The 4 Best Places to Get Dessert in McMinnville, TN
Warren County, Tennessee, which is located about halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, is known as the nursery capital of the world, and right in the heart of it is the county seat of McMinnville. McMinnville is not only the hometown and burial place of country music artist and Grand Ole Opry star Dottie West, but is also home to Cumberland Caverns, one of the most extensive caves in Tennessee and where Bluegrass Underground takes place, and Rock Island State Park, home of the famous Blue Hole. Along with a rich history and beautiful natural wonders, this small town also has some great places to get a yummy dessert, so let’s take a tour of The Round County and check out our picks for the four best places to get dessert in McMinnville, Tennessee!
The Vanilla Bean Baking Company
Located in historic downtown McMinnville on Main Street, The Vanilla Bean Baking Company is a charming, ambient little spot that offers some delicious cinnamon rolls, scones, and muffins for breakfast along with espresso and coffees to start your morning off right, along with a delicious variety of cookies, custom cakes to suit any occasion, cupcakes, pies, and more! As soon as you walk in, you’re instantly hit by the wonderful smell of their fresh baked goods, which you can plainly see in their glass display counters. On nice days, they offer a back patio so you can enjoy your baked goods while basking in the warm sunshine.
The Vanilla Bean Baking Company was established by mother and daughter team Sally and Kayla in June of 2018 inside of an almost 100 year old building that they renovated themselves, opting to preserve the original tin ceiling and exposed brick walls. They have a dedicated team of bakers that start making their fresh, delicious baked goods first thing in the morning. When it comes to their baked goods, they take pride in only using the best, most fresh ingredients such as real butter, cream, and vanilla.
Word on The Street
The Vanilla Bean Baking Company is described by faithful patrons as the coffee and dessert gem of McMinnville. Fan favorite desserts include their wide selection of cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
Gondola Pizza & Steakhouse
Gondola Pizza & Steakhouse is a long-established McMinnville treasure that has been here for over thirty years and offers a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu that’s chocked full of a nice variety of American, Italian, and Greek fare including pizza and steaks, but of course right now we’re here for their delectable desserts! As soon as you walk into the restaurant, you’re greeted not only by a friendly host or hostess, but also the glass counter that shows off their beautifully scrumptious desserts such as the Oreo Cheesecake and German Chocolate Cake.
Gondola Pizza & Steakhouse, which is now located on Mullican Street just off of Highway 70, was established in 1989 at its original location in the Plaza Shopping Center. Owner Jimmy Zavogiannis had already been in the restaurant business for quite some time before opening Gondola; however, the restaurant business would take on a more romantic notion for Jimmy later on as he actually met his wife Lisa, the District Attorney General, at one of his restaurants located in Kentucky, then went on to marry her in that same restaurant a few years later in 1986. Gondola takes pride in their restaurant with some of the Zavogiannis family working here and helping to carry on the traditions Jimmy began.
Word on The Street
When it comes to the desserts at Gondola, they sure know what they’re doing according to loyal patrons! Fan favorite desserts include their “sinfully decadent” Chocolate Torte Cake, their Oreo Cheesecake, and their Cannoli Cake.
TOPZ Frozen Yogurt
TOPZ Frozen Yogurt is another fun dessert stop located in historic downtown McMinnville. This locally owned frozen yogurt shop offers a wide variety of yummy flavors that change out often, including Cake Batter, Vanilla Icing, Cotton Candy, and Cheesecake. To make the most out of your froyo experience here, you simply choose the cup size you want, ranging from four ounces all the way up to sixteen ounces, then you fill up your cup with as much froyo as you would like in whatever flavor combos you desire. Then, you can choose from toppings such as gummy bears, cheesecake bits, and popping fruit Boba.
TOPZ Frozen Yogurt, the first and only froyo shop in McMinnville, was established in July of 2014 by brothers-in-law Matt and Josh, who wanted to bring a fun, hip place to hang out and get some froyo to the small town. After bringing in hot options for the winter time like soups and sandwiches, this ended up becoming the reason for expanding their operations to the suite next door by April of the next year, which became Metro Deli, where you can get great soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizza for lunch or dinner before indulging in some froyo for dessert.
Word on The Street
Regular customers agree that they have a great variety of froyo flavors and toppings here at TOPZ. Fan favorite flavors include their banana, vanilla, and cheesecake.
The Rock Island Trolley Stop Ice Cream Shop
If you find yourself wanting to visit the beautiful Rock Island State Park, you might also want to check out The Rock Island Trolley Stop for a delicious ice cream treat! The Rock Island Trolley Stop offers ice cream in flavors like Banana Pudding, Blue Monkey, and Moo Crunch served in a cone or a cup, plus specialties like Banana Splits, shakes, Boba Smoothies, and of course sundaes. Top your ice cream with your choice of syrup, candies, sprinkles, and even granola. Be sure to snap a pic because not only are these treat delicious, but also photogenic and social media worthy.
The Rock Island Trolley Stop is open year-round, so you can get your favorite frozen treat even in the dead of winter provided that the weather isn’t inclement. All of the wonderful desserts and treats are served from an authentic repurposed trolley bus, which of course is how it got its name.
Word on The Street
Loyal customers love the variety of flavors of ice cream, as well as the diversity of desserts, that you can get here at the Trolley! Fan favorites include their Freak Shakes, regular milkshakes, and of course their ice cream.
So whether you’re a local to McMinnville, a visitor, or even if you’re just passing through, our top four picks are great locations to satisfy your sweet tooth with a nice variety of deliciously decadent choices.