We all know it’s a marshmallow world in the winter, which means we have every excuse to treat ourselves all season long. Despite our historical lack of snow during the holiday season, Williamson County still transforms into a winter wonderland, with millions of twinkling lights, festive decor, festivals and events, and, of course, seasonal menus that pack all the best holiday flavors into coffees, cookies, and more.
You can find a sweet seasonal treat in just about any nook and cranny around town, but we’ve rounded up seven spots that we guarantee are well worth the splurge.
High Brow Coffee
The Westhaven community is notorious for having one of the best drives for viewing holiday lights, as many of the adorable homes and manicured yards are trimmed in festive decor. But, if you time your drive well, you can swing by High Brow Coffee on Front Street for a warm drink to take along with you. Grab a coffee or a hot chocolate and a pastry to pair, then set out on your twinkling drive.
Magnolia’s Hideaway
This Spring Hill cocktail bar is hosting its second annual holiday pop-up, Magnolia’s Merry Hideaway. If you prefer to drink your sweet treat, this immersive experience comes with seasonal cocktails, live holiday music, and scenes from the most beloved Christmas movies. The festivities run Thursday through Sunday November 24 to December 23.
Triple Crown Bakery
You can never go wrong with a treat from Franklin’s Triple Crown Bakery. Whether grabbing a custom cake for a holiday gathering or just popping in for one of the best cookies you’ll ever have, this spot has you covered for all things holiday sweets. For added fun, the bakery has teased all things gingerbread for the season. Think: kits, platters, and houses.
Elroy Coffee Co.
Pay a visit to Elroy Coffee Co., an Australian-owned hidden gem outside of downtown Franklin. This stunning café is the perfect spot to tuck in with a good book on a chilly day while you enjoy a hot cup of java and a triple chocolate muffin to pair.
Americana Taphouse
Americana Taphouse is hosting its first holiday pop-up bar this year, and we couldn’t be more excited! In line with sweet treats, this one is “Hard Candy Christmas”-themed, complete with tableside s’mores, live music, festive cocktails, and plenty of sparkling, candy-themed decor.
(Link to photos – credit Amy Whidby)
Five Daughters Bakery
Three words: 100. Layer. Donut. Need we say more?! This is the ultimate sweet treat from Five Daughters Bakery, perfectly merging all the best parts of a croissant and doughnut. It’s rolled in sugar, filled with cream, then topped with glaze. The seasonal flavors change every month, so be on the lookout for all the holiday specialties launching in December!
McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions
Looking for the world’s best cup of coffee? Look no further. McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions inside The Harpeth Hotel will transform into a scene straight out of your favorite film this season (including Buddy the Elf’s impressive transformation of Gimbels). Enjoy cheeky cocktails like the Ralphie Shoots His Eye Out (served in a BB shot shell) or the Mele Kalikimaka frozen hot chocolate.
