I moved to Nashville over three years ago, or more accurately, I moved to Franklin, Tennessee. The combination of being a homebody and working in the opposite direction of Nashville admittedly has kept me from experiencing a lot of the Nashville culture. This year I’ve made an effort to experience more of this amazing, popular city that I call home!
12th South Ave. is one of the areas I’ve visited a lot this summer. I will admit most of those trips were night trips to indulge in some of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream after an evening out at the movies or on a date; however, even in the daylight there is so much going on in this Nashville neighborhood! I was especially excited by all of the murals. I immediately knew I wanted to do a photo series with the murals of Nashville, starting with the ones on 12th South.
But before we get to the beautiful murals of 12th South, let me introduce you to…
Anna Kline
Anna Kline Music | Facebook | Instagram
I met Anna at our mutual friend Jessica’s baby shower. I loved hearing about her story of how she came to be in Nashville. Anna is a musician, currently in college, but has been residing in Nashville over the summer for a music internship. I approached her about taking part in this 12th South mural series, and she was excited and all in! I have to say, Anna has an amazing sense of style. All of the outfits you’ll see in these photos were 100% styled by her!
Draper James
Draper James | Instagram | Facebook
Anna’s first outfit featured blue and white stripes, just like the Draper James mural! Draper James is Reese Witherspoon’s store, epitomized by southern grace. I don’t know that there is a better location for one of these boutiques than in Nashville!
Corner Music Store
Corner Music | Eastside Murals
This mural features a yellow to blue gradient on the side of the Corner Music building. We couldn’t help but jump to match the energy of the murals bright colors and fun fonts!
Relax Max Apparel
Relax Max Apparel | Instagram | Facebook
Can you think of a better mural for a musician to pose with? I think not! Anna donned some black overalls over her shirt for this mural, which features vinyl records. This mural is on the side of Relax Max Apparel, and directly across from the next mural.
Green Pea Salon
Green Pea Salon | Instagram | Facebook
I have to admit, this mural is my favorite. I knew the moment I first saw it that I wanted to take photos here! This mural is on the side of Green Pea Salon and features all of the flowers! I brought along a bouquet (purchased from a store in my hometown) with this mural in mind. We paired this magnificent flower mural with Anna’s floral dress. There’s no such thing as too many florals, am I right?
Halcyon Bike Shop
Halcyon Bike Shop | Instagram | Facebook
I don’t know about ya’ll, but I’m terrible at riding bikes. I don’t know if I’m missing a sense of balance or maybe just confidence, but I still think this shop is the coolest! It features not just one, but two murals! The shop was kind enough to let us use one of their bikes for a photo with the first mural. Anna is way better than me at riding a bike, and she’s even wearing a dress!
…and around the corner!
I’m a little bit obsessed with the colors and movement in this mural. It’s basically a safari behind the bike shop!
The Flipside
The Flipside | LANco | Neon Lumberjack | “Greatest Love Story” Video
Maybe I just live under a rock, but apparently this mural is a part of a music video. Here I thought it was just a reference to the love locks that can be found around the world. Definitely check out the music video if you’re like me and are curious about this mural!
Josephine
This mural was the last stop for us. Anna rocks this floral romper in full sunlight like a rock star! You can read about the story behind this mural in this Nashville Arts Magazine article.
I Believe in Nashville
DCXV Industries | I Believe in Nashville
Unfortunately, the mural had been vandalized two days before our photoshoot! This is actually the second time it has been vandalized this year. Don’t worry, the vandals have been caught. I’m sure the mural will be restored to it’s former glory soon enough! If not, this mural can be found in other locations around Nashville, although this is the location of the original. The artist painted this mural in 2012 in order to show his love for our wonderful city of Nashville. Prints of this artwork are also available on the DCXV website (so you may or may not be seeing one in my home soon!).
Bonus Photos!
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
Sprinkles | Instagram | Facebook
Cupcake ATM! Need I say more?! I’m so excited that this is a thing that exists! We opted for the Dark Chocolate option, of course.
Peach Stand
12th South Farmers Market | Instagram | Facebook
Peaches are kind of a summer staple, especially in Nashville! I feel like I see peaches being sold on every street this time of year – which is not a bad thing! We couldn’t resist a photo op as delicious as this.
Thanks for reading, and I can’t wait to see all of your photos with these murals (or any murals around your local city!) Get out and take those photos!
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