We bring the beach to your backyard.
As a little girl, it didn’t take me long to understand how deeply the women of my life will impact me and undoubtedly direct my path. My mother, my grandmothers, sisters, my aunts and even my sister-in-love have all truly made an impact on my life as a woman, mother, friend, wife, and sister. I am overwhelmed with gratitude on a daily basis by how many amazing women I am surrounded by. We dedicate this month and this issue to the women who make a difference in our lives and community.
Our publication is uniquely run by some fantastic women that I am thankful to also call my friends and sisters in business. Without all of our heads, hearts, and hands in this, our publication wouldn't sparkle the way that it does.
With Mother’s Day this month, of course, all eyes are on moms… But it’s not just the biological mothers, it's also about the "mother" figures in our lives who have made an indelible impact on us. It’s the family members, teachers, friends and neighbors doing extraordinary things in our communities, pouring into our lives - making themselves unforgettable and irreplaceable.
I'll never forget one of my elementary school teachers. She had a whimsical air about her. She loved horseback riding and maintained a family farm outside of school. She enriched my yearning for history and the importance of understanding and respecting those who came before us, which of course, mirrored the principles I learned at home. Sometimes we don't realize until much later in life, how valuable those people are. They are in your journey to re-iterate some of the things you already know but help build the foundation of who you will truly become.
While it’s always important to shop local and support our area businesses, this month is the perfect time to patronize women-owned businesses in our communities. That’s one of my favorite parts of this role - connecting with and championing the best of the best when it comes to Mount Juliet women.
Take a few minutes to send a text, make a phone call, It only takes a minute to brighten someone’s day and remind them how much you love them. Editor's Note: In our April issue, the photographer for An Iconic Stage Travels Through Time was incorrectly listed. The photographer is Austin Lord, Gather Portraits. We deeply regret the error.
KIMBERLY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLEPUBLISHER
Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Kim Dickson | kim.dickson@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Crystal Stephens
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cassidy Polamn, Staci Bishop, Lisa Valentine, Kourtney McComb
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Crystal Stephens
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
Where neighbors can see and be seen.
1-7: Easter in the Park sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Mt. Juliet on Saturday, April 1st at Charlie Daniels Park.
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Our goal is to provide top-notch care to all of our patients. We pride ourselves on cutting edge technology and training so that we can bring the best care available to you and your family.
The City of Mt. Juliet is excited to announce Costco Wholesale has submitted its Development Plan package to our Planning Department in hopes of soon bringing their store to Mt. Juliet. The City of Mt. Juliet is most excited for the citizens who have sought after this business for many years to come to our community. The arrival of Costco will also provide incredible economic value to the City of Mt. Juliet when it comes to generating local sales tax revenue that serves as the lifeblood for city operations.
Andrews Transportation Group cuts the ribbon to open the Mt. Juliet location for customers. Andrews Cadillac Mt. Juliet is the first Cadillac Dealership in Tennessee to reflect Cadillac’s next-generation retail facility design optimized to focus on battery-powered electric transportation in addition to conventional gas-powered products. Andrews Cadillac Mt. Juliet is now open to the public for sales and service appointments at 560 Pleasant Grove Rd. Mt. Juliet For more information, visit andrewstransportationgroup.com or call 615-242-4242.
The City of Mt. Juliet went live on March 13th with Emergency Management Services transport. Creating the city’s own ambulance division was introduced and unanimously approved for the 2022-23 budget by the Mt. Juliet Board of Commissioners, Mayor James Maness, Vice Mayor and District 2 Commissioner Bill Trivett, District 1 Commissioner Ray Justice, District 3 Commissioner Scott Hefner, and District 4 Commissioner Jennifer Milele. City Commissioners allocated $1.8 million towards this endeavor.
Tennessee native, Sierra Barnett, releases “How to Catch a Lightning Bug”, a children’s book illustrating the best way to catch and, more importantly, release lightning bugs. Barnett’s first picture book celebrates all things Tennessee and features symbols like the state’s flower and the state’s insect, the firefly. “This book is a seize-the-day, get your butt outside, nature lover’s guide to safely catching lightning bugs,” Barnett says. Available at Magpies Mount Juliet, and Amazon for $10.99 USD. SierraBarnett.com
Mount Juliet business owner Judd Sellars welcomed members of Daniel’s family and city officials to the Charlie Daniels Mural on March 29th. “We love the beauty of this project downtown and the values it represents to our Mt. Juliet community. A big thank you to business owner Judd Sellars for his vision and execution of this plan. Feel free to stop by and grab your picture with this Mt. Juliet icon!” - City of Mt. Juliet
Ten: Thirty-Five loaded up their trailer and visited the Mount Juliet Academy for Girls, allowing them to shop from over 200 dresses and shoes. TenThirtyFive is an upscale thrift that exists to allow young women to shop for free. They are welcomed in with a voucher to shop for clothing, shoes, accessories, and more. They will take home a bag of beauty care and hygiene products upon each visit
Mount Juliet City Lifestyle Magazine celebrates two years in business this month. We hosted an all-day shop for a good cause to support a local girl struggling to fight cancer. A portion of the proceeds form the day were donated to her family to cover medical costs. We had treats from Graze Craze and so many local friends and partners stopped by!
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountJuliet
Photography City of Mt. Juliet
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Ladies, what is one of your favorite ways to spend a Saturday? Grab your gal pals and plan a day exploring these female-owned businesses right here in Mount Juliet. Start your day off with biscuits and coffee, followed by a facial or a massage. From there, reenergize your squad with a specialized tea or healthy shake and enjoy an afternoon of shopping at some of MJ's best female-owned boutiques.
SWEET BISCUIT COMPANY: Sweet Biscuit Company, home of Mt Juliet's favorite southern biscuits. Spring flavors now available, call ahead for daily selections. 2654 N Mt Juliet Rd, Mount Juliet, TN
THIRD COAST SALT: Relax in this 5200 sq ft spa equipped with salt and sweat therapy rooms including The Female Spa, which has an (8) person steam room. 1283 North Mount Juliet Road Mt. Juliet, TN
NUTRITION NOVA: Healthy Shakes, Energizing Teas, Good Vibes. Fuel up for your afternoon with these amazing shakes and treats. 11320 Lebanon Rd, Mount Juliet, TN
JADYK BEAUTIQUE: Trendy, unique, affordable women's boutique clothing! 2022 Winner of Best Boutique in Mount Juliet. 14625 Lebanon Road Mt. Juliet, TN
SISTER'S WHIMZY: Established in 2013, Sister's WhimZy has a diverse collection of clothing, and home décor including custom onsite laser engraving and custom made jewelry and accessories. 2396 N Mount Juliet Rd Mount Juliet, TN
Sisters Hannah and Hailey saw a growing need for Mt. Juliet to have a store that offers highend, top-quality clothing for babies, children, and more. In November of 2021, they became the proud owners of Magpies Mount Juliet. This boutique offers top brands in gifts and clothing, effectively reducing the need to leave town to find what you need. It’s all right here!
Hannah and Hailey each have an extensive history in sales and fashion, stemming from childhood. They felt driven to work in the sales industry and gained sales experience over the years. The sisters credit their mother for passing on her passion for fashion and creating a distinct drive to enter the clothing industry.
Small business owners in Mt. Juliet, Hannah, and Hailey note the importance of the unique support that other businesses and people within the community continually offer them. “Everyone wants to see everyone succeed,” Hannah explains. Most importantly, these sisters are deeply moved by the customer relationships cultivated in this special town. mountjulietkids.com
Magpies
What happens when a city girl grows up to marry a farm boy from Kentucky? She learns to jump headfirst into a business that pulls her closer to nature and into a career that brings her outdoors. This is precisely what happened to Allison Howard when her husband, John, suggested they say goodbye to their jobs in corporate America and hello to Lawns by Luke, a highly rated and locally owned landscaping business. What seemed to be a small vision at the time eventually grew into a company that now employs an amazing team of professionals who find true joy in caring for the outdoor spaces of folks and businesses right here in Mount Juliet.
Allison describes Lawns by Luke as a family affair created out of the desire to become closer to each other and the community. “A lot of what we do as a company is to really bless others,” she explains. Allison, her family, and their team of experts have formed a company that strives to create beautiful outdoor spaces for their clients, making Mount Juliet a beautiful place to be. lawnsbylukellc.com
“Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own”
- Michelle Obama
Allison Howard
Lisia Tucker’s journey to becoming a successful salon owner all started while taking a high school cosmetology class. She quickly obtained a license at the age of 18. Then in 1991, Lisia was presented with an opportunity to buy the salon she was working for. Lisia, who also works as a real estate agent, knew that Mount Juliet was a city on the rise, and in 2005 she decided to open the doors to Aqua Bella Day Spa & Hair Salon in Mount Juliet.
Lisia created Aqua Bella as a one-stop shop for people in Mount Juliet looking for hair and salon services. She has assembled a strong team of highly skilled professionals in beauty services, including manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages, facials, and all things hair.
Lisia credits the friendly and inviting nature of the people of Mount Juliet and being a member of the Chamber of Commerce for the success of her salon. “That has really helped me to get out there and learn and meet the community and other business owners.” aquabelladayspa
“There is no better personal development tool than running your own business.”- Ali Brown
Almost immediately after Shauna and Katie crossed paths, they realized they shared a vision. Natives of Wilson County, they were searching for an opportunity to create a top-quality beauty service business with a unique, boutique-like business model and bring those services to the people of Wilson County. In August of 2022, Katie and Shauna opened the doors to GloWilCo in Mount Juliet.
Shauna’s background in nursing and Katie’s background in anesthesia equipped them with the distinctive ability to serve a vast demographic of women and men. They work together to help clients achieve beauty goals in all aspects of health and beauty, including skincare, injectables for supplementation, IV therapy and hydration, treatments, and beauty enhancements.
These ladies have the good fortune of friendship to make what was once only a dream a reality. Much of the success of Glow Wilco is due in part to their ability to lean on each other as they navigate their professional lives and home lives. Being able to bring luxury beauty services to their hometown is one of Shauna and Katie’s deepest motivators. glowwilco.com
It takes passion and grit to rise above and meet the needs of a community that has suffered a disaster. After the tornado of 2020 ripped through our region, Regina and Jamie did just that. Each of them independently sought out positions as outreach organizers within their churches. Soon their paths would cross, and they would learn that their efforts to recover and rebuild would be more effective if they worked together. And so, through the support and sponsorship of Hands On Nashville, Regina and Jamie developed Volunteer Network. Volunteer Network was created to serve as Wilson County’s management hub in times of disaster and as a volunteer management system for long-term and ongoing volunteer opportunities within the community. Regina and Jamie explain that our community’s willingness to give back and serve their neighbors has been an impactful motivator for the development of the Volunteer Network, and now folks have a formalized space to do that.
As our community grows, so will the need for serving and volunteering. This powerful duo is making sure Wilson County is prepared to meet the needs of our community. volunteernetworktn.org
Crystal Stephens is quickly making a name for herself in Nashville as a luxury portrait and wedding photographer. She also specializes in natural light photography, headshots, and senior portraits. Crystal’s passion for photography was born out of a need she stumbled upon while running a previous clothing business. She began taking photos of inventory, modeling clothing, and styling flat lays. And in 2022, after several years of learning her way around the camera and mastering her editing skills, Crystal was ready to take her expertise to the next level by opening her own photography business, Crystal Stephens Photography.
Crystal and her family came to Mount Juliet in 2016 to help start New Tribe Church which has been a central part of their lives. Being a part of her church has helped Crystal foster lasting connections throughout the community. She understands that Mount Juliet is a very special place where small businesses support each other through a culture of connecting and encouraging. We are excited to follow Crystal in her business and her journey behind the lens. crystalstephensphotography.com
“What I learn from talking to so many women around the world: If you can empower them with the right things, the right tools. They can lift up their family. And that ultimately lifts up their community and their society.” – Melinda Gates
have more women innovating and leading in this industry. I hope Happenstance can be an example for many more women in bourbon to come!”
Happenstance Whiskey owner Paige Parker is making a name for herself in the bourbon industry as she’s created a whiskey that she describes as a “premium, full-bodied, easy to drink, and that caters to the modern bourbon drinker.”
“As of today, we are Nashville’s only 100% woman-owned bourbon company,” says Parker of Happenstance Whiskey.
Parker is no stranger to the alcohol industry, as she previously worked in marketing for Anheuser-Busch and has a sommelier background. Like many entrepreneurs, Parker found herself creating Happenstance Whiskey to fill a void in the industry and bring to life what she thought it was missing.
“I respect the heritage and tradition of bourbons before me, but with Happenstance, I wanted to create a bourbon that was premium with a contemporary twist,” she explains. “Since women are such a large percentage of all bourbon drinkers, I think it's really important to
One day she found herself at the liquor store, searching for the type of whiskey she had envisioned—and later created—when a salesperson approached her to see if she was looking for a gift for her father. In that moment, it was clear to Parker that there was a void in the market to be filled.
“That really made me think that there had to be other people like me who aren’t necessarily looking for that same traditional brand that’s out there,” she remembers. “It was in that moment that I knew that I had to be the one to create it, and so that’s where Happenstance was born.”
In the spring of 2021, Parker launched the brand with a name inspired by a lyric in Country artist Eric Church’s song “Springsteen.” While driving around listening to the radio, the song came on, and she knew it was meant to be. “The journey that led me here was happenstance, this company being in Nashville was happenstance, and I felt like it was the perfect name for a bourbon company,” she shares.
“…We’ve been really grateful that the community of Nashville has rallied behind the Happenstance brand,” says Parker. “We’ve been really fortunate to have some really strong women and men in Country who want to be a part of the Happenstance experience.” Country artists such as HARDY, Meghan Patrick, and Mitchell Tenpenny have even served Happenstance at their weddings.
With her sommelier background, she describes the flavor through the lens of wine connoisseurs.
“I always like to describe our flavor profile for those wine drinkers as a cabernet style bourbon,” she explains. “It’s full-bodied, smooth, naturally sweet with a bit of a rye finish on the backend.”
Whether neat or in a cocktail like a whiskey sour or ginger lemon whiskey, when it comes to the best way to drink Happenstance, whiskey lovers really can’t go wrong.
Happenstance Whiskey is currently available exclusively in Tennessee and can be found at favorite Nashville spots like the hotel bars at the Virgin, Joseph, and One hotels, as well as Assembly Food Hall and Acme on Broadway. It’s available on major alcohol delivery apps such as Uber Eats, Drizzly, and Mini Bar and at stores around the city. For a full list of locations where Happenstance Whiskey is sold, visit the “Find Us” tab on their website HappenstanceWhiskey.com.
Welcome to Mt. Juliet Family Vision, here we strive to deliver the ultimate customer service experience from the moment you walk in our door. We are devoted to creating high-quality eye wear you will fall in love with and be proud to wear. We take pride in using the latest technology to fully customize your visit. Everything is custom-tailored for you; from scheduling your appointment to designing your lenses!
It’s our belief that local people require local expertise. This includes your lawyer. Recognized by the Best Lawyers in America, The Law Offices of Christopher Eads is committed to putting clients first.
March 7th was the day it all changed for the Green Hill High School girls' basketball team. It was their turn to step onto the court in “The Glass House” at Murphy Center as MTSU hosted the TSSAA Class 4A State Quarterfinal game against Clarksville. They may have faced doubts along the way, but the Lady Hawks had grit and the support of the community of Mt. Juliet, hoping to see a tournament win for Green Hill.
With a full season of building trust, maintaining confidence, and sticking with the game plan, the Lady Hawks gained a historic win for their team in a 55-45 victory over the Lady Wildcats and picked up their first-ever state tournament win in their first-ever state tournament appearance. Lady Hawk senior Aubrey Blankenship states, “Us winning that first game proved that we deserved to be there.”
Through unwavering dedication, the Lady Hawks have successfully created a legacy for future players and have, without a doubt, been a powerful addition to Green Hill’s ongoing duty to Build the Hill. Fellow senior teammate Savannah Kirby explains, “Us seniors, we took a leap of faith coming to Green Hill. It was our incoming sophomore year...so, it was not only making it to the state or winning the first game, it was the legacy we leave as leaders and as people.” Sophomore and teammate Sullie Gerik adds, “If anyone has built the hill, it’s been these seniors. Everyone can go off of what they’ve done. We know how to continue their legacy and what they’ve built.” Green Hill High School remains an invaluable asset to our community, and this year the Lady Hawks have given us an impressive reminder. Go Hawks!
THIS ORGANIZATION IS HELPING WOMEN OF ALL AGES GAIN CONFIDENCE THROUGH A UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.
TenThirtyFive is more than just a second-hand, upscale boutique. What began as a storage unit and a pull-behind trailer has benefitted more than 500 women in need through two retail locations in Middle Tennessee. It all started with Angie Brantley. She knows firsthand the positive and negative impact that someone else can have on your life. As a young woman, she recalls letting other people and things determine her identity and worth.
After graduating from MTSU, she pursued a career in social work, where she saw girls with the same insecurities and felt a calling to help them. For Brantley, it wasn’t until she found a solid tribe in adulthood that she was able to come out on the other side. In 2019, she was a married mom of two boys and still strongly desired to equip and enable other women. She combined this passion with her retail experience, knowing that an outfit can be a catalyst for confidence.
The original 17x7 trailer was outfitted with hardwood floors and a dressing room. One of their
“TenThirtyFive is a connection to Hebrews 10:35. We identify as a confident hope and believe that if we keep pressing along, God will supply.”
“It has second-hand clothing, but the atmosphere feels like a high-end boutique. The mission to provide resources to young women makes it even better. TenThirtyFive is a must-visit!”
initial partnerships was through Youth Villages, a group home in the Nashville area, where each girl would receive five outfits. Word began to spread, and Brantley quickly realized they needed a larger location, which would allow them to serve more women and accommodate a more extensive selection of styles. Additional partnerships were formed, and TenThirtyFive now receives donations from local businesses, individuals, and other organizations.
In Fall 2022, a second retail location opened in Mount Juliet that’s open to the public Tuesday – Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Brantley says they have everything from Target to Jimmy Choo. You can often find items from Kate Spade, Lily Pulitzer, Coach, Chico, and other boutique brands, including apparel, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. Each purchase allows TenThirtyFive to provide vouchers for women needing to receive three tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes, and brand-new undergarments and beauty items. They currently serve girls in foster care, ladies in transitional housing, and those starting over in the workforce. Seeing how a bag of high-quality items can completely lift someone’s confidence is incredible. One recipient commented, “Y’all blessed us so much. It’s honestly my favorite memory and something I’ll never forget!” Another said, “My visit was amazing, and my every need was tended to. Thank you!’
The mobile boutique is still in service too. It recently made its way to local high schools with formal wear at Prom Pop-Up Events. They also stock Resource Closets for nearby organizations and schools with apparel and hygiene products in Davidson and Wilson County. In the future, Brantley hopes to see their non-profit expand into other cities and other countries.
TenThirtyFive hosts an annual fashion show where attendees can see recipients' model outfits. This event includes appetizers, a raffle, and a silent auction. Additionally, sponsors can support them through direct clothing donations or financial contributions. Highdemand items and event details can be found on their website, TenThirtyFive.net
Located on the picturesque shoreline of the Bolivar Peninsula, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach, Texas, will have you feeling like you walked into an all-inclusive tropical paradise.
It’s no secret as to why Margaritaville hotels and resorts draw people in across the country; their laid-back, ‘living on island time’ mantra and the luxurious accommodations make these locations the embodiment of the perfect getaway. Their RV resorts are no exception, setting them apart from other RV destinations by providing an all-in-one beachside haven and entertainment hub.
Many of us with experience traveling by RV understand the importance of quality places to camp while on the road. Camp Margaritaville in Crystal Beach, Texas, goes above and beyond what is standard for exemplary RV parks. Practical amenities for RV campers include full hookups, ADAaccessible sites, custom picnic tables, and concrete patios at all sites, and a majority include private dog runs for those who travel with furry family members, ultra-high-speed WiFi, luxury showers & laundry facilities.
Those conveniences are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you can expect from this resort.
Perhaps the most impressive component of Camp Margaritaville Crystal Beach is the License to Chill pool. This massive, heated pool is the largest RV resort pool in the country. As if this stunning oasis itself wasn’t enough, guests can take their pool experience to the next level with the swim-up bar, including food and drink service, oversized hot tubs, private cabanas, Surf Shop, and elevated VIP suites equipped with A/C, private bathrooms and decks overlooking the pool and concert venue.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly menu and a relaxing island vibe, the brand-new Fins Bar and Grill restaurant located in the center of Camp Margaritaville will do the trick. This laid-back spot has something for everyone, from its expansive selection of tropical-style drinks to its fresh and delicious food options. Campers can also snag a spot on one of the outside upper decks overlooking the enormous lawn and Paradise Park Stage to enjoy beautiful resort views, sunsets, and live music on select nights.
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RV campers traveling with kids appreciate the top-notch Parakeets Kid’s Park as well as the giant jumping pillow that no child can resist. Gaga Ball is a definite hit with kids of all ages, as are the daily activities the resort staff offers for both kids and adults at various places around the resort.
Absolutely everything you need to create an unforgettable vacation experience is at your fingertips at Camp Margaritaville. Rent a golf cart and tool around the resort, including the beach! Give your pooch some playtime and extra attention over at the Bark-aritaville Dog Park, complete with dog wash stations. Check out the camp store for necessities and souvenirs, get a sweat session in at the Fins Up! Fitness center, and on the rare occasion mother nature isn’t cooperating for outdoor activities, take the kids into Fins City Arcade for the afternoon for an assortment of addicting arcade games.
Feeling compelled to adventure outside of the resort? Located right on the Texas Gulf Coast, Camp Margaritaville guests enjoy direct access to the white sands of the 27 mile long Crystal Beach. Relax in the sunshine or scour the beach for shark teeth and shells. You might even discover the pirate treasure that belonged to the infamous pirate, Jean Lafitte, who explored the beaches of this particular peninsula!
Camp Margaritaville RV Resort Crystal Beach does everything BIG, including taking care of its campers. For anyone looking for an out-of-the-ordinary, sensational beach vacation, this place simply cannot be beaten.
Download the App or visit their website for more info: margaritavilleresorts.com/
The moms and the mother figures in our lives mean everything to us. They deserve the best every day, of course. But at least one day out of the year, we get to shower them with the same love and thoughtfulness they give to us so selflessly.
This year, we hope you’ll consider some memorable ways to make lasting memories with the mom or mother figure in your life. If you haven’t already planned something special, take a look at our list of ideas and circle your favorites. If you have kids, let them join in the fun too!
Whether you decide to spend a day at home or enjoy a day on the town, these innovative celebration ideas will include fun for the whole family and make Mom feel loved. Whatever activity or surprise you land on to show your mom, wife, sister or maternal figure your appreciation for all they do, the most important thing is that you all get to spend some quality time together.
Take a Flower Arranging Class Mother’s Day arrives just as spring is in full bloom. Take advantage of the season by going to a flower arranging class with mom.
If Mom likes strategizing, challenge her to a friendly board game competition. (And, no, you don’t have to let her win just because it’s Mother’s Day.)
This activity is especially fun if you have a lot of kids who want to get in on the action. Then, when you all get home, you can whip up a treat for Mom with your selections. (Maybe give her a strawberry in a Champagne glass while she waits.)
There’s no day like Mother’s Day to be impulsive! Book a weekend trip for the two of you at a cute B&B in a city Mom has always wanted to visit.
Find a puzzle with an image you know your mom will love (or make a custom one using a photo of the two of you) and put it together over wine and snacks. You’ll be amazed at how much chatting you can get done while puzzling.
Go to a play or a musical — lots of towns even host outdoor theater events.
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
THRU SEPTEMBER 17TH
First Art Museum
919 BROADWAY, NASHVILLE | 10:00 AM
Make plans to celebrate beloved English author and illustrator of The Tale of Peter Rabbit at the Frist Art Museum taking place April 7 through September 17 Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature will explore how Potter developed her stories and characters through letters, photographs, sketches, and watercolors.
MAY 11TH
Movie Event at the Capital Theatre
110 W MAIN STREET, LEBANON | 6:30 PM
Movie Event: Grease Sing-ALong. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Concessions available Tickets: $5. Grab your friends and family and head over to the Capital Theatre for this fun sing-along!
MAY 13TH
82nd Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival E. MARKET STREET
PORTLAND, TN | 9:00 AM
Kicking off the festival on Friday, May 12th, will be the Strawberry Jam Concert & Fireworks! Live music & food vendors will start at 5 pm with Rubiks Groove headlining, followed by fireworks at 8:30 pm. Friday night events are off E. Market Street. The main festival day will be Saturday,
May 13th! 200+ vendors, multiple music stages, kids' area & magic stage, and a parade at 4 pm to end the day!
MAY 20TH
14625 LEBANON RD OLD HICKORY | 9:00 AM
It's time for a Spring Pop Up Market!! Join in for a day full of Spring Fun with local vendors, artisans and crafters. 9 am - 4 pm.
MAY 20TH
210 ALBER GALLATIN AVE, GALLATIN | 10:00 AM
Join the Gallatin Parks & Recreation department in celebrating the inaugural Food Truck Festival of Gallatin! Come out and enjoy various food trucks and vendors, fun activities, live music, and community time! 10 am - 3 pm.
MAY 20TH
279 TATE LANE, MOUNT
JULIET | 11:00 AM
Mount Juliet Lodge No. 642 F&AM invites you to come on out and enjoy a day of great food, fun, and fellowship! Fresh catfish, hushpuppies, cole slaw, hand cut fries, white beans, and amazing deserts. $10 donation for adults, $5 donations for children 12 and under. 11 am - 6 pm.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MountJuliet
In the early days of the Covid shutdown, Mount Juliet resident Julie Sumrack had a strong desire to bring glimmer and hope to friends, family, and neighbors and she set out to make the perfect chocolate chip cookie. After many iterations, Julie perfected her recipe and has since delivered hundreds of these fantastic cookies throughout her community. Julie shares her recipe below:
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 stick of salted butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons hot water
• 2-3 pitches of table salt
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Pink Himalayan Salt or Maldon
Sea Salt Flakes
• Optional - additional 1/2 bag of milk chocolate chips
1. Beat the butter and sugars, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.
2. Dissolve the baking soda in hot water and add to the mixture.
3. Stir in the flour and chocolate chips.
4. Cool dough in the fridge for at least an hour
5. Drop dough onto a baking sheet using a melon ball scooper
6. Bake until the edges are golden brownusually 12 minutes
7. Sprinkle with the “good” salt as soon cookies are out of the oven.
8. Share the joy of a homemade chocolate chip cookie with neighbors, family, friends, and strangers who’ll become friends after eating these cookies
