A chocolate turtle pie took first place at the Tennessee State Fair four separate times. That same pie is still the best-seller at one small bakery on a historic town square.
The menu goes far past that blue-ribbon slice. The shop offers more than 100 kinds of pie, from banana cream to a fruity creation called Tropical Storm. I can’t imagine reading that list without picking three favorites before lunch.
The building has a story too. It once served as the kitchen for a hotel built in 1828. So the baking tradition here runs deeper than any crust.
I love how a single storefront can hold this much sugar, history, and personality. Pink and green walls only add to the charm. Which slice would you claim first if you could only choose one?
A Four-Time State Fair Champion Leads The Pie Parade
Blue ribbons don’t usually come in fours. At Pie Sensations, the turtle pie has collected first place at the Tennessee State Fair four different times.
That kind of track record turns a dessert into a local legend. It also explains why the turtle pie stands as the shop’s signature best-seller.
The idea behind a turtle dessert is simple and smart. Chocolate, caramel, and pecans team up in one rich bite, and nobody has to choose a favorite.
Judges at a state fair taste a lot of pie in a single day. Winning once is impressive, so winning four times feels almost unfair to the competition.
Here’s my practical tip for first-timers. Order the turtle pie as your baseline slice, then pick a second flavor to compare.
Bringing a friend makes that plan even better. You can split two slices and cover more ground without feeling overloaded.
Planning a party or family dinner? Whole pies are available too, so the champion can come home with you.
The shop also calls itself an award-winning bakery, and this pie is a big reason why. Think of it as the headliner that brings everyone to the show.
You May Need A Game Plan For More Than 100 Pies
Over 100 pies. That number alone could freeze an indecisive person right at the counter.
The lineup covers classic comfort flavors like apple, blueberry, banana cream, coconut cream, and chocolate cream. Fruit pies, chess pies, and icebox pies all have a spot on the menu as well.
Then come the wild cards. The Tropical Storm pie mixes pineapples, bananas, cherries, and macadamia nuts into one sunny slice.
Sweet potato pie carries a fun bit of history too. Original co-owner Jean Mouser created it, and chef Lynn Crawford of the show Pitchin’ In praised it.
Pecan pie and strawberry rhubarb also show up in the conversation around this shop. French Silk makes appearances now and then, though it isn’t always in stock.
So how do you narrow it down? Pick one classic you already love and one flavor you’ve never tried.
Not every pie is on hand every day, so flexibility helps. Calling ahead is smart if your heart is set on something specific.
Honestly, the hardest part might be leaving without a list for next time. Consider that a sweet problem to have.
Fudge, Whoopie Pies, And A Few Sweet Surprises
Calling it a pie shop only tells half the story. Pie Sensations bakes a surprisingly long list of other treats too.
Cheesecakes, cupcakes, and custom cakes share space with cookies and cinnamon rolls. Cobblers, scones, and truffles round out the sweet side of the menu.
Homemade fudge deserves its own spotlight. Flavors include chocolate, chocolate walnut, peanut butter, and cookies and cream.
Whoopie pies are another fun pick for anyone who wants something handheld. They’re easy to grab and great for sharing in the car, if you’re that generous.
Craving something savory? Quiche is on the lineup, which makes this a handy stop before dessert even enters the picture.
To drink, the shop serves coffee, hot chocolate, and soft drinks. A warm cup next to a slice of pie feels like a tiny vacation.
My advice is simple. Grab a slice to eat now and a box of fudge or cookies for later.
Future you will be thrilled. And if you’re hosting a party, custom cakes and cupcakes mean you can cover the whole dessert table from one place.
Pink And Green Walls Set A Very Happy Mood
Pink and green might be the happiest color combo in any bakery. Inside Pie Sensations, those cheerful shades cover the room and set a playful tone right away.
Charming wall murals add extra personality. They give the space a handmade feel that matches the homemade food.
The windows get attention too. Unique window displays help the storefront stand out along the busy square.
And then there’s the smell. The shop is known for warm baking aromas that greet people at the door and bring out smiles.
The overall vibe leans relaxed rather than rushed. It’s the kind of space where a slice of pie and a quick chat feel totally natural.
This makes it a smart stop for a little break during a downtown stroll. Sit down, slow your pace, and let the sugar do its job.
Photos are tempting here, so go ahead and snap one. The colorful walls make a great backdrop for your slice.
Just try not to let your pie get lonely while you hunt for the perfect angle. Nobody likes cold coffee or a neglected cream pie.
Your Grandma’s Recipe Could Become Your Next Pie
Family recipes have a funny habit of living in old boxes and drawers. Pie Sensations offers a way to bring one back to the table.
The bakery has previously offered custom pies based on customers’ family recipes, though visitors should confirm whether this service is still available. That’s a sweet option for holidays, reunions, or birthdays when tradition matters most.
Maybe nobody in your house wants to roll crust anymore. Maybe the recipe card is a little smudged but still treasured. This service fills that gap nicely.
The shop has offered whole pies made to order, but customers should contact the bakery to confirm current ordering options and preparation times.
Ordering ahead is a good idea, especially for special occasions or last-minute gatherings, since preparation times may vary.
Half-pies have also been offered in the past, making it worth asking whether smaller portions are currently available. You get variety without a fridge full of leftovers.
Individual slices round out the choices for solo snackers. So whether you’re feeding one person or a crowd, there’s a size that fits.
Big holiday on the way? Ordering ahead is the smartest move, so your favorite flavor is waiting instead of sold out.
Old Hotel History Lives In These Walls
In 1828, the Nelson House Hotel was built in downtown Columbia. The building now home to Pie Sensations once served as that hotel’s kitchen.
That’s a fitting second life for the space. A room made for cooking is still busy feeding people almost two centuries later.
The bakery’s own story started in 2010. Becky Odom and Jean Mouser opened it and built the early menu.
In 2013, the Stump family took over. Brothers Dan and Mike ran things alongside their wives, Laura and Kate, who handled baking and customer service. The bakery has changed hands over the years, with different families contributing to its history and pie-making tradition.
I like how the business has passed between families instead of fading away. Each handoff kept a local favorite alive on the square.
Knowing this backstory makes a slice feel a little more meaningful. You’re eating dessert inside a real piece of Tennessee history.
So when you sit down, glance around and picture the hotel cooks from long ago. They’d probably be amazed by over 100 pie flavors.
Special Diets Still Get A Seat At The Pie Table
Watching sugar or skipping gluten can make dessert feel like a closed door. At Pie Sensations, that door swings open a bit wider.
Sugar-free and gluten-free options are available for several pie varieties. That means more people at the table can enjoy the same treat.
This matters at family gatherings. Nobody wants a relative stuck with a plain cup of coffee while everyone else digs into pie.
The exact choices can vary, so a little planning goes a long way. Call ahead and ask which flavors can be made to fit your needs.
Remember that whole pies are made to order. Most can be ready in about two to three hours, which helps if you need a special version.
It’s also a thoughtful gift idea. Bringing a sugar-free pie to a friend who usually skips dessert shows real care.
Fall adds even more reasons to visit. Seasonal pumpkin and apple pies show up, along with treats like pumpkin whoopie pies and apple cider donuts.
Deconstructed caramel apples also join the seasonal lineup. Autumn here sounds like a delicious excuse to plan another trip.
Plan Around The Schedule So Pie Doesn’t Wait On You
Timing is everything with good pie. Pie Sensations keeps a schedule worth checking before you hit the road.
The shop sits at 26 Public Square, Columbia, TN 38401, right on the downtown square. Visitors should check the bakery’s current operating hours before planning a trip.
Hours can shift, so a quick call before a long drive is smart. Nobody wants to stare at a locked door with a pie craving.
Morning visits may offer a wider selection before popular flavors sell out, although availability varies from day to day.
Takeaway and to-go options make road trips easy. Grab a whole pie for home and a slice for the ride. Just pack a flat spot in the car first.
Cream pies and sharp turns are not best friends.
A small cooler helps on warm Tennessee days. It keeps your dessert looking as good at home as it did at the counter.
Make A Whole Afternoon Out Of The Square
Dessert first, then a stroll. That’s the easy plan when your pie stop sits right on Columbia’s historic Public Square.
Pie Sensations is part of a lively downtown filled with local shops. Walking the square after a slice feels like a reward for your reward.
Recognition backs up the trip too. The shop won Best Bakery and Best Dessert in the 2018 Best Of Maury County Awards.
That local honor says a lot. Winning over hometown neighbors can be tougher than impressing visitors passing through.
So how should you shape the day? Start with a slice, browse the nearby storefronts, and circle back for a box to go.
This way, your take-home pie stays fresh while you explore. It also gives you a second chance to grab a flavor you skipped.
Columbia makes a pleasant day trip within Middle Tennessee. The square’s small-town charm pairs perfectly with a sugar-filled afternoon.
By the time you head home, you’ll understand the headline. Some slices really are worth every mile, especially ones served beside this much history and heart.
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