The Nashville Arcade originally opened in 1903. At that time the Overton Alley between 4th and 5th streets was developed into Nashville's first shopping center. It was fashioned after the arcades of Italy, hence its name. Only a few of these Italian inspired arcades remain in the United States today. More than 100 years later the Arcade still functions as a shopping center for the city of Nashville.
The Arcade is a popular spot on walking tours of Nashville. It is centrally located in the downtown business district and it is close to the Tennessee State Capitol building.
The two-level shopping mall is almost like stepping back into time. While the stores have changed since the Arcade's 1903 opening, there are many old fashioned merchants left for locals and tourists to enjoy. The merchants include barber shops, jewelry stores, photography studios and the famous Peanut Shop.
One of the most famous shops in the Nashville Arcade is The Peanut Shop. The Peanut Shop is the original location for Planters Peanuts. "Mr. Peanut" still works there providing patrons with roasted peanuts and candy.
Art is also a specialty of the Nashville Arcade. Individual artists, art shops and galleries have combined to form the Art at the Arcade group that exists to help create an art district for Nashville at the Arcade. On the first Saturday of every month the group holds a Gallery crawl which attracts many visitors to the Arcade.
Both the uniqueness of the architectural design and of the merchants makes the Nashville Arcade an exciting destination.
