Expert: Jan Duke - 1/7/2008

Question
My daughter is getting married in June of 09. I want to get info for out of town guest baskets since the majority of people are coming from out of town. Where can I find or what products are from Nashville and thee surrounding areas? What do you suggest - what info should I include in the basket to make it both personal and a great welcome to Nashville? It will be many guests first visit to Music City.

Answer
Hi Linda,
As you can imagine I just love Nashville gift baskets! and have them put together quite often for visiting friends and such.
The first place I usually start is online at our wonderful State Dept. of Agri. They have a great website that tells all about Tn products and they even have a directory with links to most companies so that you can order items directly from each business.

Here are the links:
http://www.picktnproducts.org/
http://www.picktnproducts.org/store/index.html
I use them all of the time when putting together "Nashville Baskets"

What do I suggest putting in the baskets..hmm
Here's a list of the items that I've used before w/links:
*Goo-Goo Clusters
 (www.standardcandy.com)

*Tn Foods and other goodies
 (www.picktnproducts.or)

*TN visitors guide
 (www.tnvacation.com)

*Nashville Vacation Guide
 (www.visitmusiccity.com)

*Map of Nashville
 (www.visitmusiccity.com)

Historic Downtown Walking Tour or one similar
 (www.nashville.gov/mhc/publications.htm)

*Bottle of TN wine
 (nashville.about.com/od/diningndrink/a/tnwine.htm)

*A Nashville Entertainment Book
 (www.entertainment-savings-offers.com)

*Local Indy Music CD's

*A book about Nashville or one written by a local writer.

*Gift Certificates from:
  Nashville Originals
   (www.nashvilleoriginals.com)

  Music City Total Access Pass
   (www.visitmusiccity.com)

I also may add a few toiletry items.  
In June, I would definitely add in a bottle of Tn water or two and maybe even a bandana too.

Hope this helps,
Jan