Nashville: Music City’s Best Donuts & Sweet Treats Tour

Discover Nashville’s only dedicated donut tour, a 2-hour journey through the city’s vibrant donut scene. With four carefully selected donut shops, including Parlor Doughnuts, Rise Donuts & Biscuits, and Donut Distillery, this experience offers a delicious way to explore downtown Nashville. The tour is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth, family outings, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or corporate events.

The tour is led by passionate guides who share insights on Nashville’s donut history and walk with you through notable sites like the Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium, making it more than just a tasting experience. The price is not explicitly listed, but the duration stays at around two hours, and walks are gentle with accessible options.

While the tour offers ample tastings—from glazed to cream-filled donuts—be prepared to fill up quickly. Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides such as Brian, Tracy, Kip, Jason, and Evan, who add personality and depth to the experience. However, a large group size can sometimes make it challenging to keep pace or hear the guide, especially on Sundays when some venues may be closed.

Key Points

• Two-hour guided donut tour in downtown Nashville
• Visits four top donut shops, including Parlor Doughnuts and Rise Donuts
• Samples include glazed, cream-filled, and specialty donuts
• Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides with a passion for donuts and Nashville’s sights
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all group sizes
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point at Parlor Doughnuts

The tour begins at Parlor Doughnuts, located at 506 Rep. John Lewis Way S. This location is famous for its handcrafted donuts, and it’s the spot where guests typically start sampling. The tasting here lasts about 20 minutes, giving you a taste of Nashville’s donut craftsmanship right at the outset.

Guests are encouraged to bring an appetite and a tote to carry leftovers, as the tastings at each stop are generous. Some reviews mention that the first stop can be quite filling, so pacing yourself is a good idea. The group size can be large, especially on busy days, which can sometimes make it difficult to hear the guide or navigate the crowd.

Walking Tour Through Downtown Nashville

After the initial tasting, the group strolls through downtown Nashville, passing iconic sites like Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium. The guide shares fascinating stories and facts about these landmarks, adding context to the walk. The guided tour includes sightseeing and light walking, making it a relaxed way to combine food and city exploration.

This part of the tour allows guests to appreciate Nashville’s architecture and history while getting to know the city’s layout. It’s a good opportunity for photo stops and learning about local culture, especially as the guide weaves entertainment and historical tidbits into the walk.

Sampling at Rise Donuts & Biscuits

The second stop at Rise Donuts & Biscuits offers a different style of homemade baked goods. This bakery is known for its freshly made donuts and biscuits, and the tasting here runs approximately 20 minutes. Guests enjoy trying varieties like glazed and specialty donuts, along with coffee to complement the treats.

Many reviews praise the variety and quality of samples, often describing the donuts as delicious and satisfying. This stop also provides a chance to sit down briefly and relax before continuing the tour.

The Donut Distillery Experience

Next, the group visits the Donut Distillery, where donuts are paired with spirits in a unique tasting experience. The 25-minute session at this bakery adds a distillery twist to the tour, offering glazed, filled, and creative donut options. Guests often find the combination of donuts and alcohol an interesting and enjoyable twist.

This stop tends to be highly rated for its innovative approach and flavorful treats, with many reviews highlighting the friendly guides and welcoming atmosphere. The fullness of the tastings might leave some guests feeling quite full by the end, so planning accordingly is advised.

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Final Stop at Assembly Food Hall

The tour concludes at Assembly Food Hall, a vibrant food market featuring a variety of eateries and dessert options. Guests can purchase additional treats or enjoy a coffee to cap off the experience. This flexible ending allows everyone to finalize their food journey and explore more of Nashville’s dynamic food scene.

Because the tour ends here, there’s the option to continue exploring or return to the hotel at leisure. Many guests mention that the timing fits well with their plans and that the pace of the tour is relaxed enough to enjoy fully.

Logistics: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs promptly from Parlor Doughnuts at 36.15535354614258, -86.77471160888672. It is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all guests. The tour caters to all group sizes and is suitable for families, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and corporate events.

Guests are advised to reserve in advance with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Payment can be made later, providing flexibility for travel planning.

The Guides and Their Personal Touch

Reviews consistently praise the guides—such as Brian, Tracy, Kip, Jason, and Evan—for being knowledgeable, personable, and engaging. They share fascinating facts about Nashville and friendly anecdotes about the donuts’ history.

The guides also keep the group entertained with humor and interesting stories, making the tour both informative and fun. On some days, the small group size (sometimes just two people) results in a more personalized experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

This donut tour is unique in Nashville because it combines food tasting with sightseeing in the heart of downtown. It offers a delicious variety of donuts and the opportunity to learn about Nashville’s cultural landmarks as you walk.

Another highlight is the diversity of bakeries visited—each with its own signature style. The combination of sweet treats, local stories, and lively guides creates an experience that’s both tasty and educational.

Potential Limitations and Tips

A key consideration is group size, as larger groups can sometimes challenge the flow and clarity of the tour, especially on Sundays when some venues may be closed. Guests should check the schedule and arrive ready to eat, as tastings are generous and filling.

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a backpack to carry leftovers. If visiting with children or sensitive eaters, note the variety of donut styles and potential for fullness.

Booking and Flexibility

The tour is available for reservation with pay later, allowing flexibility in travel plans. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it a low-risk choice. It’s suitable for special occasions, family outings, and groups looking for a fun, food-focused activity.

Nashville: Music City’s Best Donuts & Sweet Treats Tour

This two-hour guided experience in downtown Nashville offers a delicious exploration of the city’s donut culture. With four stops at top bakeries, guests enjoy a variety of glazed, cream-filled, and specialty donuts. The friendly guides provide both entertainment and local insights, making it more than just a tasting.

The tour’s well-planned stops and walk through Nashville’s iconic sights make it a fun and tasty way to discover the city. While the group size can be a challenge at times, the overall positive reviews highlight the high-quality donuts, engaging guides, and fun atmosphere.

Perfect for food lovers, families, and groups celebrating special occasions, this tour promises a sweet adventure wrapped in Nashville’s vibrant streets. Whether you’re a donut enthusiast or simply looking for a unique activity, this experience delivers delicious bites and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Parlor Doughnuts, located at 506 Rep. John Lewis Way S.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What stops are included in the tour?
Stops include Parlor Doughnuts, Rise Donuts & Biscuits, Donut Distillery, and the Assembly Food Hall.

What type of donuts are sampled?
Expect a variety of glazed, cream-filled, and specialty donuts.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, families with kids enjoy the treats and walk between stops.

Can I buy more food at the stops?
Yes, guests can purchase additional treats or drinks at the food hall at the end.

How many people are in a typical group?
Group sizes can vary, sometimes being quite small, which offers a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a tote or backpack for leftovers, and an appetite for the tastings.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby