mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 7/31/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
It’s more than where we work, it’s where we live. It’s where we raise families. Where we show up for one another – in the everyday and in the unexpected. It’s where names are neighbors, and care is connection. It’s about the people. SCAN FOR MORE INFO
Something about the heat of a Southern summer makes staying home feel like a missed opportunity. So this month, we leaned into and crafted an issue entirely around the idea of exploration.
Exploration doesn't always require a passport. For starters, be sure to take some time to explore cover star Lauren Alaina's new music. Embarking on an upcoming fall tour and an exciting new album, the girl is having her moment.
Sometimes exploration also looks like a long weekend on the South Carolina coast, a bike ride along a gravel path, or a farmhouse stay you never saw coming. Sometimes it looks like following a cheap flight deal to a city you've never considered and finding something that surprises you completely. And sometimes it looks like turning down a street you've driven past a hundred times in Franklin and finally walking through a door you've always been curious about.
This issue is our invitation to open a few of those doors. Whether you're headed somewhere far, simply scouting out this remarkable place we already call home, or listening to new music, go ahead and scratch those itchy feet.
Stay curious, friends. Oh - and pack light.
Yours in wanderlust,
MARIA DINOIA, EDITOR @FRANKLINTNLIFESTYLE
Franklin Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:
• Fork of the South - The Factory at Franklin
• Saint Goose - Downtown Franklin
• The Parker House on Main - Downtown Franklin
• United Country Real Estate - Leiper’s Fork
• Local doctors and professional offices around the area
July 2026
PUBLISHER
Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Stephanie Krejci | stephanie.krejci@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lisa Valentine, Morgan Raum, Sue Baldani
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
/franchise.
1-7: Tourism Together Day: A Community Celebration at Bicentennial Park. The free, family-friendly event featured food, games, music, and interactive activations that highlighted the local hospitality industry’s impact.
Photography courtesy of Visit Franklin
Recognized by RealTrends and The Wall Street Journal, ranked #1 in Franklin for both sales volume and transactions, and ranked #2 in Tennessee, Megan Jernigan leads The Jernigan Group at Compass with a commitment to exceptional service and strategic guidance. Backed by nearly five decades of combined experience, our team delivers a highly personalized, detail-driven approach and an unwavering dedication to serving clients throughout Franklin and Williamson County.
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The Red Wheel is back. The acclaimed series features three celebrated songwriters performing in-theround on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. in Turner Theater throughout the summer.
Named after the iconic “Red Wheel” oven regulator manufactured onsite when Magic Chef Inc. occupied The Factory in the 50s and ‘60s, the series pays homage to Franklin’s industrial heritage while celebrating the craft of songwriting.
Show lineup: FactoryAtFranklin.com/theredwheel Tickets: Ticketmaster.com
The Franklin Police Department recently recognized its team of school crossing guards, celebrating their dedication to student safety. All 13 crossing guards were honored for their daily commitment to managing traffic flow and helping students safely navigate busy roadways at 16 schools across the city.
Two guards were recognized with special distinction for their years of service. Lisa Harris wrapped up her 30th year as a crossing guard and Annie Esmond was also honored for her 15 years of service. FranklinTN.gov
Annie Esmond (L) and Lisa Harris (R)
While singer, songwriter and Franklin resident, Steve Wariner, is known for his music, he has simultaneously devoted much of his life to pursuing his parallel passion for painting. Continuing this month, Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville will shine a spotlight on Wariner’s visual art works in The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner The solo exhibit, which runs until July 26, will feature 60 of Wariner’s works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media, spanning more than 30 years.
MonthavenArts.org
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Before dawn breaks, shoppers are already gathering outside the warehouse doors, coffee in hand and excitement building for what they might discover inside. For Sara Sells, founder Sara Young, that enthusiasm never gets old.
“Seeing people lined up before the doors open is something I’ll never take for granted,” Sara said.
What began as a passion for making quality furniture more accessible has evolved into one of the area's most anticipated monthly shopping events. Sara Sells has built a loyal following through its once-a-month warehouse sales featuring designer furnishings, the exclusive Sara Sells Home collection, and one-of-a-kind pieces, all offered below retail pricing and ready to take home that day.
Sara said the concept was born from recognizing a gap in the furniture market.
“So often, you’re choosing between highend designer pieces with luxury price tags or lower-cost options that may not offer the same quality or longevity,” Sara said. “I wanted to create something that bridged that gap by offering authentic, high-quality furniture and home décor at prices that felt much more attainable.”
But the business quickly became about more than furniture alone.
ARTICLE PROVIDED
PHOTOGRAPHY BY @TWOANDYONDER
“What really shaped Sara Sells was realizing that people wanted more than just furniture,” Sara said. “They loved the experience.”
That experience begins the moment customers walk through the doors. “Our model brings together thoughtful curation, meaningful value, and immediate availability,” Sara said. “Customers can come in, find something they love, and take it home that same day.”
The limited inventory and rotating selection create urgency and discovery that keeps shoppers coming back month after month.
“The once-a-month format naturally creates excitement because every event feels new,” Sara said. “New inventory arrives, the energy is high, and customers know they’ll discover a unique curation each time.”
As the business has grown, so have its offerings. Sara Sells now operates three warehouse locations across three cities, has introduced a Trade Program for designers, and a Whole Home Program
for those furnishing multiple rooms or second homes, further extending the brand’s commitment to quality, value, and personalized service.
Young believes the loyalty customers feel toward Sara Sells is rooted in trust.
“Our customers know we’re intentional about what we bring in,” Sara said. “They trust the quality, they trust the value, and they know the experience is going to feel inspiring rather than overwhelming.”
Curation and design remain Sara’s favorite parts of the business. She focuses on timeless, versatile pieces that can anchor a variety of home styles while allowing customers to express their personalities through layered details and décor.
“I’m always thinking about how people actually live in their homes and how we can offer pieces that are both beautiful and functional,” Sara said.
Over time, Sara Sells has become more than a shopping destination. For many customers, it has become a routine and even a family tradition.
“I love seeing mothers and daughters shopping together, friends making a morning of it, designers bringing clients, or someone furnishing their very first home,” Sara said.
For Sara, the most meaningful reward has been watching the business grow into a community centered around the idea of home.
“Home is such a personal thing,” Sara said. “It’s where life happens, where memories are made, and where people gather.”
That sense of connection is what continues to turn a monthly furniture sale into an experience customers eagerly await long before sunrise .
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37 NEW TRAILS ADDED TO THE STATE’S BIK E TENNESSEE PROGRAM
Looking to get out into the great outdoors and explore more of The Volunteer State this summer? There’s no better time to hop on a bike and hit the trails, since the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development announced that as of April, 37 newly curated gravel cycling routes have been added to the state’s Bike Tennessee program.
“The addition of gravel routes brings a new dimension to the Bike TN program, giving cyclists even more ways to experience Tennessee’s natural beauty,” says Chelsea Trott, Communications Manager for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Cyclists can take in mountain views, winding river valleys and rolling farmland across the state in a whole new way. These new
routes add up to 1,000 miles to the already established routes that make up the Bike Tennessee network. With this new addition, it will now boast a total of 89 different cycling routes spanning a variety of terrains.
Tennessee now features more than 1,800 combined miles of cycling experiences in addition to existing road routes, creating new opportunities to experience and discover the state’s rural communities, charming small towns and local businesses along the way,” says Trott.
ARTICLE BY LISA VALENTINE | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Since its initial launch in 2024, the Bike Tennessee program has continued to expand and bring more adventure to tourists as well as residents who want to experience everything from mountain landscapes with elevation gain to rural communities across the state where cyclists can explore the beauty of these areas on two wheels.
Cyclists can use the “Ride with GPS” app to locate the Bike Tennessee trails around the state. This app was created with the help of Shannon Burke, who is one of the professional route developers and cycling guides behind the Tennessee Gravel website. On this app, cyclists can see everything from route details and elevation information to hidden gems and terrain information, in order to pick the perfect ride for their skillset and preferences.
For more information and a map of all of the trails, visit Bike.TNVacation.com or follow the Bike Tennessee accounts on Facebook (Bike Tennessee) or Instagram (@bike.tennessee).
CONTINUED >
44 MILES / 3000 FEET OF CLIMBING
This trail through Leipers Fork is a beautiful challenge. Riding through ridge roads lined with trees and wide-open spaces, it takes cyclists through 13 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway, while also featuring some steep climbs with almost 20% grades.
36 MILES / 2500 FEET OF CLIMBING
The Erin Loop features a ride through pastures, woods, and open fields. The climbs of this ride reach the upper teens, making it a challenge while also getting to explore some of the prettiest Tennessee countryside.
43 MILES / 1700 FEET OF CLIMBING
The Bell Buckle Loop is the perfect ride to experience the idyllic countryside that Middle Tennessee has to offer. The quaint small town of Bell Buckle is where cyclists can stop for a bite to eat in a cafe, browse antiques, or get some ice cream.
17 MILES / 900 FEET OF CLIMBING
Explore the Cheatham Wildlife Management Area on this smooth, gravel out-and-back trail. Enjoy a peaceful tree-lined ride without having to worry about traffic. It’s even close to the Harpeth River if you want to float or take a dip to add to your adventure.
SINCE ITS INITIAL LAUNCH IN 2024, THE BIKE TENNESSEE PROGRAM HAS CONTINUED TO EXPAND AND BRING MORE ADVENTURE TO TOURISTS AS WELL AS RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING FROM MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPES WITH ELEVATION GAIN TO RURAL COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE STATE WHERE CYCLISTS CAN EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF THESE AREAS ON TWO WHEELS.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE
Winnipeg in the winter, and a 17-year-old waits 45 minutes in the cold for Keanu Reeves. Her fingers are numb. She is not there for an autograph. She is there to ask him to appear in her audition tape for MuchMusic, Canada’s MTV. When he finally agrees, she writes her number on a gum wrapper with a borrowed lip liner.
He calls days later.
That 17-year-old was Jen Cohen — fitness expert, host of the Habits & Hustle podcast, and best-selling author. She has built a career on the premise her frostbitten afternoon proved. She calls the practice the 10% Target: 10 attempts at whatever you want most in life.
The premise is simple. Most people never make one attempt. Almost nobody makes two. The math works in favor of the person who keeps going.
The top-rated Habits & Hustle podcast has logged hundreds of conversations with high performers and the people who study what the body does to the mind. Her TEDx talk, The Secret to Getting Anything You Want in Life, has traveled widely inside Fortune 500 sales-training rooms. On the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Cohen sits down to share the working rules that are the foundation of her latest book, Bigger, Better, Bolder.
“You have to be the CEO of your own life.”
FEATURING JEN COHEN
Discover the full 10% Target Mindset framework.
1 2
The door opens, or another door does. The unmade attempt and the refused one leave you in the same place — except one of them teaches you something.
Cohen frames her habits as a wager: How do I stack the deck so I win more than I lose? The workout happens first, and the food decisions follow. The email follow-up gets sent, and the answer arrives. The choices compound in a single direction.
3
No one is born with it. The people who look disciplined are running a routine they have rehearsed long enough that it no longer feels like effort. The reps are the skill. Miss them, and the skill fades, the same as any other.
4
Confidence does not arrive by repeating the word. It arrives after the body has done the thing — the workout finished, the cold walk endured, the email sent. The mind takes its cues from what the body proves it can do. Talk follows action, not the other way around.
5
The first decision sets the slope of the rest. Skip the Monday workout, and the rest of the week tends to follow. Hold the line on Monday, and the slope tilts the other way.
Paradigm Health welcomes Dr. Meg and Dr. Kylie to our physician team. They bring a wealth of experience in delivering proactive, preventive care. Both Kylie and Meg have particular interest and expertise in Women’s Health. Whether you are navigating how to optimize your health for weight loss, pregnancy, or walking through perimenopause and menopause, they can be your expert trail guides each step of the way. At Paradigm Health, we believe health is your greatest asset - and it deserves time, attention, and a trusted relationship with your physician.
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ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTY HUNTER
& PROVIDED
BY DOLLY PARTON
of Dolly
Serving as Executive Director of the upcoming Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum, Rebecca Seaver brings a deeply personal connection to the role. As Dolly Parton’s niece, she carries a unique perspective that bridges family legacy with the museum’s vision. Coming to Nashville later this year, Seaver details the exciting process and heart behind the upcoming exhibit.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY THAT LED YOU TO BECOME THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DOLLY’S LIFE OF MANY COLORS MUSEUM.
I mostly grew up in Antioch, Brentwood, and Franklin. As a teenager, I worked with Dolly a bit—styling her outfits and organizing her closet—before spending some time in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I then returned to Nashville and resumed working with Dolly. During my time with her company, I assisted some of her core team members—including her manager, Danny Nozell, her Creative Director, Steve Summers, and her best friend and longtime personal assistant, Judy Ogle. Judy taught me everything I know about Dolly’s Archive and preserving her legacy… I spent a lot of my childhood with both her and Dolly, and I think that has served me well in my various roles in her enterprise… especially now.
AS DOLLY’S NIECE, I’M SURE YOU HAVE FUN STORIES! WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF HER, AND HOW DO THEY INFLUENCE HOW YOU TELL HER STORY TODAY?
I was really lucky to grow up here in Nashville, right down the road from Dolly, so she was very present in a lot of my childhood memories. She came to my dance recitals at TPAC, read stories to my school at the Crockett Elementary cafeteria, and joined me in taking my son trick-or-treating in 12 South—like we had done when I was a kid. She exudes love and genuine connection, so telling her story that way is foundational. She may be my aunt by DNA, but she is the world’s Aunt Dolly, too. I get to share that bond from a very authentic place.
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR WORK WITH THE DOLLY PARTON ARCHIVE AND HOW THIS COMBINED YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL WORLDS?
I have worked for Dolly for many years… at first, it was just a way to earn some extra cash organizing this or that, but as a young adult, it became a way to work my way into the music industry at large because I was working in set design and live show CONTINUED
“She may be my aunt by DNA, but she is the world's Aunt Dolly too.”
production. As it evolved, I realized I had a place inside her company that really was tailored to my experience and instincts. As the demand for more exhibits and legacy work increased, it became apparent that this was bigger than just isolated projects; it required an entire department and serious attention. Therefore, I decided to create that department. Dolly is so generous in her belief in me that she allowed me to do it. Working in her Archive is personal because these are my memories too... I’ve been involved, professionally, in so many of these projects for the past 20 years—I’ve rhinestoned many guitars and high-heeled shoes! I also have childhood memories of the things that predate my professional time with Dolly. I’ve been playing in this my whole life… she’s been dressing me up like a doll since I was born—and we have the glamour shots to prove it!
IN ADDITION TO WORKING WITH DOLLY, YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO MAJOR EXHIBITS AT THE ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME, GRAND OLE OPRY, THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME, AND MORE. HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE PREPARED YOU FOR THIS ROLE?
Getting to work with those incredible institutions was because of Dolly and her incredible career and impact on the world. Her family and her roots are such an important piece of her story and who she is, so having that as a cornerstone inside the museum—not only as part of the exhibits, but as its leadership as well—is a very special thing that I do not take for granted. I hope people who visit can feel how much love, care, and thought we have put into every corner. When we research facts about her family story, those are my ancestors, too, so it all comes full circle for me. I am proud of the past, present, and future members of the family… we are a unique bunch.
YOU KNOW DOLLY‘S HEART AND SPIRIT BETTER THAN MOST. HOW DO YOU CAPTURE THAT IN HER EXHIBIT?
She is incredibly invested in this and all of her many projects—we work hand in hand. She is very involved with every single piece of this museum, from the paint
“We should all strive to be a bit more like Dolly in our everyday lives... I think this world would look a lot better if we did.”
colors to the information in the artifact labels. She’s an integral part of the process… it all goes through her and my aunt Rachel, who plays a massive part in making this museum happen, as well.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE EVERY VISITOR AT THE MUSEUM TAKES AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE?
I hope every visitor can walk away feeling inspired to follow their dreams and ambitions the way Dolly has. I hope people learn about her, her story, and walk away feeling like they can put more kindness into the world—the way she does. We should all strive to be a bit more like Dolly in our everyday lives… I think this world would look a lot better if we did.
WHY WAS NASHVILLE CHOSEN AS THE HOME FOR THE MUSEUM, AND HOW DOES THAT LOCATION HELP BRING DOLLY PARTON’S STORY TO LIFE?
Dolly is from the Smoky Mountains, but came to Nashville to make her dreams come true… and she did just that! For the last 60 years, she has been in Nashville, becoming
the icon that she is today—so for us, this is home base. This is where the Archive is, and this is an exciting moment to have a museum so close to home. We have another museum experience at Dollywood that we are extremely proud of, but maintaining a museum that is far from our home base has always been difficult. While we cherish the moments we created for our guests at Dollywood, having this museum here is a special opportunity we can finally take advantage of. This will be the largest Dolly exhibition we have ever done. We have ensured it will be accessible to everyone, exciting for all ages, interactive for everyone to enjoy, and something really unique to Dolly. This experience contains elements no other museum has ever offered, and we are really proud of that.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL IN THIS ROLE, AND HOW DO YOU SEE THE MUSEUM EVOLVING FOR YEARS TO COME?
My ultimate goal is that this museum becomes not just an attraction for entertainment in Nashville, but a cultural institution for education. We hope to also be a good community member. We have an event space where we plan to host a range of different public and private events, allowing people to share their most memorable and exciting moments with us. We hope that one day, people will feel about the Life of Many Colors Museum the same way they feel about Dollywood in East Tennessee—that these places are staples of the local community, not just the tourist industry. We want to be a good employer, a good neighbor, and a fun place to go with your family and your friends. This is not just a one-and-done experience. People will see something new every time they visit, I am sure of it.
HOW HAS WORKING SO CLOSELY WITH DOLLY’S LEGACY INFLUENCED YOUR OWN CREATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL PATH?
I think anyone who works with Dolly for any amount of time elevates their work ethic because she works so hard and is so dedicated to her mission. As a performer myself, I value the history of my craft and the artists who came before me. I’m working on a very special project for the history of dance and entertainment in Tennessee because I have been a dancer and entertainer my entire life—aside from my job with Dolly. She has pushed me to think not just about myself, but also about the community around me and how my work affects those who come after me. I love history and women’s history, and especially love preserving both.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST LESSON OR PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE LEARNED FROM DOLLY?
Find out who you are and do it on purpose—that resonates with me in so many ways in my personal, creative, and professional life. I really feel like working with her in this specific role is an ancestral calling for me. I look so much like my grandmother—her mother, Avie Lee—it is almost like a maternal instinct to care for her, her legacy, and my family story this way. I hope my family will be able to still be connected to this work and share her story for many, many generations to come. Hopefully, my niece or future cousins will become my intern one day…
@rebeccaann.seaver
@dollyslifeofmanycolors
DollysLifeOfManyColors.com
BNA CHEAP FLIGHTS IS THE TRAVEL HACK YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Some of the best businesses start not with a business plan, but with a feeling. For Andrea Giordano, that feeling struck for the first time in 2007 while seated in front of a computer screen, staring at a $25 flight from Columbus, Ohio to Nashville.
"I can think as far back as 2007," she says. "And I remember the feeling in my body of pure excitement and also I couldn't stop talking about it."
Twenty years later, that same instinct for a great deal has turned into BNA Cheap Flights — a fast-growing Instagram account and paid email subscription service that is quietly changing the way Middle Tennesseeans travel. Giordano has built something that feels less like a business and more like a public service.
For years, hunting cheap flights was purely personal. Giordano spent two decades in corporate life, including a stint as an ESL department head at a university and four years working for USAID, all while quietly searching Google flights in her spare time and posting deals to a small Instagram account she maintained just for the love of it.
"It was just a pure hobby," she says. "In between when I would take my lunch breaks or putting my kids down to sleep at night or whatever it was, I was just searching for cheap flights, posting it up there and just seeing what would happen."
The pivot came suddenly and unexpectedly. When USAID was shuttered in early 2025, Giordano lost her job on Valentine's Day. She had just hit 10,000 Instagram followers. With the help of her brother, a Franklin-based email marketing expert, she launched a paid subscription list that same week, appearing on Talk of the Town to announce it before she had even fully processed what she was building.
"I lost my job on that Friday, and then that Monday I'm on Talk of the Town ," she says. "And instantly maybe 50 people or so signed up in the first couple weeks and it was like, 'Oh, this might work.'"
Giordano's track record speaks for itself. A round trip to Savannah for $16. Wilmington, North Carolina for $38. Hawaii for $283. Copenhagen for $639 in the summer. Iceland (her favorite country of the 39 she has visited) for $199.
Her process is less algorithm and more intuition built over decades of daily searching. "Some of it is just tons of experience and just knowing what a good deal is to 100-200 different cities," she says. "It's like a deep knowledge within me. So when I see a flight, I know whether it's a good deal or not."
Her day involves opening Google flights multiple times, monitoring airline sales, and doing the tedious work that most travelers don't have time for. When Southwest announces a sale, for example, she goes deal by deal through the fine print. "Maybe of like 20 cities they're talking about, only one of them is actually a great deal," she says. "So I'll send an email for that one city."
Subscribers receive three to five flight deal emails per week, with occasional compilation emails — like her current roundup of the sixty cheapest summer flight deals — at $7 a month or $49 a year. The model is entirely subscription-driven and there are no affiliate links and no airline partnerships influencing what she recommends.
"I really do want to stay neutral," she says. "I'm here to share the cheapest flights for you. I'm not here to just promote one airline."
What makes Giordano happy are the messages she gets from subscribers. Subscribers meeting each other in Hawaii because they all booked the same deal she shared. A single mom writing to say that a $38 flight made a Niagara Falls trip possible for her family for the first time.
"I always say I just can't take all these flights that I find so I need you all to do it for me," she says. "Because I live vicariously through them."
“It was just a pure hobby. In between when I would take my lunch breaks or putting my kids down to sleep at night, I was just searching for cheap flights.”
Giordano hopes to see BNA Cheap Flights grow deeper into the local community. "I think of my email list as a personal friend," she says, "I'm the friend who just hops in your inbox and says, 'Hey, we should go to Berlin.'"
BNACheapFlights.com
Providing
PRO FESSIONAL AND RELIABLE SERVICES FOR WINDOWS, SIDING AND ROOFING
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI | PHOTOGRAPHY
As the owner and founder of Professional Home Improvements in Nashville, JJ Morris is carrying on a family legacy. “My dad owned his own company with the same name when I was a little kid, and I remember going with him on the weekends while I was in school and in the summer,” he says. “I was always the one holding a ladder for him, handing him screws, and helping out. That’s how I got started.”
After working for others in the construction industry for 20 years, JJ founded his own company three years ago. He decided to use the name Professional Home Improvements in order to honor his father, Jerry, who passed away five years ago. “It doesn't really tell what we do necessarily, but it has sentimental value to me.”
Although the original company focused only on new and replacement windows, JJ expanded his offerings to include roofing and siding. “Those three just seem to go hand in hand, especially windows and siding,” he says. “They might call me out for one, but then have issues with the others too.”
While customers may not need all three services immediately, they appreciate the option to call him back in the future. They already know they can trust him and his team to get the job done right and that he will be accessible.
“One thing I want to change about this industry is its bad reputation for getting back to people, and so I always try to answer a call,” says JJ. “If I can't answer immediately, I’ll respond shortly. It’s all about communication, and it's not that difficult.”
Communication also includes keeping clients informed. “I keep my customers involved in the process,” he says. “For instance, if it's a window, I make sure that they know the steps we take once the order is placed. I also give them a tentative date for scheduling.”
JJ is happy to help with colors and designs as well. “I have a really good design eye, so I’m able to direct them with what would look best for their home. We did siding on a house last week that was this really ugly bird egg blue, and the owners never liked it. After the job was finished, they told me that they loved their home now. That’s what makes what we do so worthwhile.”
He also believes that the warranty he provides is another thing that sets Professional Home Improvements apart. Most of the high-quality brands he uses, such as Pella and Andersen, offer lifetime warranties on their windows, but he also provides a lifetime warranty on the installation. “I want customers to trust me and understand that I’m not just going to take their money, do the job, and walk away. I'm committed if there is ever an issue.”
“I'M ALWAYS THERE WHEN A JOB STARTS, AND I'M THERE PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE JOB, BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE SURE MY GUYS KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE DOING AND THAT THEY HAVE THE MATERIALS AND ANYTHING ELSE THEY MAY NEED.”
JJ also wants to stress that he doesn’t base costs on where people live. “Brentwood and Franklin are two of the wealthiest cities in the state, and people have this fear that when they give me their address, I’m going to charge more. I’m not the cheapest or the most expensive, but whether you're super wealthy or you're barely getting by, my pricing structure is the same. I believe in treating people fairly.”
While he’s busy running the business and handling all sales, he also spends a lot of time on job sites. “I'm always there when a job starts, and I'm there periodically throughout the job, because I want to make sure my guys know exactly what we're doing and that they have the materials and anything else they may need,” says JJ.
His experienced contractors clearly understand what’s expected of them. “I make sure they know how I want it done,” he says. “We're not going to cut corners. We're going to do it the right way, whatever that takes.”
JJ cannot stand a messy job site and believes it’s disrespectful to the homeowner. It’s also a safety issue. If nails or other debris are left around at the end of the day, they can be a threat to children and pets. “I'm very picky, and I find that my guys are getting pickier too and catching things before I do. I know that I've got the right guys and that they’re doing good work.”
While he says replacing windows, siding, and roofing is not always as exciting as redoing a new kitchen or bathroom, he knows that when people call, they really need him. “No one really wants to call me, but I love being able to help when they do, and it's really exciting to see someone's home take shape.”
JJ hopes that in the near future, his son, Bennett, a college sophomore, will be working alongside him and one day take over to continue the legacy of Professional Home Improvements.
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ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
INSIDE THE LIBBY O SHOW
In a media landscape crowded with content, Libby O is doing something refreshingly different. As the creator, host, producer, and emcee of the Libby O Show, she has built a platform rooted in connection and authentic storytelling. Equal parts interviewer and entertainer, Libby O has carved out a corner in Middle Tennessee's creative community that is entirely her own. We sat down with the creator to talk about the show, the journey, and what drives her to keep showing up with a microphone.
How would you describe the Libby O Show?
The Libby O Show is a blend of sit-down interviews and short-form lifestyle content, all wrapped in a sense of nostalgic escape. From a big-band inspired theme song to a vibrant retro logo, every detail is designed to make people feel like they’re discovering something new in a space that feels warm, familiar, and inviting.
What was the spark behind the show and was there a moment where you thought, 'I have to do this'?
Honestly, from the beginning I knew I had to pursue The Libby O Show. The concept came to mind at the end of 2019 and I launched in February 2020. I knew it was time to create something of my own and build an outlet that would challenge me to put myself out there as a host and personality. I’ll also say there were moments over the last few years where I questioned the growth or wondered if I was doing enough, because building a show from scratch is so much bigger than posting content
online and hoping it sticks. It takes time, money, networking, resources, consistency… all of it. You really have to be willing to stick with it for the long haul. Even after taking a pause this past year, I’ve spent a lot of time reworking ideas and figuring out what the next version of the show looks like. Creatively, 2024 was my biggest year yet, and I’m really excited to keep expanding what I’ve started in a new way.
You wear a lot of hats as emcee, host, and producer — which one challenges you the most?
Definitely emceeing! As an emcee, there’s so much more multitasking than you would think. You’re reading the crowd, adjusting constantly, improvising, and figuring out how to keep people engaged even if they respond differently than you expected. There’s no one person carrying the conversation with you - you’re guiding the entire room. It can be challenging in the most magical way. I’ve emceed many charity events, and being able to give back while using my talents is one of the most meaningful ways I can contribute to my community.
How do you prepare for your interviews? Do you go deep on research, keep it loose and conversational, or find somewhere in between that works for you?
I LOVE a deep-dive research. Watching other interviews and immersing myself into someone’s work. I enjoy finding a connecting point (or several) before an interview. For me, pre-production is like setting up for a small party. You are quite literally hosting someone to have a wonderful experience sharing their heart and what inspires them creatively. As a host, I enjoy the whole process of producing an episode - from concept to completion. It’s all about curating an environment that makes the guest feel celebrated - like I’m entering their space and not just mine. You’ll notice every interview has its own energybright, colorful and uplifting in its unique way. Last year, I actually spoke to a media class at Belmont about the craft of the interview and why listening is so important. Guests can absolutely tell when you haven’t prepared. At the same time, once you’ve done the research, it actually becomes easier to keep things conversational and relaxed because you’re not scrambling for questions and you already understand who they are. It allows for more than surface-level talking points or relating from a place of only knowing about their most recent project. I’ve hosted red carpets for years and while I do my due diligence of prepping, there’s a lot of room to keep things light, spontaneous, and fun in this type of setting.
Is there a guest or a conversation that stands out above all others?
This one is tough. I think my episode with friend and actor Judith Hoag was one of my favorites because she is such a joy to be around. It was a Halloween-themed
episode where we talked about her lead roles on Halloweentown , Ninja Turtles, and Armageddon . She has such an amazing perspective on this industry and appreciation for filmmaking. I also love adding activities into the interviews, so during that episode we paired sparkling wine with Halloween candy and talked about childhood trick-or-treat memories. It just felt fun and nostalgic in a really natural way.
You clearly have a gift for making people feel at ease on camera. Is that something that came naturally to you, or is it a skill you've had to deliberately develop over time?
This is so kind of you to say! I think I’ve always been naturally curious, even as a kid. When you interact with others from a place of 'I’m here to learn,' it creates a level of trust. I’ve always enjoyed that connecting point - making someone else feel special in the life they’ve been called to. What I’ve had to develop over time is learning how to respond more creatively in the moment and finding different ways to ask questions. I think when you speak to artists in any area of the industry as people first, this allows them to let their guard down. Show-and-tell was my favorite classroom activity as a kid and that still shines in my work today. CONTINUED
Where do you see the Libby O Show in the next few years?
I’ve thought about this A LOT over the past year. I took a hiatus after spending six months working on a TV show, and afterward I knew I wanted to do things differently. I just wasn’t totally sure yet what that looked like. The next few years I hope to do live shows to support charities I care about. I am working on incorporating more lifestyle in my social content online - vintage fashion, repurposing old things and allowing people to see into my life a little bit more. I’ve been experimenting with short monologue formats, travel vlog content and other ways to expand the brand beyond traditional interviews. I think it’ll take consistency, continued social media growth, and finding people that see the value of what I have built and want to invest. I’m definitely open to a network partnership someday, but I’d want The Libby O Show to find the right home creatively.
LibbyOShow.com / @thelibbyoshow
Let’s talk about the aesthetic of the show. Lately, I’ve been rewatching a lot of movies from 1960s French cinema - Catherine Deneuve in The Young Girls of Rochefort and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. I love the symmetry, the snap zooms, the color palettes, all of it. I also recently watched How to Steal a Million with Audrey Hepburn and couldn’t believe it took me that long to see it.
The show is really my modern take on how that era of film and television feels, but in a talk show format. I grew up loving Nickelodeon and Disney Channel as a ’90s kid, but I was equally obsessed with old TV Land sitcoms like That Girl, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Bewitched. Midcentury modern but comfortable. Think warmth, color, patterns and nods to style from that time. I also think there is a specific humor and wit to the writing in these shows and I’ve worked on presenting myself as a host that exemplifies this kind of personality. The branding itself I wanted people to recognize. I worked with my friend Amanda to create a logo and color palette that I didn’t have to change or update much in the future.
My presentation style is inspired by shows on The Travel Channel. I enjoyed Samantha Brown’s take on travel hosting because I felt like she was so down-toearth and relatable in how she described her adventures. You don’t have to be an expert to experience new cultures and places in this world. She makes you feel like you’re a part of her travels. I thinking hosting a travel show would be a blast.
When did you develop a love of vintage fashion?
In college I developed a love for thrift: pairing the new with the old. A lot of my first apartment decor was framed magazine ads from the 50s and antique finds. Upon creating this show, I went full-force with the 60s era approach to style and interior design. I think if you find something that works for you, leaning heavily into that allows you to stand out.
Where do you shop locally?
Starland Emporium is THE spot for everything throwback - seasonal decor, clothing from a variety of eras, home items. East Nashville Antiques, Galeria Paloma (they have a cute coffee window in their shop.) Aside from thrifting, I’m definitely an Anthropologie girl through and through. Clothes, home decor - I’m also really into mixology, so I’m always eyeing their cocktail glasses!
I love Monkees of Brentwood and Patina Home & Garden in Leiper’s Fork for home and hosting finds.
And for quirky gifts, I’m obsessed with Piecework Puzzles online!
There’s a cute new birthday shop called Electric Mixer on 8th that I discovered recently. Wild Blue Market in Nolensville is great for gifts too.
“I knew it was time to create something of my own and build an outlet that would challenge me to put myself out there as a host and personality.”
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ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
There is a hot pink and lime green childhood bedroom somewhere in Rossville, Georgia, covered in frogs, where a little girl used to sing into her mirror and dream about her future. Little did she know just how bright that future would become. "Whatever was in me as a little girl that knew that I had this journey ahead of me, I'm just so thankful," says Lauren Alaina.
Next month, Alaina releases Stages, her fourth studio album and most ambitious and personal album to date. It is an album that traces the arc of her life from that Georgia bedroom (for the album's photo shoot, the art department recreated her childhood bedroom in precise detail from the hot pink walls, the lime green accents, the frogs, to he childhood trophies and handwritten songs her mother had saved for decades) to American Idol , through a wild and messy twenties full of public breakups and hard lessons, and into the wife, mother to one-year-old Beni Doll Arnold, and artist that she is today. "I wanted to create an album that represented all of those seasons of my life," she says. "I named it Stages because it represents three stages of my life."
The album's concept emerged almost accidentally. Alaina had been writing and recording music drawn from different chapters of her life when she stepped back and realized what she had built.
Stage one starts back at the beginning with her parents' love story. The girl who showed up on American Idol (season 10 runner-up) at fifteen years old and let the whole country watch. Stage two addresses her twenties honestly, something she has never quite given herself permission to do before. "I went through a few pretty significant breakups from 20 to 30," she says. "I lived through very public breakups in my twenties and never really addressed them, because I was living it and I didn't really know how to speak on any of it at the time." She was writing those songs all along, she says, but never releasing them. Now they have a home on Stages
Stage three is where she lives today. Settled and at peace in a way she couldn't have predicted. "I have landed in a really wonderful spot," she says. "And I am in a really solid place emotionally. I just feel so proud of the woman that I have become."
“I HAVE LANDED IN A REALLY WONDERFUL SPOT. AND I AM IN A REALLY SOLID PLACE EMOTIONALLY. I JUST FEEL SO PROUD OF THE WOMAN THAT I HAVE BECOME.”
The word 'stages' itself carries double meaning. "In general, it represents so much in my life because of who I am," she says. "People have watched me audition on the American Idol stage and I get out on stage every night. It just felt like the perfect title."
When asked what song was the most difficult to record, Alaina points to a song she didn't write, "Paints the Picket." "When I record songs that I did not write, they have to feel like I wrote them," she says. "They have to be so true enough to me that I could've written them. I want my family to listen to the songs without knowing I didn't write them and feel like I could've written them."
"Paints the Picket" captures the quiet unraveling of her parents' marriage through the painful avoidance of it. A man outside painting the fence. A woman inside cleaning the house. Two people refusing to say what needs to be said. "They're both ignoring the bigger picture, which is that they should be talking to one another about what's going on," she says. "That song will probably be hard to perform, just because of what it represents for me. It's one of the more emotional songs for sure."
This fall, Alaina takes the album on the road for her headline Stages Tour, with dates in October and November. The set list, still taking shape, is designed to mirror the album's concept with singles that truly marked each season of her career. "The singles, the songs that you go to radio with aren't necessarily the songs that are always the most meaningful on each project," she says. "I want to definitely be able to incorporate some of the older songs that people fell in love with in the early seasons of my career."
The tour's openers — Hannah Harper, Shane Profitt, and Ashley Kutcher — were each chosen for reasons that feel entirely on-brand for the 31-year-old. Hannah Harper, who just won American Idol , was a clear choice. "I was like, 'We got to have Hannah for this tour because that's the stage I started on and that's the stage she just
started on.'" Shane Profitt earned his spot after Alaina literally sobbed onstage listening to him perform a song about his parents. "Anything I can do to support and lift up Shane Profitt, I will do it forever," she says. And Ashley Kutcher was discovered entirely through social media. Her videos appeared on Alaina's For You page, and within weeks she had a tour offer. "I've never met her. I've never talked to her," Alaina says. "I saw her pop up on social media and I was like, 'This girl seems cool. Let's do this.'"
Beyond the album and the tour, Alaina has launched another creative outlet that speaks to a longer-held ambition. LA Lately, her YouTube series, gives her a platform to interview peers and public figures she admires. It's something she has been drawn to for as long as she can remember.
"A dream of mine would be like the Kelly Clarkson Show," she says. "I would love to do something like that. She's my hero, being on American Idol , singing and having that show." LA Lately is her version of that. It's a space to connect with people, tell stories, and introduce her fans to the voices she finds most interesting. Guests have included Trisha Yearwood, Russell Dickerson and his wife Kailey, and Martina McBride. McBride was one of Alaina's earliest heroes. She took Alaina on one of her first major tours. And sitting with her McBride while she was pregnant, talking about motherhood and career and how to hold both at once, felt like something magical.
"She has such grace and dignity and she's so kind," Alaina says. "She made the time to come to my house, talk to me for my web series. And we talked about motherhood and music and career." She reflects. "My dad challenged me that I couldn't hit the big note in "Broken Wing." So I practiced for weeks. Fast-forward 25 years later, 2025, and to be sitting there talking to her about my own daughter was just really impactful."
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Alaina's boundless enthusiasm for her baby girl is contagious. "She is my purpose now," she says. "I have for so long been really focused on my career and who I'm supposed to be in my career. And this little surprise angel came and she is now my purpose, so everything else is a bonus. At the end of the day, if everything went away, if I never had another hit, I never wrote another song, I never got on another stage, I would still be her mom and that's the best stage I've ever stood on," she says. "I still want the hits. It's still a huge part of who I am. I still want to play, to sell out the arenas, and to make movies, and host TV shows and do all of that. But the most important thing is to be her mother, and to be a good mother, and to be a good wife."
When asked what she would say to the fifteen-year-old who walked onto the American Idol stage all those years ago, Alaina says, "I would tell her, 'You get everything you've ever wanted.'" LaurenAlaina.com
Defining What You’re Really Leaving Behind
ARTICLE PROVIDED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIFO AGENCY, COLE GORMAN
For many families, estate planning begins as a conversation about finances, but according to the attorneys atCook Tillman Law Group, it quickly evolves into something much deeper: defining the legacy they hope to leave behind for future generations.
“While estate planning certainly involves managing wealth, I encourage clients to view it as a blueprint for the future they want to inspire,” says Russ Cook. “We discuss the causes they care about, the relationships they want to strengthen, and the values they hope to preserve so their legacy is not only well-funded, but deeply meaningful.”
That deeper conversation is becoming increasingly common. Families today are looking beyond financial assets and focusing more intentionally on the values, traditions, and life lessons they hope future generations will carry forward.
“In my experience, many families hope to pass down values like hard work, personal responsibility, integrity, generosity, and a strong sense of family connection,” explains Alex Fasching. “Many want future generations to understand the history behind the assets and keepsakes they inherit, so they appreciate not only their financial value, but also the stories tied to them.”
The attorneys note that legacy conversations have evolved significantly over time. Previous generations often
focused on accumulating and passing down wealth, while today’s families are placing greater emphasis on preserving family identity, traditions, and purpose.
“I’ve definitely noticed a change,” says Cook. “For example, my grandparents talked about legacy in terms of land, savings, and ‘keeping the family name strong.’ Now, clients talk about what kind of people they want to be remembered as, how their family treats others, the causes they support, and the memories their families create together. It feels like legacy has moved from being about possessions to being about purpose.”
Intentional estate planning helps families preserve those priorities in practical ways. Properly structured wills, trusts, and succession plans can protect family businesses, heirlooms, ancestral homes, and inherited assets from unnecessary taxes, disputes, or forced sales while ensuring those meaningful pieces of family history remain intact for future generations.
“Intentional estate planning aligns structure with intent,” says Josh Tillman. “When trusts, governance, and decision-making frameworks reflect a family’s values, future choices are more consistent and less fragmented. It helps ensure that what a family believes in is still guiding outcomes long after the original decision-makers are no longer involved.”
For successful professionals and business owners, the conversation often centers around continuity. Many clients have spent decades building businesses, careers, and opportunities for their families, and they want those accomplishments to continue positively impacting future generations.
“I guide business owners in estate planning by helping them create a clear, values-driven strategy that protects their hard-earned assets, minimizes tax burdens, and ensures a smooth transition of leadership,” says Cook. “This involves aligning their personal vision with practical tools such as trusts, succession plans, and asset protection structures, so their business legacy remains strong and purposeful.”
The attorneys also emphasize that many affluent families misunderstand what estate planning truly involves. While minimizing taxes and transferring wealth efficiently are important components, thoughtful planning is equally about preparing future generations for responsibility, stewardship, and leadership.
“A common misconception is that strong relationships or good intentions will naturally carry families through complexity,” says Tillman. “In reality, wealth and family structures tend to introduce decision points that require clear frameworks.”
Philanthropy has also become an increasingly important part of legacy planning. Through wills, trusts,
donor-advised funds, and beneficiary designations, families can continue supporting causes that reflect their personal values long into the future.
“Estate planning optimizes the effects of charitable giving and provides flexibility that empowers future generations to support existing and new charitable organizations that align with their family values,” says Aaron Morales.
Beyond legal documents, the attorneys encourage families to have honest conversations now about stewardship, expectations, and the “why” behind their decisions. Those discussions often create the clarity and unity that legal planning alone cannot provide.
“Families should be having open conversations about what matters most to them and what they want their legacy to look like for future generations,” says Fasching. “Those conversations often help prevent misunderstandings and disputes later by ensuring everyone understands not only what decisions were made, but why they were made.”
At its core, estate planning is about far more than transferring wealth. It is about preserving the heart of a family’s story, protecting what matters most, and creating a legacy that reflects not only what was built, but why it mattered in the first place. CookTillmanLaw.com
about choosing a life of Health and Abundance. Join your Franklin Neighbors in exploring over 16,000 organic food and health-minded products from Azure Standard. Azure delivers a farm to table experience to add health and abundance to your family and community. Just real food. Nutrient-dense. Grown with purpose, grown the way the Lord intended. Clean and with no unnecessary additives. Food you can trust. Join one of our Middle TN community drops: Columbia • Franklin • Murfreesboro • Smyrna • Spring Hill Use promo code FRANKLIN15 to get 15% off your first order with a $100 minimum purchase. “A COMMON MISCONCEPTION IS THAT STRONG RELATIONSHIPS OR GOOD INTENTIONS WILL NATURALLY CARRY FAMILIES THROUGH COMPLEXITY. IN REALITY, WEALTH AND FAMILY STRUCTURES TEND TO INTRODUCE DECISION POINTS THAT REQUIRE CLEAR FRAMEWORKS.” – JOSH TILLLMAN
Farm Charm
ARTICLE PROVIDED BY TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
Tennessee invites travelers to slow down and reconnect with the land through the charm of its working farms. As agriculture remains the state’s leading industry, fertile farmland stretches from the Appalachian foothills to the Mississippi River, creating a landscape rich in tradition and flavor. Across the state, visitors can experience farm life firsthand through luxury farm stays, outdoor adventures and fresh farm-to-table cuisine rooted in Tennessee’s agricultural heritage.
Blackberry Farm in Walland offers a place for travelers to rest, recharge and rejuvenate, with luxury lodging and nature-centric activities that immerse guests in the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine alongside experiences such as hiking, foraging, wildflower spotting, fly-fishing and archery. Celebrating 50 years in the foothills of the Smokies, Blackberry Farm remains a haven for those seeking wellness and a meaningful way to reconnect with nature.
Known for its award-winning cheeses featured in restaurants and eateries across East Tennessee and beyond, Sweetwater Valley Farm in Philadelphia invites visitors to experience the agricultural richness of the Sweetwater Valley. The farm offers guests a chance to sample its products at the on-site Seed to Sandwich Café while picking up gouda, cheddar, Swiss and more to take home. Tours provide an in-depth look at the farm’s operations, including a visit to the robotic milking facility and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Tennessee’s first Lely XL Dairy Farm.
Bolt Farm Treehouse in Whitwell offers an elevated escape into mountaintop luxury. Perched amid the rolling hills of Southeast Tennessee, the property invites guests into a thoughtfully curated retreat where nature and comfort harmonize. Accommodations range from upscale treehouses and geodesic domes to reflective mirror cabins, including the Floating Mirror—an overnight rental suspended between two boulders with walls and flooring that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The farm also features a Wellness Haven with hot springs-style pools, and a mirrored sauna and steam rooms,
Windy Hill Farm and Preserve in Loudon offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle, inviting guests into the rolling hills of East Tennessee with elevated stays and garden-to-table fare at the on-site restaurant, Wilder. Guests can enjoy a wide range of experiences including barn quilt painting, beekeeping, beer and wine hikes, bourbon tastings, archery, quail hunting, five-stand sporting clays, garden tours, forest bathing and more.
Becoming a kaleidoscope of spring color, Midfield Lavender Farm in Bulls Gap welcomes its 2026 U-Pick season, usually in June. Visitors can gather fresh lavender bundles, sip homemade lavender lemonade, wander the fields and new wildflower trails, and browse handcrafted gifts made by local artisans. Guests may also reserve professional photography sessions in advance.
The 7th Annual Regional Farm Tour in Northeast Tennessee kicked off June 13, offering a mobile take on farm-to-table living with a self-guided journey across 25 farms in Greene, Washington and Sullivan counties. Visitors can shop locally made products, meet the farmers who cultivate the land, interact with friendly farm animals, and discover the stories behind the region’s freshest ingredients.
“As agriculture remains the state’s leading industry, fertile farmland stretches from the Appalachian foothills to the Mississippi River, creating a landscape rich in tradition and flavor.”
Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin offers an elevated stay thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the wonders of farm-to-table living. On property, guests can savor dishes crafted from seasonal fruits and vegetables, often harvested just steps from the restaurant from surrounding gardens and orchards. Visitors can also take part in farm-centric experiences such as beekeeping, berry picking, falconry, archery, axe throwing, honey tasting, fly fishing and more. This working farm is dedicated to conservation and land stewardship, incorporating environmentally responsible practices throughout the property.
In Ethridge—home to Tennessee’s Amish Country and the largest Old Order Amish settlement in the South—visitors can experience a step back in time with Amish Country Wagon Tours at the Amish Welcome Center. Guided tours offer a glimpse into Amish culture and traditions, while the area
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features handmade goods, locally grown produce and artisan products. Unique shopping opportunities abound, including farm stores offering canned goods, handcrafted candies, and skillfully made baskets, furniture and more.
Travelers can experience the charm of a neighborhood-style local grocery store at Farmington Local Market in Tullahoma. With a mission to provide fresh, farmto-table products for residents and visitors alike, the market offers locally grown produce, premium Angus beef from the family farm, and a curated selection of handcrafted goods including jewelry, spices, honey and ceramics.
In Winchester, Storybrooke Farm lives up to its name with guided farm tours that offer up-close encounters with the farm’s animals, including award-winning Scottish Highland cattle. Visitors can also capture Instagramworthy photos set against Tennessee’s scenic countryside. Experience the blend of a farmers market and farmto-table deli at The Local Farmer in Pulaski. The market features locally sourced meats, produce and baked goods, while the deli counter serves sandwiches and salads made with the same fresh ingredients available in-store.
Lovers of lavender will find a welcoming destination at Oak Grove Lavender in Hohenwald. Home to scenic event spaces, a farm store and expansive lavender fields for U-pick experiences, Oak Grove Lavender celebrates the fragrant bloom each June with its annual Lavender Festival. The event features U-pick opportunities, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, artisanal goods, and food and beverage offerings.
H & S Farms in Cunningham offers more than eight acres of strawberry fields available for U-pick and pre-picked gallons for purchase during peak season from late April through early June. While strawberries are a seasonal highlight, the farm operates year-round as an agritourism destination with sunflower fields, seasonal blooms, pumpkin patches, mums in the fall, and recently added tulip picking in the spring. Family-friendly activities are offered throughout the spring and summer seasons.
Farm charm abounds in Robertson County, home to four community farmers markets and a network of family-owned farms. Grown from the “sunniest spot in Tennessee,” Orlinda Melon Company offers fresh melons at the Robertson County Farmers Market . Visitors can start their morning with a farm-to-table breakfast featuring fresh sausage biscuits from Bernard Farms & Market Custom Cuts while browsing locally raised pork, beef and other regional products. Hancock Family Farm and Market Store is known for its exclusive Red River variety tomatoes. Nearby, visitors can peruse garden plants, houseplants and seasonal décor from Corbin Creek Greenhouse. In Cedar Hill, Head’s Farm offers fresh eggs, seasonal produce, farmraised meats and homemade jams.
Don't miss blueberry season at Shade Tree Farm & Orchard, which peaks in July. Experiences include blueberry
picking, pie-making and pancake breakfasts by reservation. In August, the harvest transitions into apple season, with pick-your-own opportunities and farm stand offerings.
Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville offers fields of family fun year-round. Farmgoers can explore more than 60 acres of family-friendly attractions including feeding beloved farm animals, pony rides, nature and wildlife trails, playgrounds, milking cows, nature exhibits and more. The farm also offers seasonal U-pick opportunities including strawberries, tulips, sunflowers and pumpkins.
A gem just minutes outside downtown Nashville, Green Door Gourmet’s 350-acre farm offers an on-site market featuring fresh locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, seasonal jams and jellies, and flora. A beautiful event venue, the working farm also offers classes ranging from wine tastings to farm dinners where visitors can savor the tastes and smells of fresh farm finds.
Breeden’s Orchard in Mount Juliet, a female-led orchard, bakery and cidery offers activities for the entire family including up-close encounters with farm animals, a bubble bin, corn bin, tiny kid-sized town, and the Hillside Slide for heart-racing adventure. The on-site bakery offers locally made sweet treats and baked goods, while hard cider and seasonal favorites are available at the cidery. Food trucks are on-site for heartier bites. With a full calendar of events slated for the season, visitors won’t want to miss U-pick peach season that began June 24.
Stillwaters Farm in Henderson offers a charming farm stay experience, featuring a cozy on-site cottage as well as two urban properties located closer to town. While the farm is home to livestock, its primary focus is cultivating crops that enhance the quality of wines produced at its on-site Forty Cannons Winery. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary wine tasting and can unwind or take part in curated workshops such as candle making, rock painting, cupcake decorating and photography sessions.
Wine enthusiasts can savor some of Tennessee’s finest selections at White Squirrel Winery in Kenton. With an overnight loft available on property, guests can enjoy award-winning wines before taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding vineyards.
Crown Winery in Humboldt offers a stunning Italianinspired villa experience and is known for its award-winning wines. Visitors can choose from a range of experiences, from casual tastings with live entertainment to elevated stays featuring curated wine and food pairings, vineyard tours, and overnight accommodations in upscale cottages. Guests won’t want to miss signature events such as the Annual Grape Stomp, Second Sunday Brunch, yoga in the vineyard, and private picnics.
Donnell Century Farm in Jackson offers excitement for kids and kids at heart, delivering memorable
family-friendly experiences throughout the year. Seasonal spring and fall festivals showcase the beauty and bounty of each season, from vibrant tulip blooms in the spring to pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the fall, alongside fresh produce, food and beverages. Beyond the festivals, the farm features more than 20 activities including an obstacle course, cow train rides, gemstone mining, carnival swings, bee zip-lines, a corn barn, and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments along the way.
Holt Family Farms in Dresden is a place where harvesting memories comes easy, whether strolling through blooms during the Spring Tulip Festival, gathering for farm-to-table dinners, selecting pumpkins in the fall patch, or purchasing locally sourced pork.
Preserving West Tennessee’s agricultural history and heritage, Green Frog Farm in Alamo offers a peaceful retreat set against Tennessee’s beautiful farmland backdrop. A wedding and event venue, the farm is also home to four cabins dating back to the early 1900s, thoughtfully revitalized into restful retreats while keeping their one-of-a-kind architecture and history intact.
A tapestry of vibrant purple awaits at Lavender Kisses Farm in Hollow Rock. Offering intimate wagon tours through fields of the fragrant bloom, the farm also handcrafts products such as soaps, body butters, bath salts and lavender bundles. Visitors are welcomed by the “Moo Crew,” featuring Scottish Highland cows, miniature goats, donkeys and farm dogs.
TNVacation.com
$12.7M
In refunds returned to the community with $3.8 million saved in tax prep fees.
Visit Franklin's New Visitor Center at The Factory Is Open
Franklin just got a new welcome mat. Visit Franklin has recently opened a visitor center inside Franklin's iconic Factory. Ready to explore one of Tennessee's most beloved destinations? We chat with Visit Franklin’s President and CEO Maureen Thornton.
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF VISIT FRANKLIN
WHAT WAS THE VISION BEHIND BRINGING THE NEW VISITOR CENTER TO THE FACTORY, AND HOW LONG HAS THIS PLAN BEEN IN THE WORKS?
It really is a testament to the power of strong communication between community partners, which is so common around here. The idea began over a year ago as a casual conversation between The Factory ownership group, Holladay Properties, and Visit Franklin about ideas for updates to the traditional information booth and possible staff training to help visitors enjoy The Factory. As conversations continued, and additional needs such as having a place for The Factory’s non-profit, the Circle of Giving emerged, conversations grew into the larger vision you see today.
Together, we aim to provide a space that serves as both a source of information for people visiting The Factory campus for the first time and a place where locals see themselves, find a little piece of the community to share, or even simply help them be good hosts to friends and relatives.
HOW DOES THE VISITOR CENTER COMPLEMENT WHAT’S ALREADY HAPPENING AT THE FACTORY?
The Visitor Center is located in a high-traffic area of the campus, and is one of the first places you can get a quick sense of place inside The Factory. The campus already reflects so much of our community’s creativity and preservation spirit, and guests walking by will see that represented in the Visitor Center as well, with creative nods to the building’s history.
“In 2024 alone, visitors generated $1.37 billion in positive economic impact for Williamson County.”
Like so much of our community, the Visitor Center is also focused on human connection, not just handing people a brochure but inviting them in for conversation. We get to serve as the launching point for the historic tours that take place here, direct them to the newly opened Factory Museum, and be a place where they can hear the story behind the Carousel of Dreams, all while learning that The Factory is one of many incredible experiences throughout our community.
They’ll find a warm welcome from a staff of information specialists who provide personalized recommendations. People like long-time Factory employee, Leslee Hawthorne, who can share so much about The Factory campus and its history, or guide them through an introduction to each animal on the Carousel of Dreams on the wall. Guests will also find an original Dortch stove prominently perched in the window, honoring the time as a stove factory, along with a full timeline of The Factory’s history displayed in a fun and interactive way. The information specialist staff at the Visitor Center are already recounting stories of guests coming in to ask about the stove in the window, which is leading to conversations about The Factory as a whole and, naturally, what else is around the community.
Of course, you’ll also find maps, itineraries, and other tools to help guests experience Franklin and
all of Williamson County, along with curated merchandise inspired by the area, including items from local makers and creators that go far beyond the traditional souvenir shop experience.
HOW DOES A STRONGER TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE ULTIMATELY BENEFIT THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE AND WORK HERE YEAR-ROUND?
A strong tourism infrastructure supports a high quality of life for our residents. It uplifts local businesses, creates jobs, generates tax revenue, and helps preserve the places and experiences residents value, too, of which The Factory is a prime example. As residents, we love having new restaurants and shops to experience, and we’ve seen many new openings over the last few years. A strong visitor economy allows these places we all enjoy as residents to thrive and provides local employment opportunities.
In 2024 alone, visitors generated $1.37 billion in positive economic impact for Williamson County. That means visitors were spending roughly $3.5 million per day in the county, supporting the local restaurants, shops, and businesses we all love. That also resulted in $55.9 million in local taxes collected, which supports local parks we enjoy, such as Harlinsdale, the recent renovations at Bicentennial Park in downtown Franklin, and several other projects around the county.
IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NEW SPACE THAT YOU ARE PERSONALLY MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
I’m excited about the feeling people will have when they walk in, and about the ways we can help them explore The Factory, Franklin, and all the communities of Williamson County. We want visitors to feel welcome and inspired to see more, while locals are proud of it and see it as a resource for learning about the latest happenings, or simply as the place to pick up a few things to be the best host to friends and relatives. I am equally excited that we get to partner in the space with Brandy Blanton and the Circle of Giving. The work they are doing is so important to our community, and we are honored to help support it.
VisitFranklin.com / FactoryAtFranklin.com
In Williamson County, luxury is not just about square footage or designer finishes. It is about creating beauty without creating more work. When calendars are packed and life rarely slows down, one of the greatest luxuries of all might just be pulling into your driveway and being greeted by a home that looks absolutely beautiful and put together, without lifting a finger to make it happen. That is exactly the kind of magic Fritzi Celentano creates through WOW Windowboxes Nashville. With overflowing seasonal flowers, custom-designed window boxes/planters and worry free maintenance, Celentano has built a business around one simple idea: beauty should feel joyful, not stressful.
“I think luxury should make you feel calm and complete, and it shouldn’t come at the cost of stressing you out,” Celentano said. “With WOW’s green glove service, there is no effort on your part to pull it all together. Let WOW do it.”
And that “WOW” moment is exactly what happens when clients first see their homes transformed. Window boxes spill over with color. Trailing vines dance in the breeze. Even homes that already boast gorgeous architecture and landscaping seem to come alive with new personality custom to the homeowners style.
“I think our window boxes and seasonal plantings are the mascara and lipstick for
your home,” Celentano said. Like the perfect lipstick shade, those finishing touches change with the seasons. Bright pinks and lush greenery may take center stage in the summer, while deep reds and evergreens create drama during the holidays.
For homeowners, the best part is that they do not have to think about any of it. WOW Windowboxes handles the design, installation, irrigation and seasonal plantings, providing a complete green glove experience. Clients simply appreciate the beauty while Celentano and her team handle the hard work behind the scenes. “You can enjoy it right away! Love the drive up to your home or a drink
in the backyard,” she said. “We do all the work and we worry about keeping them alive”. That includes one of the company’s most valuable features: customized irrigation systems that take the guesswork out of plant care entirely.
In Tennessee heat, where flowers can wilt quickly under the summer sun, our WOW irrigation system offers something homeowners crave almost as much as beautiful blooms: peace of mind. “Homeowners can go away for the weekend or a month. We check on their plantings.” For busy families, frequent travelers and homeowners juggling demanding schedules, that freedom matters. “Outsourcing something
“I
think luxury should make you feel calm and complete, and it shouldn’t come at the cost of stressing you out.”
Welcome to Tennessee’s first treetop vacation home community, just minutes from beautiful Dale Hollow Lake.
Now selling at The Preserve at Dale Hollow — Modern 1, 2, & 3 bedroom architect-designed treetop homes, just 2 hours from Franklin.
Tucked in pristine Tennessee wilderness and only minutes from Dale Hollow Lake, these architect-designed treetop homes give you your own slice of nature.
Wake up to breathtaking views above the treetops, sip coffee on your rooftop deck, and watch the woods roll out beneath you. Step outside to miles of stunning trails, or don’t step anywhere at all
that isn't in your wheelhouse is smart. We want you to love your space right away,” Celentano said. Because at the end of the day, effortless living is not really about flowers. It is about creating a home that greets you with joy the second you pull into the driveway.
WOWwindowboxes.com/Nashville
Craving adventure? You’ll have a crystal-clear lake for boating, world-class bass and fly fishing, and enough whitetail, turkey, and small game nearby to turn every weekend into a story worth bragging about.
Prices from the high $200’s to the low $500,000’s Only 13 homesites remain in Phase 1
So come choose your piece of nature before someone else does!
CRAFTED FOR THOSE WHO CRAVE MORE THAN THE ORDINARY
We take pride in delivering a refined, customer-focused automotive experience. From quality vehicles to tailored storage options, our team is committed to helping you drive away with confidence.
Concierge-led sales process for every type of automobile
Bespoke, custom vehicle acquisition & brokering services
A curated and effortless car-buying experience
White-glove auto consultation and delivery
Secure, climate-controlled storage
Comprehensive service department
Premium auto spa
Professional automotive consignment
Hand-selected, curated inventory
Premium private event venue
Members-only automotive & social club
Over 300 years of combined expertise
Factory-certified master technicians
Fine automotive art gallery
THE OUTDOOR WOMEN OF NASHVILLE BRING TOGETHER COMMUNITY AND FUN
ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF OUTDOOR WOMEN OF NASHVILLE
Some of the best communities start with a broken kneecap. In 2019, Kate Joyner was running trails at Beaman Park on her lunch break when she slid down a ravine, broke her phone, and broke her kneecap. She fashioned a makeshift cane from a stick and slowly made her way back to her car, where a second phone allowed her to call her husband. He waited until she was safely in the hospital before he said what needed to be said.
"No more hiking alone."
She agreed. And the very next week, she got on Facebook and formed a group. That group became Outdoor Women of Nashville, and six years later, it has grown into one of Middle Tennessee's most purposeful communities, with 26,000 members on its public page and nearly 18,000 on its private women-only page.
At the heart of Outdoor Women of Nashville is the idea that every woman deserves access to the outdoors, regardless of experience, equipment, or confidence level. Angela West, the group's Regional Director of Tennessee, describes it as a "try before you buy" experience, a place where women can show up and try something completely new without the pressure of investing in gear or committing to a hobby they're not sure about yet.
"We do everything from water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking," she says. "We do fishing, hunting, and it's about breaking down barriers to getting women to the outdoors. "The group provides equipment for nearly everything — kayaks, paddleboards, guns, ammo, ear protection, even camouflage for hunting trips. Women can walk in knowing nothing and walk out with a passion they didn't know they had.
West speaks from personal experience. She joined the group while going through a difficult divorce, looking for a safe space and a way back to the outdoors she had been removed from during her marriage. Her entry point? A long-range rifle and muzzle-loader workshop.
"I was terrified of guns," she says. "So I was like, 'Let's get over this fear.' The next thing you know, I'm now running trips and workshops and just having a great time."
The group's programming ranges from weekly hikes to multi-day adventures across the American West. Member Katie has been hosting Tuesday night hikes at the same trailhead for four years, rain or shine. "It's more about having women walking in the woods for an hour and meeting new people and staying consistent with it so that people always know that there'll be a group here on Tuesdays," Katie says.
For members who catch the bug, the adventures scale quickly. The group has traveled to Bryce Canyon and Zion, where they went canyoneering through slot canyons. To Moab, where they paddleboarded small rapids and drove ATVs through Hell's Revenge. To Yosemite, Joshua Tree, the Channel Islands, and Glacier National Park. This winter, they snowmobiled through Yellowstone and dog sledded through 20-degree weather to a 104-degree hot spring.
CONTINUED >
"There is nothing like getting a group of women that are each other's cheerleaders to push you beyond what you think you can do," West says.
Member Debbie Elder discovered her passion for hiking through the Tuesday night group and has since completed two Mammoth Marches — with a third already on the calendar. "If it wasn't for Katie, I would not have found my passion for hiking," she says. "She posted this in a Facebook group and I'm like, 'I'm going to go try it.'"
West describes watching friendships form at workshops between women who had never met. "The best part of being in this role that I'm in is watching communities form," she says. Many women find the group during significant life transitions, whether it be a divorce, a move, a moment of searching. "A
lot of us join when we're going through something in our life where we're looking at some type of big change and so we're looking for a community."
Membership is free, with fees only for specific workshops to cover the cost of equipment and instructors. The group welcomes women from anywhere — not just Middle Tennessee and not just Tennessee. "Feel free to jump in," West says.
Find Outdoor Women of Nashville on Facebook to join the public page or request access to the private women-only community.
Before a single wall is painted or a final walkthrough is complete, most homeowners carry a quiet fear into a construction project: Will anyone actually follow-through? For many people, this frustration is familiar. Calls go unanswered. Timelines shift without explanation. Contractors disappear for days at a time, leaving homeowners wondering what is happening inside the spaces that matter most to them.
For Jenson Smith owner of Punchout Pros, that growing lack of reliability is exactly why consistency matters more than ever. “I think a big part of it is that many companies have grown faster than their systems, communication, and accountability can support,” Jenson said. “Unfortunately, homeowners and commercial property owners have gotten used to unanswered calls, missed timelines, and feeling left in the dark during projects.” What bothers Jenson most is not simply the inconvenience. It is the weight of what clients are actually handing over when they hire someone to work on their home or business. “At the end of the day, people are trusting you with their home, business, money, and time,” notes Jenson.
That perspective has shaped the way he approaches both construction and
relationships. While craftsmanship matters, Jenson believes trust is often built in quieter moments, returning a phone call, showing up when promised, communicating honestly when problems arise and staying engaged long after the exciting part of the project has passed. “To us, reliability shouldn’t feel like a luxury, but in today’s industry, it honestly has become one."
The company’s emphasis on follow through did not happen accidentally. It has been intentional since the beginning. “We’ve always believed that skill matters, but character and consistency matter just as much. Anyone can market themselves well or make promises during the sales process, but the real test is what happens after the contract is signed.”
That philosophy has become especially important during the stressful moments that naturally come with construction. Jenson understands that delays and complications can happen on almost any project. What clients remember most, he said, is whether they felt informed and respected while navigating those challenges. “Most people can handle delays or issues if they are informed and communicated with honestly. What creates stress is silence and uncertainty.”
“Sometimes difficult conversations must happen in construction, but people appreciate transparency far more than avoidance.”
Rather than waiting until something goes wrong, his team focuses heavily on proactive communication from the beginning. Expectations are discussed early. Updates are given consistently. Clients never wonder if anyone is still paying attention. “Sometimes difficult conversations must happen in construction, but people appreciate transparency far more than avoidance."
For Jenson, one of the most overlooked parts of the industry is what happens near the end of a project. The final details, punch lists and walkthroughs may seem small compared to the larger renovation itself, but he believes those final interactions often become the lasting memory clients carry with them. “A project can go really well overall, but if the last 10% is disorganized,
delayed, or incomplete, that becomes the lasting impression. That is why “closing the loop” has become such an important part of the PunchOut Pros culture. Finishing strong means continuing to communicate, honoring commitments and making sure clients feel cared for until every final detail is complete. “People remember how you made them feel during the stressful parts and especially at the finish line."
In Williamson County, where relationships still drive much of the business community, Jenson has seen how consistency naturally creates long term trust. Much of the company’s growth has come through repeat customers, referrals and relationships built slowly over time. Jenson stresses, “When people know they can depend on you, that trust naturally leads to repeat business and referrals. He believes reliability is rarely built through grand gestures. More often, it comes from small habits practiced consistently every day. “Showing up on time, communicating proactively, staying organized, and following through on commitments are habits that have to be reinforced daily. None of it is flashy, but those small habits repeated consistently are what create dependable results.”
At its core, Jenson hopes clients remember more than the finished work itself. He hopes they remember feeling respected during a process that can often feel overwhelming. “Construction projects can be stressful, and our goal is to reduce that stress by being dependable, communicative, and professional." In an industry where reliability is increasingly rare, simply keeping your word may be one of the most valuable things a company can offer.
PunchoutPros.org
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ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HONEYFIRE BARBEQUE
WITH HONEYFIRE BARBEQUE COMPANY
Honeyfire Barbeque Co.'s Ben Claybaker built HoneyFire on a deep, genuine love of the craft of barbecuing and the belief that great barbecue has the power to bring people together. We sat down with Claybaker to talk about the road to opening day, what makes Honeyfire different, and why Brentwood turned out to be exactly the right place to fire up the pit.
Congratulations on the opening of HoneyFire Barbeque Co. in Brentwood. What makes HoneyFire different from the other BBQ spots in Middle Tennessee?
Some of the things that make HoneyFire different and that people love are the modern atmosphere and the unique twist on barbecue staples and traditions. People seem to really like the modern barbecue space, and to us, it’s just a different way to enjoy barbecue. We don’t ever just want to copy a style because that’s what is expected. Which leads me to the food… I was born in Texas and grew up in Arkansas. My hometown was 15 miles from Louisiana and 40 miles from Texas. Both sides of my family are from the South, mostly East Tennessee, Texas and Arkansas. My family also loves to travel, and the people in this country have so many great, but different barbecue traditions. We love that!
So a lot of that is also represented on HoneyFire’s menu, like Alabama White sauce from Decatur, Alabama or brisket like I learned to make in Texas, and pork sandwiches that we all are familiar with here in Tennessee with coleslaw on top. We also love adding a twist to something we all love, like peanut butter in banana pudding or queso in mac and cheese, or a smoked turkey sandwich that’s just like a Thanksgiving dinner.
BBQ is one of those foods that people have very strong opinions about from regional styles, smoke versus sauce, brisket versus ribs. Where does HoneyFire fall in that conversation?
I think I kind of alluded to this, but my family loves Jesus, barbecue, traveling, and this country. We love the variety and the flavors, and so HoneyFire tries to include a lot of them and celebrate the different styles of this country. It’s really fun and leads to a lot of creativity in the kitchen, coming up with recipes, which our whole team participates in. We have a chef and pitmasters in every HoneyFire location, but all of our managers weigh in on what we do and it’s really a team effort. It’s great. Everyone has an opportunity to show their creativity on “tasting Tuesdays” when we all get together to discuss the menu. I look forward to that day every week.
July is National Grilling Month. Do you have anything special planned to celebrate the month that was practically made for a restaurant like yours?
The whole summer is grilling season, and July seems to be even more heightened. We have some special dishes coming up that the HoneyFire team has really put some time and effort into. Items like beef ribs, smoked prime rib, smoked French dip sandwiches, and we may even bring back our smoked bologna sandwich. Stay tuned to our announcements on social media.
Opening a restaurant is one of the hardest things a person can do, and opening a BBQ concept comes with its own particular set of challenges. What did the road to opening day actually look like?
I absolutely love hospitality, serving my family and friends, and I love barbecue. So when the opportunity came up to open a barbecue restaurant, it was almost a no-brainer. Now, I have done my homework. If you spent
any time in Nashville, you know there are some great places to have barbecue, and I still frequent a lot of them even today. But the one big surprise I did learn was how friendly and helpful the other barbecue restaurant owners were. I still remember when Pat Martin from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint was sitting with his son, eating at our first location just a few weeks after being opened. The first thing he said to me was, “Let me know if you need any help or something comes up and you just want to bounce solutions off me.” I was blown away how this genre of restaurants didn’t really consider other barbecue restaurants as competition. Don’t get me wrong, we all are still competitive, however, it’s more like fighting for a starting spot on a baseball team, but you’re still on the same team. Most entrepreneurs are risky by nature, so taking the risk was not the hard part. The challenge for me is not knowing what I don’t know. Not knowing the right questions. Some of it you just have to figure out on your own time and be okay with making mistakes, and believe me, we made some doozies.
What made Brentwood the right home for HoneyFire Barbeque?
Well, for one thing, it’s our community. My wife and I have lived in this area since 2006, and she lived here back in 2002 for a bit. We love Brentwood. We had to be patient. South Nashville is highly sought after and finding a spot has been a nonstop hunt for us. Opportunities don’t always come up and when they do, you must be able to move quickly. We’ve toured so many potential spots over the last eight years of opening our first locations and so many of them just didn’t feel right. This location felt perfect. There are a lot of great dining options, and even a few barbecue places, but HoneyFire is just its own thing. People really enjoy the different atmosphere that’s not your typical barbecue place, and they enjoy the variety of flavors and types of food we have. You could come to HoneyFire every day for two weeks and have a different meal, because barbecue is good on a tortilla, a bun, chips, in cheesy pasta, or in an egg roll. It’s good in so many ways and we love it all! It’s like the people of this country… people are very different on the coasts, and they are very different in the middle, and in the south. So we try to embrace that idea. We love barbecue and we also just love people.
Honeyfire.com
INGREDIENTS
• Baby Back Ribs (Leftover) 3-5 lbs.
• Coleslaw Mix (5 lb. bag-dry) 2 ½ lbs.
• Marinated Red Onions (drained) 1” pcs 12 oz.
• HoneyFire Dry Rub 2 Tbsp
DIRECTIONS:
1. Take the pork and ribs and pull the meat until it is all shredded. Discard the pork and rib bones. Add the meat to a mixing bowl.
2. Add the dry coleslaw mix and HoneyFire Dry Rub to the mixing bowl. Toss to incorporate.
3. Chop the marinated red onions into 1” pieces. Add them to the mixing bowl. Then add the HoneyFire Dry Rub. Toss to incorporate.
4. If you are not using the egg roll mix right away, put the mix in another container and cover with a lid. Label, date and refrigerate.
INGREDIENTS | TOTAL QUANTITY | EACH EGG ROLL
• Egg Roll Wrapper | 40 ea. | 1 ea.
• Egg Wash | 8 oz. | Brush 2 tsp on each egg roll wrapper
• Egg Roll Mix | 7 ½ lb. | 3 oz.
• HoneyFire Original BBQ Sauce | 1 cup | 1 tbsp
• HoneyFire Habanero HoneySauce 1 cup 1 tsp
• Corn Starch | 4 oz. | Enough to cover egg rolls
DIRECTIONS:
1. Make egg wash by combining egg mix and a little bit of water together.
2. Add some of the corn starch to a clean and dry work surface. Lay the one egg roll wrapper so the corners form a diamond shape. Brush each side of the top corner with egg wash.
3. Scoop the egg roll mix (3 oz.) onto the center of each wrapper, forming a cylinder.
4. Squeeze 1 tsp of HoneyFire Original BBQ sauce & 1 tsp of HoneyFire Habanero Honey Sauce in a line across the top of the filling.
5. Bring the bottom corner tightly up and over the egg roll mix. Fold in both sides and roll like a burrito. Lightly roll the egg roll into the cornstarch.
6. Line the pan with deli paper and lay the rolls in the pan side by side. Lay deli paper in between each row of egg rolls.
7. Cover, label, date and refrigerate.
INGREDIENTS
• Green Beans - standard can (drained) 15 cans
• Garlic Powder 3 Tbsp
• Black Pepper 2 Tbsp
• Onion Powder 2 Tbsp
• Kosher Salt 2 Tbsp
• Brisket Trim 2 cups
• Parmesan cheese 1 ½ cups
DIRECTIONS:
1. Drain green beans thoroughly.
2. Place green beans into large cooking pan
3. Chop the brisket trim into the smallest pieces you can. DO NOT throw out any fat, this will render down. Add the brisket to the green beans.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients into a mixing bowl. Mix to incorporate.
5. Add the spice mixture to the green beans. Carefully mix the green beans, while not breaking up the beans.
6. Refrigerate until ready to cook. Cook like you would for making regular green beans.
7. After cooking the green beans, add 1 ½ cups of Parmesan cheese to the pan.
8. Carefully fold in the Parmesan cheese with a spatula, not to break up the green beans.
MARIA DINOIA
While North Myrtle Beach's more famous neighbor to the south draws the crowds and the chaos, North Myrtle Beach has quietly perfected the art of the coastal getaway. A nine mile magnificent stretch of South Carolina shoreline divided into four distinct, walkable neighborhoods, each with its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own reasons to linger. From the lively shores of Crescent Beach to the peaceful vibe of Cherry Grove, from the family fun of Windy Hill to the storied streets of Ocean Drive, a long weekend here feels less like a vacation and more like a love affair with a place you'll spend the rest of the year trying to get back to.
Not every member of the family or travel partner is a beach person, and in a town like North Myrtle Beach, where the shoreline is just the beginning, that's perfectly fine. While one half of your duo is content to plant an umbrella, slather on the sunscreen, and not move for four hours, the other can be kayaking through pristine waterways, learning the Shag in a historic dance hall, wine tasting at a local winery, browsing boutiques on Main Street, or catching a live show at a legendary theater. North Myrtle Beach is where two people (or more) with completely different vacation styles can spend a long weekend together and both come home happy.
There is only one sensible way to arrive in North Myrtle Beach, and that is hungry and pointed toward the ocean. Snooky's Oceanfront Restaurant makes the perfect first stop — a beachfront institution with the sound of the surf and the smell of salt air welcoming you before you've even looked at the menu.
After settling in at one any one of the many oceanfront condo options, the evening belongs to Crescent Beach, one of North Myrtle Beach's most beloved neighborhoods. Dinner at Bin 2004 is the move. A new, sophisticated wine bar and restaurant that offers an eclectic menu of influences from Spanish to Asian to Italian, more than 400 bottles of wine from renowned regions like Napa Valley, Italy, and France, and a chic, intimate ambiance.
The first full day opens with a stop at Boulineau's in Cherry Grove, a local institution that has been feeding beachgoers and coffee drinkers for generations. Fuel up for the weekend's first memorable experiences: an Island Adventure Eco Tour kayaking expedition to Waites Island. For two hours, paddle through one of South Carolina's last undeveloped barrier islands. Waites Island is a protected natural preserve with miles of untouched beach and the kind of quiet that libraries envy.
After working up an appetite on the water, Salty Brews in Cherry Grove provides the perfect post-kayak lunch stop, a casual, laid-back spot that captures exactly the energy the neighborhood is known for.
“North Myrtle Beach has quietly perfected the art of the coastal getaway. A nine mile magnificent stretch of South Carolina shoreline divided into four distinct, walkable neighborhoods, each with its own personality, its own rhythm, and its own reasons to linger. ”
Of course, no visit to North Myrtle Beach is complete without spending serious time in Ocean Drive, the neighborhood that gave birth to one of American music and dance culture's most joyful traditions: the Shag. The official state dance of South Carolina, the Shag is a smooth partner dance that developed along these very streets in the 1940s, and Ocean Drive has never stopped celebrating it.
An afternoon Shag dance lesson at the North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum, led by instructors Darrell Gaither and Lori Setzer, is an absolute highlight of the weekend. Don't worry if you've never danced a step in your life. The instructors are warm, patient, and genuinely infectious in their enthusiasm for keeping the tradition alive.
After the lesson, Main Street is made for some serious shopping. Hope Taylor Boutique is a lovely stop for anyone looking to take a little piece of the local style home, and Melt Ice Cream, with its creative, housemade flavors, is non-negotiable. There's no shortage of t-shirt and souvenir shops to take home your little slice of the beach.
And the evening's Shag exploration can continue at the OD Pavilion, Fat Harold's, and the Shaggers Hall of Fame Museum, tucked inside the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort. The Society of Stranders Spring Safari Shag Festival brings an added layer of energy to the neighborhood, with dancers of all ages and abilities filling the streets with music and movement.
For dinner, there's Hoskins, a 75-plus-year icon that has fed generations of North Myrtle Beach visitors, Flynn's Irish Pub or Crave Italian Bistro for something a little different. Take up a show for some after dinner entertainment at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theater, a gem of a performance venue with live entertainment that satisfies the most discerning critic.
On day two, try Dino's House of Pancakes, the beloved Honey Barrel, or Souffles are all worthy contenders for breakfast fare before the morning's main event: a dolphin cruise departing from Little River, just a short drive from the beach. The cruises run ninety minutes to two hours, and watching bottlenose dolphins play in the wake of the boat is pretty spectacular.
Lunch at Boardwalk Billy's is the move. It's a lively, waterfront spot perfectly suited to a lazy Saturday afternoon before the afternoon takes a refined turn at Duplin Winery in the Windy Hill neighborhood. The winery, known for its sweet muscadine wines native to the Carolinas, offers tastings that are equal parts educational and fun.
As the day winds down, a meander through Barefoot Landing, the open-air shopping and dining complex that sits on the Intracoastal Waterway, is a great way to stretch the legs and explore. Dinner at Big Chill Island House, with its legendary sunset ritual, is the perfect final stop to the day. Arrive in time for the sun to drop below the horizon, and let the evening take care of itself.
And now that you've satisfied the non-beachgoer in your party with your busy schedule of activties, take a day for the beach. Get those beach chairs, coffee in hand, and plant your toes in the sand.
North Myrtle Beach also offers fishing, golfing, water sports and lots of other attractions along the 60-mile stretch of beach called The Grand Strand. Come for a long weekend. Before you leave, you will already be planning the next one.
EXPERT TIPS TO MAKE BACKYARD BIRDING A FASCINATING AND PEACEFUL PART OF YOUR LIFE.
ARTICLE BY MARSHALL ZWEIG
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Thinking of putting up a bird feeder? You’re not alone. Backyard birding is the second most popular hobby in the U.S.—right behind gardening. Bob Gors of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb, MI, shares expert tips to help you get started—and get results.
START WITH THE RIGHT SETUP
If you’re new to bird feeding, don’t overcomplicate it. Bob recommends starting with a tray feeder, either pole-mounted or hung. “It’s accessible to the widest range of birds,” he says, “and it lets you experiment with different seed blends.”
Before setting up, take a look at your yard. Birds prefer to feed near trees or shrubs where they can perch and scan for predators. “If your yard is wide open, it’s going to be harder to attract them,” Bob notes.
Quick Tip: Place your feeder about 15 feet from trees or shrubs to give birds a safe place to wait their turn.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SEED—AND SKIP THE FILLERS
Not all bird seed is created equal. Bob advises avoiding blends with fillers like milo, wheat, or oats. “Those are agricultural leftovers. Most birds won’t eat them.”
Each Wild Birds Unlimited store owner customizes their seed blends, based on the birds in each store’s specific area. Their blends contain no fillers—just high-quality ingredients birds actually eat. They’re available in no-mess varieties—no shells, no waste. “With standard seed, up to 40% of the weight of the bag is shells,” Bob says. “No-mess is 100 percent pure bird food.”
Quick Tip: Choose fresh, unscented, unflavored seed. Birds don’t need additives—just what they’d eat in nature. Check the ingredients on the bag: sunflower should be the first ingredient—since it’s the seed most birds love.
IT’S REMAINED PART OF THEIR LIVES: ONE COUPLE TOLD BOB THEY STILL START EVERY MORNING ON THE PORCH WITH COFFEE AND BIRDSONG. “IT BECAME A RITUAL THAT
Squirrels causing trouble? Try safflower seed. “It tastes bitter to squirrels but attracts cardinals, grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches and chickadees,” Bob says. Hot pepper blends also work—birds can’t taste the heat, but mammals can.
To deter large birds like starlings, Bob recommends using a cage around tube feeders to limit access. Tube feeders with small perches help discourage bigger birds. For tidier feeding, seed cylinders— compressed seed—are a great low-mess option.
Quick Tip: “Start simple,” Bob advises. “Watch what’s happening in your yard, then adjust as needed.” Unlike loose seed, cylinders make the birds work harder—and give you longer-lasting views of the birds.
SPOT BIRD BEHAVIOR (AND BACKYARD DRAMA)
Once your feeder’s up, the show begins.
“Different species act differently,” Bob explains. “Cardinals are typically the first and last birds of the day to the feeder. Male hummingbirds are very territorial and will defend ‘their’ feeder. Chickadees come to the feeder in a flash; they have a grab-and-go strategy. “In our backyard, orioles and bluebirds battle over live mealworms,” he adds. “The female bluebird often holds her ground.”
Quick Tip: You don’t need to track every species. “Just sit back with a cup of coffee and watch,” Bob says. “You’ll start noticing more than you’d expect.”
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Feeder activity increases in summer, thanks to fledglings. “By July, your bird population has basically doubled,” Bob says. At the same time, some favorites— like male orioles—start their fall migration as early as July.
One common myth? That goldfinches leave in winter. “They stay put,” Bob says. “But the males molt into drab-colored feathers, so people often don’t recognize them.”
Quick Tip: Keep feeding in winter. “Some of the best bird watching happens in the colder months—different species of birds visit us in the winter.”
Want cardinals? Use tray feeders or tube feeders with U-shaped perches. “They’re heavier birds,” Bob says. “Standard tube feeders are hard for them to use.”
Hoping for bluebirds? They prefer parklike settings. If your yard fits, try a nesting box with a 1.5-inch entrance, and offer live mealworms far away from the nest box.
Hummingbirds? Stick to sugar water— no red dye needed. “And expect a show,” Bob adds. “Males are fiercely territorial at the feeder.”
Wild Birds Unlimited carries feeders tailored to specific birds, but Bob and his team focus on fit. “We ask about your yard, your goals, and guide you from there.”
Quick Tip: Not sure what birds are in your area? Ask your local Wild Birds Unlimited shop.
Bob says many customers started birding during the pandemic—and never stopped. “They looked out the window and realized something was there,” he says. It’s remained part of their lives: one couple told Bob they still start every morning on the porch with coffee and birdsong. “It became a ritual that many people now cherish,” Bob says.
For expert help making bird watching your ritual, stop by Wild Birds Unlimited in your area or visit wbu.com.
WHITENING
From overcoming her own health challenges to building globally recognized wellness and manufacturing companies, Dr. Christina Rahm’s mission has remained remarkably simple: help people get to the root of the problem and create a healthier future for the next generation.
For people meeting you for the first time, who is Dr. Christina Rahm beyond the titles and credentials?
Honestly, I’m a mom first. The science, the research and the companies all came later. At the center of everything I do is my family and a deep desire to help people live healthier, fuller lives. I grew up in a small town in Missouri in a family that valued faith, education, hard work and helping others. My parents
gave me an incredible foundation and taught me that knowledge comes with responsibility. While our work now reaches families around the world, home is still here in Middle Tennessee. It’s where our children are, where our roots are and where we’re preparing to welcome our first grandchild this summer. That belief in addressing root causes eventually became the foundation for The ROOT Brands, which my husband Clayton Thomas and I co-founded and which now serves families in more than 90 countries. At the end of the day, my mission is simple: help people, strengthen communities and leave the world a little better than I found it.
In an industry crowded with wellness brands, what makes your approach different?
One of the biggest differences is that I’m not simply endorsing formulations. I’m directly involved in creating them. As a scientist, inventor and formulator, I’ve spent years developing technologies and products designed to address some of the environmental and wellness challenges people face today. What’s important to me is maintaining visibility throughout the entire process. From ingredient sourcing and research to formulation development and manufacturing oversight, I believe accountability matters. Many companies outsource much of that process. We’ve chosen a different path because I want to know exactly what’s going into the products we create and the standards behind them. For me, innovation isn’t about creating more products. It’s about creating better solutions people can trust.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I hope people remember that science and compassion can coexist. At the end of the day, I hope people remember that my work was never really about products or companies. It was about helping people. If I’ve encouraged others to ask better questions, take ownership of their health and believe they can create positive change in their own lives, then I’ll feel like I’ve fulfilled my purpose.
ARTICLE BY ALYSSA LAVY, MS, RD, CDN
A REFRESHING, CHILLED, SUMMER FORWARD SOUP THAT PACKS IN PROTEIN AND FIBER!
This summer seafood gazpacho screams summer and is the perfect, refreshing meal, snack or appetizer to beat the heat - whether you’re entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal with family. It’s packed with some of the season’s most flavorful produce and provides satisfying fiber and protein to help keep you feeling full, while still being light enough to enjoy on the hottest of summer days. Plus, there is no need to turn on the oven or the stove, keeping your kitchen (and you) cool as a cucumber! You can enjoy this chilled soup as is, or add toppings like chopped jalapeños, cilantro, or creme fraiche and scoop it up with tortilla chips!
Ingredients: (yields ~8 C gazpacho)
• 8 large tomatoes
• 1 large cucumber
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small sweet onion
• 1 jalapeño pepper
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• 3 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)
• 8 oz lump crab meat
• 8 oz cooked shrimp, chilled (about 8-12 large shrimp)
*Optional suggested toppings include: cilantro, tortilla chips, chopped jalapeños, creme fraiche, or additional parsley.
1. Cut tomatoes into large chunks, approximately 6-8 pieces each. Set aside.
2. Slice cucumber into thick slices. Set aside.
3. Mince garlic. Set aside.
4. Chop onion into medium sized pieces. Set aside.
5. Slice jalapeño pepper in half, lengthwise. Remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Chop jalapeño pepper and set aside.
6. Add tomatoes to large food processor. You may need to add about half of the tomatoes, pulse for a few seconds and then add the remaining tomatoes depending on the size of your food processor. Pulse tomatoes until chunky and slightly pureed. You will continue to puree the tomatoes once the additional ingredients are added, so do not pulse until completely smooth.
7. Add remaining vegetables (cucumber, garlic, onion, jalapeño pepper) to food processor with the tomatoes. Add hot sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and parsley. Replace the lid and pulse to desired consistency – the gazpacho should be pureed, but still somewhat chunky and not completely smooth.
Alyssa Lavy, MS, RD, CDN, CPT is a registered dietitian, personal trainer and mom of 2. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from The George Washington University and her Master of Science in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology from Teachers College Columbia University, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She has been an ACSM certified personal trainer for over a decade. Alyssa is the owner of Alyssa Lavy Nutrition & Wellness, a wellness brand offering nutrition communications, program development and consulting services for individuals and corporations.
Website: alyssalavy.com Instagram: @alyssalavyrd
8. Store in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. If not serving right away, this gazpacho can be made in advance and stored in the fridge overnight or for a few days until ready to serve. If making this gazpacho in advance, purchase fresh seafood or thaw frozen within 1 day of serving to keep seafood fresh and store seafood separately, only adding when ready to serve. When ready to serve, chop the shrimp and add approximately 1-2 oz chopped shrimp and ~1 oz crab meat to each bowl. You can add optional toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeños, tortilla chips, creme fraiche and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if preferred. Enjoy!
Note: This gazpacho can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up for 4 days, without the seafood. Store seafood separately and add when ready to consume.
YOU WORK HARD ALL YEAR—YOUR VACATION STYLE SHOULD FEEL CINEMATIC, EFFORTLESS, AND UNMISTAKABLY MAIN CHARACTER.
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STONE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Effortless vacation style isn’t about having the perfect outfit for every moment—it’s about having the right foundation to make every moment look intentional. When you know how to build a capsule travel wardrobe, you’ll avoid agonizing over what to wear and spend more time actually enjoying your getaway, all while looking like you have a personal stylist tucked in your carry-on.
Here’s your go-to list for this season’s travels:
1. THE EFFORTLESS STATEMENT SET
A coordinated two-piece (linen, silk, or cotton) that transitions from day to night. Sets are easy to wear, photograph, and offer effortless ways to look put together. Bonus: you can mix and match the pieces with other items that you pack. I would recommend packing multiple sets to make it even easier to mix and match. For both men and women, simply focus on neutrals and, if you want to add color, make sure it coordinates well with other items in your luggage.
2. THE MOOD-ALTERING PIECE
A sweeping dress in a bold print or luscious fabric that makes you feel sensual, grounded, and free. Find something that moves with you and captures light beautifully. This is your dreamy piece— flowy fabrics with movement that captures the eye and works for any kind of event.
3. THE LUXE FLAT OR SCULPTURAL SANDAL
Find footwear that balances style and comfort. Look for interesting shapes or materials (like leather with architectural cutouts or metallic finishes). More than shoes—they’re anchors for adventure, grounding your aesthetic wherever you land. This goes the same for men. Your footwear can also make an impact through the braided details of your sandals or the canvas of a casual slip-on loafer.
4. THE TRANSITIONAL THIRD PIECE
Think: kimono, over-sized linen blazer, a lightweight duster, or a gauzy button-down left open. This is your layering hero that adds polish without effort. It’s an aura amplifier that instantly makes your outfit feel styled and intentional.
5. INTERESTING AND IMPACTFUL SUNGLASSES
Sunglasses with personality are a must. They could be over-sized, cat-eye, or tinted lenses that feel more like “cinematic escape” than “just functional.” Because you’re not sightseeing—you’re starring in your own travel film.
6. A SCULPTURAL CARRYALL
A bag that holds your essentials but looks like art— think woven textures, unique shapes, or buttery leather. Practicality meets poetry. You deserve a vessel that carries your dreams...and your SPF.
7. SIGNATURE SCENT OR TRAVEL CANDLE
Pack travel-sized fragrance or a tiny candle that evokes your essence or complements the location. Scent is meant to ignite memories and set the tone— infuse your travels with an olfactory signature.
8. ACCESSORIES WITH A STORY
A few intentional pieces such as a ring from a market you found during your travels, a layered necklace that serves as an easy throw-on, or a straw hat to protect your face from the sun (even if it’s a cooler climate, because remember, safety first: don’t get burnt).
JULY 2026
JULY 2ND
Tennessee Sunflower Festival
Lucky Ladd Farms | 10:00 AM
Blooming fields of over 400,000 sunflowers provide a stunning experience for guests. Bring your cameras to take sunflower selfies and spend time wandering the field and enjoying the gorgeous scenery. Cut your own perfect bouquet to take home or buy pre-cut bouquets in the market. After your sunflower experience, spend the day enjoying the farm’s 50+ fun attractions and activities. LuckyLaddFarms.com
JULY 3RD
The Mockingbird Theater | 7:00 PM
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with The WannaBeatles live at the Mockingbird Theater. This high-energy show blends timeless Beatles classics with patriotic favorites for a red, white, and blue celebration. TheWannaBeatles.com
JULY 4TH
Franklin on the Fourth
Downtown Franklin | 10:00 AM
A patriotic festival in historic downtown Franklin that offers arts, crafts, food, entertainment and more. The party concludes with an incredible fireworks display at The Tractor Supply Co. Arena at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Fireworks begin at approximately 9 p.m. FranklinTN.gov
JULY 4TH
Firecracker 5K
Andrews Cadillac | 7:30 AM
Kick off July 4th with the Andrews Cadillac Firecracker 5K and Luken Kids Fun Run 1K with a morning of family-friendly fun, fitness, and community spirit. Hosted by the Brentwood Family YMCA, the certified, chip-timed 5K kicks off at 7:30 AM from Andrews Cadillac and features a scenic road course for Runners and walkers of all ages. RunSignUp.com/Race/TN/Brentwood/AndrewsCadillacFirecracker5K
JULY 4TH
July 4th Run For Hunger
Summit High School, Spring Hill | 7:00 AM
The fifth annual Run For Hunger event promises to be the best one ever. This important summer fundraiser benefits The Well Outreach. TheWellOutreach.org/run-for-hunger/
JULY 10TH
Friends of the Brentwood Library Book Sale
The John P. Holt Brentwood Library 9:00 AM
Over 17,000 items priced at $3.00 or less. Runs through the 12th. The Friends of the Brentwood Library is a nonprofit (501(c)(3) service organization dedicated to the advancement of the community through its library. FOBLTNorg/book-sale
JULY 10TH
Harlinsdale | 5:30 PM
Presented by Semler Cattle Co, two nights of rodeo allows guests to experience the thrill of bull riding, barrel racing, and more as top competitors and local talent take the arena. The Round Up was named IPRA Best New Rodeo. HarlinsdaleRoundUp.com
Tucked away within the gates of the Seashore community, this fivebedroom sanctuary offers a rare connection to the Gulf. Positioned directly before the community boardwalk, it shares private beach access with just nine neighboring homes.
Inside, an open-concept heart draws in natural light, framing a space crafted for slow mornings and effortless hosting Ascend to the secondfloor primary suite for private balcony vistas, or gather above the treetops in the rooftop crow’s nest to watch the sun drop beneath the water Outside, a private pool area invites quiet relaxation, while the distinct flavor of 30A’s dining and shopping waits just minutes down the road.
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JULY 24TH
Downtown Franklin Square 7:00 PM
Always held the 4th weekend in July, Bluegrass Along the Harpeth was started in 1991. Friday night, listen to the best bluegrass bands around for a relaxing evening. On Saturday, find some of the best musicians anywhere competing in individual instruments and band contests. In addition to all of the music, there are food and craft vendors on site. BluegrassAlongTheHarpeth.com
JULY 29TH
The Franklin Theatre | 7:00 PM
One of the country’s top-rated Queen tribute bands is coming to Franklin. The Kings of Queen deliver the voice, moves, and Freddie Mercury flair that has been selling out venues nationwide. TheFranklinTheatre.com
