Parnassus Books

In 2011, Nashville's last specialist bookstore closed—finished off like so many others by cutthroat competition from e-books and online retailers. But bestselling novelist and native Nashvillian Ann Patchett decided to fight back. By the end of the same year, she had opened Parnassus Books inGreen Hills, named after the mountain that, in Greek mythology, was the pinnacle of literature, learning and music. Stocking an eclectic selection of literature, non-fiction, local interests and the arts, exploring Parnassus is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Indeed, it's been such a success that Patchett is about to open a second store.