Feel like joining me in a project?
We have some corporate guests who will be staying at a Brentwood hotel.
My job is assembling “Welcome to Nashville” gift baskets for their arrival.
Shopping, taste-testing, and gift wrapping Tennessee products?
This is my idea of a fun time in Brentwood!
When I was a bride-to-be, I left “Welcome to Tennessee” bags in my out-of-town guests’ hotel rooms. Local products and information — tied with a bow — make a great gift for new neighbors.
Real estate agents could even place a brimming basket in their backseats, adding WOW to a client’s first tour of Brentwood homes for sale.
How To Make Your Own “Welcome To Tennessee” Gift Basket
#1 Start with a map.
You can pick up simple copies at a Brentwood hotel’s front desk, from a visitor center, or the Chamber of Commerce. Add your own helpful markings with a red pen. I’ll be showing my guests which Brentwood stores and restaurants are convenient to the Holiday Inn.
#2 Add ideas for fun things to do in the Nashville area.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Brentwood and in the Franklin/Nashville area. I tracked down some brochures from Judge John Overton’s historic home, Traveller’s Rest, and the Ellington Agricultural Center‘s free history museum. For a leisurely drive away from the hustle and bustle of Nashville, use this map of the Natchez Trace Parkway as a guide for a daytrip, or even just a short diversion for an hour or two. If your guests prefer to leave the driving to someone else, consider these fun trips & tours in and around Nashville.
#3 Give your guests something interesting to read while they relax in the hotel.
Did you know that Franklin Road was the travel route between the Civil War battles of Franklin and Nashville? I found a great guide to the Civil War trail, complete with map and historical notes.
#4 Find quality mementos of Tennessee — no tacky trinkets or t-shirts!
I bought beautiful etched notecards from Traveller’s Rest. Places like the Belle Meade Plantation and the Loveless Cafe have gift shops that stock everything from regional cookbooks to oil paintings to individually sealed slices of country ham. Psst… for the right person (or occasion), the I Love You Like Biscuits & Gravy gift pack packs a lot of charm.
My vote for the best Nashville postcards? The Spirit of Nashville collection has incredible Art Deco images of local landmarks. They’re available in sets of 29 for just $11. Or, 75 cents apiece at the Loveless Cafe and other specialty shops in and around Nashville.
#5 Provide a few healthy snacks and bottled water.
Local companies like Stone Clear Springs are a great local resource. Don’t leave guests to the mercy of $2 hotel vending machines! The Fresh Market on Franklin Road has everything you could want for gift baskets, but Big Lots on Nolensville Road has choices for the budget gourmet, too.
Fun Things To Put In A Tennessee Gift Basket
To make your welcome basket even more unique, find products made right here in Tennessee.
In addition to the goodies mentioned above, here’s a handy list of other local specialties:
- classic Goo Goo Clusters
- tasty King Leo Peppermint Sticks
- fun Moon Pies
- (and their Southern cousin) RC Cola
- the Hee Haw Honey’s Colt’s Bolts
- a fresh bag of roasted nuts from the Arcade’s peanut shop
Last but not least, include a handwritten note with all your contact information and a standing offer of assistance. After all, Southern hospitality is our most famous local flavor!
More Made In Tennessee Products
Food Favorites With A Local Twist
Tennessee Farm Artisan Products & Foods
Nashville Food Gifts With A Local Flair
I'm a wife, mom of 4, and resident of Brentwood, Tennessee. I love finding fun new things for my family to see and do in Brentwood and the Nashville area!
