The real dining deal in Tennessee, of course, is on the farm, by the barbecue pit, in the riverside shack or in the heirloom mansion, but gifts of food are always a fine way to share the flavor of Tennessee's bounty.
Since 1940, Jones Orchard (901.873.3150; www.jonesorchard.com) has supplied the Memphis area and much of the mid-South with its famous peaches and other fresh fruits. One of the featured vendors on the website of Felicia Suzanne's restaurant, the orchard, located about 15 miles north of Memphis in Millington, is widely celebrated for its jams, jellies, preserves, pies and relishes. Available for purchase at several local farmers markets and at the orchard itself—which also serves home-style food for lunch—these delicious creations are ideal for "spreading" sweet joy.
Nashville-area legend The Loveless Motel and Cafe (615.646.9700; www.lovelesscafe.com) first served its fried chicken and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits in 1951. While the original recipes live on, one of the former motel buildings was converted into the Hams & Jams Country Market, an on-site and online source for an extensive menu of gift packages. Shipped worldwide, the lineup includes breakfast and sampler packs, corporate gifts and souvenirs. In addition to catering services, the Loveless also hosts smaller groups in the cafe dining room and larger groups in the new Loveless Barn.
With both a physical store in Lynchburg and an online order center, The Lynchburg Hardware and General Store (888.221.5225; www.lynchburgstore.com) offers an array of Jack Daniel's-related items, from apparel to glassware to finished Jack Daniel's-branded barrels. For $3,995, you can also buy a Jack Daniel's pool table.
Launched in 1988 by the four Neely brothers, Neely's Barbecue (www.neelysbbq.com), with locations in Memphis and Nashville, came to national fame in 2008 when Pat Neely and his wife Gina debuted their Down Home with the Neelys cooking show on the Food Network. In 2009, their first cookbook, also called Down Home with the Neelys, became a New York Times best-seller. The book, along with the Neelys' award-winning ribs, rubs and sauces, are all available for order online.
