Hey there! Susan Stewart here from Local Nashville Honey right here in Donelson, TN.

If you’ve stopped by to grab a jar or chat with me about local pollen, you know how much I love sharing what our region has to offer. Now, I always like to be clear about one thing: I am not a beekeeper! I leave the veil, the smoker, and the bee-sting managing to our incredible master beekeeper, Robert Johnson. Robert works hard out in the apiaries tending to the hives and making sure our bees are healthy and thriving. My job is the easy part—getting Robert’s pure, raw honey into your kitchen and helping you find your favorite taste profile.

One question folks ask me all the time in Donelson, Hermitage, and across Nashville is: “Susan, what kind of honey do we actually get here in Middle Tennessee?”

Because our climate features a long growing season—from early spring tree blossoms to late fall wildflowers—Middle Tennessee produces a rich variety of honey distinct to our landscape. Here is a look at the major varietals you’ll find throughout the year.

The Tulip Poplar is Tennessee’s state tree, and when it blooms in May, it creates the biggest spring nectar flow in the region. While many people assume light honey is better, true honey lovers go crazy for Tulip Poplar. It is dark, mineral-rich, and packs a bold flavor that holds up wonderfully in baking, barbecue glazes, or drizzled over hot biscuits.

Clover is the classic Southern staple. Made primarily from white and crimson clover blossoms across Middle Tennessee pastures and lawns, it’s the light, easy-drinking honey most people grew up with. Because of its smooth sweetness, it’s perfect for everyday tea, morning oatmeal, or for folks who want a mild local honey without a heavy botanical punch.

Wildflower is a polyfloral honey—meaning Robert’s bees visit a little bit of everything blooming across the local landscape. In Middle Tennessee, that includes wild blackberry, black locust, dandelions, henbit, and garden blooms. Every harvest tastes slightly different depending on what nature was serving up that month. This is usually the go-to choice for neighbors taking local raw honey for seasonal allergy support.

As summer winds down, the nectar sources shift to goldenrod, late aster, and ragweed. The resulting honey is harvested late in the season. It’s noticeably darker and bolder than spring wildflower honey. If you like adding honey to dark roasts, hot toddies, or hearty cheese boards, this fall harvest is hard to beat.

While Sourwood trees thrive in the higher elevations just east of Middle Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau, Sourwood honey is widely considered the “Champagne of Southern Honey” and is a beloved staple at Middle Tennessee markets. Because the bloom window is short (July), genuine raw Sourwood is a rare seasonal treat.

Susan’s Quick Tip on Raw Honey:

Real, raw local honey from Robert’s hives isn’t pasteurized or fine-filtered. That means over time, it will crystallize—especially varietals higher in natural glucose. Crystallization is just proof that your honey is 100% pure and unprocessed! If you prefer it liquid, gently warm the jar in a bowl of hot tap water.

Whether you’re stopping by for a jar of mild Clover, or seasonal Wildflower, we love keeping Donelson and Nashville supplied with pure, raw sweetness straight from the local fields!

The post Guide to Our Local Honey Varietals appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Well, hello there, y’all! It’s Susan Stewart here, owner of Local Nashville Honey.

If you’ve stepped outside in Donelson, Hermitage, or anywhere across Music City this week, you probably didn’t need a weather report to tell you that allergy season is in full swing. As I’m writing this in early May, our beautiful Tennessee oaks, maples, and birches are working overtime, and let’s be honest—those “moderate to high” pollen counts have most of us reaching for the tissues and rubbing our eyes before we even get the coffee brewed.

I know exactly how you feel. It’s hard to enjoy our vibrant blooming landscapes when you’re worried about the “seasonal sniffles.” But before you lock yourself indoors until July, I want to share a little bit of “liquid gold” wisdom about how our local honey can be your best friend during these itchy-eyed months.

You might see honey in the big-box grocery stores and think it’s all the same, but let me tell you, darlings, there’s a world of difference.

Commercial honey is often ultra-filtered and pasteurized—which is just a fancy way of saying they’ve heated the life right out of it and filtered out the very things that make it special. Our honey is raw, unfiltered, and 100% Nashville. Why does that matter for your allergies?

Natural Resilience: Many of our wonderful customers swear by the “local exposure” theory. Our bees are out there diligently visiting the very wildflowers and clover blooming along the Stones River and in your own backyards.

Trace Pollen: Raw honey contains trace amounts of local pollen. Think of it like a sweet, gentle handshake for your immune system. By introducing these tiny amounts to your body, many folks find they can build up a natural resilience to the environment around them.

The “Immunotherapy” Idea: It’s a bit like nature’s version of an allergy shot—but it tastes a whole lot better on a hot biscuit!

Even if you aren’t looking for a “cure,” raw honey is an absolute powerhouse for your wellness routine. When the Nashville air gets thick with yellow dust, your throat can feel like you’ve been gargling sandpaper.

Susan’s Tip: “A spoonful of raw honey is nature’s best throat coat. It’s packed with natural antioxidants and enzymes that soothe irritation better than any store-bought syrup I’ve ever tried.”

If you’re looking to incorporate a little local goodness into your daily routine, here is how I like to do it:

Method

Why It Works

The Morning Stir

Add a teaspoon to local herbal tea. The steam helps open your sinuses while the honey coats your throat.

The Power Bowl

Drizzle it over Greek yogurt or oatmeal. It’s a healthy way to start the day with a boost of antioxidants.

Straight Up

Honestly? Just a spoonful right out of the jar. It’s the purest way to get those local enzymes.

We are so proud to be a part of this community. You can find us at The Troll House Cottage in Donelson, we’d love to help you find the perfect jar to help you survive (and thrive!) this spring.

While the science is still catching up to what we beekeepers have known for generations, there is no denying that supporting our local bees—and your local health—is a win-win for everyone in Nashville.

Stay sweet (and a little bit spicy),

Susan Stewart Owner, Local Nashville Honey

Note: While I’m an expert on my bees, I’m not a doctor! If your allergies are severe or if you’re looking into honey for little ones under a year old, always check with your pediatrician or allergist first.

The post Allergies Today and Help from Local Nashville Honey appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Hello there, neighbors! Susan Stewart here from Local Nashville Honey.

If there’s one thing Mike and I have learned through our podcast and our time in the Tennessee bee community, it’s that folks truly care about where their food comes from. We get asked all the time: “Susan, how can I be 100% sure this honey actually came from a Nashville hive and not some big factory packing plant?”

It’s a fair question! When you’re looking for the medicinal benefits of local pollen or just that incredible, deep flavor of Middle Tennessee wildflowers, you want the real deal. Today, I want to talk specifically about one of our absolute favorite local sources: Johnson’s Farm in Goodlettsville, TN.

Here is how you can be certain that the honey in your jar is the “liquid gold” produced right here in our backyard.

Johnson’s Farm isn’t just a name on a label; it’s a staple of the Goodlettsville community. Located just a short drive north of Nashville, the bees at Johnson’s Farm forage on the lush, rolling hills of Sumner and Davidson counties.

When you buy honey labeled from Johnson’s Farm, you are getting honey that is:

Never Ultra-Filtered: We keep the good stuff (the pollen!) right where it belongs.

Seasonally Specific: Real local honey changes color. If you see a lighter amber in the spring and a darker, robust hue in the fall, that’s the sign of a real Nashville beekeeper following the natural bloom cycles of Tennessee.

A true local beekeeper like the folks at Johnson’s Farm won’t have “clover honey” that looks identical 365 days a year. Because our Tennessee weather is as unpredictable as a Nashville songwriter’s Muse, the honey reflects that!

At Local Nashville Honey, we only vouch for keepers who are transparent. Johnson’s Farm honey is harvested and bottled with care, ensuring that the floral source—whether it’s tulip poplar, black locust, or wildflower—is authentic to our specific Tennessee climate zone.

If you’ve lived in Middle Tennessee long enough, you know what our land tastes like. Real Nashville honey has a distinct profile. It isn’t just “sweet”—it has notes of the woods and fields we walk every day.

The Johnson’s Farm Difference: Their hives are managed by people who understand the Goodlettsville ecosystem. When you taste their honey, you’re tasting the very clover and wildflowers that grow in your own neck of the woods.

Many of you reach out to us because you’re looking for allergy relief. For that to work, the honey must contain the local pollens you’re breathing in. By sourcing directly from Johnson’s Farm, you are ensuring that the bees were working the exact environment that’s making you sneeze! You won’t get that from a bear-shaped bottle at a big-box chain.

Supporting beekeepers like those at Johnson’s Farm means you’re keeping the Nashville bee population healthy and our local economy buzzing.

Next time you’re looking to sweeten your tea or morning biscuit, look for the Johnson’s Farm label. Mike and I have seen the work that goes into every jar, and we can tell you—it’s as Nashville as it gets.

Stay sweet, Nashville!

— Susan Stewart LocalNashvilleHoney.com

The post Real Nashville Honey: How to Know You’re Getting the Good Stuff from Johnson’s Farm appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Hey there, neighbors! It’s Susan Stewart here from Local Nashville Honey right in the heart of Donelson.

If you’ve stopped by lately, you’ve probably noticed we’re buzzing about something a little bit spicy. While we’ll always love our classic, golden clover and wildflower pours, there’s a new favorite in the pantry that’s stealing the show: Hot Honey. It’s that perfect Nashville marriage of Southern sweetness and a little bit of “kick” that keeps you coming back for more. Here is how we’re making it and—more importantly—how you should be eating it!

We don’t just toss some pepper flakes into a jar and call it a day. To get that authentic Nashville flavor, we start with our 100% pure, raw honey harvested right here in the area.

If you think honey is just for tea or biscuits, honey, you are missing out! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use a drizzle:

Living here in Donelson, we know the value of community. When you use our honey, you’re supporting local beekeepers and the hard-working bees that keep our Tennessee wildflowers blooming.

Next time you’re heading through town, swing by and grab a jar. Your taste buds—and your neighbors—will thank you!

Stay Sweet (and a little bit spicy),

Susan Stewart Local Nashville Honey

The post Why We’re Obsessed with Hot Honey in Donelson & Nashville appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

As Susan Stewart of Local Nashville Honey here in Donelson, Tennessee, I’m absolutely buzzing with excitement to tell you why 2026 is the perfect year to sweeten your life with our local Nashville honey. You know, there’s something truly special about honey that’s been made right here in our vibrant community, and I’m not just saying that because I provide local honey!

First off, let’s talk about flavor. Our Nashville honey is a direct reflection of the diverse flora that surrounds us. Think about the blooming wildflowers in the spring, the clover fields in the summer, and the rich nectar from the trees in the fall. Each season brings a unique bouquet of flavors to our hives, and that translates directly into the taste of our honey. Depending on the floral source, you might get notes of bright, floral sweetness, a deeper, more robust caramel undertone, or even hints of fruitiness. It’s a culinary adventure in every spoonful, and it’s a taste of Tennessee you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Beyond the incredible taste, there are some fantastic health benefits to consider. Local honey, especially raw and unfiltered honey like ours, is packed with antioxidants. These powerful compounds help protect your body from cell damage. Plus, it contains small amounts of pollen from local flowers. For some people, regular consumption of local honey can actually help build up a tolerance to seasonal allergies. It’s like a little dose of nature’s immunotherapy, brewed right here in our own backyard. And let’s not forget the natural antibacterial properties – it’s been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sore throats and minor wounds.

In 2026, as we continue to embrace a more holistic and natural approach to wellness, incorporating local Nashville honey into your diet is a simple yet impactful step. It’s a delicious way to support your immune system and introduce beneficial compounds into your body. Think about drizzling it over your morning yogurt or oatmeal, stirring it into your tea instead of sugar, or using it as a natural sweetener in your baking. It adds a depth of flavor and a touch of local goodness that processed sugars just can’t replicate.

Furthermore, choosing local honey is a vote for sustainability and supporting our local economy. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting honey; you’re supporting beekeepers who are dedicated to maintaining healthy bee populations. Bees are vital pollinators, and their health is crucial for our environment and our food supply. By purchasing local honey, you’re directly contributing to the well-being of these incredible insects and the ecosystem they support. You’re also keeping your dollars within our community, supporting local families and businesses.

The journey of our honey from bloom to bottle is a labor of love. We carefully manage our hives, ensuring the bees have access to the best nectar sources and are kept healthy and happy. We harvest the honey with minimal processing, preserving its natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. This commitment to quality means you’re getting the purest, most beneficial honey possible.

So, as you plan your dietary goals for 2026, I wholeheartedly encourage you to make room for Local Nashville Honey. It’s more than just a sweetener; it’s a taste of our home, a boost for your health, and a small act of support for our precious pollinators and our community. Come visit us in Donelson, or find us at your local farmers market, and taste the difference that local makes. Your taste buds, your body, and our bees will thank you!

The post Local Nashville Honey, Why You Should Include In Your Diet in 2026 appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Well, hello there, honeybees! Susan here from Local Nashville Honey, buzzing with some exciting news from right here at the Troll House Cottage. For those of you who’ve been following our little journey, you know we’re all about celebrating local goodness. But let me tell you, something truly magical has been brewing in our kitchen, and it’s something you absolutely have to taste.

We’ve been hard at work, not just with our honey, but with creating the perfect bacon cheese sandwich. It’s not just any sandwich, folks. We’re talking about a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing! We start with perfectly crisp bacon and melt a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese over it, all on toasted, crusty bread. Simple, right? But here’s where the magic really happens.

The secret ingredient, the star of the show, is the incredible Smokey Tomato Jam from our good friends at the Nashville Jam Company. This isn’t your grandma’s jam. It’s a rich, savory spread with a deep, smokey flavor that perfectly cuts through the saltiness of the bacon and the richness of the cheese. It’s an unexpected twist that brings the whole sandwich to a new level of deliciousness. All here for you at Troll House Cottage, the home of Local Nashville Honey and Jams.

The first time we tried it, we all just stopped and looked at each other, speechless. It’s that good. And judging by the looks on our customers’ faces, you all agree! We’ve had so many of you come back for a second helping, and the biggest compliment of all? You’re asking where you can get your hands on a jar of that jam.

So, in true Troll House Cottage fashion, we’re not keeping this secret to ourselves. After you’ve tasted the sandwich and fallen in love with that smokey jam, you can pick up a jar of the Nashville Jam Company’s Smokey Tomato Jam right here in our shop. It’s the perfect way to bring a little bit of that Troll House magic into your own kitchen.

Come on down to the Troll House Cottage and treat yourself to the best new sandwich in town. We can’t wait to hear what you think!.. and pick up some of our local honey too, goes amazing in your tea or coffee!

The post Smokey Tomato Jam Now At Troll House and Local Nashville Honey appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Well, hello there, y’all! It’s Susan Stewart here, owner of Local Nashville Honey, your go-to for all things local honey, Nashville jams, bee pollen, and honey sticks. I’ve got some bittersweet news, and then some incredibly sweet news to share with all my wonderful customers and friends in Donelson!

First, the bittersweet. We’ve heard that our dear neighbors, Mill Creek Mercantile, are closing their doors. It’s always a little sad to see a beloved local business wind down, and we’ve truly appreciated being a part of their community and having our products there for you all. They’ve been a wonderful presence in Donelson, and we wish them all the best in their next chapter.

Now for the truly exciting part! If you’ve been wondering where to find your favorite Local Nashville Honey products, worry no more! We’ve moved our main location just a few short yards away to the absolutely enchanting Troll House Cottage at 222 McGavock Pike! Can you believe it? It’s practically right next door, making it super convenient for all of you who’ve been loyal supporters.

And let me tell you, this isn’t just a move; it’s an upgrade! The Troll House Cottage is a truly magical place, and it’s going to make your shopping experience for local goodies even better. They have created such a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.

What makes this move so exciting, you ask? Well, at The Troll House Cottage, you can still get all the pure, delicious Local Nashville Honey you love – from our varied sizes of clover and wildflower honey to our convenient honey sticks and beneficial bee pollen. And of course, your favorite Nashville Jams will be right there too, perfect for spreading on biscuits or toast!

But here’s the real buzz: The Troll House Cottage offers so much more! Imagine coming in, grabbing your jar of local sunshine, and then settling down with a delightful cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. They have an amazing selection, and the aroma alone is heavenly. And let’s not forget their other “delights”! I’m talking about delicious pastries and other gourmet treats that will make your visit truly special. It’s the perfect spot to slow down, relax, and savor a little piece of Nashville.

We’re so much more than just a honey shop now; we’re part of a destination where you can enjoy a full, wonderful experience. It’s a place where you can stock up on your pantry essentials like our local honey and jams, and then treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss with a warm drink and a sweet treat.

So, while we’ll miss Mill Creek Mercantile, we are absolutely buzzing with excitement about this new chapter at The Troll House Cottage. Come on down to 222 McGavock Pike, grab your favorite Local Nashville Honey, and stay a while to enjoy the wonderful tea, coffee, and other delights this charming new home has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Warmly,

Susan Stewart

Owner, Local Nashville Honey

Your source for local honey, Nashville jams, bee pollen, and honey sticks.

The post A Sweet Transition in Donelson: From Mill Creek Mercantile to The Troll House Cottage! appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

As Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, I’m passionate about providing pure, authentic honey to our community. But I’m also keenly aware of the challenges consumers face when trying to find the real deal. The sad truth is, the honey market is rife with mislabeled and adulterated products. So, how can you be sure you’re getting genuine local honey? Let’s dive in.

When you’re at the farmers market or Browse a local shop, here are a few key indicators to look for:

Unfortunately, the honey industry has a dark side. Mislabeled and adulterated honey is a significant problem, not just for consumers but for legitimate beekeepers like myself.

At Local Nashville Honey, we believe in transparency and integrity. We work hard to bring you honey that is exactly what it claims to be: pure, raw, and local. By educating yourself and supporting local beekeepers, you’re not just getting a superior product; you’re also helping to combat fraud in the honey market and ensure the sustainability of beekeeping for generations to come. So, next time you’re craving that golden sweetness, remember these tips and choose wisely!

The post Identifying Authentic Local Honey In Nashville, Donelson and Hermitage appeared first on Local Nashville Honey.

Alright, let’s pull back the curtain a little and share a sweet secret with you folks. When you pick up a jar of our very own Local Nashville Honey, you’re not just getting the fruits (or should I say, the nectar?) of our amazing hives right here in Donelson and Hermitage. You’re also often enjoying the golden goodness lovingly produced by our friends over at the esteemed Johnson’s Honey Farm in Goodlettsville!

Now, as I mentioned before, Johnson’s Honey Farm has a rich history here in the Nashville area. They’ve been buzzing along for years, establishing themselves as true stewards of the honeybee and producers of exceptional local honey. And let me tell you, their beekeeper, well, they’re a salt-of-the-earth, bee-whispering kind of individual. They’ve poured their heart and soul into understanding the intricate world of Apis mellifera and the unique floral tapestry of the Goodlettsville landscape.

The hives at Johnson’s Farm are a testament to their dedication. They’re meticulously cared for, ensuring the bees are healthy, happy, and thriving. These aren’t just boxes; they’re bustling communities, each with its own queen, its own workforce, diligently gathering nectar from the wildflowers, clover, and all the beautiful blossoms that paint the Goodlettsville countryside. The care and attention to detail in managing these hives truly shines through in the quality of their honey.

So, why do I believe Johnson’s Honey Farm produces some of the best local Nashville honey? Well, it comes down to a few key things that I deeply respect and admire as a fellow beekeeper:

Firstly, their legacy. They’ve been doing this for a long time, and that experience is invaluable. They’ve seen different seasons, different nectar flows, and they’ve honed their craft over years of working hand-in-hand with nature. That deep understanding translates into a consistently exceptional product.

Secondly, their location. Just like our honey here in Donelson and Hermitage carries the unique flavors of our local blooms, Johnson’s honey captures the distinct terroir of Goodlettsville. Their bees are foraging on a slightly different mix of flora, resulting in a honey that has its own beautiful and nuanced character. It’s a different, but equally delightful, taste of our Nashville region.

Thirdly, their commitment to quality. I’ve seen firsthand the care and dedication they put into their beekeeping practices. They prioritize the health and well-being of their bees, and that translates directly into the purity and flavor of their honey. There are no shortcuts taken; it’s all about respecting the natural process and bringing you honey in its most natural and delicious form.

Now, you might be wondering why we, Local Nashville Honey, partner with Johnson’s. It’s simple: we share the same values. We both believe in the power of local honey, the importance of supporting healthy bee populations, and the joy of bringing a truly exceptional product to our community. By working together, we can share even more of this liquid gold with you, our wonderful customers.

So, when you choose Local Nashville Honey, know that you’re often getting a taste of the best of both worlds – the unique flavors of Donelson and Hermitage from our hives, and the time-honored excellence of Johnson’s Honey Farm from up in Goodlettsville. We’re proud to partner with them because, quite simply, they are masters of their craft, and their honey is a testament to their passion and dedication. It’s truly some of the best local Nashville honey you can find, and we’re honored to share it with you.

Hi I’m Susan Stewart, owner of Local Nashville Honey, the source for local honey here in Donelson, Hermitage and Nashville Metro Area

Local Nashville Honey brings you pure, delicious honey made right here in Music City. Our bees buzz around local gardens and wildflowers, creating a unique flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

it’s the perfect way to sweeten up your morning tea, or add a little somethin’ somethin’ to your barbecue glaze.

And let me tell you, folks, honey from localnashvillehoney.com ain’t just tasty, it’s good for you too! Full of natural antioxidants and vitamins, it’s a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

So ditch the store-bought stuff and support local beekeepers! Head over to Mill Creek Mercantile or Troll House Cottage and get your jar of sunshine today.

Local Nashville Honey – A taste of home, made in Music City.  Local Nashville Honey.com

Disclaimer: This blog and podcast were generated using Gemini AI, a language model designed to provide informative and engaging content. However, AI models are not perfect, and there may be instances where the information presented is incorrect or incomplete. Please use your own judgment and discretion when evaluating the content.

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