FOR NIGHT OWLS & NATURE LOVERS

Image: Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood, TN offers 300 acres of hills, forests, creeks, ponds and meadows home to more than 2,000 species of local flora and fauna. It’s a lovely place to hike on your own anytime, but a couple of their guided tours caught our eye:

Fall Lantern Hikes. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, then meet up with your group at sunset for a nighttime adventure in the woods by lantern light! It’s a 1.5-mile hike on a “moderately challenging natural surface trail.” Lanterns are provided. Friday, Oct. 2, Hike Time: 7 PM – 9 PM and Friday, Nov.6, Hike Time 6 PM – 8 PM. Cost: $18 per person. Ages 12+ only.  Details and registration.

Fall Color Hikes. Follow an expert into the woods to see the beauty of Fall at Owl’s Hill. Walks are for adults and teens. Cameras and binoculars welcome. Oct. 17, 24 & 31; Nov. 7, 14 & 21.  All hikes begin at 9:30 AM. Moderately strenuous. Cost: $15 per hiker, ages 14 & up.  Details and registration.

FOR WATERFALL CHASERS

Image: Glenn Crowell, Facebook

If you’re looking for dramatic views and multiple waterfalls, the Virgin Falls Pocket Wilderness area could be home to the hike for you. The caves are currently closed, but the trail goes by boulder fields, sinks (not the kitchen kind) and more. It’s located between Sparta and Crossville and adjacent to the Bridgestone/Firestone Centennial Wilderness, which we’re told also has some great trails.

Note: This is not a casual stroll in the woods. The Virgin Falls website suggests allowing 5-9 hours of hiking time, starting early so you don’t run out of daylight and bringing appropriate food, water and clothing.

Directions and more.

FOR HISTORY BUFFS

Image: National Park Service

Stones River National Battlefield. The site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War offers seven miles of trails that vary from paved to challenging woodland walks. Guided tours are available. The Visitors Center is open 10 AM – 4 PM, Fridays to Mondays, at 3501 Old Nashville Highway, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

Preservation Park. Another former battlefield; this one the site of the Battle of Thompson’s Station. It features miles of hiking trails, including the 3.4-mile Battlefield Trail with markers that will take you to the top of a hill for an amazing 360-degree view. 1600 Thompson’s Station Rd W, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179.

FOR FRANKLIN FANS

Image: City of Franklin

Pinkerton Park / Fort Granger. With the Harpeth River on one side and Fort Granger on another, Pinkerton Park offers a scenic one-mile walk on a paved path. Next door at Fort Granger you can enjoy a .7-mile walking trail that leads to “spectacular” views of Franklin. Pinkerton Park is located at 405 Murfreesboro Rd, and you’ll find Fort Granger just behind it at 113 Fort Granger, both in Franklin, TN.

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. There’s a lot to see and enjoy at this 200-acre park, including walking and hiking trails, a three-acre fishing pond, historic barns and homes, and a dog park where you can relax and Fluffy can play after your hike. 239 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064.

FOR SERIOUS HIKERS (AND THEIR FRIENDS)

Image: @wolf_of_the_pines

Once upon a time there was South Cumberland State Park. Nowadays, that park is three different state parks and all of them have a wide variety of trails rated from easy to difficult.

Fiery Gizzard State Park. The most famous of the three may be Fiery Gizzard, named after its nationally recognized trail. It offers 20-plus total miles of hiking trails ranging from quarter-mile to almost 13-mile treks. You’ll see waterfalls, an old coal mining area and glorious views, as shown in the photo above.

Savage Gulf State Park. The name may be a clue that Savage Gulf offers several challenging trails for overnight or extended hikes. They have easy and moderate routes, too. For example, the moderate Laurel Falls Loop Trail is “a short loop leading to a beautiful 25-foot waterfall.” Bonus: it starts next to a Ranger station.

Head of the Crow. The newest Tennessee state park—not even a year old—also has multiple trails for both seasoned and beginning hikers. Any hiker might enjoy one of the “easy” options: Natural Bridge Trail features a 25-foot-high natural sandstone arch that provides a scenic overlook of Lost Cove. The park is also home to the extremely rare Painted Tigersnail. Will you spot one?

Before you set out on any hike, be sure you’re dressed appropriately for the terrain and weather, have plenty of water/snacks and make sure someone knows where you’re going. Then go have an adventure!

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WRITE

Image: Pixabay

Is this the year to finally write that novel or nurture your poetic side? Check out Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online from Art and Soul Nashville, a nonprofit arts studio dedicated to supporting individual creativity, personal growth, and artistic development. You’re invited to join their circle to tickle your muse’s fancy, connect on a deep level, and explore your inner creative every Monday while safe and cozy from home. Make sure you have a pen and journal or notebook available.

Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online Mondays at 7 PM, online. Ages 17 and up. Sign up.

COOK

Image: Black Diamond Culinary

Calling all foodies and foodie wannabes! Learn to cook with confidence in small group setting at Black Diamond Culinary. Try your hand at making Italian pasta, French cuisine, seafood and more or take a more hands-off approach and watch a mouth-watering meal being prepared before your eyes. (Then eat it. Yum.)

Black Diamond Culinary is at 6050 Maysbrook Lane Franklin, TN, 37064. Book a class.

IMPROVISE

Image: Pexels

Laugh while you learn at improv classes and build confidence at the same time. Love music? Third Coast Comedy’s Musical Improv track teaches students of all musical backgrounds everything they need to know to improvise full musicals! Maybe you’ve always secretly wanted to be a stand-up comedian…there’s a class for that, too. Make ‘em laugh!

Third Coast Comedy is at 1310 Clinton St, Ste 121, Nashville, TN 37203. Start your journey.

GARDEN

Image: WCMGA

Take your love of plants to the next level and become a Master Gardener. Master Gardeners develop and manage community programs related to horticulture, landscape improvements, therapeutic horticulture projects demonstration and more. The course is organized around weekly lectures, with some workshops, field trips and projects and takes place over 15 weeks beginning in January of each year.

If that sounds like a bit too much of a commitment, check out horticultural events, resources, recipes and more from the Williamson County Master Gardener Association.

CREATE

Image: Hawaii Fluid Art

Let your inner artist out to play with a fluid art class at Hawaii Fluid Art. No artistic experience necessary! You can also opt to make a resin tumbler, paint on glass, or design a one-of-a-kind hat at their Patch Party Hat Bar. There’s something for everyone, so the whole family can join in the fun. All their products are non-toxic, water-based and easy to use.

Hawaii Fluid Art is at 3252 Aspen Grove Dr #10, Franklin, TN 37067.  Pick your project.

ROCK OUT

Image: School of Rock Franklin

It’s never too late to indulge your rock ‘n roll dreams. Anyone from age 6 on up can learn to be a rock star at School of Rock Franklin. Adult students attend a weekly private lesson and a weekly group rehearsal (you’ll be placed in a band and assigned songs). The payoff? Your band will take the stage at a live show at a real rock venue in Franklin! All skill levels welcome.

School of Rock Franklin is at 615 Bakers Bridge Avenue Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37067.  Rock on!

BUILD

Image: Woodcraft of Nashville

Admit it, you’ve watched those celebrity carpenters on renovation shows and thought, “Wonder if I could do that.” Well, with some training from the experts at Woodcraft of Nashville, you probably can. They offer classes for all levels of woodworking expertise, so even if the only jigsaw you’re familiar with is a puzzle (hint: it’s also an actual saw), they can help you start throwing sawdust around with the best of them. They also offer free monthly demos and Date Night projects.

Woodcraft of Nashville is at 209 South Royal Oaks Blvd STE #164, Franklin, TN 37064. Choose a project.

No matter what you’re interested in, there’s probably a workshop, website or course nearby. You don’t have to become an expert or change your career (although you can if you want to). Sometimes it’s just good to give your brain a break from the everyday and try something new.

Happy learning!

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1.  PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL – SEPT. 28-29 – FRANKLIN

Image: Pilgrimage Music Festival

Inspired by friendship, history, experience and the desire to create an authentic music festival, Pilgrimage celebrates its 10^th festival in 2024. Festival-goers will be surrounded by music at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm—walking distance from downtown Franklin—with multiple stages showcasing a 2024 lineup that includes the Dave Mathews Band, Noah Kahan, NEEDTOBREATHE, Hozier and many more. Plan time to shop with local artisans, restaurants, food trucks and makers, and bring the kids.  There’s plenty to keep them happy, too, like a DJ Mixing Stations so kids can experience what it’s like to mix their own music and much more at the Franklin Fun Farm.

When performances wrap and the lights come back on at 10pm each night, guests can conveniently walk back into the heart of downtown Franklin, within walking distance from the Park at Harlinsdale, to imbibe the best of the town’s bars and restaurants, retail shops, and great weekend lineups of nighttime shows and events.

Plan your outing.

2.  GREEN HILLS PARK FESTIVAL – SEPT. 7 – NASHVILLE

Image:  Green Hills Park Festival

For something on a little smaller scale—but still a fun, family-friendly outing—head out to the 8^th Annual Green Hills Park Festival at 1200 Lone Oak Rd in Nashville from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Saturday, September 7th. Incognito Cartel will rock the stage; adults 21+ can enjoy cocktails will be available for purchase. Kids are welcome to run around and play games, learn to juggle, get creative with children’s craft activities, and learn about bike safety!  Attendees of any age can enjoy shopping with local makers and over 40 kid entrepreneurs. At 7:00 pm, make yourself comfortable and enjoy a kid-friendly outdoor film.

Admission is free! Proceeds from the sponsorships and donations made at the Festival go straight toward park improvements. This year, money raised will go toward installing exercise equipment at the park.  

Plan your outing.

3.  CHEEKWOOD HARVEST – SEPT. 14-OCT. 27 – NASHVILLE

If ever you wondered where to take the perfect Insta-worthy photo, this is it. Where else are you likely to see than 4,000 chrysanthemums and more than 75,000 pumpkins in a Pumpkin Village (including three pumpkin houses) and a nine-foot-tall P’mumkin topiary made of orange mums arranged in the shape of a giant pumpkin? Bring your crew along to stroll through the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, walk along the rainbow-themed Scarecrow Trail, then pick up a pumpkin to take home. Tip:  If you come on a weekend, you can enjoy music in the beer garden before or after your stroll.  

Plan your outing.

4.  AMERICANAFEST – SEPT. 17-21 – NASHVILLE

Image:  Holler.Country

A festival too big to fit into just one location, the Americana Music Festival & Conference offers more than 165 showcases in venues around downtown. The 24th annual AMERICANAFEST brings together fans and industry professionals alike, offering five days of celebration through seminars, panels and networking opportunities by day and raw, intimate showcases each night. Neko Case, Waxahatchee, John Oates Acoustic Band, Amy Helm, and Amythyst Kiah are just some of the artists slated to perform this year. See the lineup at the link below.  

Plan your outing.

5.  DEPOT DAYS – SEPT 27-28 – SMYRNA

Image:  Simatn.org

The fun starts on Friday night (9/27/24) with a Classic Car Show from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. As dawn breaks on Saturday, September 28th, Front Street undergoes a magical transformation into a bustling pedestrian paradise. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm you can browse the eclectic wares offered by more than 100 vendors. Laughter and music will be in the air, especially around the Kids Zone with “inflatable wonders” offered free of charge. Throughout the weekend, the Main Stage at the Train Depot will be a focal point of entertainment, along with myriad other locations along the bustling Front Street.

Plan your outing.

6.  NASHVILLE GREEK FESTIVAL – SEPT. 27-29 – NASHVILLE

Take a trip to Greece this month—no passport required! The Nashville Greek Festival offers a rich, multi-sensory experience of Greek hospitality and culture, transforming the grounds of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church into a three-day “glendi” (aka festival). The Nashville Greek Festival provides a rich, authentic and varied menu prepared by passionate volunteers who want to share their heritage.With delicious food on offer, live Greek music, tours and dancing, this is a fun and tasty opportunity to experience another culture. Once the sun goes down, put on your dancing shoes and give Greek dancing a try yourself! The church is located at 4905 Franklin Pike in Nashville. Opa!

Plan your outing.

7.  WILCO POW WOW – SEPT. 28-29 – LEBANON

Image:  Wilco Pow Wow

This authentic Pow Wow experience came out of the dream of a local, Wilson County man with Native American heritage who dreamed of educating his community in Native American culture. The newly re-imagined and re-branded “WilCo Pow Wow” promised to be bigger than ever this year, featuring over 150 Native American dancers and drummers, authentic Native American food, arts, crafts and entertainment activations such as pottery making, weaving and tomahawk throwing. Come out to the Wilson County Fairgrounds and learn about the rich Native American culture and heritage found not only in Tennessee but throughout our nation.

Plan your outing.

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COLUMBIA

Image: VisitColumbiaTN.com

Come see what makes Columbia a nationally accredited Main Street community, a ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ by Southern Living AND a ‘Country’s Best Small Town, Top 10’ by Country Living Magazine. Start by getting to know the 11^th President of the United States at the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, where you’re invited to “bring your questions and your curiosity.” One of the most significant Presidential collections in the United States, the museum is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, just a block from the historic Maury County courthouse square. If history, one-of-a-kind shops, quirky murals and restaurants don’t do it for you, check out these Must-Do Outdoor Excursions and other suggested summer activities.  

ETHERIDGE

Image:  AmishofEtheridge.com

Did you know? The largest Amish community in the Southern United States is just over an hour south of Nashville. The Amish Welcome Center offers free Amish maps, Amish goods and souvenirs, vintage glassware, antiques, t-shirts, and the only public restrooms in the area. (Always a good thing to know!) As you drive around, you’ll likely see handmade signs at the end of driveways letting you know what that home has to offer for sale. Before you go, be sure to read this Amish advice page for important information (like bring cash in small bills, don’t take photos, and more). While you’re in the area, you can also step back in time to 1940 at Ike’s Amish Depot and General Store, the greyhound bus depot the Amish use to travel long distances. Come on Saturdays for old school burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes. For something a little different, check out the Plowboy Produce Auction, where farmers—90% of them Old Order Amish—bring wagon loads of their best hand-picked-that-morning products to sell. Auctions start at 1 PM Mon-Wed-Fri, April through October.

FRANKLIN

Image: VisitFranklin.com

If you can make the trip on Tuesday through Friday, take the Franklin Hop Trolley Tour, a vintage trolley ride through history. If Saturday is your only option, treat yourself to a stroll through the Franklin Farmers Market at  The Factory at Franklin. This former stove works turned bedding manufacturing plant is now filled with shops, restaurants and more. Franklin’s Main Street, designated a Great American Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is just steps away. Whatever day you visit, there will be plenty to see. History buffs will want to visit three homes that tell the story of the Battle of Franklin, dubbed “the last great battle of the American Civil War.” End your day with tickets to whatever’s playing at the beautifully restored Franklin Theatre, which offers movies, live theatre, music, comedy and more.

GRANVILLE

Image: Granville, TN

In the spirit of the Volunteer State, Granville—”Tennessee’s Mayberry Town“—is operated by about 200 volunteers, which means they’re only open Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-3 PM and Saturday 10 AM-5 PM. That’s right, the whole town has visiting hours, and there’s so much to see, you’ll want to make the most of every one of them. Your town tour ticket (just $7 for adults) gives you access to a guided tour of the Sutton Homestead and Pioneer Village and a self-guided tour of other buildings and museums, including the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Museum, Daniel Barber Shop and Post Office Museum, Clemons Car Museum, Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum, Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum and Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum. See why you need to start early?

HOHENWALD

Image:  The Elephant Sanctuary

Begin your adventure at the 1896 train depot (now a welcome center) to pick up info and do a little shopping before heading out to The Elephant Sanctuary.  The sanctuary itself (where the elephants actually live) is closed to visitors, but you can enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Center and watch live footage from their “EleCam” solar-powered cameras used to locate and monitor the elephants. Don’t miss the Lewis County Museum of Natural History and Hohenwald Discovery Center—a big name for a place with a lot to offer, including the world-class Maddox Wildlife Collection, an outdoor ‘discovery trail’ and more. Before you head home, pay your respects at the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, and raise a glass at one (or more) stops on the Natchez Trace Wine Trail.

There are many more delightful places to visit in our part of Tennessee, but this list will give you a place to start. Have fun out there!

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DO THE TURKEY TROT

Image:  The Turkey Trot

Gather the whole flock—even the little chicks—and take part in a family-friendly, feel-good, do-good tradition on Thanksgiving Day, when over 3,000 participants will run/walk a 10k, 5k, or 1k Kids Turkey Chase through the heart of Cool Springs at The Turkey Trot Benefitting GraceWorks. Join in the fun and help your local community resource center provide food, shelter, and support to neighbors in need. Learn more and register.

GO TURKEY BOWLING  

Image:  Tock

It really is just what it sounds like:  traditional bowling but with frozen turkeys! This annual event takes place on Wednesday, November 15^th at Hopsmith Tavern (1903 Division St, Nashville). It’s a team sport so grab your partner and get ready to have a blast! Send an email to info@hopsmithnashville.com to register or come just to watch! RSVP to info@hopsmithnashville.com with the number of people in your party. Learn more about the fine art of turkey bowling here.

HUG A TURKEY

Image:  Gentle Barn

For something a little more turkey-friendly, head over to the Gentle Barn in Christiana, TN on Thanksgiving Day to “celebrate life, love, and liberty with our majestic turkeys who should have been cherished throughout history for their intelligence, affection, and dynamic personalities.” Give a turkey a cuddle and enjoy delicious vegan pie, hot autumn drinks, fun music, games, and crafts. RSVP here.

EAT SOME TURKEY

Image:  Nashville Guru

Not the one you just hugged at the barn, obviously, but it’s Thanksgiving…you’re going to want to eat something. If you enjoy doing all the baking, roasting, etc. yourself, good for you! If you’d rather let somebody else do the cooking this year, check out this list of places to dine in or carry out your turkey day dinner, courtesy of Nashville Guru.

WALK OFF ALL THAT TURKEY

Image:  Cheekwood

Do yourself a favor head outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. This time of year, one of the best places to do that is Cheekwood’s Arboretum, where oaks, maples, dogwoods, and other trees in greet you with their fall colors and pumpkins are everywhere. During the six-week-long Cheekwood Harvest celebration they have activities and experiences designed to appeal to all ages. Cheekwood is closed Thanksgiving Day, so mark your calendar to go sometime in the days before or after T-Day (or both). Tickets and info here.

Whether you choose one of these activities or gobble up the whole platter, we hope you and yours have a happy, healthy Thanksgiving!

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JAZZ ON THE CUMBERLAND – NASHVILLE

Image: Victor Chatman

Nationally ranked the #1 Destination for jazz in the City of Nashville (for the 9th year in a row!) and listed as 1 of the Top 5 “Must Do Things in the City of Nashville,” Jazz on the Cumberland offers some of the best local, regional, and national jazz artists performing live against the backdrop of the city skyline.

Pack up the family, blankets or lawn chairs and come enjoy this family-friendly and pet-friendly evening of entertainment. There’s even a Kid’s Fun Play Zone. August 20 and select Sundays through October, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm. Get Details. Nashville Cumberland Park 592 S. First St, Nashville, TN. (directly beside the Titans Nissan Stadium).

MUSIC IN THE PARK – McEWEN NORTHSIDE, FRANKLIN

Image: Facebook

Bring a blanket and enjoy live music at Music on the Lawn at McEwen Northside. Thursdays through September 14, 6 pm – 8 pm. Highly walkable and conveniently located to the heart of Cool Springs, McEwen Northside is a thoughtfully planned urban hot spot that’s home to a unique mix of popular shopping and eating experiences, state-of-the-art office space, luxury living, and interactive green spaces that are designed to foster community. 4031 Aspen Grove Dr., Franklin, TN. Learn more.

MUSIC IN THE VINES – ARRINGTON VINEYARDS

Image: Arrington Vineyards

Free live jazz and bluegrass music, delicious food and beautiful vineyard views. What’s not to love? Just 35 minutes south of downtown Nashville, and 20 minutes from both Franklin and Murfreesboro, Music in the Vines at Arrington Vineyards is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon. No reservations needed, free parking . . . you can almost feel the stress slipping away just thinking about it, can’t you? Concerts are on weekends, 3 pm – 7 pm. See the schedule. Directions to the vineyard.

PICKIN’ IN THE PARK – SPRING HILL

Image: Facebook

Started in 2013 by Spring Hill resident Matt Meyer, Pickin’ in the Park is a monthly outdoor, family-friendly event featuring local musicians and songwriters in and around the Spring Hill community. Upcoming concert dates: September 9 and October 7, 2023. Concerts take place at Harvey Park 4001 Miles Johnson Pkwy, Spring Hill. More info here.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES ON THE STREETS OF INDIAN LAKE – HENDERSONVILLE

Image: Facebook

If you like your music with a side of food and shopping, head over to the Center Stage Plaza at The Streets of Indian Lake in Hendersonville on a Thursday night. The Streets of Indian Lake is a community-oriented lifestyle center offering “great shops, restaurants and FREE concerts full of family-friendly music to ease into those relaxing summer evenings.” Thursdays in August, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Additional info here. 300 Indian Lake Blvd, Hendersonville, TN.

FRIDAY NIGHT OPEN STAGE AT STARSTRUCK FARM – LEBANON

Image: Pexels from Pixabay

Do all these concert dates have you wanting to make music of your own? Starstruck Farm invites you to “C’mon out and bring your best licks!” at Open Stage, every Friday night at 7 pm. Of course, you can also go just to listen and munch on pizza while you enjoy the music. Starstruck Farm was first conceived and built by Reba McEntire in the late 90’s and is now one of the most iconic and unique food, lodging and entertainment venues in Tennessee. 10471 Highway 109, Lebanon, TN.

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SCHAKOLAD CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Image:  Schakolad Chocolate Factory   

Schakolad (pronounced shaq-oh-LAD) – is a combination of “Schaked” (last name of co-founder Barun Schaked)) and “Chocolate.” Although they have stores in five states—two in Tennessee!—their chocolates are “made fresh on premises” in each location, using a “tried and true three-generation European-style family recipe” using the highest quality. Visit them in Franklin at 1735 Galleria Blvd, Suite 1037.

POPPY & PEEP

Image: Poppy & Peep

As a young girl, Evane Stoner remembers her dad bringing her treats from his business trips, like fudge from Gatlinburg. One of this father-daughter duo’s favorite things to do together was (and still is) visiting candy shops. So, it only makes sense that when Evane grew up, they attended chocolate school and decided to bring “their vision for chocolate education and hospitality” to Nashville.  Poppy & Peep creates “whimsical and badass chocolate delights” and specialize in “creating bon bons, chocolate bars,& confections that are both playful & flavorful” in their  custom micro chocolate factory. Check it out at 374 Herron Dr. Unit 6, Nashville.

OLIVE & SINCLAIR

Image:  Olive & Sinclair

Tennessee’s first bean-to-bar chocolate company, Olive & Sinclair (or as they like to call themselves, O&S) founded in 2007. What’s “bean-to-bar”? Taste your way through one of their tours and find out! Along the way you’ll learn how their antique melanguers (stone mills), modern European technique and classic Southern flavors come together to create what they’ve dubbed as “true Southern Artisan Chocolate.” Hint: A chocolate tour makes a great V-Day gift. Or you can just buy a bar or seven. That works, too. Pick up your chocolate at 1628 Fatherland Street in Nashville.

LEON’S CANDY

Image: Leon’s Candy

Handcrafted in Nashville since 1994, Leon’s Candy pralines were served at George W. Bush’s First State of the Union Address dinner and have been featured on the Food Network and in Southern Living magazine. Their quaint candy kitchen is home to a fourth-generation candy story that smells like warm caramel, rich melted chocolate and Jack Daniel’s whisky. Their recipes, handed down from generation to generation, are said to make the best candy ever. Judge for yourself at 2nd Ave North, Suite 102, Nashville, Inside Butler’s Run Breezeway where 2nd Ave meets Commerce St.

TEMPERED FINE CHOCOLATE

Image:  Tempered Fine Chocolates

Tempered Fine Chocolates, in Nashville’s historic Germantown neighborhood, is inspired by “historic French and Swiss chocolate-making techniques” and say that “chocolate creates a through-line for all cultures, continents and experiences.” Their chocolate is created in small, delicious batches and can be eaten or drunk; they offer both hot chocolate and drinking chocolate—sort of an espresso version of hot chocolate—alongside ‘regular’ espresso, which pairs beautifully with truffles. Speaking of pairings, you can book whiskey and wine pairing experiences…something to consider as a Valentine’s gift? Visit the ‘shoppe’ at 1201 5th Avenue North, Nashville.

COLT’S CHOCOLATE

Image:  Colt’s Chocolate

Former “Hee Haw” Honey Mackenzie Colt went “from the stage to the stove” when she founded Colt’s Chocolates in 1984. The oldest specialty chocolate and dessert company in Nashville, Colt’s specializes in delicious chocolates and southern desserts. Although they’re now sold across the country in specialty shops, hotels, and retail, Colts still crafts their chocolates by hand. You can take even take a factory tour and watch them do it at 3611 Gallatin Pike, Nashville.

P.S. If you’re wondering about Goo Goo Chocolate, we featured them in our Fall Fun in Franklin post and they’re definitely worth a visit. As is every chocolatier on this list…even when it’s not Valentine’s Day.

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