Make candy in the heart of Nashville. This hands-on Goo Goo Chocolate Co class pairs a tasting with a real candy-making session, plus a look at how Nashville’s official candy bar became a legend. You work in the company’s downtown flagship shop at 116 3rd Ave S, where the vibe is upbeat and chocolate-forward from minute one.

I especially love the tasting flight, which includes the classic Goo Goo Cluster and other small samples so you can understand the flavors before you build your own. I also love that you get to customize a premium Goo Goo using included ingredients, so it feels like more than just watching a process.

One thing to consider: the whole session is about an hour, so it’s best for people who want a focused workshop, not a long, meandering tour of Nashville. Also, you’ll want to be ready for a short burst of hands-on work, not a sit-and-sip style activity.

Key highlights to look forward to

• Tasting flight up front, including the Goo Goo Cluster and a small Lil Goo sample
• Chocolate machine time, where you get hands-on during the candy-making steps
• Build your own premium Goo Goo with included ingredient options
• You take something home, including a take-home apron (plus extras like discounts are part of the experience)
• Small group size with a maximum of 8 travelers for a more personal class

Downtown Nashville starts with a chocolate workshop

This class is a smart pick if you want a break from the usual Nashville routine. It’s centered on one very specific thing: Goo Goo candy, made in a fun, guided way. You’re not just buying sweets and walking away. You’re learning the structure of the flavors and then turning that knowledge into your own candy.

The group stays small, with a maximum of 8 travelers. That matters. When a class is tight like this, instructions tend to be clearer, questions get answered faster, and you’re more likely to actually touch the process instead of hovering near the edges.

If you’re visiting during a busy season, note that it’s often booked about a few weeks ahead on average (around 18 days). Plan to reserve early if you’re set on a specific date.

Where to meet at Goo Goo Chocolate Co

You’ll meet at Goo Goo Chocolate Co, 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201. The shop is in the heart of downtown, so it’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing without doing a big commute.

You’ll get a mobile ticket, and you should receive confirmation at the time of booking. That’s handy because you can keep everything on your phone and move straight into the experience once you arrive. The shop is also near public transportation, which makes it more flexible if you’re not driving.

Practical tip: since this is a compact, scheduled class, I’d arrive a few minutes early. It keeps things calm for everyone and gives you time to get settled before the tasting and making begins.

The Goo Goo story and your tasting flight

The class starts in the shop with a tasting and the story behind the candy. Goo Goo is tied to Nashville’s candy-making roots in a very direct way: in 1912, America’s first combination candy bar was created in Nashville. The Goo Goo Cluster is the signature you’ll keep hearing about—caramel, marshmallow nougat, and fresh roasted peanuts, all covered in milk chocolate.

Then you’ll sample several items so you can connect the history to the flavor. The tasting menu includes:

• a tasting flight of various chocolates
• a Lil Goo sample, a small taste of the Original Goo Goo Cluster
• the Goo Goo Cluster itself, caramel + marshmallow nougat + fresh roasted peanuts under milk chocolate
• your own custom premium Goo Goo candy that you make during the class

This first section is valuable because it sets your taste expectations. When you already know the baseline (the classic Cluster), the customization later makes more sense. You can actually tell how different ingredient choices change the final bite. It’s also a nice way to keep the energy up before you’re up to your hands in candy-making steps.

Hands-on candy making with the chocolate machine

After the tasting, the class shifts into making mode. You’ll take part in a one-hour candy making session that includes a chocolate machine experience. The details of every step aren’t spelled out in the info you’re given, but the overall flow is clear: you’re guided through the process, you help assemble, and you end up with a tangible candy creation.

This is one of the biggest reasons the class scores so high for people who don’t want a passive activity. You get to do the work, not just watch someone else do it. And because the group is capped at 8, the instructor can keep things moving while still checking in with each person.

In multiple recent classes, the energy has been a standout. Instructors like Rayna and RK are described as high-energy, funny, and good at keeping the room engaged. If you’re bringing kids, that kind of pacing helps a lot; when the leader is patient and alert, it’s easier to stay on track without turning the class into chaos.

Designing your premium Goo Goo candy

The centerpiece of the experience is building a premium Goo Goo candy you create from included ingredients. This is where the class becomes personal.

You’ll be able to design your own candy from different ingredient options. The goal isn’t complicated. It’s more about letting you choose combinations you’ll actually enjoy, then seeing how the finished product matches your choices. If you love experimenting—especially if you like caramel, chocolate, and nutty flavors—this part is where you’ll feel the payoff.

You also get to sample what you’ve made. That might sound basic, but it changes the experience. Instead of eating candy that’s already finished, you’re tasting the results of your decisions, right there in class.

And yes, part of the fun is the anticipation. When the class is in a chocolate shop and the process is hands-on, you’re not waiting days for shipping or a souvenir. You’re seeing your candy take shape in real time.

What you take home (and how it boosts value)

At the end, you don’t just leave with a lesson. You leave with tangible extras.

You should expect:

• a take-home apron
• a custom Goo Goo candy you created during the session
• additional small surprises and codes tied to purchases, based on recent experiences

That “buying candy, but also taking home something made” part is key to the value. Plenty of Nashville food experiences end with a meal and a memory. Here, you end with a candy you assembled and can share immediately back in your hotel.

One detail worth noting from recent feedback: some people report receiving a substantial amount of their own made chocolate to take home (one review mentioned about a quarter pound). Even if your exact take-home amount varies by class, the intent is consistent—make something meaningful, not a tiny garnish.

Timing: how long it really takes

The class is listed at about 1 hour. Some people have said theirs ran closer to about 1 hour and 20 minutes, which isn’t unusual for a hands-on session where everyone is tasting, assembling, and getting individual help.

Plan your day with a little buffer. I’d avoid stacking another “must-do” activity right at the minute you expect to be done. If you’re on a tight schedule, aim for a flexible next stop like a nearby dessert walk, a stop at a downtown museum, or just time to browse the shop for extra Goo Goo treats.

Kids, allergies, and who this fits best

This is a family-friendly option, but it does come with clear guidance.

• Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The experience is recommended for kids age 5 and over for the best enjoyment.

From recent classes, instructors have been described as patient and supportive with young kids, which is a big deal for anyone who has tried other hands-on food classes where kids can end up frustrated or in the way.

Allergies are mentioned as something the team can accommodate. One review specifically said the class was accommodating to allergies, and the instructor was clear and helpful step by step. Still, because ingredient options can vary depending on what’s available in the class, I’d go in ready to communicate clearly about any dietary restrictions and confirm what you can safely use.

If you’re traveling with service animals, they’re allowed.

Price and value: $55 for a hands-on candy bar class

At $55 per person, you’re paying for three things: guided instruction, tasting, and a custom candy outcome you take home. If you compare this to buying Goo Goo candy at a shop, it’s more expensive. But it’s also a lot more than a retail purchase.

Here’s how the price starts making sense:

• You get a structured tasting flight, including the classic Cluster and other samples.
• You participate in making your own premium Goo Goo candy, using a chocolate machine experience.
• You receive a take-home apron and extra perks like discount codes (mentioned in recent feedback).

Also, the small group size helps justify the cost. With fewer people in the room, the class can stay interactive and not turn into a crowded line.

If you like sweets but don’t want to spend your whole Nashville day chasing food reservations, this is a good “one-stop” activity. It takes about an hour, costs a single set price, and ends with an edible souvenir.

A practical Nashville day plan around this class

Because it’s located in downtown Nashville, you can build a clean, low-stress day around it. Here’s a simple way to think about scheduling:

• Do the class early or mid-afternoon so you can still enjoy the rest of your day without rushing.
• Treat the tasting as your “starter.” You’ll likely still want other food later, but you won’t be starting completely hungry.
• If you’re visiting with kids, this works well as an activity that isn’t a long sit-down meal.

And if you’re in town specifically for the city’s nightlife, it’s a smart counterbalance. This class is very much about food fun and candy craft, not a bar-centric plan.

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

Book it if you want:

• a hands-on Nashville activity centered on one of the city’s signature sweets
• a guided tasting plus a custom candy creation
• an experience that’s small-group and engaging, with instructors known for energy and good pacing

Skip it if you’re looking for:

• a long, multi-hour tour with lots of walking
• a primarily observational museum-style experience

My take: for $55, this works best as a “do it once” class during your Nashville visit. It’s short, fun, and it ends with something you made yourself. If chocolate is your weakness, it’s also the kind of activity that turns into an instant highlight without demanding tons of planning.

FAQ

How much does Nashville’s Goo Goo Chocolate Tasting & Candy Making Class cost?

The price is $55.00 per person.

How long does the experience last?

It lasts about 1 hour, approximately.

Where do I meet for the class?

You’ll start at Goo Goo Chocolate Co, 116 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201, USA.

What’s included in the class?

You’ll have a tasting flight that includes classic Goo Goo Cluster samples and other chocolate samples, then you’ll do hands-on candy making. You’ll also design a custom premium Goo Goo candy and take home an apron.

Is this class good for children?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and the experience is recommended for kids age 5 and over for best enjoyment.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.