Nashville’s Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class

Goo Goo turns Nashville candy into a hands-on hour. You’ll get hands-on candy making with a chocolate machine plus a tasting flight that includes the original Goo Goo Cluster and a Lil Goo sample. The main drawback is it’s not a long tour, so it’s best if you want to create and snack more than stroll and linger.

I like that it’s centered in the Goo Goo Chocolate Co. flagship shop in downtown, so you’re right where the candy story lives. The class also has high-energy instructors that you can feel right away, with names like Rayna and RK showing up again and again in the chatter around these sessions. If you’re planning with kids, do note the age rules: under 12 needs an adult, and they recommend kids be 5 and up for best enjoyment.

For couples and families, this is a smart change of pace from music venues—more playful than formal, and easy to fit into a day downtown. Bring your appetite, because the schedule is built around tasting, then making, then taking home the result.

Key things to know before you book

• Downtown flagship location at 116 3rd Ave S, right where the brand is based
• Max group size of 8 so you’re not lost in a crowd
• Tasting flight first, then you move into building your own candy
• Chocolate machine experience during the hands-on candy-making portion
• Take-home items include your custom Goo Goo candy and a keepsake apron

Why this Goo Goo class feels like more than a candy stop

Nashville’s most famous chocolate bar has an actual origin story: the Goo Goo Cluster was created in 1912 as America’s first combination candy bar. The class doesn’t just treat that as trivia on a wall. It uses it as the setup for what you do next—taste what made it iconic, then build your own version.

I like the way the session mixes nostalgia with action. You learn what goes into the classic cluster—caramel, marshmallow nougat, and fresh roasted peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate—then you get to make your own premium Goo Goo candy using an ingredient menu. It’s the kind of activity where the facts stick because your hands are busy.

One practical point: the class is short, around an hour. That’s great for fitting into a travel day, but it also means you should show up ready to focus. This isn’t the type of experience where you’ll wander at your own pace through a museum.

Where the class starts in downtown Nashville (and why it matters)

Your meeting point is the Goo Goo Chocolate Co. at 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201. The activity ends back at the same place, which makes planning easy if you’re pairing it with nearby sights.

It’s also listed as near public transportation. That’s useful in Nashville, where parking can be hit-or-miss depending on where you’re staying and what time you arrive. If you’re trying to avoid a car shuffle, this location helps.

Another small detail I appreciate for comfort: the group size caps at 8 travelers. In practice, smaller groups usually mean you’ll get clearer instruction and more time when you’re actually making candy, not just listening.

The flow of the hour: tasting, history, and making your own premium Goo Goo

The experience is built around three phases: tasting, learning the backstory, and then hands-on candy making.

Start at the Goo Goo shop

You’ll kick things off at the shop in the downtown flagship store. Expect a mix of explanation and demos before you start building your own candy.

This matters because Goo Goo is specific. The classic cluster has a particular structure and ingredient combo, and the class helps you understand what makes it feel like a cluster rather than just assorted sweets.

Your tasting flight: more than one bite

The tasting menu includes a few key items:

• a tasting flight of various Goo Goo chocolates
• a Lil Goo sample (a small taste of the Original Goo Goo Cluster)
• the Goo Goo Cluster itself, described as caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate
• the chance to sample other parts of the lineup while you’re working

I like tastings that teach your palate. Here, you’re not just sampling randomly. You’re getting repeats and comparisons so you can actually notice how caramel, nougat, peanut, and chocolate change the flavor and texture.

Then you make your own premium Goo Goo candy

After tasting, you move into the hands-on portion. The class includes a one-hour candy-making session with a chocolate machine experience. You’ll design your premium Goo Goo candy from a variety of included ingredients, then create your own cluster style treat.

This part is where the class earns its keep. You’re paying for the experience of doing it start-to-finish, not just watching someone else work. Reviews also highlight that the instructors keep the pace moving and explain each step clearly, which helps a lot if you’re not the type to jump into kitchen projects at home.

The take-home moment: what you get at the end

You can expect to leave with:

• the custom premium Goo Goo candy you created
• classic clusters as part of what’s included during the experience
• a take-home apron

That apron is more than a gimmick. It turns the class into a souvenir you’ll actually use, and it’s also a quick reminder of what you made when you’re back home with a sugar buzz in your memory.

Some classes also include discounts codes tied to purchases you might want to make after tasting, which is a nice add-on if you’re the type who’ll want backups for your next road trip.

What you learn along the way about the Goo Goo Cluster

The class frames Goo Goo as Nashville’s official candy bar and ties the experience back to the 1912 origin. The idea isn’t to overload you with dates. Instead, you’ll get an insider look at why people still love the combination.

You’ll learn what makes the classic cluster recognizable:

• caramel
• marshmallow nougat
• fresh roasted peanuts
• all covered in milk chocolate

Knowing that ingredient list matters because it explains why your final candy has the feel it does. Caramel brings chew and sweetness. Nougat gives a soft, fluffy contrast. Peanuts add crunch and roasted depth. Chocolate is the wrapper that pulls it all together.

If you’re a chocolate person, that’s the best kind of lesson: practical and directly tied to taste.

The instructor factor: energy you can rely on

A lot of this experience runs on the instructor’s energy. And in the feedback for these classes, names like Rayna and RK come up repeatedly.

The consistent theme is engagement: instructors are described as funny, energetic, and good at keeping the class moving. There’s also praise for patience with younger kids, which tells me they’re used to mixed-age groups and different comfort levels in the room.

So if you’re deciding between doing a hands-on class or sitting through a lecture, pick this one if you want personality plus process.

Timing and how to fit it into your day

The experience is scheduled for about 1 hour. Some sessions can run a bit longer, with one mention that it lasts around an hour and 20 minutes, which still fits well into a half-day plan.

Here’s how I’d think about timing when planning Nashville:

• Book it early enough that you can still enjoy downtown afterward. You’ll be leaving with candy, so you probably don’t want it as the very last stop.
• If you’re pairing it with other downtown activities, aim for a nearby plan right after, so you can keep your momentum.

Also, because the class is small, showing up on time matters. One of the perks of a tight schedule is that you’re not waiting around for a late group.

Price and value: what $55 actually buys you

At $55 per person, this isn’t the cheapest chocolate thing you can do in Nashville. But it’s not just a storefront tasting either. You’re paying for:

• a guided tasting flight of multiple Goo Goo offerings
• hands-on candy making with chocolate machine time
• ingredient-based customization for your own premium candy
• take-home items including the candy you made plus an apron
• a direct explanation of what makes the classic Goo Goo Cluster the way it is

That turns the price into a per-person experience cost, not an entry ticket to a viewing room. If you love sweets and you’re the kind of person who enjoys making something even when you’re not a “cook at home” type, the value usually lands well.

If you’re the type who wants a long tour, there are only so many minutes here. But as a focused, interactive Nashville activity that gives you both history and edible results, the math makes sense.

Who should book this class (and who might skip it)

This class is a strong match for:

• couples who want a different kind of Nashville moment beyond bars and venues
• families looking for something playful with a real activity
• chocolate lovers who want to taste, then make, and not just buy

It’s also a good option when you’re traveling with kids, as long as you follow the age guidance. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and they recommend kids be 5 and over for best enjoyment.

If your idea of fun is mostly scenery and long walks, you might find this feels too hands-on and too short. But if you want a sweet, guided, practical experience, this is the kind that’s hard to fake at home.

A few smart tips before you arrive

• Eat before you go if you’re worried about snack overload. The tasting flight and the candy-making can stack quickly.
• Bring a camera-ready phone. Group and individual photos are part of the vibe, and instructors are happy to capture the moment.
• If you have kids, bring the energy. Interactive classes work best when everyone’s ready to participate.
• If you have dietary concerns, it’s worth planning ahead. Feedback includes that the team can be accommodating to allergies, but you should still flag needs when booking or with the provider.

Should you book the Nashville Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class?

Book it if you want a downtown Nashville activity that’s compact but memorable. You’ll taste the classic Goo Goo lineup, learn what makes the cluster iconic, and then actually create a premium Goo Goo candy you can take home—plus a keepsake apron. The small group size keeps it from feeling rushed or impersonal, and the instructor energy seems to be a big part of the experience.

Skip it only if you’re mainly looking for a long, scenic tour. This is about making and sampling, not wandering for hours.

If you love chocolate, or you want a fun break that’s not another bar stop, I’d put this high on your list.

FAQ

How much does the Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class cost?

The price is $55.00 per person.

How long is the class?

It runs for about 1 hour (approx.). Some sessions may run around an hour and 20 minutes.

What is included in the tasting portion?

You’ll sample a flight of various Goo Goo chocolates, a Lil Goo sample, and the Goo Goo Cluster, plus you’ll taste along the way as part of the experience.

Do I make candy during the class?

Yes. You’ll create a custom premium Goo Goo candy from included ingredients, and you’ll leave with your creation.

Where do I meet for the class?

Meet at Goo Goo Chocolate Co., 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA. The class ends back at the meeting point.

Is the class offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

How big is the group?

The class has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Are there age limits for kids?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The experience recommends children be 5 and over for best enjoyment.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, you’ll use a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

What happens if there’s bad weather or I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.