East Nasty

Nashville's east-side

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, listeners of the Internet. I cannot thank you enough
for stopping by. It's stop for another episode of the
Nashville Minutes podcast, a show dedicated to all things Nashville.
You should be aware that today's episode is a continuation
of last week's episode. We got into the East Nasty

(00:25):
Easter Nashville. That is, we talked about the culinary delights
of Eastern Nashville. We talked about its art and culture,
as well as outdoor activities and live music and entertainment.
Today's episode, we're going to pick it up with historic

(00:46):
sites that you can see and experience while you are
in East Nashville, in no particular order. Starting this list,
The Dive Motel. It's quirky, it's retro. It's a motel

(01:13):
in East Nashville and a nod to the neighborhood's mix
of nostalgia and innovation. The Dive Motel features a pool,
retro bar in rooms decorated with a vintage flare. The
Dive Motel is not just a place to stay, but

(01:36):
an experience. It opened in twenty nineteen, the motel has
become an instagram worthy spot, with its mid century modern
style serving as a symbol of East Nashville's growing appeal
to young, creative visitors. The Dive Motel reflects the area's

(01:58):
balance of historical influence and modern day reinvention, serving as
a testament to East Nashville's eclectic spirit. East Nashville is
often described as artsy, eclectic counterpart to the more commercial

(02:19):
areas of Nashville. Historically, the area was a working class neighborhood,
and many of its old homes and businesses still reflect
the industrial past. Over time, however, East Nashville has become
a haven for artists, musicians, and creatives, with a community

(02:42):
that values individuality and local culture. The neighborhood is home
to a diverse mix of old Victorian houses, trendy coffee shops,
historic churches, and new developments, each contributing to the overall
sense of community and artistic expression that defines East Nashville.

(03:08):
The area's musical history is particularly significant, as it has
served as a home for many local musicians who shape
the city's music scene. As Nashville's cultural epicenter continues to expand,
East Nashville remains grounded in its unique blend of old

(03:30):
and new, offering visitors and residents like a taste of
the city's creative art. Let's take a look at some
architecture and historic preservation going on in East Nashville. East
Nashville is home to a remarkable collection of historic Victorian

(03:51):
homes in craftsmen style houses, some dating back to the
late eighteen hundreds. Is like Lachland Springs and Historic East
Nashville are particularly known for these charming, well preserved houses
that reflect the neighborhood's development from the late nineteenth century

(04:12):
to the early twentieth century. Many of these homes have
been meticulously restored and are among the most sought after
properties in the city. The preservation of these historic structures
plays a vital role in maintaining East Nashville's unique character

(04:34):
while contributing to the city's urban growth. Efforts to protect
the neighborhood's architectural history make East Nashville a model of
urban preservation. Next, let's take a look at Nashville's music
scene and community on the East Side. Over the years,

(05:01):
East Nashville has grown into one of the most important
cultural centers for Nashville's music scene. While the city is
widely known for country music, East Nashville embraces a broader
spectrum from indie rock to folk, jazz, and experimental genres.

(05:22):
This cultural shift began in the early two thousands when
artists and musicians moved into the neighborhood, drawn by affordable
rents and a welcoming community. The neighborhood now hosts a
variety of live music venues such as The Basement, East
and Third and Linsley, as well as a thriving art scene.

(05:45):
East Nashville's music scene contributes to the city's reputation as
music city, with a particular focus on Indian emerging artists
who contribute to diverse sounds coming out of Nashville. Next up,
how about some festivals and events. As an annual event
held every August, the Tomato Art Fest is a quirky

(06:09):
and beloved celebration of all things Tomato and East Nashville's
unique culture. It includes live music, a parade, a Tomato
themed art show, contests, and food vendors, all set against
the backdrop of East Nashville's historic streets. This festival draws

(06:33):
thousands of attendees from locals to tourists, and highlights the
neighborhood's eclectic arts a spirit. The Tomato Art Fest exemplifies
East Nashville's commitment to community driven events that bring people
together to celebrate local culture. The East Nashville Beer Festival

(06:54):
is hosted every spring in showcases craft beers from around
the city and beyond, along with local food trucks and
live music. It's held in the beautiful East Park. This
event has become one of the most popular beer festivals
in Nashville. It celebrates East Nashville's burgening craft beer scene,

(07:18):
drawing beer enthusiasts from all over the city. The festival
also serves as a poon raiser for local charities, with
proceeds benefiting the East Nashville community. East Nashville is home
to many local artists and galleries, reflecting the neighborhood's creative atmosphere.

(07:40):
The Art and Invention Gallery, located in the heart of
Five Points, is known for showcasing the work of Nashville's
contemporary artists, offering exhibitions ranging from photography and sculpture to
painting and mixed media. Other notable galleries include the Red
Arrow Gallery and the Ze Gallery, both of which hosts

(08:02):
a wide variety of art shows throughout the year. These
galleries are vital to East Nashville's cultural identity, fostering both
established and emerging artists while supporting the local art community.
East Nashville also offers several studio spaces where artists can

(08:23):
work and collaborate. Many of these studios open their doors
to the public for pop up events, exhibitions, and workshops.
These spaces are an important part of East Nashville's culture
as they provide a platform for artists to share their
work with the community and contribute to the neighborhood's creative energy.

(08:49):
The Five Points area is the heart of East Nashville,
known for its collection of independent businesses, coffee shops, vintage stores,
and restaurants. This area represents the community's entrepreneurial spirit, with
small businesses like Italy's Barbecue, Marty's, and The Post East

(09:11):
contributing to the neighborhood's thriving economy. The neighborhood's independent businesses
help maintain incents of authenticity and charm that is often
lost in more commercialized areas of the city. East Nashville's
commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs is evident in its low
reliance on chain stores, making it a vibrant hub for

(09:34):
innovation and community oriented enterprises. East Nashville hosts its own
farmers Market, which takes place in the warmer months and
features a variety of local vendors, farmers, and artisans. The
East National Farmers Market offers fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods,

(09:55):
handmade crafts, and much more. This market not only supports
local agriculture, but also serves as a community gathering spot
where neighbors meet and interact. It's a great way to
experience the food culture of East Nashville while supporting small
scale farmers and businesses. Unfortunately, that's all the time that

(10:19):
we've got for today's episode of The Nashville Minutes podcast,
a show dedicated to all things Nashville. We'll get there
one episode at a time. For this one, I can't
thank you enough for listening, and until next time.