AUGUST FUN WITH KIDS AND PETS
ENTERTAINMENT
DOGGIE DAYS IN THE PARK
LIFE + CULTURE
INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUNDS FOR ALL
FOOD + BEVERAGE
A COOL SUMMER TREAT FOR KIDS
AUGUST 2026
Cruising Around Hendersonville In August
After enduring the hottest July in many years, our old friend August has finally arrived. Welcome, we are delighted to see you.
While we realize that there is still plenty of warm weather to come, we are finally beginning to see a few signs that summer is fading, meaning that fall is not very far away. Shorter nights, more bearable temperatures, and of course, the start of a new school year. However, don’t despair. There is still ample time to get in a few more summer barbecues, cruise Old Hickory Lake and squeeze in a last minute vacation.
Autumn also heralds in the return of some of our favorite activities, including watching football. While we were entranced for a good bit of the summer with the World Cup, there is just nothing like good old high school, college and professional football to add a bit of spice to life.
In addition to the traditional end of summer events, August also marks the beginning of a new year of Hendersonville Lifestyle. This month marks the start of our 11th year covering the people, places and events that make our city such a wonderful place to call home. In recognition of our anniversary, I would like to express my gratitude to all the special folks who have made Hendersonville Lifestyle so successful – our advertisers, our readers and the best production team around.
This year, our August issue is dedicated to some of life’s greatest pleasures – our kids and pets. Every day, they make our lives fun, exciting, and always interesting. This month we are delighted to bring you several stories about good things happening for our kids and pets in our City by the Lake.
Our first stop takes us to a local dog park, where pets and their humans bond with their friends.
Next, we look at two innovative playgrounds that offer inclusivity for all. Continuing, we share a tasty recipe for making homemade frozen treats. Finally, we stop in at an annual concert that raises thousands of dollars each year to help children and families in need.
As always, we bring you the latest in some of the community and business happenings that make our city such a wonderful place in which to live, work and play. So, take a few minutes and come along with us as explore August 2026.
Stay cool, Hendersonville!
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Matt Murray | mattmurray63@gmail.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Eileen Minton | eminton@comcast.net
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Liz Nixon
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER
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Mia is having a ball at Samson's Dog Park in Hendersonville.
Photography: Rick Murray
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: A swimmer competes in the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon on Jun. 20. 2: A large crowd was on hand for Steve Wariner’s Monthaven concert on Jun. 25. 3: Cyclists compete in the 2nd leg of the Old Hickory Lake Triathlon on Jun. 20. 4: A runner nears the finish line of the 2026 Old Hickory Lake Triathlon. 5: Hendersonville was aglow with colorful fireworks on Jul. 3. 6: Steve Wariner poses with his wife Caryn and Charlene Tilton at Monthaven on Jun. 20. 7: Steve Wariner greets his old friend, country music legend Bill Anderson.
Photography by Rick Murray
Habitat of Humanity of Sumner County Receives Donation
Coley Insurance Agency, in conjunction with the Westfield Insurance Federation, recently donated $7,000 to Habitat of Humanity of Sumner County.
“The team at Coley Insurance Agency is always seeking opportunities to volunteer and support our community,” said David Coley. “We are proud and thankful for our collaboration with Westfield, which helps our agency make a more powerful impact on the communities where we live and work.”
by Ciera Holman
Photography
Doggie Days In The Park
HENDERSONVILLE DOG PARK OFFERS GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PETS AND THEIR OWNERS TO BOND
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
One of Hendersonville’s crown jewels is its parks and recreation system. Spread all across the city, the parks attract thousands of locals and visitors each year who are eager to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities.
However, the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department does not just serve two-footed humans – it also serves our fourfooted canine friends at Samson’s Dog Park. Nestled at the back of Memorial Park, Samson’s Dog Park features two separate fenced-in playgrounds, one each for large and small dogs.
Like many people, local designer Eileen Minton takes her dog Mia to the dog park almost every day.
“Dogs need friends just like people do,” says Eileen. “The dog park gives them a safe place to run, play and socialize.”
While the fur babies get to play with their friends, the dog park also provides benefits for their humans, too.
“The dog park isn’t just good for dogs – it’s a place where people connect, too,” adds Eileen. “I’ve made as many friends as my dog has.”
“Dogs need friends just like people do. The dog park gives them a safe place to run, play, and socialize.”
Eileen Minton
Ella Angell and Nala are having a great time at Samson's Dog Park.
After a hard afternoon of play, it's time for treats.
Nico meets a new friend, Wyatt.
Nala stands guard over a new found toy.
Nico takes a break from the action.
Eileen Minton and Ella Angell are having a great afternoon at Samson's Dog Park.
Mia, Nala and Nico frolic and play in Samson's Dog Park.
Nala is looking for a little attention.
Nico performs for a treat while Mia and Nala await their turns.
LUNCH & DINNER
Everything from hamburgers, salmon, wings & more. Scan to see our full menu.
DRINKS
Join us for Happy Hour and our daily specials, paired with great
LIVE MUSIC
Original live music venue. Check out our show calendar at localhendersonville.com
Inclusive Playgrounds For All
Two Beautiful Parks Where Everyone Is Welcome
Every year, thousands of children and adults take advantage of the many beautiful parks located across Sumner County. From ballfields to greenways to playgrounds, nothing beats a fun day of playing outdoors in a safe, clean environment.
Unfortunately, for many years, people with special needs were unable to enjoy the parks due to the lack of accessible facilities. Children and adults with limited mobility were effectively shut out of the park system, resulting in feelings of sadness and exclusion.
Fortunately, the recreational landscape changed dramatically with the opening of Mary’s Magical Place in Hendersonville in 2018. Mary’s Magical Place was the first all-inclusive playground in Sumner County designed for, but not limited to, children with special needs.
The 15,000 sq. ft. playground offers over a dozen activities that provides hours of fun for all children and adults. The $1.2 million facility was constructed with funds from obtained from grants and community fundraising efforts, and it is located in Hendersonville’s Veterans Park. The playground is named for
Mary McAuley, the late daughter of Rachel and Tommy McAuley, who passed away from cerebral palsy in 2015.
In 2021, a second inclusive playground arrived with the opening of Miracle Park in Gallatin. Located in Triple Creek Park, Miracle Park encompasses a wide variety of play facilities spread across nearly six acres. All of the park is ADA compliant, making it fully accessible for children and adults with mobility impairments, special needs and the community as a whole. Some of Miracle Park’s unique play options include a special ball field, a pedal park and a large collection of inclusive playground equipment.
Both Mary’s Magical Place and Miracle Park exist due to a strong sense of community support for inclusivity for all that exists in Hendersonville and Gallatin, and across Sumner County as a whole.
Mary's Magical Place 140 Scotch Street, Hendersonville
Miracle Park
240 Champion Drive, Gallatin
"Mary’s Magical Place and Miracle Park exist due to a strong sense of community support." “
Gallatin Miracle Park broke ground in 2019.
A large crowd attended the grand opening ceremony of Mary's Magical Place in 2018.
Miracle Park has a wide range of inclusive playground equipment.
An aerial view of Mary's Magical Place.
Gallatin's Miracle Park opened in 2021.
Miracle Park has lots of amenities, including a ball field and a pedal park.
HOW MODERN HOMES ARE EVOLVING TO BRING ORDER, FUNCTION AND CALM TO BUSY FAMILY LIFE
THE FAMILY
CENTER COMMAND
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pantry
Behind every beautiful home is a closet working overtime.
No matter how stunning the kitchen is or how perfectly styled the living room looks, real life usually happens somewhere between the mudroom, the pantry and the frantic search for a missing soccer cleat five minutes before school drop-off. For today’s families, luxury is no longer just about beautiful finishes or square footage. Increasingly, it is about function, organization and creating a home that supports everyday life.
Increasingly, the most valuable rooms in the home are not always the grand kitchens or formal living spaces. They are the hardworking spaces quietly keeping life
“THE ORGANIZATION OF THESE SPACES HELPS TO KEEP HOMES OF BUSY FAMILIES MUCH LESS CHAOTIC.”
on track. Sandra Sokol, owner of Closets by Design, has seen this shift firsthand. “Homeowners are definitely compartmentalizing their spaces,” Sokol said. “Homes are all open-concept now, but consumers are looking for ways to create specific areas for each specific need.”
That shift has led to growing demand for intentional spaces designed around modern family life. Mudrooms, drop zones and customized storage are helping families better manage daily routines. “Mud Rooms or ‘Drop’ areas for shoes, bags, etc, when they get home,” Sokol said. “Clients want storage for sporting equipment to keep it from ending up all over the home and garage. We all want ‘a place’ for everything.”
Spaces once considered secondary, such as closets, pantries and laundry rooms, are now central to keeping a household running smoothly. “Today's Moms and Dads are working and have kids with full schedules,” Sokol said. “The organization of these spaces helps to keep homes of busy families much less chaotic.”
Thoughtful design helps eliminate daily stressors that many families know well. A missing shoe can derail a morning. A cluttered pantry can turn snack time into a scavenger hunt. Laundry piles can quickly become overwhelming.
“If you give a Mom an organized closet, you may be saving her those 15 minutes that she needs to be able to have
Closet with Island
breakfast with her children before she leaves for work,” Sokol said. “Those minutes add up and allow for more calm in a person’s daily life.”
For local families balancing elevated living with packed schedules, that balance between beauty and practicality matters more than ever. “Once we have planned a very functional space that meets the client’s needs, we then have the fun of layering on the customization with accessories, colors, collections and other upgraded options,” says Sokol.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has also changed what families need from their homes. Home offices now serve multiple purposes, functioning as workspaces, guest rooms and flexible family spaces. “Remote work really skyrocketed during Covid,” Sokol said. “Since then, we have seen a continued rise in our clients needing home offices that can also serve other needs.”
At the core of every successful design is one simple principle: everything needs a home. “Finding a specific place for items solves the endless searching for these needed items when you are trying to get out the door for work, play or any activity,” Sokol said. The impact goes far beyond organization. A thoughtfully organized home creates calmer mornings, smoother routines and less daily stress. For many families, the greatest luxury is a home that makes everyday life feel easier, calmer and more connected. After all, a beautifully organized home may not solve every problem, but it can at least help you find the missing cleat!
ClosetsByDesign.com
Garage with storage
Wall Bed
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups of fresh berries (e.g. strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 1 cup of vanilla yogurt (for variety, try different flavors)
• 3 – 4 tablespoons of honey (additional honey can be added to enhance sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
NOTES:
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT:
• Popsicle mold
• Popsicle sticks
• Blender
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon
A Cool Summer Treat For Kids
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
Nothing beats the heat on hot summer days quite like frozen treats. After long days filled with outdoor activities, kids can’t wait to cool down with their favorite cool delicacies.
Many times, satisfying this craving requires taking a trip to your favorite dessert shop. In Hendersonville, that typically means heading out to places such as Bruster’s, Dairy Queen, Culver’s and Sonic.
However, there are other times in which it is inconvenient to make an ice cream run. Busy schedules often make it difficult to get away, especially in August when school and extracurricular activities resume.
To help you resolve this dilemma, the Hendersonville Lifestyle team went on a mission to bring you the perfect recipe for making delicious homemade popsicles. These healthy treats are easy to make, requiring only four ingredients and 10 - 15 minutes of preparation time. In fact, our homemade popsicles are so simple to make that preparing them can become a fun tradition for the entire family.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Rinse the berries in cold water and add them to the blender along with the sugar. Purée the berries until they reach a consistent mixture.
2. Add the yogurt and honey to the mixing bowl and stir until well-blended.
3. Add the berry and yogurt mixtures to the popsicle mold in layers in order to alternate colors and consistency.
1. This recipe makes approximately eight standard size popsicles per batch.
2. For variation, different batches of berries can be used to create popsicles with layers resembling a rainbow effect.
3. All ingredients are available at most local grocery retailers and food markets.
4. Popsicle molds and sticks are available from many local and online retailers, including Walmart, Michaels, Kroger, Hobby Lobby and Amazon.com.
4. Insert popsicle sticks into the top center of each slot and place the mold into the freezer for four hours.
5. After the popsicles are frozen, remove from the freezer and serve cold. If the popsicles tend to stick to the mold, run warm water on the bottom of the mold for several seconds until they are easy to remove.
TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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BY AMY TINNIN PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Homemade Dog Food
Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass
ARTICLE
My two pugs are more than pets—they’re part of the family. That’s why I started making their food at home, and it’s been one of the most popular posts on my blog. You may be surprised just how easy this recipe is. I add all the ingredients to my slow-cooker to cook, and my dogs love it. If you decide to try this recipe for your pet, please consult your veterinarian. Every dog has different needs based on age, weight, and any health issues. You can even share this recipe with your vet to see if any changes are needed. The ingredients are flexible and can be easily swapped to substitute the turkey for chicken or beef, and even try different dog-safe vegetables. Making dog food at home isn’t hard—it just takes a little planning, and my dogs love it.
Slow Cooker Homemade Dog Food
Ingredients:
• 3 lbs ground turkey (85% lean)
• 1¼ cups frozen sweet potatoes
• 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup frozen spinach
• 1½ cups uncooked brown or white rice
• 4 cups water
Directions:
1. Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
2. Break up the ground turkey and mix all the ingredients.
3. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Note: My dog food was ready in 3½ hours on High. Let cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.
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PERFORMING FOR THE KIDS
Local Performers Come Together
For A Better Community
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY RICK MURRAY
Every year, one of Middle Tennessee’s leading nonprofit agencies, Live Love Nashville, holds a series of special events to raise funds to help children and families in need. Founded in 2016, Live Love Nashville has been committed to providing school supplies, hygiene items, food,
clothing and more to children who might otherwise have to do without.
One of the organization’s biggest fundraisers is the annual Hendersonville Hometown Jam Live Love Nashville concert. This year’s event was held at Veterans Park on Jun. 12, and it drew more than 1,400 supporters.
1. The Springs perform during the Live Love Nashville Hendersonville Hometown Jam on Jun. 12. 2. A large crowd attended the annual Live Love Nashville concert at Veterans Park on Jun. 12. 3. Lucas Leon performs at Veterans Park on Jun. 12. 4. Dancers enjoy the night during the Live Love Nashville concert on Jun. 12. 5. Stage lights illuminate the band as the sun sets over Veterans Park. 6. Veterans Park hosted the annual Live Love Nashville concert for kids and families on Jun. 12. 7. The Parks perform to close out the annual Live Love Nashville concert.
