Mitchell Kolinsky,
“FAR MER WANTS A WIFE”
PARTICIPANT AND TENNESSEE NATIVE SHARES HIS STORY ABOUT LIFE ON THE FARM
LIFE + CULTURE MEN OF INFLUENCE- ELEVATING MIDDLE TENNESSEE
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BUILDING BY THE (GOOD) BOOK- SAM ANDERSON ON GOD, FAMILY, AND BECOMING AN ARCHITECT
WELLNESS
PROTECT + SERVE- ONE LOCAL VETERAN’S MISSION TO GIVE BACK JUNE 2024
Wowzers, we are overwhelmed this month with all the incredible men we are surrounded by every day that we were able to uncover for you this month!
First, if you haven't heard, Mount Juliet is quickly becoming a household name around the country lately. Last year we were honored to share the success of one of our young residents, Oliver Steele- from ‘American Idol,’ and this June, we got to take a peek inside "Farmer Wants a Wife" participant Mitchell Kolinsky's 40-acre farm right here in the heart of Mount Juliet, TN.
Our roundup of local inspirational men includes everything from Nashville Superspeedway's (GM Matt Greci) to local influencers, Justin Beasley, Joe Dubin, and state-of-the-art, home builder, Lysle Oliveros (Virtue Modern).
We hope you enjoy reading about many more influential men in our community this month who are making a difference every day!
Personally, I am grateful for the many men in my life, not just my father, but teachers, uncles, and other men of influence who have looked out for me both in my personal life and professional career. Most of all I am thankful for my husband who has not only been an incredible partner and father of our girls but has gone out of his way to support me and my passions.
Cheers to the men who influence and lead our community daily and those who are raising our next generation of gentlemen in Mount Juliet, TN.
KIMBERLY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @MOUNTJULIETLIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Courtney Stockton, Staci Bishop, John Zendrosky, Kourtney McComb, Cassidy Polman, Nicci Lavine
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Relive Studio, Kimberlee Brooke & Co., Marykae Broberg, Chris Carino, Danny Mark Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray
April 19th, Wilson County Motors and CedarStone Bank sponsor the 26th annual Wilson County Teacher of Year Banquet hosted by Cumberland University 1: Southside School 3rd grade teacher, Jessica Roper, 2024 Wilson County Teacher of the Year winner. 2: Co-Sponsors W.P. Bone, owner of Wilson County Motors and Bob McDonald, President & CEO of CedarStone Bank 3: Bob McDonald, Jessica Roper, Chareda Sims, W.P. Bone 4: Wheels & Heels event panelists: Catherine Sutherland, Logan Misuraca, Annie F. Downs, Michelle Boykin, and Amber Anderson 5: Nashville Superspeedway hosts first Wheels & Heels event benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities. 6: Mount Juliet City Lifestyle Publisher, Kim Thomas, and Editor, Cassidy Polman, at Nashville Superspeedway’s Wheels & Heels event. 7: Nashville Superspeedway hosts inaugural Wheels & Heels event to benefit Speedway Children’s Charites.
mor e. With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only.
Expir es 6/30/24. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
March 19th-22, Lindell Jewelers hosted its popular Great Estate Buying Event. Those looking to sell valuables that were no longer worn or needed were encouraged to come to Lindell’s where their experts evaluated each piece and gave on-the-spot offers. Items that Lindell Jewelers buy include diamonds, gold and platinum, fine jewelry, old sterling, fine watches, old coins and currency, old paintings, and even autographs and photos. Location: 7028 Church St. E, Ste. 106, Brentwood, TN 37027
A LOCAL, VETERAN-OWNED COMPANY ON ITS UNYIELDING SUPPORT FOR THOSE WHO SERVE
ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIMBERLEE BROOKE & CO.
“I wanted to create something that not only had the capacity to grow or something that I could expand, but something that allowed me to reach higher heights and allowed me to support the causes and organizations that I felt strongly about.”
It’s 2008, the world is beginning to feel the economic blows of one of the worst financial crises since the Great Depression, and you’ve just been laid off from your first post-college job. What you once considered a secure path and career is now diminished, leaving you instead with more questions than answers about what the future holds. Amid the angst and confusion, a friend asks, “Have you ever thought about joining the military?” This was Jeremy Branan’s experience, one that he likely shares with many others. And this seemingly small question would be the instrument that propelled him into military life. A life he otherwise would have never considered. After a fair dose of inquiry and research, Branan realized that the military was exactly where he needed to be. Looking back on the outset of this unexpected course, he notes, “I wouldn’t be the man I am today or where I am today if I hadn’t made that decision. Looking at the life I have and the things around me and the people around me, I’m one hundred percent glad I did it. My only regret is that I didn’t do it earlier.”
For eight years, Branan served in the United States Army during the height of the war on terror. He recalls that his most difficult days and experiences were met with deep connections and an unmatched bond with fellow soldiers; a camaraderie he will carry with him for a lifetime. But when the time came to retire from the Army and reintegrate into civilian life, Branan once again found himself at the threshold of uncertainty. Fortunately, someone saw the unique skill set and determination that he acquired as a veteran and offered him employment. Having been at the precipice of a career change more than once, Branan was keenly aware of the need to support other soldiers who were reintegrating into
everyday life. This awareness would serve as the catalyst for creating Protect + Serve, an e-commerce company that sells quality, affordable grooming and lifestyle products with the sole purpose of giving back to veterans, first responders, and their families.
Determined to reach the lives of as many veterans and first responders as possible, Branan utilized both his education and military experience to create a business that could do just that. “I wanted to create something that not only had the capacity to grow or something that I could expand, but something that allowed me to reach higher heights and allowed me to support the causes and organizations that I felt strongly about. And do it on a grander scale than I could ever do on my own.” To that end, Protect + Serve proudly donates a portion of all profits to carefully vetted organizations that have proven to give directly to service members and first responders. Branan explains, “I am very selective about who I choose to donate to. I want people that buy from me to know that I’m donating a portion of that to [those] companies. I want them to know that their money is going to the right place.”
Customers of Protect + Serve can be certain that they’ll find and enjoy specially formulated grooming products, hand-poured soaps, even handpoured, soy wax candles. More fundamentally, they can feel good about supporting a business that aims to give back to veterans, first responders, and their families. Behind it all, Jeremy Branan remains a ferocious advocate for those who have served and intends to stay steadfast on his mission to protect and serve.
www.protectandservehq.com
ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK ROBINSON, RELIVE STUDIO
First and foremost, thank you for choosing Mt. Juliet, TN to plant your roots and continue your farming heritage. Can you explain to our readers how you found Mt. Juliet and what made you decide to stay? I found this place on Facebook marketplace in 2021, and it was up for rent; it looked like something
“I know growing up here has had a lasting impact on me and I’m so thankful.”
that would suit my needs perfectly and [was] truly a lifelong dream, especially since my grandfather had a farm. I rented it for two years and then bought it this past year, as the good Lord blessed me with perfect timing.
Share with us a little background from growing up on a farm and how that has propelled you to start your own. I grew up on a small quarter-horse farm, just outside Knoxville. I always dreamt of having a larger farm. I studied agriculture leadership at the University of Tennessee, where I found my outdoor niche – hunting and gathering, and cultivating the land for a better tomorrow.
You're from the Knoxville area – share with us your experience living there, your family roots, and how that shaped you. Born and raised a Tennessee boy, my grandfather and father played football at the University of Tennessee. We've had the same season tickets since 1956 on the 50-yard line. My grandfather played with
Johnny Majors and was a part of the 1956 SEC championship team. I know growing up here has had a lasting impact on me and I'm so thankful for those around me and this beautiful land I get to call home.
You’re well known now because of the show, "Farmer Wants A Wife." Can you share your experience? Would you do it again? It was an experience unlike any other. I was able to purchase my dream farm and have five beautiful women come live in my 1890 Log Cabin – sounds like a true TV show if you ask me. All jokes aside, it was a great experience. All the girls say they left the farm better than they came in, and as a man, that's all you can ask for. It gave me good insight into a woman's mind and heart. It taught me patience and solidified my need for the true love of a woman on the farm. I'm so thankful to Fox for allowing me to be part of this amazing journey and I can't wait to see what’s ahead. Maybe some outdoor hunting shows or cultivating a farm.
“I encourage the community to come out and talk about agriculture and how important it is in growing harvest and community!”
- What's your favorite thing to do outside the farm?
University of Tennessee football games.
- What's your drink of choice? Cowboy coffee – straight, black, and strong enough to float a horseshoe.
- What's your favorite thing to hunt? Ducks for sure.
- Favorite Sports Team? Tennessee Volunteers and whichever team Jauan Jennings is on.
- If you had to be anything else besides a farmer what would you be?
I'd like to be in secret operations.
Anything else you'd like our readers to know about you?
I'd love to also share my business, Kolo Creations; We specialize in tree care and removal and outdoor landscapes. Specifically, dirt excavation, hardscapes and drainage systems, and plant installations. I also have a pick-your-own garden coming to Mount Juliet mid-July. I encourage the community to come out and talk about agriculture and how important it is in growing harvest and community! I also love to sing, play guitar, and write.
Where a patient starts their cancer journey matters. And here, that means Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Wilson County, where you will find the same world-renowned expertise and care of our Nashville campus without the drive. From screening and diagnosis, to treatment and recovery, patients receive all the care they need at one convenient location, close to home and family.
What’s more, we are the only cancer provider in the area that offers a full array of multi-disciplinary services, and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for both adults and children in Tennessee. So having the best care team and most advanced treatments is now closer than ever.
Visit VanderbiltIngramCancerCenter.com or call 615-936-8422
Men of influence exist in everyone’s lives. Fathers, brothers, sons, musicians, actors, etc. This month, we would love to tell some of the stories that you can’t find on Google about these four men. Men who are admired in their families, their neighborhoods, and throughout middle Tennessee! Who would they bring to a cookout? Who was their man of influence? Do they have a trophy they have held onto for FAR too long?
PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL VIPS: WHAT INSPIRES THEM AND WHO THEY WOULD BRING TO THE COOKOUT
ARTICLE BY JOHN ZENDROSKY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Lysle Oliveros is a local architect and Founder/ CEO of Virtue Modern. He and his wife, Kamiko, have three children, Kaori, Rori, and Quino. Lysle values setting a great example, being reliable, and being dependable for those in his life.
Lysle learned what it means to be a man through his father. Growing up in the Philippines and Africa, he watched his father work tirelessly until he could legally bring their family to the United States. He was a great teacher and helped to build confidence and resilience in Lysle through his commitment to hard work and perseverance.
Lysle’s top cookout guests show his dedication to the mission he has for Mt. Juliet, “to show that modernism is more than just a white barn. I want to create homes that offer an experience, blending innovation, sustainability, and beauty”. Lysle would invite Steve Jobs, Curtis Moody (owner of the largest minority-owned architecture firm and Lysle’s first boss), and Jeanneret Le Corbusier (a revolutionary architect who introduced modernity to the world). Manning the grill would be none other than Ron Swanson (Parks and Recreation).
CONTINUED >
He is affectionately referred to as ‘Nashville’s Media Darling,’ Joe Dubin is a native Nashvillian who went to McGavock High School and graduated from MTSU. He is a three-time EMMY winning reporter who has spent 25 years working in radio and television. Joe is a published author with three books already penned.
Joe learned to be an amazing man through his grandpa, Ted Eller, as his father was not around. Ted stepped in and showed Joe that true men do not talk negatively about others. His mother taught him responsibility and stepped in to teach him how to tie a tie, played catcher while he learned to pitch, and showed him what it means to get back up when life knocks you down many times.
Joe would be sure to include cheap cigars, tequila, and some new biographies at his cookout. He would bring along Elvis Presley, Ernest Hemmingway, and then Jesus who would round out the party and man the grill because he fed 5,000 and didn’t have a single negative review.
Joe is inspired to be a beacon in the community as he lost five friends last year to suicide. The quote, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation,” hits Joe hard. On a lighter note, he is always on a mission to feed the hungry, house homeless dogs, and love on his daughters Hannah (25), and J.J. (18). This October, Hannah will also give Joe a new title. Grandpa!
Matt Greci is our Senior Vice President and General Manager at the Nashville Superspeedway. Matt and his wife, Jamie, have two exciting children, McCoy (7) and Wesson (5). Their family ADORES golden retrievers, sports, trading cards (McCoy), and superheroes (Wesson).
Matt’s job is unquestionably the loudest one mentioned here. He has a passion for sporting events, entertainment, and the power of an unforgettable moment. McCoy and Wesson certainly get plenty of those moments at the track- something that is incredibly important to Matt and Jamie! Matt won his High School State soccer championship and still holds that trophy to this day, so you know he’s serious about memories.
Greg Walter is one of the men that Matt always looked up to as a great example of being a man. Greg is located at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, where Matt spent almost 14 years. Greg taught Matt the values of being an effective leader, emphasizing presence and composure in challenging situations. He hopes to bring that same presence to Mt. Juliet as his focus centers on children’s charities, local endeavors benefiting future generations, and the growth and prosperity of the surrounding area.
When asked about his dream tailgate crew before race day, Matt’s answers did not disappoint! Arnold Palmer and Dale Earnhardt Sr. would be joining Matt and enjoying the evening as Chris Farley tends to the grill.
CONTINUED >
Justin Beasley is the current Communications Director for the City of Mt. Juliet. He has been married for 8 years to Karrianne and they have two fantastic children together, Brady (2), and Grant (4 months). He also REALLY loves the Florida Gators!
Being a man of influence is incredibly important for Justin as a one-time holder of the prestigious “Dad of the Year” trophy. His role as a father and husband is not lost on him as he is incredibly excited to build up his children as God-fearing men who have grown up and seen how a Godly man shows love in marriage, family, and the day-to-day grind.
He was fortunate enough to have a close relationship with his friend, Drew Crossett, who embodied those virtues in life. Drew wore many hats in Justin’s life, Young Life leader, assistant baseball coach, and his weightlifting partner before passing in 2017.
Justin could run through a brick wall after a good story of overcoming the odds. Perseverance is something that is lost in today’s world, and something he admires greatly.
At Justin’s cookout is his childhood idol, Derek Jeter, one of the best leaders of all time, Tom Brady, and the Florida legend himself, Tim Tebow. As the southern boy, Tebow would be manning that grill as legendary stories are shared in that sporting Mount Rushmore.
OF FAITH AND SERVANT
SHAPED THE SKYLINE AS THE CORNERSTONE OF ANDERSON
YOUR IMPRESSIVE CAREER AS A LICENSED ARCHITECT SPANS DECADES AND ENCOMPASSES AN INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF PROJECTS INCLUDING HIGH-RISE OFFICE BUILDINGS, RESIDENCES, CUTTING-EDGE GYMNASTICS FACILITIES, AND RESTAURANTS. WHERE DID IT ALL BEGIN? WHEN AND HOW DID YOU DECIDE THIS WAS THE PATH YOU WERE MEANT TO TAKE?
I have always been interested in patterns and order, even when just a young child growing up in Miami. I played with wooden blocks, built models of cars and rockets, drew fanciful creatures, and was always piecing together tree forts in the huge ficus trees in our neighborhood. Science and geometry were my favorite subjects in middle school, and I was starting to get into trouble at school for not listening, preferring instead to draw doodles all over the paper instead of taking notes.
I began classes at the University of Florida in the fall of 1979 and was on a Pre-Med course. After coming very close to failing calculus and chemistry, I decided I would become a fine arts major. My dear mother, Connie, said "Oh no you don't! Why not go into architecture? You would earn a professional degree and probably be good at it!" Not having a lot of other options, I listened to her and began taking architecture classes and excelling in them.
ASIDE FROM VARIOUS FEATURED COMMERCIAL PROJECTS AROUND MT JULIET SHOWCASING YOUR PRESENCE IN THE COMMUNITY, YOU ALSO CREATED A COMMUNITY DISCUSSION GROUP CALLED LEADERSHIP BY THE BOOK. COULD YOU EXPOUND ON THE HISTORY OF THIS GROUP AND WHAT IT ENTAILS?
In April of 2014, Mark Hinesley, president of the Mount Juliet Chamber, asked me if I would consider being on the Chamber Board of Directors. I told him I would be honored but didn't know where I might fit in and be of service. I was growing in my Christian faith at the time and thought that it would be interesting and helpful if perhaps there was a way to incorporate scriptural ethics and principles into business operations. I brought my idea to Mark, calling it "Business By the Book" and Mark suggested meeting every third Thursday of the month, so naturally it became "Third Thursday Business By the Book", or 2T3B.”
Lee Campbell was available and willing to take over the leadership of the group several years ago and the name was modified to "Leadership By the Book" and we have been going strong ever since!
HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY INSPIRE YOU BOTH PERSONALLY AND AS AN ARCHITECT?
When I talk about my family, I always start with my faithful wife of 35 years, Leigh Ann! We met at church in Atlanta while I was a graduate student at Georgia Tech, and we have always been faithful to the Lord in church attendance and service through the ups and downs. I have three adult children: Ashley McCormack (Ethan), Samuel Morris Anderson, and Jaqueline Sorrels (Jameson), and one granddaughter, Andie Kate McCormack. I'm very tempted to use a lot of corny architectural words right now to describe how I "built" character into them by laying a strong "foundation" of faith and service, and "modeled" what love and forgiveness look like. I will resist that temptation, and instead sketch out my plan of parenting: always keep it light and fun, laugh often, and at times, laugh at myself! I read the Bible to them, sang songs, drew
drawings with them, played video games, and loved their mom! My main goal was to be there for them, and now they are being there for me!
ARE YOUR GOALS FOR ANDERSON ARCHITECTS IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?
When I first started Anderson Architects, I prayed to the Lord that he would use me to be a blessing to others. That is still my priority, and for that reason, I would take on some of the more difficult and messy projects and help people realize their dreams. We have been upgrading all aspects of our practice and have many more upgrades to accomplish. We have been doing almost all of our projects in 3D design software, and more of our staff are learning to do photo-realistic renderings in our Lumion software. In 5 years, I will be 68 and I will most likely be working on designing buildings!
Enjoy the full interview at www.citylifestyle.com/mountjuliet
Bloom Pediatric Therapy is growing and adding a speech-language pathologist! Morgan earned her bachelor’s degree in communication disorders with a minor in child development at Southeast Missouri State University before completing her master’s degree in SpeechLanguage Pathology at Maryville University. Morgan specializes in pediatric care, dedicated to helping children reach their maximum potential by supporting their development of speech, language and feeding skills. Morgan’s passion and commitment to her clients and their families promotes a positive and engaging environment for therapy. Morgan is currently accepting new patients.
TRISTAR SUMMIT MEDICAL CENTER AND HUGHSTON CLINIC ORTHOPAEDICS COLLABORATE FOR CARE
ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
March 28th marked an important day for Wilson County as TriStar Summit Medical Center celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art TriStar Summit Surgery Center in Lebanon, TN. But this pivotal moment could not have happened were it not for the concerted efforts of dedicated physicians, executives, and staff aiming to deliver a facility of this magnitude to our community.
Dr. Jonathan Cornelius of Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics was one such physician who played a key role as a visionary for the multi-specialty surgery facility primarily centered around robotic surgery. Teaming up five years ago with then CEO of TriStar Summit Medical Center, Brian Marger, the two realized an obvious need for a surgery center in Wilson County and decided that the two facilities could expand together to fulfill that need. A collaboration that culminated in an unequaled surgery center designed from the ground up with the latest cutting-edge technology. Dr. Cornelius explains, “The problem with most surgery centers that are currently existing is that they were designed for smaller surgeries. But with the advent of robotics, you need space for the robots ... And this center was designed with that in mind- for outpatient joint replacement. Bigger surgeries to be done well and to be able to go home the same day- that facility just hasn’t existed around here until now.”
As current President of Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, Dr. Cornelius not only champions the advancements of robotic surgeries, he pioneered them. In 2011 he was the first surgeon in the state of Tennessee to adopt robotic joint replacement of the knee and hip. To date, Dr. Cornelius has performed almost 4,000 robotic joint replacement surgeries.
It was only fitting for Dr. Cornelius to be among those invited by current CEO of TriStar Summit Medical Center, Daphne David, to speak at the recent surgery center ribbon-cutting. Dr. Cornelius expresses, “I think we’re doing things at the absolute
“We’re doing things at the absolute cutting edge of joint-replacement technology all over the world right now.”
cutting edge of joint-replacement technology all over the world right now. To have designed this facility for our community and to see it come to life, it’s super exciting for me that we have this here in our community.”
www.tn.hughston.com www.tristarhealth.com
Tristar Summit Medical Center CEO, Daphne David and Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics President, Dr. Jonathan Cornelius
Chad Withrow always knew he wanted to work in sports. He grew up playing basketball and baseball for Mount Juliet High School and eventually went on to earn a degree in Sports Management and Business Administration from the University of Tennessee. When his post-college internship with the Houston Astros unexpectedly fell through, it set him up for what came next – a successful 20+ year career in sports talk radio.
Through a family connection, Withrow began working with George Plaster, a wellknown voice in local sports radio. Withrow was eventually hired onto the station as a producer where he was heavily involved in creating content surrounding high school football and eventually moved into hosting his own midday talk show.
In 2021, he faced a tough decision. Withrow knew he could stay with 104.5 The Zone and be happy but he wanted to challenge himself. He moved to OutKick Hot Mic which is a national and completely digital program. This gave him an opportunity to reach a bigger and broader audience,
through streaming, without the constrictions of radio such as timed commercial breaks and censorship. Withrow currently appears live Monday – Friday at 3 pm on outkick.com/ watch. While the streaming platform is his main bit, he says radio will always be part of his life. In fact, he can be heard locally each Friday at 5 pm on 102.5 The Game.
Working for a national sports program has given Withrow some chances that he wouldn’t otherwise have experienced. Not only has he been able to attend events like the Super Bowl and PGA Masters, he’s been able to meet and interview celebrities like Liam Hemsworth and Adam Sandler. Withrow says he also appreciates the connections he’s made with
his fan base, some of whom have become great friends.
Despite being a national talk show host, Withrow is still very much a local guy at heart. He volunteers his time as a coach at the same baseball fields he grew up on as a kid. Withrow praises the growth of his hometown and says it’s been amazing to watch over the years. He and his wife, Angie, enjoy taking their girls to local eateries like Leon’s Famous Deli or Jeremiah’s Ice Cream and love watching them ride their bikes along the greenway at Charlie Daniels Park. Withrow shares, “I love the Mount Juliet I grew up in with cow pastures, but now it has everything. I have been able to experience the best of both worlds.”
All you need to know before you go
Be part of the ALLY 400 excitement and experience when NASCAR's top drivers return to Nashville Superspeedway June 28-30th! Tickets for the full weekend or select days available at nashvillesuperspeedway.com .
Don't miss the Kyle Petty meet and greet Sunday morning at the EchoPark Automotive display in the Fan Zone too!
Review the important entry, safety and schedule information to keep in mind before heading to the NASCAR triple-header weekend and text your concerns all weekend to 615-903-TEXT (8398). Inside the body of the message, type " NSSfan + your message " and include your location if necessary. Nashville Superspeedway is boosting its efforts to keep fans cool by hosting the ALLY 400 Cup Series at 6pm for an incredible night-racing experience under the lights. Fans can bring ice packs and unopened bottled water.
• Misting fans throughout the venue
• Complimentary WaterMonster hydration systems
• Complimentary Quench Buggy water stations
• Free cooling towels to the first 15,000 fans
The bluegrass state of Kentucky with the Appalachian Mountains is indisputably known as the Mecca of bourbon and the location of America’s only Bourbon Trail.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries scattered throughout the regions of Louisville, Western Kentucky, Bardstown, Lexington and North Kentucky.
For bourbon aficionados and road trip lovers alike, the trail promises scenic country drives, historic architecture, and an abundance of restaurants and tasting rooms with some distilleries spanning more than 100 miles apart.
The most popular bourbon distillery locations one might expect to see along the trail are: Angles Envy, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Old Forester, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Bulleit, and Jim Beam.
Within each distillery and on its grounds, bourbon lovers can expect to find a variety of bourbon price points, flavor profiles, distilling and aging techniques, and historical points of interest. Each location offers a variety of tour options: some focusing on the chemistry of bourbon distillation, the art of tasting, the barrel charring process, or the rich (and checkered) history of bourbon’s origins.
One constant seems to remain—most Kentucky distilleries cannot broach the topic of their favorite drink without also offering a glimpse of its history. The name “bourbon” hails from the original Bourbon County, which was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785. The county, which belonged to the then-brand-new state of Kentucky, was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon to show gratitude to King Louis XVI for his vital assistance during the American Revolutionary War.
Prior to its exodus from the region, loads of white oak barrels cut from the forests of Arkansas were first branded with the Bourbon County label. The county logo branded on the barrels soon gave way to its shorthand references: Bourbon. The rest is, quite literally, history.
The oldest operational distillery in Kentucky is Maker’s Mark, which began distilling in 1805 and has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared bourbon to be an indigenous product of the United States. This distinction renders bourbon as the official American Spirit. To be recognized as a bourbon, a spirit must meet specific and strict requirements set forth by law. In fact, bourbon distillation marks one of America’s very first examples of a consumer protection law with the establishment of the “Bottled-in-Bond” Act in 1897 (The Bottled-in-Bond designation have bourbon standards which supersede those of single-malt Scotch).
All bourbon starts as what distillers refer to as White Lightning—an uncolored, unaged, and unflavored whiskey. During the distillation process, the liquid must not supersede a proof of 160, and must not supersede a proof of 125 at the time it’s poured into barrels to begin the aging process. All bourbon must be aged in new, charred, white oak barrels for a minimum of two years before it is finally bottled at 80 proof or higher. No other dyes or flavors may be introduced into the distilling or aging process if a bourbon is to retain its namesake.
Even though 95% of bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, bourbon does not need to be distilled in the state to be considered authentic. Most bourbon was historically made in Kentucky due to its geography. The rich source of limestone in Kentucky earth acts as a natural aquifer, purifying the water and removing the more peaty flavors one would find in spirits distilled with earthier water quality, such as Scotch. The varied temperatures, humidity levels, and weather patterns in the Kentucky region cause the white oak barrels to contrast and swell. This unique aging process gives bourbon its signature amber hue as well as its sweet and dynamic flavor.
While the tour itinerary is flexible enough to have many starting points, the official “start” of the trail can be found at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center located at the Frazier Museum on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The destinations along the trail can be planned a number of ways: by distillery, by region, or by organized tour itinerary. Some distillery locations are packed as tightly as an 8-mile radius, with the average tour lasting about 90 minutes.
For those who want to travel off the beaten path, several famous distilleries in the area do not appear on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail list. One of the more famous of these is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, responsible for distilling bourbon of that name as well as the more rare and sought-after bottles of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor. The Buffalo Trace distillery is located on a national landmark and offers free tastings, as well as Ghost tours for those who are interested in a different kind of spirit.
For a complete list of distilleries, tour schedules, tour booking details, and frequently asked questions, visit KYBourbonTrail.com
USING THESE TIPS YOU CAN MAKE A DELICIOUS HOMEMADE BARBECUE SAUCE.
A good barbecue sauce is comprised of a variety of the same six components. The key is to discover what style you enjoy most, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Oh, and taste often during the preparation process to adjust if so desired.
SOMETHING SWEET
This can be honey, cola, molasses, preserves, brown sugar, or syrup. This caramelizes as you cook, bringing those smoky, sugary flavors.
SOMETHING TANGY
Think vinegar, mustard, or citrus. This is what brings the zing to your sauce.
SOMETHING SPICY
This provides your heat: a hot sauce is a great choice. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 teaspoon for every cup of sauce you’re making.
SOMETHING LIQUID
It can be beer, water, chicken stock, soda, or wine. Start with about 1/2 a cup and see what happens.
SOMETHING TOMATO
You’ll most likely use ketchup, but you can also use tomato paste.
THE SPICE COMBINATION
This can depend on your liking and taste and can include anything from onion powder to garlic powder to chili powder to allspice to cayenne pepper to mustard powder to liquid smoke to cumin to Worcestershire sauce and more. Start with a teaspoon of salt, and keep tasting as you experiment with your desired spices.
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.
Recipe and information courtesy of Pat Neely and Gina Neely.
JUNE 1ST
Cumberland University’s Dallas Floyd Phoenix Arena
One of the premier charity events in Tennessee, the Phoenix Ball is a black tie gala benefiting Cumberland University, which was founded in 1842. Attended by hundreds of prominent middle Tennesseans, the Ball has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for scholarships for students attending Cumberland. www.phoenixball.com, www.cumberland.edu
JUNE 6TH - 9TH
CMA Fest 2024
Nashville, TN (locations vary) | 9:00 AM
Join thousands of country music fans from all over to celebrate the longest-running country music festival in the world! Attendees will enjoy the best of country music for the much-anticipated summer event. Visit www.cmafest.com for information on lineups, stages, and to purchase CMA tickets and official merchandise.
JUNE 7TH
Movie in the Park
Charlie Daniels Park Amphitheater | 8:30 PM
Come join us for Movie in the Park! (Feature To Be Determined). Shown at the Charlie Daniels Park amphitheater. Bring your own blanket or chairs to sit on. Concessions available for purchase. Visit www.tn-mountjuliet.civicplus.com for more information and to learn about shows and more summer events!
JUNE 8TH
Beretta Vinyard, Pleasant Grove Rd, Mt. Juliet | 7:00 PM
An Evening of Benefitting. Enjoy a delicious Italian meal in Mt. Juliet's only private vineyard, an open bar, a fabulous silent auction, live music, and much more over the course of an elegant, unforgettable evening. All proceeds benefit The Joe Beretta Foundation, a non-profit helping illuminate a path through heart failure for patients, caregivers and their families. Visit www.thejoeberettafoundation.com for more information.
JUNE 10TH-28TH
Hammer & Stain 3544 N Mount Juliet Rd. Mt. Juliet, TN | 9:00 AM
For three weeks in June and in July, Hammer & Stain is hosting its 2024 Summer Art Camp for kids! “Each themed week will be sure to inspire your child as we will make new projects daily! We will work with all sorts of mediums and break the days up with games, snacks, activities and multiple crafts.”- www.hammerandstainmountjuliet.com. Visit for pricing and to sign up!
JUNE 30TH
ALLY 400 at Nashville Superspeedway
4847 McCrary Rd., Lebanon, TN | 2:30 PM
NASCAR takes on Music City once again for the Ally 400. It's a jam-packed weekend filled with guitars and fast cars! Visit www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com for ticket information and weekend packages!
