ST |

Lawrence Family Glassblowers & Quintessence Gallery

• Best for: Locally-Made Items; Handicrafts; Home Decor
• Offers: Online Shopping

Truly one of the most mesmerizing stops in town—if you love art or just want to witness serious talent in action. The Lawrence brothers create intricate, hand-blown glass sculptures without any molds, and the results are incredible.

You can often catch them working behind the torch, happy to chat about the process. Just don’t bring little kids in here—this is one of those “adult browse only” kind of places (Fearrin’s Ice Cream next door works great as a distraction though!).

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 36 E FRANKLIN ST |

Holly Pots Stoneware

• Best for: Locally-Made Items; Handicrafts; Home Decor; Kitchen & Housewares
• Offers: Online Shopping

Holly’s work is bold, functional, and made with love right here in her Brown County home studio. Her pieces—from mugs and serving bowls to ornaments and yarn bowls—are beautiful and built to last. I have several around my house and always look forward to seeing what new glazes or seasonal pieces she’s added.

Her shop also carries hand-poured soy candles and other curated handmade items that make great gifts.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 59 E MAIN ST (OLD SCHOOL WAY ALLEY) |

Lakehouse Candle Company

• Best for: Locally-Made Items
• Offers: Online Shopping

There are few places that smell as good as this shop. Lakehouse Candle Co. pours every candle right here in Nashville, using clean-burning soy wax and essential oil blends.

Favorites like Christmas in Brown County make this a year-round stop for gifts or something cozy for your own space. They even host custom scent blending sessions and events from time to time—definitely worth checking their calendar. 

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 158 S OLD SCHOOL WAY |

10. Candy Stores…When You Can’t Choose Just One

• Best for: Candy & Sweets, Specialty Foods, Locally-Made Items
• Offers: Online Shopping

Brown County has no shortage of places to satisfy a sweet tooth, and narrowing it down to just one favorite would be impossible. These four candy shops are all part of my regular rotation, and each one offers something a little different depending on what I’m craving (or what the kids are begging for).

Whether you’re into fresh fudge, nostalgic bins of candy, or cinnamon sugar pecans, these are the spots I recommend again and again.

Heritage Candy Store

I personally think Heritage Candy Store has the best fudge in town, and I often make my own small sampler boxes to give as welcome gifts to retreat attendees at the Barn Burner. My kids love their selection of freeze-dried candy and will take any excuse to go in and choose a mix of candy to buy by the pound. It’s a must-visit for any sweet tooth.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 41 S VAN BUREN ST |

Nashville Fudge Kitchen

Of course they’ve got plenty of fudge and candies to choose from, but the gelato here is one of Nashville’s best-kept secrets, and their popcorn assortment is unreal.

They’ve got sweet and savory flavors of caramel corn that are perfect for gifting—or just snacking on in the car before you even leave town. You’ll usually catch someone making fudge the old-school way right in the window, which only adds to the charm.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 175 S VAN BUREN ST |

The Candy Emporium

This shop is packed to the ceiling with everything from vintage favorites to modern treats. My kids are obsessed with the wall of bulk candy bins, and I love their truffle assortment for gifting (or just treating myself). And if you haven’t tried their caramel pecan turtles yet—trust me, they’re a must.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 58 W MAIN ST |

Jack & Jill Nut Shop

This store is so quintessentially Brown County, from the rustic wood walls to the old-fashioned charm. But what keeps us coming back again and again? Their cinnamon sugar pecans. My kids and I could eat them every day, and I always grab an extra bag of their fresh roasted cashews for my father-in-law when I’m there.

It’s a classic stop that’s been serving up sweet treats in Nashville for generations.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 78 S VAN BUREN ST |

11. Brown County Bikes

• Best for: Bikes & Bike Parts; Clothing; Camping & Outdoors; Tools
• Offers: Online Shopping

This shop holds a special place in my heart—and not just because it’s located in the same building as the Brown County Barn Burner (where we host guests)—but because it’s genuinely one of the best additions to our town since 2020.

Brown County Bikes sells bikes and gear for all ages and skill levels, offers rentals and repairs, and even provides lessons for beginners or those looking to up their trail game. My e-bike is from here, my husband’s mountain bike is from here, and my daughter’s most recent upgrade came from here, too.

Brown County is known as the mountain bike capital of the Midwest, and having such a knowledgeable and passionate team right here in town is a huge win. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been riding for years, this shop is the place to go.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 185 S JEFFERSON ST |

12. Bear Hardware

• Best for: Tools; Kitchen & Housewares; Clothing; Camping & Outdoors; Antiques, Vintage & Thrift; Plants; Toys & Games

If you want that classic small-town charm and an old-fashioned hardware store like your grandpa used to visit, Bear Hardware is it. This place is way more than tools and nails. They carry everything from paint and plumbing supplies to gardening tools, camping gear, and even antiques.

It’s the kind of store where you can grab a new rake, browse for vintage finds, and let your kids grab a free popcorn or a Dum Dum sucker on the way out.

Whether I’m picking up something for a DIY project or just wandering the aisles on a rainy afternoon, Bear Hardware never disappoints. It’s a Nashville staple and one of the most authentically “Brown County” experiences you can have in town.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 75 W CHESTNUT ST |

13. For Makers & Creative Souls

If you love getting creative then these three local shops are well worth the stop. Each one is unique, locally owned, and full of inspiration for your next project.

The Clay Purl

• Best for: Handicrafts; Locally-Made Items; Tools
• Offers: Online Shopping

Tucked into a cozy corner of Antique Alley, The Clay Purl is a haven for fiber artists and yarn lovers. It’s stocked with high-quality yarns, spinning and felting supplies, and their own line of Color County Yarns—hand-dyed right here in Brown County. They also offer tools, kits, and occasional classes through the Brown County School for the Fiber Arts.

If you knit, crochet, spin, or weave—or just want to support someone who does—this is your spot. It’s welcoming, well-stocked, and one of those places you can happily browse for far longer than you meant to.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 92 W FRANKLIN ST |

The Yellow Door Quilt Store

• Best for: Handicrafts; Locally-Made Items; Tools
• Offers: Online Shopping

Located on Jefferson Street, next door to the Barn Burner, this shop is the only quilt store in Nashville, and it’s full of color, creativity, and hard-to-find fabrics. From exclusive designer collections to Aboriginal prints, they carry one of the most distinctive fabric selections in the region.

Owner Mary Beth has a real passion for quilting, and it shows in every detail. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just getting started, this shop has the patterns, notions, and inspiration to get you going on your next project. Just look for the yellow door—you can’t miss it.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 175 S JEFFERSON ST |

14. A Touch of Silver, Gold, & Old

• Best for: Jewelry; Locally-Made Items; Antiques, Vintage & Secondhand

For truly special pieces, this is the place—A Touch of Silver, Gold & Old is where I go when I want jewelry that will last a lifetime. The store has an unbeatable selection of custom designs, vintage finds, and high-quality estate jewelry, and everything feels like it was picked with intention.

Their master jeweler does all the work right on-site (you can even see him at the bench with a torch in hand), and it shows in the craftsmanship. I’ve seen everything from heirloom pieces being lovingly restored to new custom designs that are absolutely stunning.

Prices here reflect the quality, but there’s a broad range, which means there’s something for everyone, whether you’re buying your first “real” necklace or picking out a once-in-a-lifetime gift. It’s one of those places where you know you’re in good hands the second you walk in the door.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 87 E MAIN ST |

15. Nashville Indiana Farmers Market

• Best for: Specialty Foods, Plants, Handicrafts, Jewelry, Art, Candy & Confections, Bath & Body, Locally-Made Items
• Offers: On-Site Parking

The only reason the Nashville Indiana Farmers Market isn’t ranked higher on this list is because it’s only open one day a week and for just half the year. But if you happen to be in town on a Sunday from May through October (11am to 2pm), it’s so worth a stop.

This market has become one of my favorite places to shop and connect with local makers. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and artisan baked goods to handmade candles, jewelry, bath and body products, and more. It’s got that real “support your neighbor” energy that I just love.

Even cooler? Several of Nashville’s best shops (and several on this list) actually got their start here and “graduated” to brick-and-mortar storefronts. Places like Rivers & Roads Home, Holly Pots Stoneware, and Offbeet Bakery all began as Farmers Market vendors. So you’re not just supporting small businesses, you might also be discovering the next big thing in town.

It’s held in the parking lot of the Brown County Inn, and there’s free parking right on-site.

| WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | LOCATION – 51 SR 46 E |