We're so excited that the holidays are here! Especially in Tennessee, where the folks are kind and the weather is more temperate than most places (sorry, New England!). Whether you find excitement in the crisp bite in the air or the spicy notes of that twinkling tree in your living room, Ratliff Candy Company in Bristol, Tennessee will ignite your holiday spirit a hundredfold.
Ratliff Candy Company in Tennessee is manned by the father and son team of Ken and Mike Ratliff. Ratliff Candy specializes in hard stick candy, alongside quirky candy products like candy cane cups, baskets, and mugs.
Completely handmade, this edible artwork has been in the family for the last 40 years. Business has been booming since its inception, and Ratliff Candy states that they make between 35,000 and 40,000 candy baskets a year.
One of the neatest aspects of this Tennessee candy shop is their low profile and solid heart for what they do. The Ratliff family serves folks of all ages, and even provided the Carter administration holiday decor for the White House. It's pretty amazing, what this tiny shop can do — and all while staying grounded in family and heart, right here in the south.
Check the team out in action:
There's something magical about the holidays, and that includes the delicious treats available at 1416 Shelby Street in Bristol, Tennessee. We'll see you there!
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear shaved ice in Tennessee? When most folks think of shaved ice, they call to mind the beauty of summertime in childhood, maybe an indulgence on a Hawaiian vacation, perhaps even a shared cup of sweetness with their own little ones. If you live in Middle Tennessee, the locally owned and operated Beach Company Chill is a deliciously creative business you'll want to follow. Learn all about them below, and perhaps plan a visit for when they travel to their next event. Who knows? Maybe soon I can enjoy some shaved ice places near me too.
The Beach Company Chill, located in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is a fully operational shaved-ice food "truck" of sorts that's available for both public and private events. The family-owned and operated dining experience is a true local legend and a must-try. Although you can find the Beach Company Chill's shaved ice mostly parked at their sister company the Hidden Seed Plant Shop, they are mobile, so you will want to keep up with their locations on their Facebook page (I will attach a link at the bottom of this article).
The friendly service and cheeky, fun decor (I don't know about you but bright pink flamingos always make me smile) make every order from Beach Company Chill something fun. The menu is full of specials, or you can choose to build your own shaved ice.
The 'Merica Shaved ice is made with strawberry, silver vanilla, and blue Hawaii flavors with Sno-cream and fresh strawberries, whereas the Sunset Beach has tiger's blood, mango, and pineapple flavors served with whipped cream on top of the Sno-cream and vanilla ice cream. Yum! This order is so American, don't be surprised if a bald eagle lands right on your shoulder and whispers sweet words of freedom into your ears.
There's no end to the creativity! Since Beach Company Chill was founded just a hot second from Columbia, Tennessee, there's even a specialty Muletown Shaved Ice. It's made with caramel, buttery cream flavoring, vanilla ice cream, Sno-cream, whipped cream, caramel, AND chocolate sauce. Oh my!
Shaved ice is fun for the whole family! From the family patriarch to the tiniest humans, shaved ice is a great way to chill out and take the edge off of the southern summer heat.
Have you visited Beach Company Chill somewhere around Tennessee? Do you have a favorite flavor? We're partial to the coconut and pina colada "Somewhere on a Beach" shaved ice if you're looking for a tip. One bite is like being transported to a tropical island with perfect white sand. It's the kind of feeling you get when your skin has been sun-kissed after a long day lounging around. Then the sunset lights up the sky in a swirling hue of colors as the waves gently crash along the shore. Ah, now doesn't that sound nice?
Make sure you check out the Beach Company Chill's official website to find out where they'll be next! You don't want to miss out.
The food truck is mobile so finding the best shaved ice in Tennessee can be tricky. However, what I do when I want to know where to find shaved ice near me, I simply hop on the Beach Company Chill Facebook page to find out where they are parked for the day. Easy.
There’s more fun to be had in Tennessee! Make sure to check out these local Nashville spots everyone should check out.
If you are new around here, welcome to our great state! There are a few things you might need to know as you call the Volunteer State home, so learn about what makes Tennessee so great by watching this OnlyInYourState video:
If you're looking for "cool treats near me" during the warmer seasons, this rural Tennessee institution is exactly what you're looking for: The Custard Cabin. Creamy, sugary, icy goodness awaits you behind these humble doors, and both locals and tourists clamor for a cone when the weather gets warm. Learn all about the Custard Cabin in Tennessee below, and perhaps plan a trip for yourself. It's a road trip the whole family will welcome. There's a grand prize at its end, after all.
The Custard Cabin is a family-owned dining space located in Crossville, Tennessee. Don't be fooled by its humble exterior, friends. There's a whole lot of delicious opportunity hidden inside those doors. If you have been searching for "frozen custard near me" and live anywhere close to Crossville then this is one place we would love to recommend to you.
Approachable and cozy, Custard Cabin offers a menu that's expansive enough to sate your sweet tooth but not too big that you're overwhelmed. It's a great place to bring the family. These kinds of places bring us all the nostalgia as it rushes in. These family-operated little shops carry the best frozen custard in Tennessee.
You can take your custard to go, or you can bring your crew to chow down inside, swapping stories all the while. There is even a drive-thru for those who are in a rush but desperately need their sweet custard fix.
The frozen custard on the menu is bound to make everyone happy. There are homemade flavors "on tap," and a myriad of toppings to round out your creamy, chilly treat. They also love to bring in an exciting rotation of flavors. These flavors of the day make it so no two trips to this family-owned place are ever alike. That is one of my favorite things about the Custard Cabin.
Get ready for thick, creamy custard. There's nothing else like it in Crossville. You can choose to enjoy it in a cup or a cone, or you can indulge in a sundae or milkshake. Whatever way you choose, it is sure to delight everyone in your family with its cool and tasty frozen treats.
You can even have custard for breakfast! In fact, it's encouraged here.
What do you think about the Custard Cabin in Tennessee? Is it not just the greatest little sweet shop? You can learn more about the fabulous Custard Cabin with a visit to its official Custard Cabin Facebook page. You can also check ahead to see what the flavor of the day is by visiting the Custard Cabin website.
Stick around town a little bit longer and rent out this amazing home with a backyard oasis. Then enjoy all that Crossville and the wonderful surrounding area have to offer.
If you're looking for more fun this season, make sure to check out 12 of the best waterfalls in Tennessee for all sorts of adventurous inspiration.
