As an East Nashvillian myself, I must say that I love the fact that we have a neighborhood ice cream shop. And as most of you already know, The Pied Piper Creamery is not just any old ice cream shop. Rather than simply sticking to the basics, they specialize in off-beat flavor combinations such as basil-infused ice cream with a tomatillo sauce swirl or sweet potato ice cream with marshmallows. And sometimes you might find yourself trying to decide which ice cream you want based on the name alone, like The Artist Formerly Known as Mints or A Salt & Buttery or Robert Broulet, owner Jenny Piper’s personal favorite.

Not only does Jenny love ice cream and always wished there was a neighborhood shop when she moved to East Nashville in 1998, but she also noticed that there weren’t many kid friendly places around either. So in 2007 she decided to fill both niches and started The Pied Piper Creamery, a place where both kids and adults like to go. It’s a win-win for everybody.

 Part of the fun of owning your own ice cream shop is that you can do whatever you want. The shop is painted in bright pastel colors, the walls lined with jars of candy and fun knickknacks, the shelves full of board games and books. It feels comfortable and inviting, which is important to Jenny since she wants everyone to feel like the place is theirs as much as it is hers, somewhere you or your kids can kick back, eat a sundae and play a game of Candyland if you feel so inclined.

Be sure to stop by The Pied Piper Creamery on Saturday, May 21st during fEASTival Nashville. They are one of the sponsors of the event and will be featuring specific fEASTival-themed ice creams and fun kid-related activities. You won’t want to miss it!

fEASTival Nashville is a celebration of music, arts and food, as well as the individuals and local businesses that help support and sustain the vibrant community of East Nashville. We look forward to seeing you there!

 - Article & photographs by Carolyn Manney