Murfreesboro Mama: 7 Spots to Drink 'Green' This Saint Patrick's Day

Mar 17, 2020 at 08:42 am by Laura Beth Payne

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Besides my first week at home with my first child, I think this week might have been the most confusing in my life. Between not quite understanding the run on toilet paper, calculating the toll possible quarantine would take on my sanity, and, oh yeah, dodging a mysterious virus, I was a little jittery. To say the least.

I was also stumped about this column.  I'm all about "getting out" and "exploring" -- and that's not exactly Corona-prevention friendly at the moment. 

But this topic still seems OK. The latest guidelines for Coronovirus prevention encourage gatherings no larger than 10 people and using drive-thru, delivery, or pick-up dining options, and these spots offer that (check Facebook or call before you go).

So whether you're looking for a nutritious meal replacement, an immunity boost (over here, please!), or just a mental boost for the family amid all that enforced togetherness time, check out where you can drink some green (or pink or purple or orange) this Saint Patty's Day.  

1. Float Alchemy, 131 Cason Ln. 615-933-1116

For an intriguing alternative to soda try the beautiful kombucha taproom at Float Alchemy. Sparkling sips created with essences of berries and citrus fruits offer an immunity and probiotic boost for troubled tummies, while being refreshing and tasty to booch, I mean boot. Get a glass to go, or a Mason Jar or Growler for downing at home. Both kids and I loved their crowd favs Citrus Sparkler and True Blue kombucha.

2. Juicy's Wellness Café, 2314 Medical Center Pkwy. 615-617-3732

The city's only all-vegan restaurant boasts an impressive menu of meat, gluten and dairy alternatives, so it's no surprise they offer a stellar organic juice menu. Try their signature Green Goddess juice with kale, spinach, lime, cucumber, pineapple, apple, celery and cucumer, or kiddo-requested The Big Apple with apple, strawberry, and pineapple.

3. I Love Juice Bar, 804 N. Thompson Ln. #1. No public number

It's not hard to find a healthy AND tasty combo at this favorite spot for juices, shots, smoothies, and nutritious dishes. While my 4-year-old daughter stiffened a little at the description of the Green Smoothie and its kale and spinach, she was won over by Berry Blast with its blueberries, coconut milk, cashew, and lemon. Very Strawberry—a crush of berries with banana and apple juice--had my son and daughter arm-wrestling to share.

4. Jamba Juice, 3053 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. A. 615-396-8702

Kids can get a serving of fruit the fun way—through a straw!—with the chain's signature Strawberries Gone Bananas or Blueberry Strawberry Blast-off, customizable with extra immunity shots. Try the "Whirl'd Famous" Orange Carrot Twist juice, or just as reknown "Apple n Greens" smoothie boasting mangos, kale, peaches, and strawberries.

5. The Nutrition Spot, 3032 S. Church St. 615-203-5550

Satisfy a sweet tooth while loading up on nutrition at this bright soda-fountain-inspired locale in Barfield. Adult favorites range from the Banana Nut Bread shake to the Vitamin B Boost Lemon Berry Tea, while kids can happily slurp protein juices and nutritious shakes made to taste like some of their favorite cereals (think Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Fruity Pebbles). Drinks are made with supplements by HerbalLife Nutrition, and can be customized with energy enhancers, probiotics, or even developmental support nutrients for kids.

6. Smoothie King. Multiple locations in Murfreesboro

Adults can choose fruit-laden smoothie flavors from "purpose" categories fitness, slim, wellness, or break time blends, and then take their drinks up a notch with Wellness Blends with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Try the Daily Warrior (I think all parents might need this one) with blueberries, almonds and spinach. Littles can choose a "Kids' Blend" with flavors like Choc-A-Laka, Apple Kiwi-Bunga, and Lil Angel, with fruits they'll enjoy and a multi-vitamin booster to keep their growing bodies fueled.

7. Vibe Nutrition, 208 W Main St. 918-521-5321

Downtown's healthful spot for teas and shakes offers bright gems like the Shamrock Tea and decadent shake flavors like the White Chocolate Snickers. Every drink is created with supplements from HerbalLife, and is customizable with probiotic, immunity, and energy shots.

 8. The Wellness Emporium, 2136 Middle Tennessee Blvd. 615-469-7778

Christian Grantham and Vince Oropesa, the dynamic creators of Half Hill Farms in Cannon County, have brought their all-natural healthful creations to four locations of The Wellness Emporium across Tennessee. Stop in at their storefront near MTSU for bottled and on-tap homemade kombuchas and kefirs. Try their popular (and kid-approved) Elderberry Water Kefir Shrub made with immunity and gut-healthy elderberry, Echinacea, Ginger, cardamom, clove, apple cider vinegar and local honey in a fermented water kefir, and make time to peruse their impressive stock of essential oils, tonics, and supplements for overall health support.


Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama living in the Blackman Community of Murfreesboro with her husband Nathan and their two children. Follow @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram for more family fun in and around the city.   

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