Celebrating OCTOBER with FOOD and DRINK
DEBBIE'S PUMPKIN PIE
TENNESSEE
FESTIVAL
Food, Drink, Frights and Fun
“October, and the trees are stripped bare of all they wear. What do I care?” Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr.
After a summer of punishing heat and humidity, October has finally arrived, and with it, the return of autumn. The cool, crisp weather means that it is time to usher in a month filled with colorful leaves, fall festivals and, of course, football.
October also gives us dazzling sunsets and the return of fall constellations, which make for perfect settings for sharing our favorite pumpkin spiced treats around a warm firepit surrounded by friends and family. And lest we forget, the end of the month brings us Halloween, which is the official kick-off for the upcoming holiday season.
Here at Hendersonville Lifestyle, October also means that it is time for our food and drink issue. This month, we take great pleasure in inviting you to join us as we embark on a tasty food and drink journey that will delight all of the foodies in our lives.
As we embark on our epicurean odyssey, our first stop takes us to the shores of Old Hickory Lake and one of Hendersonville’s finest dining and entertainment establishments.
Next, we pay a visit to one of our city’s signature events that features entrees, sides, desserts and drinks from some of the best food truck chef’s across Middle Tennessee.
Continuing, our Hendersonville Lifestyle copy editor shares one of her favorite pumpkin pie recipes that is sure to titillate your taste buds this fall.
Next, we make a quick departure from the world of food by visiting with a local actor who works hard to put the horror into horror movies.
After that frightful stop, we return to the realm of food and drink to share some favorite Halloween snack ideas that are perfect for the entire family.
Finally, our City Scene and Business Monthly sections will keep you up to date on the latest happenings in Hendersonville that make our city such a special place in which to live, work and play.
Admit it – we have your mouth watering, don’t we?
Good.
So, come along with us as take a trip down foodie lane.
We hope to see you around soon!
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rick Murray, Debbie Murray
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Rick Murray, Lynn Bowles
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
Sailing Away At The Rudder
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WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Latoya Holcomb speaks at the Community Life Bridge "Be the Bridge" event on Aug. 21. 2: Community Life Bridge Volunteer of the Year Seanna Parker addresses the assembly on Aug. 21. 3: 2025 Community Life Bridge Be the Bridge award winner Barbara McGinnis addresses the crowd.
4: Lelan Statom shares a moment with Community Life Bridge Board Chair Nellie Cole. 5: A capacity crowd attended the annual "Be the Bridge" event hosted by Community Life Bridge. 6: Community Life Bridge Executive Director gives a presentation during the 2025 "Be the Bridge" event.
7: A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for Foster Friendly Hendersonville on Aug. 28.
RICK MURRAY
RICK MURRAY
RICK MURRAY
RICK MURRAY
RICK MURRAY
SACRED TREE PHOTOGRAPHY
RICK MURRAY
United Way of Sumner County Community Impact Breakfast
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, United Way of Sumner County gathered over 200 community leaders, businesses, donors, advocates, and volunteers for its annual Community Impact Breakfast. This inspiring event celebrated the power of giving, advocacy, and volunteerism while honoring those who make a lasting difference in the community.
Photography by United Way of Sumner County
Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas Hosts Overdose Awareness Fair
Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas hosted a community resource fair in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day on Friday, Aug. 29, at the newly renovated Volunteer Behavioral Health location at 510 East Main Street in Gallatin.
Best Buy Celebrates Grand Opening in Hendersonville
The Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 29 for Best Buy at its new location in the Glenbrook Shopping Center at 1018 Andrews Run in Hendersonville.
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Photography by Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas
Photography by Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce
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Sailing Away At The Rudder
HENDERSONVILLE'S DESTINATION FOR DINING ON OLD HICKORY LAKE
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYNN BOWLES
Since its founding, Hendersonville has been known as the City by the Lake. Every year, thousands of locals and tourists flock to the area to enjoy fun times both on and off Old Hickory Lake.
After a long day on the water, many folks like to gather their friends and family together for drinks and dinner by the lake. One of the most popular places for lakeside dining is The Rudder. Situated in the heart of Anchor High Marina, The Rudder is widely renowned for its great food, signature drinks, live entertainment and outstanding customer service. Whether they arrive by boat or by car, guests are always assured of having a memorable experience.
Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle visited with owners Patrick and Zach Patton to find out how they have transformed The Rudder into one of the city’s signature destinations.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY?
“We started working for our dad, Pat Patton, while in college. In 2012, he assumed ownership of The Rudder. We continued working with him there until 2013-14, when we each decided to pursue careers outside of the family business. However, our dad passed unexpectedly in June 2021, and we were thrust right back into the business then, and we are very grateful to be able to continue his legacy.”
WHY HENDERSONVILLE?
“We grew up in Goodlettsville and Hendersonville. This area has always been home.”
WHAT MAKES THE RUDDER DIFFERENT FROM OTHER LOCAL RESTAURANTS?
“The Rudder is a destination restaurant, and it is difficult to find a better setting any time of year. It feels like vacation when we are here, and we want our customers to feel that way as well.”
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST POPULAR MENU ITEMS?
“We feature two menus throughout the year – summer and winter, and we love that we are able to offer a variety of items that go along with the season. For example, on our summer menu, we feature Fish Tacos, Hot Crab Dip (2024 Taste of Hendersonville Best Appetizer winner), the Smash Burger and our crispy Fish n’ Chips. On our winter menu, we showcase such favorites as our Ale Pork Chop, Jalapeno Chicken Pasta, Shrimp n’ Grits and Brussels Sprouts (2023 Taste of Hendersonville Best Side Dish winner).”
WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT FROM AN EVENING OUT AT THE RUDDER?
“Every evening at The Rudder provides a lighthearted, fun, family experience with incredible food and great service.”
DO YOU HAVE FACILITIES TO HOST PRIVATE EVENTS?
“Yes, we do. During the winter season, we offer many options for private events, and we love hosting local businesses and community members for whatever event they are celebrating. While this is more difficult for us to do during the summer season, we have been known to make exceptions for smaller events.”
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE RUDDER?
“During summer, we have live music every night we are open (Tuesdays through Sundays), and during the winter, we have live music on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as live trivia on Wednesday nights.”
“The Rudder provides an opportunity to put your daily stresses to the side for a few hours, and break bread with good friends and live music.”
Fresh seafood is a staple at the Rudder.
“As a locally owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on being a staple of the Hendersonville community, and we look forward to continuing to serve our friends and neighbors for many years to come.”
- Patrick and Zach Patton
HOW HAS YOUR BUSINESS BOUNCED BACK AFTER THE DECEMBER 2023 TORNADO?
“2024 was a difficult year for The Rudder, but we were very fortunate compared to many of our neighbors in the community, specifically Anchor High Marina, where all the docks were destroyed. The marina reopened this year, and having the boats back has been a much-welcomed sight. We have had great support from the community, and we are grateful to call Hendersonville home.”
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR BUSINESS?
“First, how you treat people will always determine how you are remembered. No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. However, showing respect and kindness will always find common ground, and help to foster meaningful relationships with customers and employees. Second, business and life are more enjoyable when you are surrounded by people you love and trust. We put a lot of faith in our team at The Rudder, and it is a blessing to have them representing us.”
The Rudder
126 River Road, Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.348.0129
TheRudderAHM.com
Steaks, seafood and cocktails - the Rudder has you covered.
The Rudder is widely renowned for its warm hospitality and customer service.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY
Popular Event Returns to Veterans Park To The Delight Of Hendersonville Foodies
Champion griller Andre Hathaway of Andre's
took top honors for the 2nd consecutive year at the Middle Tennessee Food
Sharing outdoor meals with friends and family is one of the greatest pleasures of late summer and early fall. Warm weather, savory aromas and tasty treats come together naturally to create memorable dining experiences.
Many people enjoy preparing their own outdoor feasts in elaborate backyard smokers and barbecue pits. They derive great joy in sharing their grilling prowess in familiar surroundings.
However, an increasing number of al fresco diners prefer to skip the cooking and clean up chores by visiting their favorite food trucks. Today’s mobile eateries offer a broad variety of entrees, side items and desserts prepared by some of the most passionate chefs around. Every day across our community, talented food truck operators offer unique, delicious treats that are sure to tickle the tastebuds of any foodie.
From brisket entrees to vegan delicacies to exotic ethnic cuisine, food trucks have become an important part of the outdoor dining scene. Many popular truck operators have built up large followings of customers who routinely follow them from site to site throughout the year.
Barbecue
Truck Festival
In 2024, Hendersonville hosted the inaugural Middle Tennessee Food Truck Festival at Veterans Park. The event drew over 1,000 hungry patrons who enjoyed entrees, sides, desserts and drinks served by 21 food truck vendors.
The festival was the idea of local businessman Jake Kearney, the co-owner of Frosted Luau, an upscale mobile dessert business that specializes in fruit-flavored soft serve ice cream and sorbet. As he began to spend more time on his business, Kearney noticed the passion of his fellow food truck operators as they delivered outstanding food and customer service.
“I wanted to create an event that would showcase the best food truck operators in Middle Tennessee,” said Kearney. “After meeting with the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation team, I decided to create something that would showcase the best of the best food truck options in Middle Tennessee, and give all the outstanding food truck owner operators an opportunity to gain recognition for what they’re doing.”
Along with helping the food truck community, Kearney also wanted to give back to a local food-related nonprofit. After researching various organizations, he chose the Feed Sumner Food Bank to be the event’s beneficiary. In exchange for the donation of a canned food item, guests enjoyed free admission to the festival while helping to restock the shelves Feed Sumner’s pantry.
After seeing the success of the inaugural event, Kearney decided to keep the festival going on an annual basis to become one of Hendersonville’s signature celebrations. As a result, the Middle Tennessee Food Truck Festival returned to Hendersonville’s Veterans Park for the second consecutive year on Saturday, Aug. 16. Despite a heavy dose of late summer heat and humidity, this event drew even more vendors and guests than last year. As in 2024, guests were admitted free in exchange for donations to Feed Sumner.
At the end of the evening, Kearney and his team gave out awards honoring the “best of show” in four different categories, along with a single overall “best of festival” winner. The victors included Andre’s Barbecue (Middle Tennessee’s Top Food Truck – 2nd year in a row, and Top BBQ), Mac Shack (Top Comfort Food), Mason’s Hotdogs (Top Sandwiches – 2nd year in a row) and Vansauwa’s Tacos and Vegan Eats (Top International Food – 2nd year in a row).
From giant hot dogs to exotic ethnic cuisine, the Middle Tennessee Food Truck Festival had something for everyone.
Thousands
of food lovers took advantage of the warm weather to enjoy the Middle Tennessee Food Truck Festival.
The diversity of dining options brought out hungry diners from across Middle Tennessee.
DEBBIE'S PUMPKIN PIE
ingredients:
• 1 – 15 oz. can of pumpkin
• 1 – 14 oz. can Eagle Brand milk
• 2 – eggs
• 1 – Tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 – Tsp. ginger
• 1/2 – Tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 – Tsp. salt
• 1 – 9” unbaked pie crust (regular or deep dish)
Hendersonville Lifestyle Copy Editor Shares
One Of Her Favorite Fall Dessert Recipes
directions:
Step 1. Preheat oven to 425°.
Step 2. Beat pumpkin, Eagle Brand milk, eggs and spices in a bowl.
Step 3. Pour mixture into pie crust.
Step 4. Bake for 15 minutes.
Step 5. Reduce oven heat to 350° and continue baking.
Step 6. Insert knife into the pie mixture periodically and discontinue baking when it is clean upon removal.
Step 7. Let pie cool.
Step 8. Garnish with ice cream or whipped cream.
Step 8. Enjoy!
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY, DEBBIE MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Lynn turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
Hendersonville
Lifestyle
Published
by Lynn Loved by Hendersonville
DRINKS
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED
PUTTING THE HORROR INTO Halloween
LOCAL ACTOR SHINES BRIGHT IN TELEVISION AND MOTION PICTURES
Every October, most people look toward the month’s end to enjoy one of their favorite fall holidays – Halloween. From preschoolers to senior citizens, there is always something to enjoy during this spooky season.
For many people, the preferred way of celebrating the witching hour is to grab a hot toddy, curl up by a warm fireplace and binge on some of their favorite horror movies and television shows. After all, the best way to watch scary monsters and villains is from the safety of our living rooms.
While everyone has their favorite horror character, one of the most popular fiends is Jason Voorhees, the undead protagonist of the “Friday the 13th” franchise. Since 1980, Jason has entertained audiences around the world with his adventures at Camp Crystal Lake and beyond.
"Do what you love to do without reservation, and without doubt in your heart." – James Stokes
Recently, Hendersonville Lifestyle had the opportunity to sit down with local actor, stuntman and producer James Stokes, who has portrayed many different characters, including Jason Voorhees in “Voorhees: Night of the Beast.” James was happy to give us an inside look at the world of acting from an insider’s perspective.
What drew you to acting?
“I’ve always been an entertainer. I love to make people laugh, happy and smile, even cry or feel anger. It gives me satisfaction and a joy in my heart to entertain people.”
What are some of your favorite roles that you have played over the years?
“Some of my favorite roles have been playing a cowboy in a few westerns, portraying a father in a military film coming back from deployment to his daughter, playing a paramedic in the award-winning Netflix series “Stranger Things,” and playing the icon horror character, Jason Voorhees.”
What is your favorite genre?
“I love horror roles the most, but I also enjoy working western, action and drama films that give me an opportunity to show depth in my acting skills.”
What is the most important thing that you have learned from your acting career?
“The most important thing I have earned is to have tough skin, and to be mentally prepared for everything. Acting can bring out the best and the worst in a person, and sometimes you have to remember that you are just acting.”
Which do you prefer – film or television?
“At this point in my career, I prefer film over TV roles because of the sense of satisfaction of seeing something being developed in a shorter amount of time instead of a series that can take months to complete.”
What projects are you currently working on?
“Right now, I have two film horror film projects in the works, as well as a new television series in which I am one of the main actors as well as an executive producer. I am also managing an up-and-coming country music artist whose first single dropped on Spotify one month ago.”
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 10/31/25. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing
Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.
pumpkin FRUIT BOWL
With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.
spooky CHARCUTERIE
These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.
stuffed PEPPERS
This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.
ghostly DIP
Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.
jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY
The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.
