Middle Tennessee is famous for our savory and spicy dishes, and we love to share the heritage restaurants and newest spots that have caught our interest. Today, though, we’re turning our attention to Middle Tennessee’s sweeter side with a guide to the Best Candy Shops in the region! From handmade chocolate to gift baskets overflowing with handmade treats, you can find anything sweet you’re looking for at at least one spot featured below.
Tempered Fine Chocolates
1201 5th Ave N Ste 103 | Nashville
We adore Germantown’s Tempered Fine Chocolates for their delectable creative custom chocolates! When you want to order a box of chocolates with custom colors, logos, or monograms, this shop will impress you as well as anyone to whom you offer a box as a gift. Inside, the shop exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, with intimate seating and impeccable attention to detail.
While you are in the shop, be sure to have a cup of their rich, three-chocolate blended hot chocolate or even more intense European-style drinking chocolate. We should warn you, though, that hot chocolate ordered from any chain coffee shop will simply never measure up to the house-made Tempered blend, so you may find yourself here often to enjoy “just one more cup!”
The shop’s espresso is equally delicious, and it is made entirely with Americano Lounge’s single-origin roast. If you are visiting in the afternoon, however, when coffee will only ruin your night’s rest, enjoying your truffles with a specialty whiskey and wine pairing is the ideal way to best experience the flavors of both the chocolate and beverages.
If you’re nearby in the evening, you should know that the chocolate shop transforms into a cozy absinthe bar after dark!
Whether you're enjoying unique flavors like Hot Chicken Spice Chocolate or sampling local favorites like Louisa’s Cream Liquor truffles, every bite is crafted with care and passion. Most truffles are gluten-free, and vegan options are clearly labeled. Each member of staff is trained to answer dietary questions, so please inquire about your specific needs.
Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe
4208 Old Hillsboro Rd Ste 8 | Franklin
Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe and Bubble Bar in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee is a whimsical destination full of vibrant tastes, colors, and unforgettable bubbly experiences! Choose from a wide variety of gourmet gumballs and candy, available by the 1/4 lb, or grab a pre-packaged favorite.
At the Bubble Bar, craft your own soda or seltzer by selecting from the shop’s lineup of natural sodas, then personalize your drink with fun, colorful ingredients. Add popping pearl bubbles to your favorite flavors, mix in a magical syrup, and finish it off with edible glitter for a touch of whimsy.
As you explore the shop, check out the Oxygen Bar, where you can enjoy a refreshing 10 or 20-minute session of pure oxygen while sipping your customized drink.
Continue your adventure past the Oxygen Bar and step into The Parlor, Bubble Joy’s cozy adults-only mocktail bar styled with a nostalgic 1930s aesthetic. In this secret speakeasy, you can embark on a treasure hunt at Kidd’s Jewelry Bar. Dig through vintage trunks and suitcases to discover unique beads, charms, gemstones, and other trinkets to craft your own custom jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and keychains. You can also shop locally made unique jewelry if you prefer.
Whether you're here for a family outing, a girls' day, or just to relax on your own, Bubble Joy offers something magical for everyone. Enjoy every moment; simply follow the bubbles upstairs and let the fun begin!
Goo Goo Chocolate Co
116 3rd Ave S | Nashville
In 1912, Nashville became the birthplace of America’s first combination candy bar—the Goo Goo Cluster. Created at the Standard Candy Company on Clark & First Avenue, this unique confection was a round mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, freshly roasted peanuts, and real milk chocolate. Famously, this was the first candy bar to combine multiple ingredients. Prior to the Goo Goo Cluster, candy bars were limited to a single element, like chocolate, caramel, or taffy.
Today, Goo Goo Clusters are crafted following the original recipe: a combination of rich caramel, creamy marshmallow nougat, and crunchy roasted peanuts are all enveloped in a thick layer of tender milk chocolate. While the production process has evolved along with modern technology, the flavors are just as satisfyingly old-fashioned as ever.
Today, you can visit and enjoy an interactive experience at the Goo Goo Shop, learn about the history of Standard Candy, and create your own custom Goo Goo Clusters! Kids can have fun designing their own treats while watching the process as they are being made.
In addition to the classic Goo Goo Cluster, the shop offers other delectable treats, including bonbons. We highly recommend favorites like Campfire and Coconut! If you are anywhere near Nashville and have not yet been to Goo Goo Chocolate Co, we hope you make it out this year!
Leon's Candy
138 2nd Ave N Ste 102 | Nashville
Since 1994, Leon’s Candy in Nashville has been handcrafting sweet treats steeped in family tradition. As soon as you step inside the welcoming shop, the heady aromas of warm caramel, melted chocolate, and even Jack Daniel’s whiskey fill the air, transporting you into a world of indulgent flavors and old-fashioned craftsmanship.
Leon's Candy is a celebration of generations of family history. The Vlahos family’s journey began in 1888 when Leon’s grandfather, fresh off a boat from Greece, arrived in New Orleans and learned to make the shop’s now-famous pecan praline. Years later, in the 1940s, Leon’s father, Chris Vlahos, started Mary Ball Candy Company.
Since 1993, Leon and his wife Myrna have been selling their handmade candies here in Nashville, even achieving national success when his famous pralines were served at G. W. Bush’s first State of the Union address, featured on the Food Network, and highlighted in Southern Living Magazine.
Whether you're grabbing a tin of assorted chocolates for a gift or treating yourself, Leon's Candy is a must-visit for anyone in Nashville. With its unbeatable sweets and rich family history, this candy shop is truly one of our region’s treasures.
Kilwins
Multiple Locations | Franklin & Nashville
Since 1947, Kilwins has been a cherished name in the world of American confections, celebrated for its high-quality chocolates, ice cream, and sweets. Built on the foundation of using only the finest ingredients, Kilwins continues to craft its products with care, creating a warm, welcoming experience for every customer.
In downtown Franklin, our local Kilwins franchise is a beloved spot where visitors can count on friendly service and free samples as they browse the store’s wide selection of sweets. From the creamy fudge to the crisp caramel apples and rich ice cream, every treat at Kilwins is made with love and attention to detail, creating an experience that will have you coming back time and time again!
Poppy & Peep Chocolate
374 Herron Dr #6 | Nashville, TN
Poppy & Peep Chocolate is a paradise for chocolate lovers, where each treat is a blend of artistry and premium ingredients. Their handcrafted chocolates, from smooth truffles to imaginative bars, are the result of a deep passion for the craft.
Founded by the father-daughter team Mark and Evane Stoner, Poppy & Peep is one of Nashville’s sweetest new spots. Poppy & Peep specializes in whimsical, expertly crafted chocolates made in a custom micro-factory, where creativity and quality are at the forefront of every creation.
When you visit, you’ll be greeted with friendly service and can learn about the process behind their beautiful hand-painted bonbons. The attention to detail, combined with unique flavors, makes every piece a standout. Plus, when you return, you can enjoy a $5 discount by bringing back the chocolate box from your previous visit!
Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co
1628 Fatherland St | Nashville
Olive & Sinclair is Tennessee's first bean-to-bar chocolate company, known for its unique Southern Artisan Chocolate™. Founded in 2007, they combine tradition with innovation, slow-roasting and stone-grinding cacao to create chocolates that represent our region’s unique flavors.
In 2014, Olive & Sinclair found a permanent home in a historic building at 1628 Fatherland Street in Nashville. Now fully restored, the factory blends vintage charm with modern craftsmanship. Stop in to taste and purchase whole chocolate bars as well as select brittle flavors!
On Saturdays, you can take a factory tour that includes an educational talk about bean sourcing, roasting, shelling, and refining the cacao into a rich liquid. Tasting is a highlight, with a variety of bars and brittles to sample, including chocolate in its pure form before sugar has been added.
The Country Gourmet
107 E Main St | Murfreesboro
The Country Gourmet is a beloved Murfreesboro shop, known for its carefully curated selection of sweets, gourmet chocolates, jams, jellies, oils, and vinegars. Their gift baskets are a go-to choice for special occasions and can always be counted on to reflect the warmth and charm of the community. We especially love their baby gift baskets, which include items for both the parents and the infant.
Whether you stop by for the unique gifts, friendly service, or delicious treats, you will quickly understand why this little store is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors. With a focus on local and regional products, it's a gem in the heart of Murfreesboro, perfect for anyone seeking a taste of Southern hospitality.
Savannah's Candy Kitchen
310 Broadway | Nashville
Savannah's Candy Kitchen has been crafting sweet Southern treats for over forty years, building on the family traditions passed down by founder Stan "the Candy Man" Strickland. Back in 1973, Stan established Savannah's Candy Kitchen to preserve the Southern recipes and candy-making techniques his mother used during his childhood.
Today, his wife Tonya and son Rhett continue his legacy. Together with the rest of their trusted team, they handcraft each batch of candy with the same care and commitment to tradition that Stan cherished, ensuring that every praline, toffee, and chocolate creation reflects the love for the craft that started it all.
Stop by the shop to indulge in their famous pralines, decadent chocolate gophers, chocolate truffles, or try a sample of fresh fudge! The colorful atmosphere and extensive selection of treats make it a must-stop for anyone strolling down Broadway. Despite the crowds, the friendly service and quality of the candy ensure a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
The Takeaway
With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas right around the corner, there’s no time like the present to get out there and start taste-testing sweets from each of our featured candy shops. We would love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on your social media posts when you’re making your rounds, and we’ll be sure to check out your content.
Posted by Parks Compass on
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