Life + Culture

A Hometown Holiday

Wilco Tourism and Historic Lebanon Main Street invite you to shop the magic of Lebanon Article and Photography by The holidays in Historic Downtown Lebanon are nothing short of magical. With more than 40 locally owned shops and restaurants, the heart of Lebanon transforms into a festive wonderland where community and cheer come together. Visitors are invited to stroll the sidewalks, admire twinkling lights and decorated windows, and rediscover the joy of shopping local. Downtown’s charm...

Life + Culture

Pouring Holiday Cheer

Join in the spirited holiday adventure on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail Photography by Provided by The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Just a short drive from Lebanon, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail is turning up the holiday cheer with the return of Carols & Barrels, a spirited celebration of Tennessee craftsmanship and Christmas magic. Launching statewide on November 20, and running through January 4, 2026, this festive trail of pop-ups and themed tastings invites visitors to sip, savor, and explore some...

Shopping

Festive Favorites Around Town

My publisher picks for local Christmas gifts Article by January Alexander My Publisher’s Picks are here—your guide to the most thoughtful holiday gifts around Lebanon! From charming boutiques and cozy home finds to locally made treats and festive experiences, these handpicked favorites celebrate the spirit of giving and the joy of shopping local. Whether you’re wrapping up something sweet, stylish, or sentimental, every purchase supports the heartbeat of our community. Shop small, spread...

Food + Beverage

A Bite of Cheer

Peppermint Mocha Truffles Infused with Southern Charm Article by Jackson Morgan Southern Cream These decadent Peppermint Mocha Truffles bring together rich dark chocolate and the smooth, festive flavor of Jackson Morgan Southern Cream. Perfect for gifting or entertaining, each bite delivers a velvety balance of peppermint, mocha, and cream. Finished with a cool crunch of crushed peppermint, these indulgent truffles are a deliciously elegant way to sweeten your holiday celebrations. ...

Life + Culture

A Christmas for Every Child

Bringing the spirit of giving to life, WilCo's CHRISTMAS FOR ALL ensures every child experiences the joy of Christmas morning. Article by Lindsey Hickman There’s something magical about Christmas morning—the soft rustle of wrapping paper, the sparkle of lights, and the joy in a child’s eyes. For thousands of Wilson County families, that magic is made possible each year through Wilson County Christmas for All, a local nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child wakes up to a Christmas filled...

Food + Beverage

Turning Home Kitchens Into Memorable Culinary Adventures

Lebanon’s Chef Denise Bushnell redefines what it means to gather, cook, and celebrate together. Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Micro Moments Photography For Chef Denise Bushnell, cooking isn’t just about the food—it’s about connection. After enrolling in culinary school in her fifties, she discovered her true calling wasn’t behind a restaurant line but in the warmth of people’s homes. “I went with the sole purpose of being a personal chef,” she says, “Cooking one-on-one and...

Local Services

Where Hope Takes Root at Rest Stop Ministries

Good Hope Farms: Cultivate Healing, Purpose, and Community Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Micro Moments Photography At Rest Stop Ministries, every sunrise marks another chance for restoration. Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, this faith-driven nonprofit is on a mission to restore survivors and stop oppression —providing residential care, empowerment, and a path toward independence for women rebuilding their lives after trafficking and exploitation. For Michele Speich, the...

Local Services

A Tree-Mendous Tradition

Rockwood’s Merry Mulching Returns to Wilson County Article and Photography by This holiday season, Rockwood Sustainable Solutions invites Wilson County residents to give their live Christmas trees a second life through its annual Merry Mulching  initiative. Now in its eighth year, the program offers a free, convenient way to recycle live trees, help protect the environment and give back to city beautification. From December 25 through January 10, residents can drop off undecorated trees in...

Professional Services

Lighting Up Christmas

Griswold Illumination brings faith, creativity, and heart to every project, transforming homes and communities into unforgettable holiday wonderlands. Article by Interview with Joe Shearer What’s new this 2025 Christmas season? Favorites? So I've searched high and low in the off season for new vendors with different items. This year we're incorporating more teardrop garland, different textures and colors of greenery, icicle garland, and one project is even getting a snow machine. I think...

Entertainment

Songs of Service

Where Music Meets Ministry in the Heart of Lebanon Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Kat Bradshaw Photography For country artists Jake Hoot and Scotty Hasting, music isn’t just a career—it’s a calling rooted in faith, family, and a deep love for community. Though their journeys to the stage were vastly different—Jake winning NBC’s The Voice , and Scotty discovering songwriting after surviving life-threatening injuries in combat—both found purpose and peace in the same place...