If I had to name one crowd-pleasing Nashville souvenir that’s definitively local, inexpensive and easily transportable, it would be the goo goo cluster.
Goo goo clusters are an iconic chocolate candy made right in Nashville (the actual factory is downtown). The perfect combination of chocolate, gooey-ness and crunch, goo goo clusters are considered the first combination candy, dating back to 1912.
While you can find goo goo clusters easily in the South, and all around the US if you look hard enough (or online here), it’s still a fun experience to visit the retail store and bring home some souvenirs. My mom stopped by the Goo Goo store on her recent visit to Nashville and reported back.
Originally promoted as “a nourishing lunch for a nickel” because of the high calories. Goo goo clusters are no longer a nickel, but no fear they are still high calorie.
Goo goo clusters are delicious mounds of caramel, marshmallow, peanuts and real milk chocolate. There are three varieties, original, pecan and my favorite, peanut butter. If you can’t decide you can always get a variety pack.
My favorite tee shirt here.
Combination candy is a thing.
Yes, there is even an instagram-ready photo opp at shop. My mom was a good sport and posed for the ‘gram.
The dessert bar onsite is known for its sundaes and milkshakes. Visitors also rave about the peanut butter banana pudding, the Goo Goo cluster pumpkin cheesecake and Goo Goo supreme pecan pie.
Rumor is “goo goo” was named for the sound a baby makes, so “they’ll ask for them at birth.” So a goo goo striped onesie seems appropriate as a baby souvenir.
The shop is conveniently located downtown, across the street from the Johnny Cash museum at 116 3rd Ave South.
Have you visited Nashville’s Goo Goo cluster store? Tell us about it in the comments!
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