The Turnip Truck and Urban Fare Natural Market is the perfect place in The Gulch to grab an incredibly fresh and delicious take out meal or pick up the ingredients to make your own favorite recipe. The deli part of the restaurant offers daily sandwiches and soup specials such as carrot and rutabaga, lemon chicken and artichoke and yellow split pea. Menu options change according to the availability of fresh produce and the creative decisions of Chef Laura Wilson. The market offers visitors a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce as well as a selection of other health food options and organic supplements. -Lynn-nore Chittom

Art Is Heaven is truly a haven for art lovers and amateurs alike. The showcased collection, here, includes original oil paintings which are fascinating enough to engage every mind and heart. Frameworks by Debbie Wingo, Milan and Vraun adorn the serene interiors of this store. Besides you can also have your piece of art designed with ready-made frames and mirrors. The experienced staff can provide more depth and splendor to your visionary art endeavors with custom-made frames. So come by to get involved in an awe-inspiring arty experience.

This shop is an enormous maze of wares featuring over 150 booths in a warehouse that stretches over 30,000 square feet. The booths include everything from old world antiques to vintage toys. Some booths specialize in retro and vintage clothing, while others include mostly 1950s and 1960s style kitchen wares. This eclectic mix is the perfect spot to find treasures from the mid-century to the present. The prices are excellent and the treasures are endless. Be sure to check out all of the individual nooks, especially the book rooms which include modern used books as well as videos.

If you are looking for all things retro, this is the antique shop for you. This fun and funky store features vintage furniture pieces from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, as well as all sorts of American classic kitsch bric-a-brac. Walking through the doors is like stepping back a few decades into the colorful tones of retro styles. In addition to furniture and classic collectibles, the store also offers a fabulous selection of vintage clothes, shoes and jewelry. This is the kind of shop that might make you say, "Oh, I had one of those!"

Flavor, though not exactly a niche store, stocks the latest in styles and trends for the music fashion industry which is why you may bump into your favorite pop diva or one of the upcoming country music singing sensations here. A unisex store, Flavor provides some of the best options on off beat and cult fashion. Their regulars swear by the variety they have to offer on rare and unique brands like True Religion, Joes Jeans, Antik Denim, AG, 7 and a whole lot of other labels.

Nothing adds character to a home or office like antique furniture and accessories, and no location has more antiques than Downtown Antique Mall. Housed in an old warehouse, this 13,000 square feet showplace is home to several antique dealers. You'll see hard-to-find items, such as furniture from the Art Deco period; Victorian furniture as well as local and regional originals are also sold.

Whether you are an actor looking for stage makeup or a party-goer in search of the perfect costume, Performance Cosmetic & Costume Company can help you look your best. The store employs some of the best makeup artists and costume designers in the area. Find wigs, beards and make-up to transform you into any character you are cast to portray. Costumes ranging from knights and kings to space aliens are available. In addition to costumes, the store also offers a wide variety of tuxedos and formal wear.

The Hip Zipper carries nothing but retro wear. From biker jackets to bell bottoms, you will find everything you need to make a fashion statement. This trendy store also sells dinner jackets, ball gowns and costume jewelry among other items; however, be prepared to do some sleuthing. You must look closely through the many stacks and racks of clothing to find the real treasures. The inventory changes quickly, so check back often.

Readers looking for divine direction may find what they need at this downtown bookstore called Cokesbury Books. Religious books of all types fill the shelves, and a special section features books on the doctrines of the United Methodist Church. Children's books and toys are also available. If you need a special gift or card with an inspiring message, this store has it, along with a wide selection of religious jewelry and other collectibles.

While most interior design stores in Nashville offer traditional accent pieces and overstuffed furniture, SNS Designs / Kaveri features imported products from the Far East. The exotic silks and distinct fabrics are just the beginning of your design adventure here. Hand-painted armoires and chests are also available. The owner of this store spends a great deal of time traveling abroad, searching for distinctive pieces to sell in her shop. Beautiful paintings and small accent pieces are also sold here.