This Valentine’s Day, Bubble Joy invites lovers, friends, and families alike to step into a world of whimsy, sparkle, and delight. Bubble Joy is nestled in the picturesque village of Leiper’s Fork and has quickly become a beloved destination for both locals and
visitors, old and young. But this charming shop offers more than just candy – it’s a setting for creativity, celebration, and connection. Whether you’re celebrating friendship, family, or self-love, this one-of-a-kind destination has something for everyone this Valentine’s Day.
Jason Warner and deMarco DeCiccio, owners of Bubble Joy, make it a point to share the love in Leiper’s Fork. They also own and operate GratiDude Ranch where they live with their twin sons just down the road from Bubble Joy in Fernvale. GratiDude Ranch serves as an event venue and lodging destination offering farm-to-table dinners, the original “Family Hillbilly Clue” and “Rockabilly Clue” murder mystery dinners, weddings, and other magnificent experiences. Warner founded a nonprofit called SAFE (Safe, Affirming, Family Environment) that also operates on GratiDude Ranch providing programming for foster children and foster
families while also offering space for special events for the foster community. Through their events on the ranch, they have educated the community on the needs of the foster care system in Middle Tennessee for the past decade.
“In opening Bubble Joy, named after a song sung to me as a child by my mother, we wanted to do something really special for families in our community,” says Warner. Amongst beautiful galleries, antique stores, and restaurants, Leiper’s Fork was missing one thing – a place for families and kids. The “GratiDudes” decided to transform their new space at Leiper’s Corner Shoppes into something the whole family could enjoy. “An old-fashioned candy shop was a no-brainer,” says Warner.
Although on the 2nd floor, it’s not hard to find – just look for the bubbles dancing in the air outside the store. Once inside, visitors are greeted with mounds of colorful candies in apothecary jars along the walls and counters. But keep going, and you’ll find that this isn’t just a place to buy sweet treats – it’s a backdrop for creating magical memories.“It’s Willy Wonka meets Walt Disney,” says Warner. “We wanted it to be more than just a candy shop – we wanted it to be an experience.”
At the heart of Bubble Joy is its Bubble Bar, a sparkling haven for creative concoctions that bring out everyone’s inner child. Start by picking from a selection of farm-crafted, pre-biotic or organic sodas, add your pick of flavored syrup, popping pearl boba bubbles (or Jeni’s ice cream for those who may not like boba), then top it off with edible glitter, and you’ve got the signature drink, The Bubble Joy. Add a popsicle and some cotton candy and you have The Bubble Joy Special. “The bubbles are edible, the drinks are glittery – it’s magic.”
The Parlor, which adjoins Bubble Joy, was inspired by Kidd’s Jewelry Heist in Los Angeles with its vintage charm and elegant décor, complete with a beautiful antique jukebox. The Parlor is open during regular store hours and offers apothecary merchandise, as well as a tea and mocktail bar where guests can enjoy locally blended herbal teas or handcrafted mocktails. A wide array of floral and herbal elixirs and tinctures, along with flavored popping pearls, can be added to beverages offering a creative twist to the celebrations.
For adults seeking a more elevated experience, the menu features a delightful selection of mushroom adaptogen mocktails and CBD mocktails. The bar will be serving festive Valentine’s Day mocktails such as the Love Potion alongside the regular menu items.
This sophisticated 1930s-inspired venue and event space is also perfect for hosting private gatherings such as birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, or corporate events. In keeping with the creativity of the candy and drink bars, a jewelry bar is also available to patrons during store hours and can also be open for private events.
“What mirrors candy? Jewelry,” Warner says. The interactive, creative activity allows customers to choose from a variety of beads, charms, and chains, enabling them to create a unique bracelet, necklace, earring or key chain that captures their individual style. Once complete, the staff clamps and finishes your work of art, sending you home with your memorable, handmade keepsake.
Kidd’s Jewelry Heist is a birthday experience much like an escape room where kids discover a code to a treasure box through a list of clues. The treasure box holds the treasures that guests use to design the jewelry pieces they get to take home. Jewelry Heist birthday parties can be booked year-round at The Parlor outside of store hours.
For those last-minute Valentine’s shoppers, locally crafted vintage finished jewelry is also for sale and is currently 50% off. Lastly, while enjoying your beverage of choice or waiting for your jewelry to be completed, visit a colorful, bubbling oxygen bar where you can enjoy some relaxation, clarity or pick-me-up based on the essential oil recipe of your choosing. Using Young Living essential oils, guests can book a ten or twenty-minute session and immerse themselves in oxygen therapy, providing a calming and rejuvenating experience in The Parlor’s comfortable atmosphere.
On Friday, February 14th, enjoy a two-for-one Valentine’s Day special for couples who book an oxygen bar session.
The Parlor also hosts an open mic night every Friday night, perfect for Valentine’s Day this year as it falls on a Friday. If you would like to perform at an open-mic night, visit the website. Space is limited.
While Bubble Joy is undoubtedly a feast for the senses, it's also a place that beautifully captures the spirit of Leiper’s Fork. Its playful, colorful vibrations reflect the area's artistic heart. “For us, it’s all about giving back to our community and creating a place for people to come and experience joy and love,” says Warner. And really, isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is all about? ILoveBubbleJoy.com