Growing up in a candy factory sounds like every sugar-loving kid’s dream; visions of lollipops and chocolates dancing in their heads. For Buzz Helms, it was his everyday growing up. After school let out, he would race over to   Helms Candy Company , where his great-grandfather and grandfather made sure everything was running smoothly. Today Helms serves as the company’s vice president of sales and marketing as part of the fourth generation to lead the family business. Decades

Carla Perkins’ journey from teacher to baker started with two southern staples: biscuits and pie. Using an article from Southern Living , she taught herself how to make the dough. Once she mastered those classics, Perkins found herself ready to dive into making more complicated doughs and recipes. After years of experimenting on the side for fun and giving away all of her sweet treats, Perkins’ husband and friends finally convinced her to pursue her culinary passions full-tim

Before you even walk in the door of   The Southern Churn , you can smell the melting chocolate and roasting nuts from the sidewalk; wafting out of the kitchen, the scent of fresh fudge calls your name. Cheerful music and smiling faces greet you once inside the shop as you browse for a sweet treat or two to taste. Located in the heart of Downtown Bristol, this is the place to be for decadent fudge and other sweet treats that will have you feeling like a kid again. Owner Karen