Murfreesboro, TN July 2023

Summer Fun

TRAVEL STAYCATION AT OPRYLAND

LIFE + CULTURE

HOW TO CATCH A LIGHTNING BUG

ARTS + CULTURE

SUMMER BUCKET LIST

LIBERTY STATION, MURFREESBORO, TN

When life gives you summer adventures!

I hope this letter finds you laying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Murfreesboro.  We can look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate Summer bucket list (check the table of contents for ours!) and curling up with a new favorite beach read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

My family loves the simple things that scream summer, like the glimmer of lightning bugs, road trips to the beach and the mountains, the smell of fireworks, the sound of summer concerts and movies under the stars. I think it's easy to forget about the happiness that can come from just getting outside and soaking in the change of the seasons. One thing I know for sure is that we soak up every Summer absorbing time with friends and family.

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experience of Murfreesboro this Summer!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kim Dickson | kim.dickson@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Karianne Beasley | karianne.beasley@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Danny Mark

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DeAnn Hays, Courtney Stockton, Sloane Lucas, Cassidy Polman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Kevin Barnett

Corporate Team

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 Rachel Collins

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

KIMBERLY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @BOROCITYLIFESTYLE

Control Your Flow.

We believe that:

• The best care starts with listening, not dismissing

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Friday Night Live, Main Street Murfreesboro. 5: Justin Kirk & Company Photography by Main Street Murfreesboro, credit: Sydnee Taylor

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

100 Women Who Care

On May 10th Rutherford's County chapter of 100 Women Who Care presented A Step Ahead with $6405 as their 2nd Q recipient for 2023.   “Since 2020, 100 Women Who Care Rutherford County has given back over $65,000 to our community. ” –Alicia Stachura, one of the founding chapter members.

Authority Title and Escrow

Authority Title and Escrow recently celebrated their one-year anniversary.   In addition to this milestone, they have added a new processor, Treese Epperson to their team and have a new office located at 745 South Church St #407, Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Lotus Luxury Hair opens in La Vergne

Ribbon Cutting for Lotus Luxury Hair was held on Friday, June 5th.   Whether it's a whole new look or just enhancing your natural beauty, check out Lotus!  Lotus specializes in luxury hair extensions. 101 Cheerful Place, La Vergne Scan

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Photography Danny Mark

Photography

100 Women Who Care

Photography Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

Maybe you work here. Or dine here. Or shop here... Now, you can live here!

Introducing Atrium at Fountains - luxury condominiums that are just steps away from all you’ve come to enjoy about Fountains and Gateway Island Park. For more information, visit www.atriumatfountains.com!

E. Allen | The Social Chair | Board & Brush | The Boutique | Kneucraft Fine Jewelry & Design Love Thai Sushi | Goodness Gracious | Kattine Aesthetics | Studio at Fountains | The View at Fountains Burger Republic | The Soda Bar | Steakhouse Five | Nothing Bundt Cakes | Just Love Coffee | Edible Arrangements

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

Don’t let the summer season get away from you before school and cooler temperatures return. Grab your crew and tackle our bucket list recommendations to check off before one of our favorite seasons comes to an end.

Our Picks for Your Summer Bucket List

STONES RIVER KAYAK AND CANOE RENTALS: Getting people outdoors and on the water.  Float, paddle, and find adventure all on the Stones River.  Book your float today.  615-767-7501, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37207

EARTH EXPERIENCE MUSEUM: Earth Experience is the first natural history museum in middle Tennessee.  Exhibits of archeological relics from as far away as Antarctica and Madagascar and as close as right outside our own front door.  816 Old Salem Road, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129

FALL CREEK FALLS STATE PARK: Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Other waterfalls within the park include Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls, and Cane Creek Cascades. 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer , Tennessee 38585

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS NASHVILLE: Entertaining out-of-town guests?  Want to learn more about the capital city? Take a Trolley Tour of Nashville with unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long. 201 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37201

THE GATEWAY ISLAND TRAIL: The Gateway Island Trail, part of the Murfreesboro Greenway System, provides a well-lit route for walkers and runners and is frequently used by organizations for charity walks and races. 1875 W College St,, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129

Scan for more photos and the full list.

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Stones River Kayak and Canoe Rentals

“HOW TO CATCH A LIGHTNING BUG”

Sierra Barnett Brings a Southern Rite of Passage to Life in Her Debut Children’s Book

Coming off the heels of her first book tour, Sierra Barnett sits down with us to open up about her debut children’s book, “How to Catch a Lightning Bug.” This is a story where readers are invited to explore one of the South’s most beloved pastimes and lean further into a particularly magical moment that has been enjoyed by many Tennesseans over generations.

Sierra grew up in the small East Tennessee town of Rogersville, located in the valley of the Appalachians just a few hours away from where she and her family now live near Old Hickory Lake. Sierra recounts memories from her childhood that center around the magical moments which seem to continuously fuel the brilliance behind her storytelling. Each June, lightning bugs signaled that summer was in full swing, and Sierra’s connection to these whimsical insects would only grow stronger and stronger. Coincidentally, she and her

Sierra recounts memories from her childhood that center around the magical moments which seem to continuously fuel the brilliance behind her storytelling.

ARTICLE BY CASSIDY POLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN BARNETT

grandmother, Mamaw Mac, shared June birthdays. Barnett describes, “That was like our time. And anytime her birthday would come around, I would just think about how lightning bugs really bonded us... I always felt this connection with her.”

After achieving a degree from the School of Journalism at MTSU, Barnett lead a successful career in the world of communications and journalism. Still, she found herself at a crossroads after the birth of her first son where she made the decision to fully pour herself into the role of motherhood and step away from her journalistic career. It didn’t take long before Sierra began to reclaim her natural skill for storytelling and let the inspirations throughout her childhood lead her down the path to writing her first children’s book.

The inspiration behind “How to Catch a Lightning Bug” all started after her young son found it difficult to catch lightning bugs. Sierra had the idea to write about catching these magical critters that had, in many ways, shaped her own childhood. She also wanted the book to explain the importance of letting lightning bugs go after they’ve been caught. She notes, “I hope [children] learn how we can make small changes that have a big impact. More literally, letting one lightning bug go, can ensure we see them again next year.” Sierra hopes to continue encouraging children to get outside and be kids as long as possible. They might just find something that looks a little like magic.

“How to Catch a Lightning Bug” is quickly gaining momentum amongst readers across the U.S. Barnett’s book can be found wherever books are soldyou can even stop by our favorite children’s boutique, Magpies Mount Juliet, and grab your copy!

The Gaylord Opryland has kicked off its ‘Summer of More,’ and it’s worth ‘checking in’ to (see what we did there)

A VACATION FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (YES, REALLY)

ARTICLE BY COURTNEY STOCKTON | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

They often say once you have kids, and you travel with said kids, ‘vacations’ are no longer ‘vacations.’ They’re demoted to ‘trips’ now. Or ‘business trips’ for the cynical ones. You may have even heard them referred to as just ‘parenting at a different location.’ While family vacations aren’t easy, they don’t have to be re-branded in such bleak terms. It is possible to still have a ‘vacation,’ so long as the destination strikes a harmonious balance between the desires of the parents and the children alike.

Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland is one such contender for satisfying the needs of the entire family. First, let’s start with the litany of family fun planned at the Gaylord this season. On May 19th, the resort kicked off its Summer of More festivities (which will continue through September 4th); it’s an itinerary busting at the seams with activities and entertainment, sure to excite (and maybe even tire out) your little ones.

First up are the fantasy-filled experiences to ignite and stimulate your mini’s creativity. There are seasonally inspired crafts to be made at the Adventure Kid’s Clubhouse. There are also live, interactive shows

with fun characters such as Bella the Blue Tick Hound, Brody, the Black Bear, and Sophie, everybody’s favorite Adventure Kid, to help your littles discover the wonders of summer. For something to satisfy your budding investigator, the Gaylord hosts a Pirate Treasure Hide and Sea-k Scavenger Hunt where the kids can search the resort for clues and uncover hidden gems. And to give your tykes a dose of Zen in the morning, you can tune into yoga with Sophie (the aforementioned Adventure Kid) from the comfort of your hotel room.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer vacation without some water fun. And it would feel a bit like buying the lede if we didn’t mention that the Gaylord has ‘SoundWaves,’ a four-acre water attraction that the resort calls, “overthe-top fun.” SoundWaves features both an indoor and outdoor area with rides, waterslides, a wave pool, both a rapid and lazy river and multi-level play structures. In addition to the plethora of water options, there’s also an arcade (replete with virtual reality games), a rock-climbing wall, and game tables. You’d be hard-pressed to find a type of entertainment that isn’t available here.

CONTINUED >

Dinner show at the General Jackson

View from the General Jackson

And if you’re searching for activities for the kids that are as fun as they are edifying, Gaylord hosts Animal Encounters, which the resort describes as, “an educational opportunity where guests can have close-up encounters with incredible creatures.” There’s also Wildlife Rescue which is, “an augmented reality experience presented by Bubly to virtually search the resort for endangered animals.”

Now perk up, weary parents, lest you think we’ve forgotten about you. There are plenty of amenities here for you, too. The Gaylord is the home of Relâche, an upscale spa with seasonal specials, such as the Father’s Rejuvenate and Recover package with vanilla bourbon body, face, or nail treatment (available for the entire month of June). And from July 1st through August 31st, Relâche has the Summer of Spa Love package, in which guests are treated to luxurious mojito-infused treatments.

After achieving full relaxation at Relâche, culinary discovery is only a few steps away. The atriums of the Gaylord (which span over nine acres) are lined with a wide variety of dining options – from authentic Italian cuisine at Ravello, gourmet steaks and fine wine at Old Hickory Steakhouse, Mexican fare and signature margaritas at Solario Cantina, fresh sushi, and cocktails at Cascades American Café.

Additional attractions offer fun for the whole family; there’s the General Jackson Showboat cruise (offered midday and evening) which includes first-class entertainment, gourmet meals, and unbeatable views of Nashville. And last but not least, the Gaylord Spring Golf Links is a Scottishlinks style, par-72 layout with 18 holes, surrounded by beautiful limestone bluffs and wetlands, where junior golfers (15 and under) are permitted to play one free round for each adult paid after 3 PM.

In all of this talk about the activities and attractions of the Gaylord, it’s easy to miss that the resort itself is a site to take in. The atriums are brimming with gardens, plants, flowers, and waterfalls. You might even call it relaxing. And with your kids’ hearts filled with summer memories made, and your body and mind at ease from a restorative day at the spa, topped with a gourmet meal, you might even feel like you’re on vacation. opryland.com

The Peaceful nature walk at Gaylord Opryland

RETIRED GENERAL SUPPORTS VETERANS

ARTICLE BY DEANN HAYS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY MTSU

For the grandson of a World War I veteran and the son of a World War II fighter pilot, the military has always been a familiar part of retired Lieutenant General Keith Huber’s life. Growing up in Springfield, Ohio, Huber didn’t expect to spend nearly 40 years serving in the United States Army.

“I was accustomed to the concept of it being normal [to serve] and appropriate to perform your duty in the cloth of the Armed Forces of the United States of America,” he said. “But I am the only career military out of my family."

With acceptance letters and scholarship offers from Cornell University and the University of Maine, Huber ultimately entered West Point on July 1, 1971.

“I’d like to think I carried the values of my parents and strength and character into the military and West Point. At West Point, I learned the invaluable lesson that you can only be successful as a confident team member; you never view a success as your own personal accomplishment,” he said.

Huber earned his bachelor’s degree from West Point and a master’s from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. He served his country for 38 years,

‘I’ve served with hundreds of thousands of people, and they’ve humbled me.’

A RETIRED GENERAL WITH A PASSIONS FOR HELPING OTHERS

completing tours in Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Haiti, Honduras, Kosovo and Afghanistan. “The military instilled in me the willingness to serve others, to give my life for others and to be focused on protecting our values as a nation,” he said. “My fondest memory is coming off missions that seemed impossible, that were difficult, that defended our democracy and being surrounded by men and women I know would give their life for me. I’ve served with hundreds of thousands of people, and they’ve humbled me. Every day I think about those who have served and died.”

Retiring 10 years ago and transitioning to life after the military, General Huber wondered for the first time what he would do. With a passion for helping others, he worked with Middle Tennessee State University to found the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, which is the largest and most comprehensive veterans center at a public or private university in Tennessee. “It was essential to me that whatever we did to

assist transitioning veterans that it included the families,” Huber said.

Serving veterans all around the world, the center has assisted people from Germany, Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Croatia. “We serve veterans and their family members worldwide every day without any requirement. You don’t have to be faculty, staff or a student. You don’t have to buy anything; you don’t have to enroll in a course. If you need help, we’ll help you.”

The Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, renamed after the country music legend in 2016, the same year Charlie was inducted into the County Music Hall of Fame, has served thousands veterans and their loved ones since it opened in 2015.

“I THINK TO SERVE OTHERS, YOU’VE GOT TO BE WILLING TO BE AGGRESSIVE, COMPELLING AND CONVINCING. AND I’M HONORED TO DO THAT FOR VETERANS.”

RECAP OF CAREER:

• Served 38 years on active duty in the U.S. Army as an Infantryman and a Green Beret

• Served 14 of those 38 years at the rank of a General officer, retiring as a Lieutenant General (3-star)

• Earned Combat Infantryman, Special Operations Diver, Master Parachutist, Air Assault and Joint Chiefs of Staff badges

• Special Forces and Ranger qualified

• Senior Advisor for Veterans and Leadership Initiatives and Distinguished Visiting Professor at MTSU

• Husband to Shelly, father to Jason and Alexis and grandfather to Dylan, Austin and Reed

Inspiration for Outdoor Entertaining

Go beyond the backyard barbecue

ARTICLE BY SLOANE LUCAS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Summer is here! Transform your outdoor space into an entertainment zone for parties large and small. Go beyond the backyard barbecue and invite friends and family over for a sit-down meal under the stars. Need some ideas beyond burgers for an evening soiree? Looking to host a boozy brunch? We’ve got you covered. We’ve featured some unique cookbooks that might inspire you to up your outdoor entertaining game. Select recipes for the whole meal – or choose some creative sides to give a little flair to your grilling standbys.

Is This a Cookbook?

Adventures in the Kitchen by Heston Blumenthal

Creative home cooks can enjoy accessible recipes from a three-time James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred restauranteur and chef. The 70 recipes include twists on salads, breakfast staples, and classics like fish and chips and popcorn chicken (with actual popcorn). Some inspired meal ideas perfect for outdoor entertaining include a Steak with Pan Jus and Barbecue Vegetable Salad. Or host a Mexican fiesta with homemade tortillas and three street taco recipes: Prawn Tacos with Pico de Gallo, Steak and Refried Beans Taco, and Vegetable and Guacamole Tacos.

Company by Amy Thielen

The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others

Allow another James Beard Award–winner to offer twenty menus for rethinking how you entertain. Plan a big sprawling summer bash with recipes like Wood-fired Rib-Eye w/ Fava Butter and Smoky Tomato Terrine. Home cooks can plan dinner parties that are less formal, more frequent, and as fun for the cook as for the guests. With an eye toward making food in advance, Company encourages a return to the habit of casual cooking for family and friends.

Bliss on Toast by Prue Leith

75 Simple Recipes

Want to host a boozy brunch but not a fan of elaborate breakfast fare? Let a Great British Baking Show judge help transform sourdoughs, focaccias, baguettes, and flatbreads into a mid-day fete. Recipes are great for busy foodies who want guests to enjoy a full and balanced plate but don’t want to stress in the kitchen. Some recipes include tomatoes, shallots, and oregano on black olive toast; grilled chicken tikka with yogurt on naan; smoked salmon, wasabi, and avocado on multigrain bread; and bananas and ice cream with brandy syrup on panettone.

Instant Pot Indian by Anupy Singla

70 Full-Flavor, Authentic Recipes for Any Sized Instant Pot

Impress your friends with an outdoor Indian feast. This Instant Pot cookbook offers 70 classics you can make in minutes and serve outside family style. Easy-to-follow recipes include favorites like butter chicken, palak paneer, and aloo gobi. Or choose some inspired sides to go with whatever you’re grilling outside. The “Indian Spices 101” chapter introduces readers to the mainstay spices of an Indian kitchen, as well as how to store, prepare, and combine them.  (Unsure of where to get spices? You can buy them locally at Patel Brothers in Nashville.)

Mostly Veggies by Brittany Mullins

Easy Make-Ahead Meals for Healthy Living

Plan for make-ahead meals for easy entertaining, where the hosts can enjoy maximum time with guests. Mostly Veggies focuses on wholesome ingredients and prioritizes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins as the foundation of healthy, filling recipes that guests will love. Recipes include Butternut Squash Enchiladas, Pesto Gnocchi sheet pan dinners, and a veggie-forward Cobb Salad. The cookbook includes four weekly meal plans based on seasonal produce.

Pour Me Another by J.M.

Hirsch

250 Ways to Find Your Favorite Drink

Looking to add some libations to your menu? This creative cocktail collection, from a James Beard Award-winning mixologist, takes a “choose your own adventure” approach that begins with cocktails you already like to help discover new ones you’ll love. Bourbon drinkers can try a gin Bijou, which brings in Manhattan-like notes. If a Gin & Tonic is more the speed, veer into tropical territory with a gingery Lime in de Coconut. This is an essential handbook for cocktail lovers that expands sipping palates to help discover new favorites.

Bomb Pop Slushies

THE MOST FESTIVE AND REFRESHING ADULT BEVERAGE

ARTICLE BY SOFIA DELILAH

INGREDIENTS

• 6oz. of white rum divided (or Smirnoff Red, White and Berry)

• 2oz of Blue Curacao

• 2oz of Lime Juice / Divided

• 1 Cup of Strawberries hulled and sliced

• 3 cups of shredded Ice, divided

• 2 bomb pops for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. For the Red Layer: In a blender blend 2oz white rum, strawberries, 1/2 oz lime juice and 1 cup of ice until smooth. Pour into two glasses and place in freezer

2. For White Layer: In a blender, blend the 2oz of white rum, 1oz of lime juice and 2 cup of ice until smooth. Carefully pour on top of the blue layer to create defined layers

3. For the Blue Layer, blend 2oz of the white rum, blue curacao, 1/2 oz lime juice and 1 cup of ice until smooth. Divide evenly between the two glasses.

SOURCEfestfoods.com

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Take

Visit

Go

Explore

Try

Hike

Explore

Go

Starling, III, MD, Fellowship Trained Mohs Surgeon  Gillian H Choate, MSN, FNP-BC Taylor Newman, PA-C  Heather Smith Reisser, Licensed Aesthetician

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Sunflower Festival 2023

5350 DRAPER RD SPRINGFIELD, TN | 4:00PM AND 7:00PM

Thursday, July 6, 4 pm.-8 pm.

Friday, July 7, 10 am.-7 pm.

Saturday, July 8, 10 am.-7 pm.

$12 per person | Children 4 and under are free! **Tickets are required in advance and can be purchased at our website or at the ticket link. Admission includes a hayride, enjoying 10 acres of sunflowers, selfies in the sunflowers, & a craft fair with 60+ vendors! redriverfarmstn.com/event-tickets

56th Annual Murfreesboro Antiques Show and Sale

1660 MIDDLE TENNESSEE BLVD, MURFREESBORO | 10:00 AM

The 56th Annual Murfreesboro Antiques Show and Sale will take place on Friday, July 14th - Sunday, July 16th from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm each day.

2023 Music City Brewer's Festival

GEODIS PARK | 4:00 PM

Nashville’s Original Beer Festival has moved to GEODIS Park!  Friday, July 14th, taste from approximately 50 breweries and over 100 beverages in your souvenir cup. Enjoy live music, a DJ, yard games and sample tasty beverages while supporting Operation Stand Down! Tickets are limited so get your tickets NOW! VIP tickets include early access to the Music City Beer Festival, VIP Seating, VIP Lanyard, a Pretzel necklace and more!

JULY

2nd Annual Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival

120 DEJARNETTE LN, MURFREESBORO | 10:00 AM

The Murfreesboro Hot Chicken Festival 2nd Annual event will take place July 15, 2023! This will be a day full of excitement. There will be shopping, musical performances, games, and some of the best Hot Chicken in the BORO! FREE General Admission! These Hot Chicken Artisans will compete for the following awards, People's Choice, Best In The BORO, Hottest of the Hot, and Most Creative.

JULY 29TH

Triple A Farms Craft Fair-July

322 HIGHWAY 99 ROCKVALE | 10:00 AM

The last Saturday of every month April-October at Triple A Farms in Rockvale, just outside of Murfreesboro, shop with small business vendors, the Triple A Farms produce stand, food trucks, free kid zone, free admission/parking, and more! tripleafarmstn.com

Harry Potter's Market At Henry Horton State Park

4209 NASHVILLE HWY CHAPEL HILL, TN 37034 | 9:00 AM

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