If you live in or have ever visited the southeastern United States in the summer, you know it's HOT! My husband and I try to find new places that offer a relief from the heat in the form of cool, refreshing drinks.  We headed south to Columbia, Tennessee for the day and spent time on the square looking through some of my favorite shops.  If you haven't been to Columbia, take an afternoon to check out what it has to offer.  

If you're looking for something fun to do on a Saturday morning, visit the Franklin Farmers Market (https://franklinfarmersmarket.com/) in Franklin, Tennessee.  This market is not for the amateur farmers market visitor, this is for those who know what they want and have done their research into the best vendors, what can be preordered, and which areas to hit first.  However, if you are new to the farmers market scene you would be more than welcomed at this location.  The vendors are very friendly and ready to help in any way they can.  I love this market because I enjoy watching the "hunt."  The locals know what's good and start walking (sometimes running) toward the vendors as soon as it opens at 8:00 a.m.  Don't come later than 8:00, the parking lot and market fill up very fast! People show up with multiple reusable bags, ready to stock up on local produce.  Food trucks line one side of the parking lot and lines immediately begin to form at all of them.  Definitely stop at Ellies Old Fashioned Doughnuts.  The longest line by far is for their delicious, sugary delights.  Each season brings a new flavor to enjoy, along with traditional favorites.  We love their chocolate covered doughnuts and pumpkin flavored which are available in the fall.  It's worth the wait even in the summer heat! Take your time and stop at each vendor.  You'll find everything from bright leafy greens to macaroons to fresh farm raised meats (be sure to preorder these or they'll be sold out when you arrive! Long lines instantly form when the market opens for those preorders.)  While I'm not a huge vegetable eater, it's impossible not to see the beauty in the work these farmers have put into their produce.  You'll find fresh fruit, vegetables, and even bouquets of flowers at every turn.  I enjoyed a chocolate croissant, bacon biscuits, and took home a jar of homemade peach preserves and a half loaf of chocolate friendship bread for later.  Set your alarm clocks early and take your time strolling through the farmers market.  You'll be tempted to bring home a bag with one of everything!

When the weather warms up, you can find a shaved ice vendor on just about any block.  However, there is good shaved ice and there is definitely not so great shaved ice.  Beach Company Chill (https://www.facebook.com/beachcochill/) is one of the good ones.  They are located in Spring Hill, TN and their home base is an adorable little plant shop called Hidden Seed Plant Co. (https://www.hiddenseedco.com/). Beach Company Chill has the perfect set up with picnic tables with large umbrellas to relax under.  They load each table with handmade holders for your shaved ice so you can enjoy it hands-free! Say goodbye to sticky, syrup covered hands! My husband is always on the hunt for a good shaved ice vendor and had heard good things about Beach Company Chill.  The parking lot was packed not only with plant seeking customers but for shaved ice, as well (that's always a good sign!)  My husband ordered Tiger's Blood and I went with Pina Colada.  It was an exceptionally hot day when we went, so it definitely hit the spot! They know the perfect ratio of shaved ice and syrup with friendly staff who will explain all the unique combinations of flavors that both kids and adults will love.  Whether you're melting in the summer heat and want something to cool you off or maybe you're just wanting a sweet treat, Beach Company Chill has something for everyone.  Check them out!

Spring Hill, Tennessee is just 30 minutes south of Nashville.  Known for its Civil War history, the area is ever growing with new businesses and people.  The Fainting Goat Coffee Company ( https://www.tfgcco.com/) has been serving delicious drinks and treats for years.  Located on Main Street, it's easy to get to and in the past few years they have restructured their parking lot to better accommodate their ever busy establishment.  While I'm not a big coffee drinker, the Fainting Goat has something that I look forward to every fall season: the Pumpkin Spice FroGoat.  It's smooth, icy, and loaded in delicious flavors of autumn.  The best way I can think to describe it, is that it tastes like biting into a slice of pumpkin pie.  If pumpkin isn't your thing, they've got lots of other options that are very popular with locals and visitors alike.  If you're looking for a way to kick off the fall season, take a trip down to Spring Hill.  The long lines are worth the wait!