YOUR Williamson March 2022 by Robertson Media Group

ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW OF NASHVILLE

DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN WEDDING EXPERIENCE

DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION AWARDS

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE MARCH 2022

POURS & PALATES

An Experience at Coal Town Public House

FASHIONABLE YOU 2022 Prom Fashion

IN YOUR BACKYARD Southern Breakfast with a Twist

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Compassionate, Expert GI Care Trust your GI care to the experts at Williamson Medical Group. Our board-certified gastroenterologists offer advanced services and procedures with specialized training in diagnosing, managing and healing the gastrointestinal system. We offer high-quality care in a friendly, relaxed setting.

Elizabeth Lindsey M.D.

Eric Sumner M.D.

Claire Davis MSN, CFNP

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (615) 435-7979, or visit: WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org/GI

Join Us For The Best Show In Music City:

THE JEFF R U B Y E X PE R I E N C E U.S.D.A. Prime Steaks | Seafood & Sushi | Impeccable Service | Live Entertainment

300 4TH Avenue North Nashville, TN 37219 615.434.4300 (Complimentar y Valet)

JEFFRUBY.COM

YOUR WILLIAMSON | MARCH 2022 VOLUME XI – ISSUE 108

F E AT U R E S

FASHIONABLE YOU 2022 Prom Trends with Spring Hill Formals

COME FLY WITH ME Greetings From the Crystal Coast

POURS & PALATES An Experience at Coal Town Public House

IN YOUR BACKYARD Southern Breakfast with a Twist with Early’s Honey Stand

ON THE COVER: Breakfast Charcuterie PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

4 MARCH 2022

COMING SUMMER 2022

TOWNHOMES STARTING IN THE $600s

VILLAGE HOMES STARTING IN THE $800s

W W W. S O U T H B R O O K E T N . C O M

BUILT BY

SALES BY

Office: 615-503-9727 Sales: 615-224-9598

CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE SOCIAL 14 Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience 18 Dancing With the Nashville Stars 23 The Well Outreach Shine Gala 26 DFA Annual Awards Meeting 32 Outside the Box

LIFESTYLE

22 YOUR Health & Wellness with Williamson Medical Center

62 Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

28 Eat, Drink & Be Merry Copycat Recipes: Restaurant Favorites You Can Recreate at Home

24 In YOUR Neighborhood Shop & Dine in Historic Downtown Franklin with the Downtown Franklin Association

30 From Our Table to YOURS Mom Meals: Quick Meals for Busy Moms & Kids 48 A Spirited Conversation with City Winery, Nashville 58 Keeping Score A Captivating Tradition: Irish Step Dancing

38 YOUR Charitable Self Ellie G’s Dream World: An Inclusive Playground For All

64 Welcome Home Debbie Beam & Co.

60 A Little Something Extra Gluten-Free Dream: Granola’d

76 Read Between the Lines Top Ten Favorite Spring Break Reads

67 SCOOP You In the News

66 I Am Williamson County Suzette Lane

69 YOUR Business Partner with Williamson Inc.

72 YOUR Education Spice Up Your Life: Local Culinary Classes & Events

71 We’re In the Money with Lineage Bank

82 Did YOU Know?

54 Stites & Harbison’s 19th Annual Groundhog Day Open House

COMMUNITY

70 Ribbon Cuttings Welcome New Williamson County Businesses!

12 Social Secretary

36 18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball

78 Rock ALS

55 YOUR Real Estate with Williamson County Association of Realtors

10 Letter from the Publisher

16 Beautiful YOU Get the Perfect Tan Without the Sun Damage: The Best Self Tanners to Try

68 Williamson Inc. Nolensville Business Mixer

BUSINESS

MONTHLY

73 News From the Schools 74 YOUR Kids Celebrate Dr. Seuss and Reading All Month Long

79 Arts & Culture The Making of Stars: Williamson County Youth Acting Programs 80 Arts & Culture Calendar of Events

Y O U R S TA F F Shelly Robertson Birdsong PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF

Johnny Birdsong PUBLISHER

Anna Robertson Ham Christian Dian Headden MANAGING PUBLISHER

Megan Zinger

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Emma Chennault

MANAGING EDITOR

DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER

Claire Anne Page

Allie Caldwell

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Ron Cheatham

Lawson Ryan

OPERATIONS

DISTRIBUTION

Event season is almost here! Book your rentals today to make sure your party goes off without a hitch.

YOUR Williamson and Distinctively Southern Wedding are publications of: Robertson Media Group, LLC 404 Bridge Street | Franklin, TN | 37064 Office: 615.465.6046 yourwilliamson.com distinctivelysouthernwedding.com

Celebrating 50 years of Friends through fashion!

APRIL 4, 2022

A DISTINCTIVELY SOUTHERN PLACE

MUSIC CITY CENTER BENEFITING

Celebrating 50 years of Friends through fashion!

Celebrating 50 years of Celebrating 50 years of APRIL 4, 2022 Friends through fashion! Friends through fashion! Celebrating 50 years of Friends through fashion!

Please send all content & coverage requests to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com

MUSIC CITY CENTER

APRIL 4, 2022

fcpt

Sponsored Event SOCIAL

2nd Annual Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

Robertson Media Group, LLC and Distinctively Southern Wedding Magazine hosted their second annual wedding event, the Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience, for local and regional brides. The exclusive and elegant affair was held on February 20th at The Harpeth Hotel, in historic Franklin. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of meeting and learning more about local Preferred Wedding Experience Experts, and gathering information and ideas for planning their own distinctively southern wedding. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres were passed by the Harpeth Hotel staff. It was an informative and beautiful occasion for those planning their special day. Learn more at distinctivelysouthernwedding.com.

Maddy Agers & Nichole Agers

Ruthie Fleenor & Ruth Garder

Wilna Paulemon & Elizabeth Sherertz

Tammy Mahoney, Megen Mahoney & Slectues Thompson

Ashton Bailey & Sydney Hicks

Devin Strydom & Madison Meeks

Shakilah Berrios & Felicia Sims

Melanie Tackeberry, Kelsey Tackeberry & Sharon Bilbrey

Brooke Birdwell & Shannon Henri

Amy Wynia & Jenny Mayberry

14 MARCH 2022

Matthew Bates & Emily Johnson

Masie Wessels & Shelby Halter

Sam Burns & Lauren Drees

Christian Townston & Danielle Yelrowe

Say “I DO” at a Nashville Institution www.lovelessevents.com

LIFESTYLE

Beautiful YOU

Perfect

Get the Tan Without the Sun Damage THE BEST SELF TANNERS TO TRY BY CLAIRE PAGE

When you hear the words self-tanner, your mind instantly will take you back to a great or awful experience that happened while applying. If you are anything like me, I used to stay clear from self-tanner because I was scared to become orange. No one likes being that color when you aim to be beautifully bronzed! Growing up, I was either pale or burnt, with no in-betweens, and I despised it! My mom always told me that I

could never go into a tanning bed. Therefore, I turned to getting spray tans every month. Once I was grown, and on my own, I realized how much money could be saved if I invested in a self-tanner and did not get spray-tanned multiple times a year at a salon. I do not know about you but being tan is an instant confidence booster. And knowing I can be tan while saving money is a win-win in my book!

Here aref some o my faves! Best Overall: St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse St. Tropez has been my go-to since day one. It is branded as “USA’s go-to self-tanning brand,” and is an OG that you will keep coming back to use. It is a no-brainer to use with its airy and light mousse formula that gives an even and streakfree results when applied with their tanning mitt! A bonus is that there is not a strong self-tanner smell that most give off when first applied! Best Organic Formula: Coola Branding themselves as the “organic revolution for the industry,” this is your go-to if you love healthy, glowing and clean self-tanner! Coola is vegan, 70% certified organic and 99% ingredients from natural origin; you will feel great when applying this on your skin! Coola 16 MARCH 2022

has many different formulas: express sculpting mousse, luminizing body serum, anti-aging face serum and gradual sunless tan firming lotion. You will have plenty of options to choose from with what works best for you! Best Gradual Tan: Loving Tan Loving Tan is my holy grail of self-tanner! I use this one religiously! Loving Tan was made by tan lovers and works best in achieving a natural olive color that lasts up to a week! If you are on the go, like me, their two-hour express mousse is going to be your new best friend! This gradual tan is ready to wash off in two hours or can be kept on for over seven to have a rich, darker tan! The deluxe face tan is also a go-to for a hydrating tan that makes your face look beautifully bronzed and hydrated!

This company also has many shades to choose from — from light to ultra-dark, you can decide how dark you want to get! Best Drugstore: Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer If you are balling on a budget, then this Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer is your go-to! Even though this self-tanner is in drugstores, it has excellent quality! This self-tanner is an awardwinning moisturizer with no odor, and being a lotion, it adds vitamin E and antioxidants that nourish the skin! With being dermatologist tested and two different shades to match skin tones, this one is a winner to always keep a hold of!

Living out your Custom Lifestyle

QUALITY. STYLE. CTGRACE. CTGRACE is a family-owned business whose purpose is to provide a lady's boutique to help you "Live out your Custom Lifestyle" with the latest fashion brand name clothing and accessories.

Note from the Owner We here at CTGRACE love Springtime and all that it brings with it! Warmer, longer days, color and fresh breezes…we are bringing you just the styles you need to create your Custom Lifestyle this 2022 Spring Season! We have all the colors and styles to fit your needs! Thank you for letting us be a part of your Spring!

SOCIAL

Dancing with the Nashville Stars: Battle Royale

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

The 10th anniversary of Dancing With The Nashville Stars to benefit Feed America First, brought out two former champions. The contestants were Dr. David Kemp with Kemp & Rice Orthodontics and Cherrie Hammond, the CFO of Storage Systems Unlimited and former Williamson County School board member. Dancing With the Nashville Stars brought in $403,000 to Feed America First with David Kemp winning top fundraiser and Cherrie Hammond winning the dance trophy. To learn more about this event, visit feedingamericafirst.com.

John & Connie Tucker, Marcy Cone & Michelle Echevarria

Sergey Bratz & Kate Bratz

Brandi Ford & Paula Drake

Amy May & Donna Clemons

Brooke & Nathan McVey

Michael & Lisa Valletta

Brian Glakus & Ken Barry

Sherie & Mike Womack

AMY CONNER PHOTOGRAPHY

APPOINTMENTS SUGGESTED TUXEDO RENTALS & SALES

Gary & Trish Mason

Patty Eller, Carol Marsh & Ginger Smith

Jennifer, Morgan & Doug Fuqua

WITH IN-STOCK INVENTORY

2019 Wall Street Spring Hill, TN 615.302.0067 springhillformals.com

Chandler Butler & Cole Marcinak

Kyndon Oakes & Jenny Nguyen

Michael Duvall & James Hurlburt

FEATURE

Fashionable YOU

2022

PROM TRENDS WITH SPRING HILL FORMALS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH HOLP | PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: SETH STOLE

Spring Hill Formals has been servicing the middle Tennessee area since opening its doors in October 2007. Operated by husband and wife team Lisa and Mike Morein, the store carries an onhand collection of over 1,500 dresses to choose from. Specializing in prom and social occasion dresses, there is something for everyone from short dresses for homecoming to fitted and classic ball gowns. So, whether it be for prom, a pageant, a quinceañera, a black-tie gala or a banquet, you’re sure to find your dress! All the top designers are represented in the store, such as Sherri Hill, Jovani, Portia & Scarlett, Lafemme, Morilee and others. The 2022 prom dress trends are hot stones, single shoulder, fitted styles, bright colors —think neon — and leg slits. The tuxedo trends are slim fit styles, paisley print coats in various colors, black shirts, matching suspenders and bowtie and flashy shoes which are available for purchase. Spring Hill Formals is different from most places that provide tuxedos for gentlemen. They are a fully stocked store with inventory on the premises, and not all to be picked out of a book. All the trends are found, from slim fit to classic fit and everything in between, whether it’s black, grey, silver or navy being worn to a prom, banquet, wedding or anything formal. Shop Spring Hill Formals for prices, service and selection. Visit them online at springhillformals.com or in-person at 2019 Wall Street in Spring Hill.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 19

Taylon is wearing a show-stopping, off-the-shoulder mermaid gown by Ava Presley. This black dress with multicolored sequins also has a laceup back.

Kenleigh is wearing a pink mermaid gown by Portia and Scarlett, a brand new designer for the 2022 season. This fully sequined dress features a strapless V-neckline with high peaks on the corners of the bodice and a long, beautiful horsehair train.

The Girls 20 MARCH 2022

Arabella is wearing a royal blue ball gown with a sequined design by Clarisse. This deep V-neckline paired with the sheer side panels is flattering for anyone who puts it on. It also has pockets.

Tom has on a charcoal gray Bradford jacket and matching black slim-fit pants. He is shown with a pink bowtie and plain front tuxedo shirt.

Xavier is wearing a Cobalt Blue Aries coat by MOD, along with a plain front microfiber shirt, slim-fit pants and a classic black bowtie to coordinate with the coat’s satin lapel.

Tom is wearing a black, classic modern-fit and two-button coat with matching slim fit pants. In addition, he has on a black, classic satin vest and bowtie — which is always a perfect match for any dress. Xavier has on the Black Chase Ultra slim-fit coat by FCGI, with matching slim fit pants, a plain front microfiber tuxedo shirt and a heather bowtie.

The Guys

The prom corsages and boutonnieres were provided by Always In Bloom, Inc. and showcase the trends for this years prom season. From classic neutrals to bold and bright colors, Always In Bloom can create the perfect pair to complete your prom look! Visit them at alwaysinbloominc.com or at 227 Franklin Road in Franklin. YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 21

LIFESTYLE

YOUR Health & Wellness

BEYOND theTrends FOUR FACTS ABOUT HEALTHY NUTRITION WITH LISA MATHEWS, WILLIAMSON MEDICAL CENTER

From viral videos to internet searches, today’s digital landscape drastically shapes our understanding of nutrition, health and what we should and shouldn’t eat. While influencers and articles can sometimes provide helpful information, it’s best to compare what you learn to a trusted source. Clinical Nutrition Manager Lisa Mathews at Williamson Medical Center seeks to set the facts straight about what it means to eat, drink and be merry in a healthy way. 1.

Depend on Real Food Nutrition, Not Supplements Vitamins and supplements are an important part of any healthy diet, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency. But they were never meant to be your primary source of nutrients, Lisa says. “Vitamins are OK to supplement your diet,” she said. “But they should never be a whole food replacement.” Our bodies more readily absorb nutrients from food than synthetic vitamins and minerals, Lisa explained. In addition, whole foods contain phytonutrients, plant nutrients that can help fight infection and prevent cancer while also acting as powerful antioxidants.

2. Drink in Moderation “Earlier this year, many people took part in dry January and cut back on alcohol consumption for a whole month,” Lisa said. While the movement is part of a popular internet trend, Lisa says there can be real health benefits to reducing how much alcohol you drink. “Short-term benefits include better sleep, less heartburn, fewer headaches and increased energy,” she said. “Long-term, reducing your alcohol intake can lead to a decreased risk of developing certain cancers.” While several non-alcoholic beverage lines have recently flooded the market, Lisa advises reading the nutrition labels. “Be careful not to choose products loaded with sugar and artificial flavorings,” she said. “Try adding a squeeze of lemon, lime, orange or a splash of pomegranate juice to plain sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.”

3. Fat Is Not Always the Enemy “Many of us believe that eating fatty food makes you fat,” Lisa said. “But eating more calories than we’re expending is what causes us to gain weight. That includes proteins, carbohydrates and fats.” So rather than regarding fats as the enemy, Lisa invites us to recognize the vital role fats play in our bodies. That includes aiding the formation of healthy cell membranes and helping our bodies absorb vital fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K. While fats aren’t all bad, you need to practice some restraint. “Make sure to choose unsaturated heart-healthy fats such as salmon, tuna, nuts and nut butters, avocado and seeds,” she said. “Avoid consuming fatty cakes, cookies and fried foods.” 4. Reap the Immunity Benefits of a Healthy Diet Rather than loading up on supplements and healthy food when you start to feel a little run down, Lisa suggests eating a wellbalanced, nutrient-dense diet every day. “A diet like this will ensure you’re getting lots of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods each day,” she said. “So, if you do get sick, your immune system is in good shape and ready to fight.” Choose foods rich in color, like brightly colored berries and leafy green vegetables, and those containing healthy fats and lean proteins, such as avocados, salmon, nuts, seeds and lean meats. Rather than eliminating food based on color — such as avoiding all white foods — Lisa suggests a more intentional approach. “The refined, processed white foods are items to cut back on, but don’t eliminate all the wonderful white foods out there.” Those include pears, garbanzo and northern beans, cauliflower and more.

Healthy nutrition is key to living a healthy life. At Williamson Medical Center, we’re committed to helping you live your healthiest life. From researching nutritional best practices to navigating a diagnosis, we’re here for you. LISA MATHEWS, MS, RDN, LDN, CDCES Williamson Medical Center

Lisa is the clinical nutrition manager and certified diabetes care and education specialist at Williamson Medical Center. For more information about Williamson Medical Center, visit williamsonmedicalcenter.org.

22 MARCH 2022

SOCIAL

The Well Outreach Shine Gala

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE ORLOWSKI

The Shine Gala fundraiser is held to raise funds supporting the operating budget of The Well Outreach’s food pantry. The event had over 300 attendees and entertainment from the “Pink Cadillac” band along with a live and silent auction. They raised over $50,000 to support the work of the charity. The Well Outreach is located in Spring Hill and serves anyone who is in need of food. Those in need are invited into an “open-shop/client choice” model where they can pick the food items they need most and leave with a week’s worth of groceries. The Well additionally supports twenty-three local Williamson and Maury County Schools by helping over 800 at-risk students each week with a “JetPack” weekend meal bag. To find out more about the work of The Well Outreach, please consider attending a walk-up orientation every Wednesday at 2:30 pm or 5 pm or go to springhillwell.org for more information.

Joseph Knapp, Shelly Sassen, Katie & Peter Goodwin

GET THAT

Spring Step IN YOUR

Joe & Tifanie Noga

Imagine the possibilities, when you add holistic health care to your life. Tyler & Lisa Powell

Ben & Tammy Frick

Rick Ciesiolka & Tyra Brumfield

Chiropractic · Hypnotherapy Homeopathy · Herbalism Wellness Coaching

Jessie & Cain Maynard Wilguins & Leslie Antoine

Jack & Rachelle Jackson

Kousouli Chiropractic Health & Wellness Inc. Jaime & Kevin Moeller, Hannah Moeller, Julie & Kevin Beasley

Liz & Jack Maher

198 East Main Street | Suite 204 | Franklin, TN 615.435.3643 | drkousouli.com QPE@DrKousouli

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Good food Friendly People Relax with us!

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Supporting Historic Franklin’s Community WITH HEIDI HOOD, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION

The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) — a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County — has been busy this year, hosting the first year of the Downtown Franklin Awards program, promoting downtown as an ideal spot for destination weddings, becoming an officially recognized Smart Start™ community in the state of Tennessee and relaunching the dearly beloved Franklin Locals “hospitality on the streets” program. As a nationally accredited Main Street program, the Downtown Franklin Association’s mission is to lead the continued revitalization and purposeful evolution of downtown Franklin, in the context of historic preservation, by maintaining a diverse economic base, promoting a unique local shopping experience, fostering accessible and attractive public spaces and forging partnerships across all sectors. Downtown Franklin Awards In fulfilling that mission, the association kicked off the year by hosting its first Annual Awards Meeting for its membership on February 3rd, at The Harpeth Hotel. In addition to supporting downtown Franklin businesses through its Main Street America® accreditation and programming, the Downtown Franklin Association serves its members in special ways throughout the year.

We Specialize in Tennessee-Brewed Beers & Brews from Neighboring States

117 5TH AVENUE NORTH FRANKLIN, TN 615.454.8592 HOPHOUSETNTAPS.COM

Downtown Franklin Association

The ballot of nominees for the DFA Annual Awards consisted of current DFA business members. The public voted on it during January 2022 for the previous calendar year of 2021. At the DFA Annual Awards private member meeting, the top-voted businesses were announced along with the official award winner in each category. In addition, the DFA took the time to acknowledge some special anniversaries that were celebrated by DFA members last year. Season Of Love During January and February, the DFA hosted a “Season of Love” promotional campaign to its collective following of nearly 100k from mid-

January and carried it through Valentine’s Day, highlighting downtown Franklin as an ideal place for destination weddings, romantic getaways and Valentine’s experiences. The DFA serves the downtown community in many ways, one of which is promoting the downtown historic district to an audience of nearly 100,000. With many couples getting engaged over the holidays, this promotion was designed to help newly engaged couples with their wedding plans by raising awareness for what’s available to them in downtown Franklin. Smart Start™ The DFA also hosted several business owners and key community partners in its first Smart Start™ training on February 24th, 2022, helping the community collaborate to make downtown Franklin one of the easiest places to start and grow a business. Franklin Locals The DFA relaunched Franklin Locals on March 1st, 2022. Providing hospitality and concierge on the streets for visitors downtown, trained onthe-street representatives will serve to answer questions, give recommendations and share the story of Franklin with new friends. Guests are invited to ask questions about Franklin and interact with a local who will offer insight to the community. Every Franklin Local is equipped with the training and tools they need to serve with confidence and excellence in downtown’s favorite hospitality program, now hosted from March to November. With more programming and initiatives on the horizon, the Downtown Franklin Association continues to support the preservation and economic vitality of one of America’s favorite Main Street districts.

HEIDI HOOD

Managing Director of the DFA The DFA is dedicated to the historic preservation, revitalization and community vibrancy of historic downtown Franklin. Learn more at downtownfranklintn.com.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

DFA Member Spotlight We make exploring in the kitchen surprisingly simple, so cooks of all levels can say,

I've got this!

Savory Spice Shop, in downtown Franklin, opened in October 2013. Owner Hollie Rollins was frustrated at the variety and lack of fresh spices in the local big box and grocery stores. Hollie and her husband David had initially searched for Juniper berries to add to a corned beef recipe when they discovered Savory Spice. Savory Spice was offering franchise opportunities, and the Rollins family knew that Franklin and the Nashville area were ready for this delightful flavor shop. After years of guest requests, they decided to expand their business from Franklin to Nashville in 2019. Savory Spice offers a wide variety of high-quality blends and spices from across the world to even specific parts of the United States. It has over 400 products, and more than 200 blends are original recipes freshly blended each week. Savory Spice also offers a line of recipe mixes called Spice ‘n Easy that make cooking simple for cooks of any level by providing the flavorful spices and ingredients needed to make delicious recipes with an easy-tofollow recipe. The team at both local locations of Savory Spice are educated, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about food. The goal is to make exploring in the kitchen surprisingly simple, so cooks of all levels can say, “I’ve got this!” Visit the downtown Franklin Savory Spice shop at 324 Main Street or shop online at savoryspiceshop.com.

FRANKLIN 324 Main Street 615.472.8980

NASHVILLE L & L Marketplace 3820 Charlotte Ave 615.730.8798

SAVORYSPICESHOP.COM

SOCIAL

BBQ CATERING AT ITS BEST offering expert full-service, pick-up, delivery, and food truck catering

FULL SERVICE hogwood bbq fullservice buffet catering offers the best catering experience in Franklin, with delicious food, expert event management, and attentive on-site staff.

PICK-UP

Downtown Franklin Association Awards

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAYLEY ANTHONY

The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) hosted its very first Annual Awards Meeting for its members on February 3rd at The Harpeth Hotel. In addition to supporting downtown Franklin businesses through its Main Street America® accreditation and programming, the Downtown Franklin Association serves its members in special ways throughout the year. The ballot of nominees for the DFA Annual Awards consisted of current DFA business members. It was voted on by the public during the month of January 2022 for the previous calendar year of 2021.The full list of award winners and the top-voted businesses for each category is available at DowntownFranklinTN.com/Awards21.

Lynda & Tom McGuire, Dale & Neil Buddy

Kim Leggett & Lauren Ward

Christi Lassen & Buffie Baril

Give us a call or order online for a small group of family or friends. we offer curbside or counter pick-up. Our friendly staff will have your order ready to go upon arrival!

DELIVERY

Lori Donaldson, Cynthia Jenkins & James Hanson

From business lunches to small house parties, hogwood makes it easy to make everyone happy. we will set up your catering for self-service buffet line or sandwich bar.

Jen Nichols & Tammy Ashker

THE HOGWOOD TRUCK when we aren't at the franklin farmers market or a local hq, you can reserve the food truck for your neighborhood party or outdoor celebration.

Karen Rhea & Mike Ingram

Lance & Deann Hebert

JOIN OUR TEAM competitive pay closed on sunday's personal growth flexible schedules bbq discounts positive culture

email e.yamanaka@hogwood.com to learn more

CJ Dickson, Kim Elder & Sidney Derby

Edward Steiner & Joel Tomlin

2022

TAHOE The 2022 Chevy Tahoe is about as versatile as large SUVs come, with minivan-like passenger accommodations and pickup-rivaling towing capabilities. Chevy’s second largest

three-row

ute,

following the Suburban, it offers three engine options: a standard 355-hp V-8, a stouter 420-hp V-8, and a diesel sixcylinder with a stump-pulling 460 pound-feet of torque. Check out our inventory at: walkerchevrolet.com

WALKER CHEVROLET

3940 C A R O T H E R S PA R K WAY

FRANKLIN, TN 37067

Copycat RECIPES

LIFESTYLE

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

RESTAURANT FAVORITES TO RECREATE AT HOME BY MEGAN ZINGER

Going out to eat can be fun, but if you’re like me and feel guilty spending money when there is food at home, it is time to improvise. While it may be convenient just to pick something up, there are so many copycat recipes online to make your favorite food at home that can save you money!

Plus, by cooking at home, you can control what goes into your food and make any modifications to your liking. For example, swapping out mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt is a simple, healthy substitute. So, in the end, copycat recipes may end up being a bit healthier than the original dish—win-win!

Bang-Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill COURTESY OF THE COOKIE ROOKIE INGREDIENTS

1 lb. shrimp 26-30, peeled & de-veined 6 bamboo skewers, optional 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (see to the right) 2 Tbsp. chopped green onions sliced at an angle

BANG-BANG SAUCE 4 Tbsp. plain Greek yogurt 3 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce 1 tsp. Sriracha sauce

DIRECTIONS

If using skewers, place shrimp in a shallow baking dish and cover them with water and soak them 10 minutes prior to using. 2. Pour half the sauce in a smaller bowl to use as a dipping sauce. Set aside. 3. If using skewers, thread 4-5 shrimp on each and brush the remaining

sauce over the shrimp. 4. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drizzle 2 tablespoons oil onto the skillet or griddle and place the shrimp in the skillet. 5. Cook the shrimp 1-2 minutes per side, or until shrimp is opaque. Adjust the cooking time if using

different size shrimp. 6. Transfer shrimp to a serving dish and brush lightly with the reserved sauce. Garnish with extra chopped green onions. 7. Serve immediately, with a dollop of dipping sauce, on the side.

Chuy’s Tex-Mex Creamy Jalapeño Dip COURTESY OF OUR VERY OWN PUBLISHER, SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG INGREDIENTS

1 cup mayonnaise 1/3 cup sour cream 1-4 oz. can chopped jalapeños

1-4 oz. can chopped green chiles 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced 1/3 cup chopped cilantro ¼ cup lime juice 1-1 oz. packet of dry ranch dressing mix

DIRECTIONS

28 MARCH 2022

Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.

2. Refrigerate any leftovers.

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake COURTESY OF DELISH.COM DIRECTIONS

INGREDIENTS

3 large scoops of vanilla ice cream 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract 6 drops green food coloring Whipped cream, for topping Maraschino cherry, for topping

In a blender, blend together vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, peppermint extract and the green food coloring until completely smooth. Then pour into a glass of your choice. 2. Top with whipped cream and cherry before serving. 3. Make it fun by adding some green St. Patty’s Day sprinkles and using a fun straw!

P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wraps COURTESY OF THE FOOD NETWORK KITCHEN INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CHICKEN 1 large egg white 1 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 1 1/2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced

FOR THE STIR-FRY SAUCE 2 Tbsp. oyster sauce 1 Tbsp. hoisin sauce 1 Tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1 Tbsp. Chinese rice wine or dry sherry 1 tsp. toasted sesame oil 2 tsp. cornstarch

FOR THE NOODLES 2 bundles of cellophane noodles Peanut oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS

Whisk the egg white, cornstarch and rice wine in a bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 2. Whisk 1/3 cup water, the oyster, hoisin and soy sauces, the rice wine and sesame oil in a bowl, then whisk in the cornstarch until dissolved. 3. Pull the noodles apart into sections. Heat 3/4 inch of peanut oil in a medium

saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer registers 380°F. Working in batches, press the noodles into the oil with a spatula until they puff, five to 10 seconds. Drain on paper towels. 4. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, two to three minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons peanut oil to the skillet; when

almost smoking, stir in the garlic, ginger, jalapeño and minced scallions, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the sugar and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms, water chestnuts and scallion pieces and stir-fry for two minutes. Add the stir-fry sauce and chicken and cook for one minute. 5. Make a bed of noodles on a platter and top with the chicken mixture. Serve the noodles and stir-fry with lettuce leaves and soy sauce for dipping.

Zax’s Sauce COURTESY OF PINTEREST INGREDIENTS

1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup tomato ketchup 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground

DIRECTIONS

Blend until creamy. It’s that simple! YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 29

LIFESTYLE

From Our Table to YOURS

om M MEALS

QUICK MEALS FOR BUSY MOMS & KIDS WITH EMILY WOODS

Emilyunscripted was created to be a space that encourages women to believe in themselves. What you see is what you get, unscripted and real. I share adventures of everyday life. I have a degree in Education and a minor in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. In addition, I have ten years of experience in marketing and sales. I am a Tennessee native and have lived in middle Tennessee for eighteen years. I am very passionate about community and have a huge love for my town. My family and I also travel a lot and I like to share travels near and far. From overall lifestyle to home renovations or where to go for dinner, I’ve got you covered! As a single, busy mom with several jobs and two active kids, there is not much time to spend in the kitchen. I also don’t enjoy spending too much time driving through restaurants before and after sports either. So, I decided to reach out to my friend Michelle Wilson, @sipstosugars, to help me create simple and quick recipes to take on the go. We made two meals in under forty-five minutes, and that included us talking too much! We made personal pizzas and Michelle’s mac and cheese. You will want to save this mac and cheese. It should be served in Williamson County’s best restaurants — it’s that good! Follow me @emilyunscripted on Instagram for all of my great ideas for the entire family.

Michelle’s Mac & Cheese INGREDIENTS

1 box pasta 4 cups chicken broth 1/2 cup salted butter 1 1/2 cups shredded

White cheddar cheese 8 oz. cream cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 3 cups milk

3 tsp. Dijon mustard 3 tsp. hot sauce 2 tsp. Kinder’s Master Salt

DIRECTIONS

• Add the macaroni and broth to the Instant Pot. Stir well. • Put the lid on the pot, seal and hit pressure cook, high pressure and set for six minutes. • Quick-release and open lid when finished. When the lid comes off, there will be a lot of liquid in the pot, but this is exactly what we want, as it will serve as the base for the sauce! • Add the butter, white cheddar cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, Kinder’s Master Salt and hot sauce. Stir until it gets creamy. • Note: We take this in the car in to-go containers with plastic spoons.

Personal Pizzas

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Stonefire Naan round flatbreads 3 Tbsp. Pizza sauce, add more or less to your liking 2-3 cups shredded cheese of your choice Toppings of your choice

• Spread pizza sauce on naan round flatbread • Place naan pizza in an air fryer for five minutes at 390°F or until cheese is bubbly and the • Add toppings of your choice naan bread is crisp • Sprinkle shredded cheese over toppings. Michelle, @sipstosugars taught me this trick • Parent Hack: I put our pizzas on a paper plate and then place them in a gallon-sized Ziplock to seal in the toppings (no more mess!) bag — then just hop in the car and go!

EMILY WOODS

@EmilyUnscripted Emily Woods is a single mom of two girls. She has a degree in Education and a minor in Psychology from the University of Tennessee. In addition, she has ten years of experience in marketing and sales. Emily created @emilyunscripted to be a space to encourage women to believe in themselves. What you see is what you get, unscripted and real. Emily shares adventures of everyday life and has a lot of fun around Williamson County and Nashville.

30 MARCH 2022

BUILDING A LUXURY HOME SHOULD BE A LUXURY EXPERIENCE I would classify working with the Legend Homes team, from our initial concept meeting to completion, as my most seamless build. This is my seventh luxury home build experience and my favorite home to date. When dealing with hurdles brought on by the pandemic, the Legend group of professionals were always prepared to shift to ensure my dream home would be to my specifications — quite the feat when dealing with a noted perfectionist like myself who has high standards and discerning taste. Since my first visit to a Legend Parade home years ago, I knew we would work together in the future. I don’t believe there is much that could top this well-thoughtout concept of a one-level living home and my great experience with Legend Homes. Gaven Smith Realtor, Hinge Real Estate and Development Owner, Studio Gaven hair colour

Prices beginning at $1+ Million Voted Best Builder

For more information visit:

livealegend.com

Voted Best Builder

SOCIAL

Outside the Box

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN ZINGER

Breakfast

Lunch

'Till 10 am

From 2:30 pm

Biscuits

Meat & 3

Bacon, Chicken, Country Ham, Sausage, Tenderloin, and more!

Tue-fri

Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee recently hosted their annual Outside the Box fundraiser presented by Kroger. Whitney Miller, “MasterChef” winner, cookbook author and owner of Whitney’s Cookies, was the event’s guest host. Five local restaurants—Cork & Cow, Mere Bulles, Merridee’s, Sugar Magnolia Bakehouse and 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails— participated in the bake-off. The restaurants baked a dessert and incorporated a unique twist using girl scout cookies. The bake-off winner was Elana Drasin with Sugar Magnolia Bakehouse and her gluten-free Toffee-Tastic sugar cookie bars. To learn more about Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, visit gsmidtn.org.

Lisa Futrell, Robin Kotora & Nicole Brooks

Corrie Asch & Karen Feamster

Burgers Sandwiches

Sandwiches Bologna, Ham, Souse, Biscuits & Gravy Turkey, and more! Breakfast ChickenTenders Plates Pit Cooked BBQ

Elijah Jobe & Kelsey Voss

Ashli & Brett Tweedie

Lauren & Rob Tanner

and more! Terri Tock, Kirsten Hampson, Jennifer Iannello & Fairy Akeeno

Melanie & Jacob Plahuta

Rachel Caudle & Amanda Bell

Madeleine Crighton & Aryn Asch Emmanuel Lugo & Jeremy Swartz

Peyton Clark, Beth Palk, Karen Clark& Perrie Gibbons

Hours TUe - Fri Saturday Sun & Mon

5:30 am - 2:30 pm

6:30 am - 2:30 pm

Closed

1419 West Main Street, Franklin

615.708.7726

Cary & Nathan Powers

Sarah Alexander & Michelle Clifford

Warwick & Bethany Stone

N County Line Road

33 Acres

Amazing Bluff Views, & Peaceful Setting in Fairview, TN • Fertile land w/ long Frontage on turnbull Creek • 9,000 sF Custom home • Features pool and Full basketball Court

En tertainmen t | R e cre ation | Home ste ading

Offered at: $2,990,000

C A LL T HE M A N W HO LO V ES T HE LA N D TR AVIS ROBESON M: 615.944.3909 O: 615.327.4800 travisrobeson.com

Scan to learn more

Experience, Service, & Integrity are our Trademarks Greater Nashville Realtors

Team

Diamond Elite

Congrats Shelly Bearden

Richard Bryan

for all your Hardwork

Richard Courtney Margaret Davidson Ashna Tipnis

Team

Dedication Starling Davis

Donnel Milam The Milam Group

Beth Molteni

Shea Ghertner Whitney Musser

Diamond Greater Nashville Realtors

Courtney Jenrath

Tommy Patterson

Team

Marsha Simoneaux Tami Siedlecki

Mara Thompson Tim Bennett

Diamond

Betty Finucane

Mary Kocina

Gold

Lydia Armistead

Williamson County Association of Realtors

Lisa Peebles

Tom Repass

Tina Pierret

Sapphire

Greater Nashville Realtors

Teresa Beard NASHVILLE • 615-327-4800

FRIDRICHAND CLARK.COM

Keri Cannon |

Cindy Cook

Eric Grasman

WILLIAMSON CO. • 615-263-4800

Education Achievement Award

Guiding You Home with Award Winning Service since 1966

Sapphire

Gold

Greater Nashville Realtors Greater Nashville Realtors

Greater Nashville Realtors Valerie Roberts

Lucy Smith

Ann Marie Strickmaker

Sam Coleman

Leah Crutchfield

Lise Deschenes

Ruby Elshafei

Tom Fussell

Mary May

Elizabeth McGuire

Lisa Owings

Christy Reed

Jennifer Stadler

Jill Tidwell

Trish Woolwine

Team

Scott Coggins

Silver Greater Nashville Realtors

Platinum

Cheryl Macey Cathy East

Greater Nashville Realtors

Cheryl Ewing

Hayden Avery

Daniel Hope

NASHVILLE • 615-327-4800

FRIDRICHAND CLARK.COM

Megan Garrett

Jenny Perkins |

Karen Moore

Patricia Robbe

WILLIAMSON CO. • 615-263-4800

SOCIAL

18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRIS RAE ORLOWSKI The 18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball is one of the premier events in Williamson County and My Friend's House signature fundraiser. This event was held on February 12th at the Cool Springs Embassy Suites. The evening commenced with a lively, Mardi-Graslike-parade entrance and included top-notch entertainment, first-class cuisine, and an informative program. The revealing of the Mardi Gras B all King and Queen and court, is, of course, the culmination of an evening of dancing and revelry. The 2022 Mardi Gras Ball Royal Court winners were Jeff and Jaclyn Ledbetter. To learn more about this organization, visit myfriendshousetn.org.

Ed & Courtney Theis, Stefanie Watson, Sarah Watson, Charlie & Vicki Manning, Clyde & Lindsey Baumgartner, Harrison Perez

Larkatous & Juanda More Caitlin & John Bond

Candy Sullivan & Jeanne Hammontree

J.A. & Kathy Reynolds, Kim & Jim Poole

Glenn & Tammy Reynolds, Brian & Macy Gaines, Kelilonda & Justin McCathern

Scott Shake, Krystal Kassell, Angie & Ronnie Warren

Anna Petronella & Pete Dawkins

Lexie & Trey Taylor

Larry Moscowitz, Courtney Hunter, Brad & Babs Stewart

Brian & Lucibeth Mayberry, Teresa & Andre Jaeckle

Kurt & Beth Winstead, Shanlynn & Mark Grosvenor

Eric & Teresa Shellnut, Haley & Daniel Burke, Sophie Shellnut

Dave & Tracey Power, Casey & Michael Splittorf

Kaitlyn Dixon

John & Ali Reynolds 36 MARCH 2022

Laurie & Troy Morrison

AWARDED BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT IN FRANKLIN, TN FOR 2021 & 2022!

Naomi Bannister - Keller Williams Realty has been selected for the 2022 Best of Franklin Award in the Real Estate Agents category by the Franklin Award Program. Each year, the Franklin Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category.

NAOMI BANNISTER

Luxury Real Estate Professional Keller Williams Realty 615.707.0597 (mobile) 615.778.1818 (office) naomibannister@kw.com www.NaomiBannister.com License #341615 Naomi Bannister - Keller Williams Realty is among a very small group of companies that have won the Best of Franklin Award for two consecutive years.

COMMUNITY

YOUR Charitable Self

AN INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND FOR ALL Franklin’s first inclusive park will be named in memory of Elliott Grace Castro, known as Ellie G, who passed away at the age of four in September 2019. Ellie G was the granddaughter of Franklin Alderman Brandy Blanton and was born with a very rare, terminal form of dwarfism called Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata (RCDP). During her short life, she proved to be an example of courage, strength and joy to all who had the privilege to know her or know of her. Her parents, Samantha and Brandon Castro, were told her life expectancy was less than a week at birth. However, Ellie G defied the odds and would pave the way — along with help from State Representative Charles Sargent — to make sure that any child born in Tennessee with RCDP would receive life-changing services and support from the Tennessee Early Intervention System, putting RCDP on the list of accepted diagnoses. The community embraced this little girl and her family and showed their support in a myriad

38 MARCH 2022

of ways. In 2015, there was a fundraiser called Light the Way hosted at Franklin’s Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, with live music, food and a children’s play area appropriately named Elliott’s Dream World — the origin of the name of this park that will improve the quality of life for all families in Williamson County and beyond. The soon-to-be inclusive playground will be housed within the new Southeast Municipal Complex located on Carothers Parkway. The park is on three acres and will include five football fields, miles of walking trails, concessions, ADA accessible restrooms, a pavilion and the first public inclusive playground within the Franklin Parks System. The playground will have a safari theme four to six times larger than the Tinkerbell Playground at Pinkerton Park. It will be designed for two specific phases. The first phase will be the play structures and park amenities, along with the pavilion and plenty of shade structures throughout. The second phase will include an outdoor fitness area, an amphitheater and

will be constructed during the second round of funding for the park. This portion of the project will also include lacrosse fields and other court sports, like pickleball. The playground will have fully accessible restrooms with built-in baby changing stations, as well as dedicated men’s and women’s change rooms equipped with built-in changing tables that can accommodate larger children, teens or adults. In addition to these facilities, there will be a mother’s nursing room. The total cost of the inclusive playground is approximately $3 million, and Friends of Franklin Parks is committed to raising $1.5 million of that cost. If you or your business would like to donate or become a sponsor of Ellie G’s Dream World, please contact Friends of Franklin Parks Executive Director Torrey Barnhill at torrey@friendsoffranklinparks.org. Visit friendsoffranklinparks.org/inclusive-playground to learn more.

movingwithkelly.com ERealtorKellyDougherty QA@movingwithkelly Kelly Dougherty REALTOR® c: 615.804.6940 | o: 615. 790.3400 | Kellyd@VillageTN.com

PENDING

SOLD

1433 Westhaven Boulevard Franklin Westhaven

6061 Keats Street Franklin Westhaven

106 Daniels Drive Franklin Buyers Agent

SOLD

6617 Hastings Lane Franklin Temple Hills Reserve

2960 Americus Drive Thompson’s Station Tollgate

2503 Midvale Drive Nashville Donelson

YO U R P R E M I E R LO C A L AG E N TS

Brentwood Annie Saber

Brandon Blair

Candace Revelette

Casey Webber

Frank Skaggs

Heidi Stemler

Burnett Hill Home Town Team

Jack Miller

Kathy Danner

Leigh Ann Portale

Marion Kincade

Shawnna Simpson

Mary Ann Palise

Molly Kazay

Marla Richardson

Susan Gregory

Suzie DeYoung

Tanny Crawford

Thomas Tobia

Betsy Turnage

Cindy Garner Denson

Danny Anderson

Greg McCollum

Lisa Davis

Loy Hardcastle

Margaret Flowers Orton

Reid Anderson

Franklin

Lisa Culp Taylor

Cortney Reichert

Derrick Wright

Dick & Judy Williams

#1 MAR KE T S HA R E WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Kati Wooten

Kim Shacklock

Leann Morello

Patricia Park

Rachel Margolis

Selva Montgomery

BRENTWOOD 615.370.8669

Two Savvy Blondes

Cindy Stanton Managing Broker

8119 Isabella Lane Ste 105 Brentwood, TN 37027

FRANKLIN 615.790.7400 106 E Main St. Franklin, TN 37064

Jeannie Bankins

Lauren Sullivan

Lee Ann James Commercial

parksathome.com

Stuart Tutler

WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM

READY TO BUY OR SELL? CALL US TODAY (615) 775-3830 VIEW AVAILABLE HOMES AT LCTTEAM.COM

106 E. Main St. | Franklin, TN 37064 | (615) 790-7400 | (615) 775-3830 | Lic. #00059191 All information deemed correct but is not guaranteed and is subject to change.

F OR SA L E

TO B E B U I LT

8204 MORNINGVIEW COURT BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

2064 HILLSBORO ROAD FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE

$4,500,000 | 5 BED | 5/2 BATH | 6,464 SQ FT

$8,125,000 | 7,536 SQ FT | 22.52+ ACRES

F OR SA L E

U N D E R CO NT R ACT

PARK PLUS ESTATES COLUMBIA, TENNESSEE

246 GOVERNORS WAY BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

$3,750,000 | 61 UNITS

$3,300,000 | 5 BED | 5/2 BATH | 9,698 SQ FT

S OL D!

SOLD!

1194 SADDLE SPRINGS DRIVE THOMPSON'S STATION, TENNESSEE

1103 NAVAHO DRIVE BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

$3,000,000 | 5 BED | 5 BATH | 6,636 SQ FT

$1,250,123 | 4 BED | 3/1 BATH | 3,730 SQ FT

VIEW THE CURRENT LIST OF AVAILABLE HOMES ONLINE AT LCTTEAM.COM

FEATURE

Come Fly With Me

GREETINGS FROM THE

Crystal Coast

44 MARCH 2022

’s a in l o ar C th or N er v o Disc s k an B er ut O n er South Eighty-five miles of gleaming Atlantic beaches only begins to tell the story of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast. Framed by barrier islands that extend from Cape Lookout National Seashore, the Crystal Coast is home to a herd of freely roaming wild horses, Blackbeard’s sunken flagship, a towering lighthouse you can climb, world-class fishing and diving, intriguing history, maritime heritage and the “South’s (No. 1) Best Small Town” as named by Southern Living that dates back to the 1700s. And the dining? It’s divine. On the Crystal Coast, the opportunities aren’t just endless, they’re enticing. North Carolina’s Crystal Coast is known as the Southern Outer Banks. The six distinct communities of The Crystal Coast include Atlantic Beach, Beaufort, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle, Morehead City and Cape Lookout, each one as distinct and memorable as the next. From eccentric history and legendary tales of swashbuckling pirate adventures to ghostly encounters and exotic wild horses roaming the same shores for centuries, the collection of beaches and towns offers a unique blend of history, family fun, water sports and natural areas for all ages. THE CRYSTAL COAST AT A GLANCE To understand the real coastal experience is to feel the tranquil sea breezes gently blowing across glassy waters, to stroll the historical streets of a quaint maritime village saturated with memories of the past and to dine on “fresh from the docks” seafood at a waterfront bistro. It is both a place and a state of mind representing a departure from the ordinary and arrival at the extraordinary. Atlantic Beach: A haven of sunbathers, Atlantic Beach is home to wide pearlescent beaches and plenty of sunshine. Part of the Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach is the oldest of five resort towns. Visitors have the liberty to choose from a range of accommodations for all budgets and lifestyles, from a seven-bedroom coastal mansion to a “no frills” beach bungalow. Beaufort: Stepping onto the oak lined streets of historic Beaufort – recently named “The South’s Best Small Town,” by Southern Living magazine – is like stepping into a time long forgotten. The air is saturated with the same ancient salty-sweet ocean scents that have caressed the coast for centuries. It is not uncommon while dining at a waterfront café to see wild horses running freely on Carrot Island, just across the glassy waters of Taylor’s Creek. Pine Knoll Shores: Once owned by America’s own royal family, the descendants of Theodore Roosevelt, Pine Knoll Shores is known as a peaceful residential community with an ecofriendly focus. The area was designed with minimal disturbance to the native maritime

forest and sand dunes and is one of the state’s of all sizes, several realty agencies offer seaside most ecologically sensitive towns. cottages, condos, and massive beach front mansion rentals perfect for multi-generational Emerald Isle: Named the “No. 1 Beach in escapes or travel pods. For a touch of romance, North Carolina,” by Coastal Living magazine historic and charming inns await, while hotel and USA Today, Emerald Isle is known as the accommodations include the Beaufort Hotel, most prominent of the banks on The Crystal Atlantis Lodge and Bask @ Big Rock Landing, Coast. Lush greenery that covers much of the among others. area – located at the western end of the Bogue Banks – provides a sense of escape. SCRUMPTIOUS SEAFARE After a hard day’s wreck diving or surf fishing, Morehead City: A blessed location along visitors to The Crystal Coast tend to work up sparklingly clear water with rows of charter an appetite. Finding the right taste to tame fishing boats gently bobbing like fishing lures any appetite with more than 100 locally-owned waiting to usher passengers to their first “big restaurants to choose from is an easy task. catch,” Morehead City is known for the most Generations of restaurateurs have put their life’s diverse fishing on the coast. Home to the annual passion into their cooking. It is not uncommon Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament, to find that the present owner of a Crystal Coast fisherman worldwide compete for the top honor restaurant is the great-great grandchild of the while supporting local organizations that have original owner. received nearly $5 million in charitable donations from the tournament over the past sixty years. Charmed Living: The Crystal Coast Accommodations Cape Lookout: Named the no. 1 National Park Low-key luxury shines along North Carolina’s Beach by USA Today and reminiscent of times central shore. After a day of meandering The past where wild horses roam freely on deserted Crystal Coast, travelers looking for a place to beaches, Cape Lookout National Seashore, with rest before their next coastal adventure can find its famed “Diamond Lady” lighthouse, offers lodging options to suit every lifestyle and budget. escapists a fifty six mile stretch of undeveloped Whether explorers witness the unparalleled shimmering beaches accessible only by boat. beauty of Shackleford Banks, delve into the rich cultural heritage, catch a wave on the ACCOMMODATIONS Atlantic coast or trek into open waters on a With coastline shadowed not by chain hotels kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing excursion, but rather by nothing more than what Mother the accommodations are designed to be the Nature intended, vacationers to The Crystal perfect companion to each guest’s imagination Coast find a variety of accommodations to suit vacation, providing a “dream home away from every lifestyle and budget. Catering to parties home.” YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 45

Ocean View Resorts DoubleTree Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel: Having opened in summer 2013, after completing a massive multi-million-dollar renovation, the DoubleTree Atlantic Beach is known as the largest full-service hotel on the coast of North Carolina, touting 200 guestrooms all featuring private balconies and ocean views. Debuting a modern, beach-chic ambiance that appeals to leisure travelers and those seeking a fresh, sophisticated setting for meetings and events. The 300-foot pier allows guests to take in unparalleled views of sunrises and sunsets, enjoy sightings of dolphins that call the area home and also creates a perfect setting for intimate weddings and receptions. Beaufort Hotel: Nestled on ten acres, the Beaufort Hotel offers the privacy of a resortstyle setting on the banks of Taylor’s Creek with expansive water views. This boutique 133-room hotel offers relaxing accommodations and friendly staff members that can introduce you to the unique sights and experiences in Beaufort, North Carolina. Inn on Turner: Inn on Turner is Beaufort’s unique and boutique lodging. The Inn boasts contemporary coastal decor, luxury linens with exceedingly comfortable pillow top mattresses and bedding for an exceptional

46 MARCH 2022

night’s rest. During a stay, you can expect to enjoy complimentary Field to Fork Breakfasts and creative Happy Hour Beverages. The Pecan Tree Inn: Built in 1866 as a Masonic Lodge, guests staying at the Pecan Inn will find the quintessential southern inn experience with breezy wrap-around porches, a 5,000foot English flower and herb garden and seven elegant guest rooms, including two suites with in-room Jacuzzis. Each room features various Victorian inspired furnishings complete with cherry four-poster canopy beds, large antique armoires and ornate oriental rugs. Inlet Inn: As seen on The Weather Channel and NBC’s The Today Show, this family-run harbor-front bed and breakfast hotel is situated in the historic waterfront district and is a oneminute walk from the Beaufort Docks and the ferry, a four-minute walk from the North Carolina Maritime Museum and a half-mile from US Route 70. The cozy rooms have simple furnishings and decor, and come with free Wi-Fi, TVs with cable channels and mini fridges. Some have extra features including vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and private porches or window seats with harbor views. Free perks include a continental breakfast served either in-room or in the third-floor balcony lounge, parking and Wi-Fi. Boat slips are also available for a fee.

Bask @ Big Rock Landing: As Morehead City’s first downtown hotel, newly opened in May 2015, the condo-style offering features fifty-three spacious suites and guestrooms in the heart of Morehead City, ideally situated on the Intra-coastal waterway at the Big Rock landing — one of the most famous points for fishing on the East Coast. Arriving at bask entices a mood of anticipation for the experience to be encountered, from the array of attractions, eateries, nightlife and the most incredible views from this ten-story building. Bask Hotel also features meeting and banquet facilities, upscale room furnishings, and a new hotel experience to revive the senses and send guests away refreshed and renewed. Additional visitor information about these and other area attractions is available here: The Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority and Visitor Center 252.726.8148 crystalcoastnc.org Facebook.com/CrystalCoast. Instagram: @TheCrystalCoast Twitter: @CrystalCoast_NC Hashtag: #MyCrystalCoast

FIND YOUR PERFECT ADVENTURE AT SANDESTIN®GOLF AND BEACH RESORT

Spanning 2,400 acres from the beach to the bay, there is so much to discover at Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. Not only will you find your favorite vacation accommodations, you'll also find endless adventure! Perfect your golf swing on one of four championship courses, or practice your backhand at the award winning tennis courts. Afternoons spent shopping for the latest trends. Paddle sessions on the bay, or days spent relaxing on the emerald shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Restaurants that serve fresh, locally caught seafood and craft cocktails with the most spectacular views. Attend a world-class seasonal event or just come to relax. Whatever you're looking for Sandestin® has it all!

SANDESTIN.COM | 877.414.4324

LIFESTYLE

A Spirited Conversation

Sommelier’s Take

AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE FOLETTA BELL BY SAM POLONSKY, CITY WINERY NASHVILLE

Here at City Winery Nashville, we respect the history and heritage of Tennessee whiskey and want to pay homage in the best way we know how: by showcasing it in our wine! Every sip of the Old Thoroughbred Cabernet Sauvignon contains a taste of whiskey history. Thanks to our head winemaker, Michelle Foletta Bell, we can offer this unique and noteworthy bottle for both the wine enthusiast and whiskey aficionado to appreciate. A California native, Michelle Foletta Bell was born with a spirited passion for winemaking’s history, art, and skill. She brings eight years of experience in the industry to City Winery Nashville as our local head winemaker. After tasting her way through major wine regions around the world, Foletta Bell studied wine with the Guild of Sommeliers and started her career in winery tasting rooms across California. She worked in the Paso Robles AVA near the St. Lucia Mountain range and managed the wine club, commercial sales and harvest logistics at Tanner Vineyards, a boutique winery in the Sierra Foothills. While she loved working with customers, her joy has always been in the handson process of winemaking. In October of 2017, Michelle jumped at the chance to move to Nashville and join the City Winery winemaking team. As the City Winery Nashville Marketing Manager, I had an opportunity to sit down with Michelle to find out more about her and this interesting Cabernet now available at City Winery Nashville.

When did you start thinking about the concept of the Old Thoroughbred Cabernet? MFB: My inspiration to age wine in whiskey barrels had begun about six years ago when, on a whim, I ordered an Old Vine Spanish Syrah aged in Pappy Van Winkle barrels online. I was so intrigued by this process and kept it in the back of my mind. Then, years later, in 2018, we acquired some barrels from our friends over at Belle Meade Bourbon/Greenbrier Distillery, and I knew what a cool concept it would be, especially locally. How did you combine your knowledge of wine with the history of TN whiskey? MFB: Wine and whiskey have a few things in common, but the biggest standout to me was Oak. The character it provides for whiskey and wine is essential and very stylistic. Tennessee has a rich history of making whiskey, and the traditions and methods have been unchanging over the years. Much of this celebration of tradition is similar to winemaking. What flavors do the whiskey barrels add to the wine that you wouldn’t taste without them? MFB: The biggest difference between whiskey and wine barrels is the toast level. Most wine barrels are either light, medium or high toast, while whiskey barrels have more of a char to them. This char gives the wine a much more intense and deeper flavor, one that expresses the quality of the oak a little more than you’d expect. The char also acts as natural filtration to the wine, which adds a bit of clarity to the eye, something I hadn’t thought of until we were going through the process of aging.

What meals/ snacks would you pair this wine with? MFB: Food is such a wonderful asset when you’re enjoying wine. Big and tannic wines like this one do well when paired with heavier fat or cream-driven dishes. Sometimes it is hard to know what the right pairing can be, but I always suggest mirroring what you are drinking with what you eat. For instance, I love to pair bold wines with bold flavors. Something this big and rich can stand up to a lot of different dishes–think coffee-rubbed rib eye, fried brussels sprouts, flourless chocolate cake and even a cigar. For something especially fun, have a shot of whiskey as a sidecar. This is also an ideal wine to enjoy with cheeses and cured meats; go for soft and rich cheeses or hard, nutty ones like gruyere. For cured meats, think coppa and a pepper-crusted salami. Give three description words of the Old Thoroughbred? MFB: Rich, whiskey and toffee. Inspiration behind the label? MFB: Our goal with this label was to show off Tennessee. I visited Uncle Nearest Distillery back in early 2021 while it was still under construction, and they have a beautiful collection of Tennessee walking horses. They’re popular riding horses due to their calm disposition, smooth gaits and sure-footedness. We loved the idea of pairing this horse with our Tennessee barrels. As an extra little nod, I ended up having the horse on this label look like one of my dogs, Lucy. With each lot, we hope to feature a different distillery and a different dog with that.

Founded in New York City in 2008 by Michael Dorf, City Winery delivers a unique combined culinary and cultural experience to urban wine enthusiasts. Each City Winery offers intimate concerts, food and wine seminars, private event spaces, upscale dining, and a fully functioning winery. Check out the Nashville location for intimate concerts, locally made wine, good food and unforgettable private events! Learn more at citywinery.com.

48 MARCH 2022

MARCH 9 · 13 · 22

Dine In

@citywinerynsh citywinery.com/nashville Scan to make a reservation

WINE COUNTRY

609 Lafayette Street Nashville, TN 37203

FEATURE

50 MARCH 2022

Pours & Palates

Pours Palates AN EXPERIENCE AT COAL TOWN PUBLIC HOUSE BY ANNA ROBERTSON HAM

An exceptional meal with a view! This is precisely what you get to experience at Coal Town Public House. The eatery, sits on the lake in the Westhaven community. It has a modern and eclectic style with high ceilings, a huge bar, natural light with big garage door windows and a beautiful view of the Westhaven lake. The menu of unique dishes is an elevated take on American cuisine. Executive Chef Chris Cunningham fell in love with the art of food after working in a restaurant during his college years. He never went to culinary school and is simply self-taught through trial and error. “My favorite style of cooking right now is upscale southern, but it changes with the seasons,” Chris says. “We, as a team, have a lot of discussions about menu direction, and then I dig a lot into childhood memories and try to hit those points on my menus. My favorite dish on the menu is for sure the shrimp and grits. For me, it explains my style and hits so many notes on the palette.” I tried several dishes, including a couple of cocktails at my visit to Public House. One of the starters I tried were the oysters on the half shell with sherry mignonette, smoked cocktail sauce, grilled lemon and house-made salted crackers. The oysters are one of the newest items on the menu, and Chris says they are one of the purest forms of food one can eat. “Salty, sweet and luxurious,” he says.

Executive Chef Chris Cunningham

I have to agree. I am an oyster fan and thrive on finding great batches locally to enjoy, and Public House will definitely be a place I can go to for them. Another starter I enjoyed was the house-made focaccia with whipped truffle ricotta and shredded pecorino. Hello, truffle! Combine bread, cheese and truffle, and you get magic. I could have eaten every bite of this amazing bowl of goodness, but I kept myself in check so I could enjoy all of the other dishes. I will definitely order this one again and again! After that, I tried the duck duo; a pan-seared duck breast, duck leg confit, brown butter herb red potatoes, roasted cauliflower and pan jus. I like duck, and this take on it was done in a very tasty and generous way. The combination of the duck with the roasted vegetables made this dish very savory and filling. My brother is a duck fan, and after I told him how good it was, he dined at Public House and loved it. Another main dish I got to taste was the grilled double-cut bone-in pork chop with a sorghum molasses demi-glaze. This serving would satisfy everybody and could be a dish to split between two. It was delicious and cooked perfectly, and the glaze brought the savory and sweet flavors together in a delectable way.

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 51

I tried the Chocolate Tart with white chocolate, cocoa nib brittle and strawberry granita for dessert — yum! I say it all of the time, just give me the chocolate dessert and I will be fine because I love chocolate. However, I am not always satisfied with every chocolate dessert I have encountered, but this one was beautifully presented in such a simple way and tasted delightful. The sweetness of the chocolate paired with the tartness of the strawberry granita and then completed with the crunch of the brittle was delicious. Make sure you order it when you visit the Public House!

Coal Town Public House offers not only an atmosphere that cannot be compared to anything in Williamson County, but also a menu that has been thoughtfully curated to provide its guests a truly elevated experience. They have live music every Friday and Saturday starting at 8:30pm, including dueling pianos twice a month. And cheers to the happiest of hours with Public House, who celebrates happy hour Wednesday through Sunday from 3pm to 5pm. They are also now offering Sunday brunch from 11am to 3pm, which is a staple for many on the weekend.

I enjoyed two cocktails — the Queen of the South and the Hibiscus Paloma. The Queen of the South is comprised of Empress Gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice and orgeat. I loved the ombré separation of the contents of this cocktail, as the Empress Gin is a vibrant purple. Once blended, it had a refreshing and subtly sweet taste. The Hibiscus Paloma is created with Gran Dovejo high-proof Blanco Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, hibiscus and topped with soda water. This drink is a dessert all on its own. The Hibiscus Paloma is a celebration drink, and it is perfectly presented while pleasing the palate for someone wanting a twist on a typical cocktail. Sipping on either of these while looking at the lake — what could be more perfect?

They have all the cravings covered, whether that be good food, a satisfying drink, an amazing atmosphere, or live music!

52 MARCH 2022

187 Front Street, Suite 103 Franklin, TN 37064 615.807.1194 coaltownpublichouse.com

DISCOVER PURE LUXURY NEW HOMES FROM THE UPPER $2 MILLIONS NEW HOMESITES FOR 2022

615-371-1590 | 1469 WITHERSPOON DRIVE | BRENTWOOD | WITHERSPOONBRENTWOOD.COM

A FORD CLASSIC HOMES AND CPS LAND COMMUNITY

SOCIAL

Stites & Harbison’s 19th Annual Groundhog Day Open House

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE No one celebrates the most famous groundhog prognosticator like Stites & Harbison, PLLC. Punxsutawney Phil fans gathered for Stites & Harbison’s 19th annual Groundhog Day Open House at their Franklin office on February 2nd. Whether you were hoping for an early spring or longing for more winter, community friends came together to enjoy an evening of catching up, great food and drinks, live music and the celebration of Groundhog Day. It is a party that many look forward to each and every year! Learn more about the Stites & Harbison Law Firm at stites.com. Derby Jones, Kurt Winstead, Marty Ligon & Ed Underwood

Tom Lawrence & Loy Hardcastle Chris Kincaid & Christina Willow

Rachel Dix Bishop, Mary Lu Noah, Kim Schmittel & Erika Barnes

Heather Doleshel, Meghan Guffee & Rogers Anderson Drew & Lori Volpe

Dianna Frausto & Svetlana Ryan

Kel McDowell, Maureen Haley Thornton & Bryan Doleshel Debbie Rubenstein & Jennifer Guerra

Mellisa Powell & Stephanie Bibb

Whitney Burnley, Ashley Goins Alderson & Josh Buruley

Mary Pearce, Brian & Lisa Beathard

Kristine Hopfensperger & Vivian Garrett 54 MARCH 2022

Shedrick Wright & Robert Blaire

Matt Ligon, David Landrum & Danny Anderson

BUSINESS

YOUR Real Estate

Williamson County Market Trends WITH WCAR It might be a new year, but the market is still raging on. Have you taken a close look at the market statistics in Williamson County? Just a reminder, here at WCAR, our market statistics are timestamped down to the minute, giving you the most accurate picture of what is transpiring in the market over time. Head over to the WCAR website under “News” to view the market statistics every month. Our January statistics are in and what we are seeing is quite consistent with the trends we

have been seeing over the past year. The median sales price in Williamson County for January 2022 was $765,000. This is 24% higher compared to January 2021. As one of the most desirable places to live and work in the United States, it is no shock that people are moving by the droves to come enjoy life as a Williamson County resident. The days on the market for January 2022 were 13 days compared to 25 in January 2021. What does this mean? Homes are flying off the market in Williamson County. Looking on to the rest of 2022,

it doesn’t look like this is slowing down. Either way, we will keep you informed on how things are shaking out as the year goes on, so follow us on social media @wcartn and check out our website, wcartn.org

Established in 1962, WCAR’s vision is to serve REALTORS® and enhance the communities in which we interact and engage. WCAR is located in Brentwood, TN and currently has over 2500 members.

THE GAME CHANGER OF GRILLING AND SMOKING

COME SEE ALL OF OUR BIG GREEN EGG OPTIONS AND MODERN FARMHOUSE STYLE CUSTOM EGG TABLES!

HARPETH TRUE VALUE HOMECENTER

LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF COLUMBIA AVENUE AND DOWNS BOULEVARD 203 Downs Boulevard Franklin, TN 37064

HOURS: MONDAY - SATURDAY 8am - 5pm SUNDAY Closed

615.794.3641 HARPETHTRUEVALUE.COM

FEATURE

In YOUR Backyard

Southern Breakfast with a

Twist

WITH EARLY’S HONEY STAND Since 1925, Early’s has been operating in Spring Hill, Tennessee. It all started with two barrels and a board serving honey by the old toll gate on US Highway 31. With lots of people traveling from the north to sunny Florida, Early’s stand became well known for its products, specifically the honey and the meats.

right from the Spring Hill area. Pure, local and unpasteurized, Early’s honey is great for allergies and extremely delicious! Since then, many products have been added over the years, and Early’s always strives for quality, southern authenticity and local ingredients.

Founder Erskine Early would sell the rich, golden honey during the summer and the slow-smoked country meats during the winter. Eventually, a new interstate highway was built and routed most of Early’s over-the-counter customers away from the stand. Because Early’s products were the best they’d ever tasted, most of them called and asked to ship baskets of goodies to them. This was Early’s introduction into the mail-order business, and today Early’s is the oldest mail-order house in the South!

Erskine’s father was a skilled sausage maker, and his mother made the jellies and jams in the kitchen. The Hickory Smoked sausage is some of the best you can find and is still made the same way Erskine’s father did back in the day. Early’s sausage is hand spiced with its proprietary spice recipe and slow-smoked over hickory embers. That whole process takes place right here in the great state of Tennessee! Early’s shares the delicious taste with others as they now ship their products all over the United States to eager recipients.

Early’s has a variety of honey to choose from now; however, pure, local honey is still sold

Over the years, Early’s products have been enjoyed by governors, award-winning chefs,

56 MARCH 2022

senators, national championship coaches, Elvis Presley and even the Queen of England! In addition, Early’s has an array of other fantastic products that you are invited to try, including the spiced Griddle Cake mix, which is custom blended and has been shipping for over fifty years now. Along with some of its newest, like the Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup, Early’s has partnerships with Northern Maple Syrup and Kentucky Bourbon Barrels that light up flapjacks and cocktails alike! Erskine once said, “Business goes where it’s wanted and stays where it’s treated well.” That’s the motto he used to preach constantly, and it’s something Early’s still lives and works by today. Early’s added jams, mixes, cheeses, nuts, other sausages and country fixings as the business grew. An on-site museum will be opening in spring 2022 in honor of Erskine and the business he built.

A Breakfast Charcuterie Board with Early’s Charcuterie boards have recently become a popular staple for events, parties and special occasions. These decadent boards are the perfect snacking option for guests and are customizable! Instead of putting together the usual charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, accompaniments and crackers, try a breakfast charcuterie board! For our Eat, Drink & Be Merry edition, we put together a charcuterie board that includes various breakfast items including the perfect fried egg, fruit, yogurt, waffles, pancakes, bacon, pastries and biscuits. Of course, you can customize it to your favorite breakfast foods and any dietary needs. Additionally, we incorporated Early’s Honey Stand Dry Cured & Hickory Smoked Bacon, Strawberry Preserve and the Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup with our charcuterie board, and it was delicious! Once cooked, the bacon was crisp and flavorful. The preserves had a great consistency and spread wonderfully on the biscuits. The maple syrup was just the right amount of sweetness to add to our pancakes and waffles. There are many ways you can customize your breakfast charcuterie board. If you don’t like fried eggs, make a batch of scrambled eggs, and put them in a side dish. Use your favorite fruits or purchase what is currently in season for peak freshness. If you are in a pinch, there is no shame in using frozen waffles rather than making a mess with a waffle maker! Lastly, if you don’t happen to be a bacon lover, Early’s also has sausage and ham options! Get creative, have fun with it and ENJOY the comforts of breakfast foods! Visit earlys.com, email info@earlys.com or call 1.800.523.2015. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and free cold cider samples are always available —a tradition at Early’s since 1950! So, stop on by and learn about Early’s history while sharing some fine southern foods!

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 57

LIFESTYLE

Keeping Score

CAPTIVATING TRADITION IRISH STEP DANCING BY BRITTON HEADDEN

Irish dancing has its roots deep in the Emerald Isle. Long ago, the Celts and Druids dancers would gather at festivals and religious assemblies. Music and singing naturally accompanied the dancing, and the tradition remains, though evolved, thousands of years later. The Gaelic League was founded in 1893 to preserve aspects of Irish heritage and culture. Competitive Irish dancing sprung up from that in 1930 when the league launched the Irish Dancing Commission, which organized lessons, rules and competitions. There are three main types of Irish dancing routines: Set dancing routines, social or “céilí” routines and “sean nós” or step routines. Irish dancing is accompanied by music; the most common instruments used include the harp, bagpipe, violin, bodhran, tin whistle, concertina

and even singing. Ornate costumes can be found in Irish dancing, but the standard for male dancers includes a shirt, vest and tie with dark pants, while female dancers wear dresses. Each Irish dancing school has its own uniform. One of the best places to see Irish dancing is in a competition. The formal criteria for judging Irish dancing are timing, appearance, execution and carriage. Execution is the critical factor evaluated by a dancer’s technique and the sounds made from their shoes. Contests have rigid criteria for qualifications, and both dancers and teachers can be extremely competitive. Scoring at these competitions can be done by one, three, five or up to seven adjudicators. The judges’ individual scores are ranked, and points are distributed accordingly to ensure outliers do not unfairly affect the rankings. There are several Irish dancing schools in and

around Nashville that offer events and classes for all ages. Music City Feis is a championship held each year in the fall. Notably, Nashville Irish Step Dancers have performed worldwide in both performances and competitions. Their performance, “Celtic Rhythms On Fire,” has been featured on local and national platforms such as “Talk of the Town” on News Channel 5 and the Grand Ole Opry. Additionally, Nashville Irish step dancers were featured on “Down the Old Plank Road,” which included performances by Ricky Skaggs, Martina McBride and Allison Kraus at the Ryman Auditorium. “Celtic Rhythms On Fire” recently made an appearance at the Williamson County Performing Arts Center. Irish dancing can be exciting, competitive and fun to watch. So, keep an eye out for events near you and have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!

BRITTON HEADDEN Keeping Score

Britton Headden is a born-and-raised Franklin local and Broker/Owner of Headden Home Real Estate. Britton has a lifetime love of basketball and other sports, including playing and coaching experience on all levels elementary through college.

58 MARCH 2022

LUXURY THAT SPEAKS TO YOU The all-new 2022 INFINITI QX60 is designed to connect you with what matters. Reserve yours today at INFINITI of Cool Springs. Reserve Your All-New 2022 INFINITI QX60 .Starting at $46,850*

211 Comtide Ct., Franklin, TN 37067 INFINITIofCoolSprings.com “An exceptional owner experience.”

*Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), MSRP excludes tax, tag, title, and additional options. Actual price may vary based on inventory and trim level.

dream

COMMUNITY

A Little Something Extra

GLUTEN-FREE GRONOLA’D

BY MEGAN ZINGER

Anna Belle Skidmore and her younger sister, Lila Mae Skidmore, co-founded Granola’d, in June 2021. The sisters founded Granola’d to create a yummy and gluten-free alternative to the crunchy snack. In the sixth grade, Anna Belle developed a gluten allergy that prevented her from indulging in her favorite sweet treats; thus, Granola’d was created several years later.

The sisters began making granola for themselves as a snack and found they loved creating new recipes. “We decided to take different foods and ‘granola’ them,” Anna said. “That is how our name came to be, and it was my little sister’s clever thinking.” The idea behind the name came from the sisters turning any sweet treat into granola form and making it a verb. Their slogan: “We Granola’d It!” The sisters do recipe testing every weekend and create their recipes from scratch. With testing comes trial and error. “Some of the flavors cause us several recipe tests in order to get perfected,” Anna said. “We like to include different textures and additives, so it is not just your basic oats granola.” Anna and her sister are passionate about healthy eating. They are avid runners, so they make sure to use wholesome ingredients and only use natural sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup. Their current flavors include birthday cake, gummy bear, chocolate-covered pretzel, raspberry cheesecake and chocolate pecan pie. 60 MARCH 2022

The first week the sisters launched Granola’d, they had expected to sell only a couple of bags; however, they ended up selling 220 bags by the end of the week. The sisters started the company as a fun side job, but it has already skyrocketed. They are making big strides doing business pitches and getting their products in stores across middle Tennessee. Granola’d will soon be in local stores in Murfreesboro, Gallatin and Franklin. Anna Belle, a Lipscomb University student, recently won the Global Entrepreneur Award Competition (GEAC) hosted by the Nashville chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), a global business network. As a result, Anna Belle is advancing to the national GEAC competition, which will take place in Chicago, in March. “[GEAC] was the second business pitch we have ever done,” Anna said. “Our first one was here at Lipscomb, and we ended up winning that one as well.” Anna is working closely with a professor at Lipscomb University who is helping her gain contacts and perfect her business pitch. Unfortunately, Anna had to present the first business pitch to GEAC solo since her sister does not meet the college-aged requirement. Anna is working with a few past judges from the Entrepreneur Organization to prepare her for the upcoming competition. To order granola and view granola flavors, visit granolad.square.site.

THIS IS HOME “We are in a larger neighborhood, yet we still are close-knit. We know all of our neighbors by first name. We know their kids. When we are out walking, everyone stops to chit-chat. We feel that we have a really good sense of community at Shelton Square.” – Jason and Elisa Gladu

NEW HOMES FROM THE $400s - $900s

www.sheltonsquareliving.com MURFREESBORO, TN

Sponsored Event SOCIAL

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE PAGE

The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville, one of the country’s largest antiques and horticultural events, is an annual charitable event whose purpose is to raise funds for Cheekwood and Economic Club of Nashville (ECON) Charities. This event made its highly anticipated return February 11th through 13th, at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Keynote speaker for the event was entrepreneur, bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning television show host Martha Stewart. The event drew more than 15,000 attendees to experience its impressive showcase of antiques from more than 150 dealers, world-class landscaped gardens and opportunities to engage with some of the nation’s top names in design and horticulture through educational lectures, panel discussions and book signings. To learn more, visit antiquesandgardenshow.com.

Jamey Keyees & Hailey Keyes

Elva Burkes & Fran Powers

Anne Daigh, Lilli Robinson & Cornelia Overton

Craig Jewett & Emily Harrington

Tena Bosworth & Maddie Greer

Janine Wilson & Sandra Crabtree

Carl & Susan Dobson

Camden Groff, Cathy Groff & Kennington Groff

Kay Boyd, Martha Elliott & Christine Knight

Pam Vincent & Jessie Pernell

Experience Warmth of Home AT T H E F O U N TA I N S

Independent Villas . Assisted Living . Memory Care. 615.567.3717

300 Celebration Circle Franklin, TN

W W W. F O U N TA I N S F R A N K L I N . C O M

(615) 794-7415 • TENNESSEEVALLEYHOMES.COM

LIFESTYLE

Welcome Home

WelcomeHOME

505 LEGENDS RIDGE COURT, FRANKLIN, TN

Welcome home to this incredible French Chateau in the coveted Legends Ridge neighborhood of Franklin, Tennessee! This gorgeous home offers over 9,200 square feet and three levels of luxury living that allows the next owner tons of rooms to decorate, live in and have people over for fun get-togethers. The beauty of this Chateau does not stop at the front door; instead, it amplifies as you walk in.

64 MARCH 2022

You are greeted with neutral colors and stunning hardwood floors as you enter. With this house having many windows and sitting on a ridge, you will have beautiful views of spectacular sunrises and sunsets! When entering the chef’s kitchen, you will see a Wolf range stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator and an oversized pantry with hidden cabinet doors. You will be in awe of the custom cedar plank beams that carry throughout the house when you look up.

This home has six ensuites, including the primary bedroom, with a boutique-style closet, on the main floor. A home office with custom built-ins and a beautiful view serves as a great place to focus and work. This house does not have just one bonus room, but two, equipped with microwaves and a mini-fridge. If you love to work out but do not like driving to the gym, you are in luck because this house has its own home gym with custom flooring!

To top it all off, this home has tons of storage, a tankless water heater, central vac and Control4 Smart iHome tech for all of your security and climate needs. And if you are not sold yet, there are more perks, including a Sony 4k projector, a sports court, elevator, a whole house water filtration system and so much more. So, if this French Chateau sounds like the perfect home for you, please get in touch with Debbie Beam to schedule a tour!

DEBBIE BEAM, GRI

Affiliate Broker debbie.beam@compass.com M: 615.473.4101 O: 615.475.5616 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 65

SL COMMUNITY

I Am Williamson County

e t et z u S LANE MAKING A DIFFERENCE ONE DISH AT A TIME BY MEGAN ZINGER

We couldn’t think of a better Williamson County resident to highlight for this month’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry edition than catering expert and Franklin native, Suzette Lane! Suzette is one of the most well-known and respected caterers in middle Tennessee. She has her very own catering company, Suzette’s Catering and Events, that handles all-size events from intimate, private parties to full-scale plated meals and buffets for 2,000 people. At the start of the 2020 pandemic, Suzette stepped up to the plate and delivered meals to people across Williamson County. First, Suzette would cook what she had in the freezer, along with ordering produce. Then, each week, it would be a new meal to feed to the community. She did this for an astonishing seven weeks straight! Here are a few interesting things to know about Suzette.

How long have you lived in Williamson County? SL: Fifty-two years. It is home and the best place in the world!

What do you like to do in your spare time (hobbies, traditions, etc.)? SL: Read, garden and travel.

Where is your favorite place to go in WC and why? SL: Harlinsdale Farm. It is so beautiful and reminds me of the old Franklin. How did you get your start in the catering and events industry? What sparked your interest? SL: In high school, I baked cakes for people. Both my grandmothers taught me to cook, and it stayed a passion. What keeps you motivated and inspired? SL: The ever-changing food trends and helping people celebrate special occasions.

What’s your favorite go-to meal? SL: Pasta of any kind!

Anything else you would like the readers of YOUR Williamson to know? SL: I love this county and its people. There are so many wonderful charities that inspire me to be a more giving person. It makes me continue to strive for excellence and integrity in running my company and walking through life. I feel truly blessed and humble daily!

The I Am Williamson County column features individuals in Williamson County who are known and unknown, as staples of our community; doing good, being seen and exuding Williamson County! If you know of someone who we should ask our questions to let us know at: info@yourwilliamson.com. 66 MARCH 2022

BUSINESS

The Scoop

IF YOUR COMPANY HAS COMMUNITY OR BUSINESS NEWS TO SHARE, SEND TO INFO@YOURWILLIAMSON.COM

Friends of Franklin Parks Welcomes New Board Members and Staff Friends of Franklin Parks, a nonprofit organization created to support the preservation and enhancement of more than 900 acres of parkland in Franklin, has added Braton Machleit and Will Kesler as members of the Board of Directors, and current Board member Jay Sheridan will take over as Board President. Additionally, Emelie Harris has been hired as an events and operations coordinator. To learn more, visit friendsoffranklinparks.org. Brentwood Names Two New Department Directors Brentwood City Manager Kirk Bednar is pleased to announce the hiring of Sarah VanWormer as Brentwood’s Information Technology Director and April Curlin as the Human Resources Director. Both women replace predecessors who retired in recent months. You can read more about the City of Brentwood at BrentwoodTN.gov .

If you love all things community, have loads of personality, drive and a desire to succeed - then contact us! We are looking for seasonal commission advertising sales superstars! Send inquiries to: info@robertsonmediagroup.com

Agents move sometimes too! PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SAM PHEN

Franklin Police Officer Celebrated for Twenty-Five Years of Service Detective Guerra began patrolling Franklin neighborhoods in 1997. His last day on the force was February 24th. Throughout his distinguished career, Guerra served as a Patrol Officer, Hostage Negotiator, and Firearms Instructor, before being promoted to Detective. Sergio’s contributions to the Franklin Police Department and community have been immeasurable, and he will be greatly missed by everyone who has had the pleasure of serving alongside him.

We Are Hiring

Agents move sometimes, too! I am excited to announce I’ve joined Compass. New name, same exceptional service.

KIM LEBO 2000 Meridian Boulevard Suite 270 | Franklin,TN

Realtor

o:615.475.5616 m:615.335.4001 kim.lebo@compass.com

SOCIAL

Williamson, Inc. Nolensville Business Mixer

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN ZINGER

Williamson, Inc. hosted a business mixer at the Happenchance Social Lounge in Nolensville in February. Happenchance is a one-of-a-kind social lounge, with all the style of a big city establishment right in your suburban neighborhood! The social lounge founders, Amanda and Dylan Guy were present at the mixer, socializing and connecting with fellow Williamson County residents. Representatives from local businesses attended the mixer to network while enjoying Wine Wednesday.

Gary Marco & Josh Grogan

Family owned and operated For three generations. Full service Funeral and cremation provider. cemetery and crematory on site.

Dan Phillips & Celeste Ware

Chris Gee & Paige Gorman

Dylan & Amanda Guy

Glen Casada & Wendy Perkins

3009 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064 www.williamsonmemorial.com 615-794-2289

Angela Acres & Leigh Bawcom

5239 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174 www.springhill-memorial.com 931-486-0059

plan ahead by calling our office or visiting www.preplanning.com/williamsonmemorial www.preplanning.com/springhillmemorial

Hope Warfel, Lisa Garramone & Honora Bates

BUSINESS

YOUR Business Partner

WILLIAMSON, INC.’S

Minority Business Academy BY JENA BROOKE POTTER, WILLIAMSON INC.

In 2020, Williamson, Inc., in partnership with Visit Franklin and Urban Campus and Core, had a study conducted to address the needs of minority-owned businesses in Williamson County. As a result, Williamson, Inc. organized the Minority Business Academy using data from the study, which showed requests for support in five main areas. The five-part series features subject matter experts to discuss each topic monthly. These programs are open to all minority-owned businesses and are free to attend with lunch provided. However, attendance is limited to twenty-five per session, and participants do not have to attend all five sessions to participate. Celestia Ware, who owns Farmers Insurance – Ware Agency, attended February’s finance course and said, “As a small business owner,

the class today was powerful. The information shared pertaining to the Small Business Administration and from the banking/finance was paramount in the development for minority business owners. If you missed today’s meeting, then you missed a session with great information and resources available for your small business. My office will be participating in all of the sessions.”

we worked with partners and community members to create a thoughtful, intentional response to address some of these needs. The Minority Business Academy provides resources to traditionally under served populations in our business ecosystem. We are proud of this program, and we will continue to work to make sure that all businesses have the opportunity to thrive in Williamson County.”

Anna Lisa Roberts serves as the director of talent and workforce development and spearheads the program at Williamson, Inc. “As the chamber of commerce and economic development agency of Williamson County, our job is to create jobs and support existing industry — including small businesses,” Anna said. “When we became aware of specific needs of minority business owners and professionals,

The next session will take place on March 9th and will cover small business marketing. If you are interested in learning more about the Minority Business Academy or getting more involved with Williamson County’s Chamber of Commerce, please visit williamsonchamber.com.

JENA BROOKE POTTER

Williamson Inc., Director of Marketing and Communications Jena Potter serves as the director of marketing and communications for Williamson, Inc. where she leads marketing efforts for the Chamber of Commerce and Office of Economic Development. Jena is a former Williamson, Inc. ambassador who joined the team in August of 2019. Potter holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communications Management from Eastern Kentucky University.

BUSINESS

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cuttings Congratulations to these new Williamson County businesses and Chamber members!

O rder your Spring & Easter flowers!

BURGER DANDY

96 East Main Street Franklin TN 37064

227 Franklin Road | Franklin, TN | 615.591.7990 | alwaysinbloominc.com

CURIO BREWING COMPANY

216 Noah Drive, Suite 140 Franklin, TN 37064

March 29 WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KID’S GYM

1113 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 203 Franklin, TN 37067

YOUR Williamson March Mixer Coal Town Public House 187 Front Street, Suite 103B | Franklin, Tennessee 37064 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Follow @yourwilliamson on social media for more information

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ANIMAL CENTER

1006 Grigsby-Hayes Court Franklin, TN 37064

We’re in the Money

BUSINESS

M o re

Th an

J u st

A BANK WITH LINEAGE BANK

Franklin is more than just our place of work. It’s our home, and we feel strongly about supporting charitable organizations that improve the quality of life for those living in Williamson County. Whether it’s through supporting neglected or abused children, those living with substance abuse issues, survivors of domestic violence or providing leadership and educational guidance to members of the community, the Lineage Bank staff is dedicated to making Williamson County a better place for everyone.

Medical Center Foundation and Leadership Franklin. In addition, he was the 2018 board chairman at Williamson Inc. and is the current president of the Williamson County Sports Authority.

SVP, Product & Technology Strategy

In addition to assisting with the day-to-day activities of Lineage Bank and Lineage Financial Network, Richard has made it a priority to support several Williamson County foundations. Currently, he serves on the board of directors at Williamson

Lineage Bank @LineageBank

Carl is currently on the board of directors at The Williamson County Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), which was created to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. Shawn Wikoff

Director

@LineageBank

EVP, Chief Banking Officer

President & CEO

Richard Herrington

Lineage Bank

Carl Haynes

Kevin Herrington Kevin has been involved with several organizations throughout the course of his career. Currently, he serves as a board member at the Bridges Domestic Violence Center (Bridges DVC), the only domestic violence shelter in Williamson County. He also previously served as a board member of The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and The Payments First Regional Payments Association.

Wealth Isn’t Always a Dollar Amount

From 2016 to 2020, Shawn served as the board chairman at The Classical School of Franklin, a distinctively Christian and Classical school founded in 2010. Drake Duncan Senior Financial Services Representative

Drake is a current board member of The DUI Court Foundation of Williamson County. The Foundation supports treatment in DUI Recovery Court as an alternative to incarceration for those living with addiction or substance abuse issues. To learn more about our involvement in Williamson County, come see us! We’re located at 120 5th Avenue North in downtown Franklin.

KEVIN HERRINGTON

President & CEO, Lineage Bank Kevin Herrington is the president and CEO of Lineage Bank, a multi-branch community bank based in Williamson County. Kevin has more than 20 years of banking experience and is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville. He currently lives in Franklin with his wife and children.

Lineagebank.com | Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 120 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064 | (629) 248-9085 YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 71

COMMUNITY

YOUR Education

e c i p S UP YOUR LIFE LOCAL CULINARY CLASSES & EVENTS BY MEGAN ZINGER

hether you have been cooking for years or are new to the kitchen, cooking classes are a great interactive activity to experience as a couple, solo or with a group. Try taking a class for something you have never cooked before to bring a new recipe to the table — literally! Here is a compiled list of five culinary options to try out — perfect for our Eat, Drink & Be Merry edition.

Black Diamond Culinary

food choices that lead to better long-term health.

Black Diamond Culinary offers a wide range of classes for different skill sets. It’s not just about following recipes; it’s about the technique. With Black Diamond’s classes, you’ll work together amongst your peers in a fun, handson environment learning various cuisines and disciplines led by Chef Kris.

CLASSES & EVENTS OFFERED:

BLACKDIAMONDCULINARY.COM

Black Diamond Culinary is available for private events, such as fundraisers, networking events, team building/brainstorming sessions, holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, board meetings, reunions, birthday parties, cocktail parties, mixers and more! CLASSES OFFERED:

Black Diamond Dinner Experience, Pasta Making, Lunch Demo, Sweet Saturdays, Sunday Brunch, Traditional Indian Cooking, French Macaron and Appetizer.

Flour Power

FLOURPOWERSTUDIOS.COM

A cooking studio for kids, Flour Power offers a range of classes for all ages. Children learn through hands-on discovery and are considered “Lil’ Chefs” at the studio. At Flour Power, the love for home-cooked food stirs up interest for children who want to explore cooking. Flour Power’s goal is to teach children to make smart 72 MARCH 2022

Weekly Classes: Preschool to Teens, Camps, Kid’s Night Out, Birthday Parties: Ages three to Teens , Special Needs Classes, Family Cooking Events and Team Building Events.

Sur La Table

SURLATABLE.COM

will consist of an incredible four-course meal, starting with multiple small appetizers, followed by hand-made pasta, a meat dish and a dessert. Italy From scratch offers classes and personal dinners. Classes include all the food, cleaning, recipes and wine. Personal dinners include all the food, setting the table, serving the food and cleaning.

Dammi Vino

DAMMIVINO.COM

At Sur La Table, cooks are created. Let the cooking classes inspire you while working with chef-instructors to prepare delicious recipes, hone essential techniques and create delicious dishes! Sur La Table offers various cuisine classes for different tastes around the world.

Sommelier Toni Rowan, and husband, chef Eric Rowan, founded Dammi Vino in 2019. The team at Dammi Vino is made up of family members — who have just as much passion for food and wine as Toni and Eric do.

JUST A FEW CLASSES OFFERED:

Dammi Vino has partnered with many businesses and people to ensure you have the most unique and memorable experience, from local businesses to online platforms and international partners!

Italy From Scratch

EVENTS OFFERED:

Must-Try Korean Eats, Exploring Thai Cuisine, Mediterranean Meets Moroccan, Mastering Macarons, Little Italy, A Taste of Spain and Family Fun: Springtime Cupcakes. ITALYFROMSCRATCH.COM

Experience hands-on cooking with personal chef Derek Chirico. With Italy From Scratch, you will learn how to create authentic Italian food from several different regions of Italy while using simple, fresh ingredients. The evening

Classe Di Pasta, Food and Wine Pairing, Wine Tasting and Build Your Own Charcuterie Board.

COMMUNITY

News From the Schools

FOR MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION ON OUR LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEMS - GO TO WCS.EDU, BRENTWOODACADEMY.COM, FSSD.ORG AND BATTLEGROUNDACADEMY.ORG.

WCS STUDENTS SMASH DISTRICT NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST RECORD A record-breaking seventy-one WCS high school students have been named National Merit Finalists, smashing the previous record of fifty-two students in 2020. This also marks the fourth consecutive year that more than fifty students received the prestigious title. Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Around 15,000 finalists were selected from the Semifinalists named in September. As finalists, students will be in the running for Merit Scholarships. Those scholarships will be awarded beginning in March and continuing through June. Congratulations to those students! To see the complete list of students, visit wcs.edu.

BRENTWOOD ACADEMY’S COMPETITION CHEER SQUAD PLACES TOP TEN IN NATION Brentwood Academy’s competition cheer squad recently placed in the top ten in the nation in two categories at the national cheer competition in Orlando. Congratulations to BA Cheer!

FSSD WILL HOLD IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL RECRUITMENT FAIR MARCH 26TH The Franklin Special School District invites all qualified applicants to come either in person or virtually to its Recruitment Fair on March 26th, from 9-11am at Freedom Intermediate School in Franklin. The FSSD Recruitment Fair is the perfect time to update your resume and meet your future employer. FSSD recruiters are looking to fill both full-time and parttime positions, as well as the many summer jobs that need to be filled. Contact FSSD Human Resources Supervisor Leslie Duke, dukeles@fssd.org, for more information.

SEVEN ADDITIONAL BGA SENIORS SIGN NATIONAL LETTERS OF INTENT Seven Battle Ground Academy seniors signed their letters of intent on February 2nd, joining two classmates who signed in December. Those students are: Miller Barnett, Football, Centre College; Zach Flores, Football, Centre College; A.J. McLemore, Football, Birmingham-Southern College; Abby Robertson, Beach Volleyball, The University of North Alabama; Graci Semptimphelter, Basketball, Ohio Wesleyan University; Lane Sutherland, Football, Centre College; Sean Williams, Football, Dartmouth College.

SUMMER CAMPS

40+ half- and full-day camps available in

ART ATHLETICS CANNONBALL DAY CAMP CHEER CODING CULINARY ARTS DANCE PERFORMING ARTS ROBOTICS ...AND MORE! Learn more and register at battlegroundacademy.org/ camps

COMMUNITY

YOUR Kids

CELEBRATE

Dr. Seuss & Reading ALL MONTH LONG BY SHELLY ROBERTSON BIRDSONG

Who doesn’t have a favorite Dr. Seuss book? Maybe it’s “The Cat in the Hat” and that comical and clever character that we have all read and watched for a laugh and a rhyme. Or maybe it’s your copy of “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” received as a graduation gift and remaining a reminder of all that life holds for you no matter your age. Perhaps, it’s “Green Eggs and Ham,” and the forever memorable lines you find yourself quoting even as an adult. Perhaps, no other children’s author inspires such memories and preserved childhood observances in literature than Seuss and his collection of books. His body of work inspired “Read Across America Day,” also known as “Dr Seuss Day,” as a yearly observance in the USA inaugurated by the National Education Association. It is held to commemorate the March 2nd birthday of iconic American author, Theodor Seuss Geisel also known as Dr. Seuss. The celebration is to encourage children in reading more books and also getting them excited about reading. Seuss is widely recognized for his contribution as a writer, poet and cartoonist. He wrote forty-six books for children mainly based on imaginative characters and rhymes. His work has also been adopted into many television specials, feature films and television series. He credited his mother to be his first inspiration. She often chanted rhymes to her children in order to sooth them to sleep which developed the desire and affection in Geisel to create rhymes. His early life in Springfield and the memories of his 74 MARCH 2022

childhood had an influence on his writings which can be observed in his work. The ten-year period between 1950 and 1960 saw the incredible Dr. Seuss write some of the most classic pieces of children’s literature in history. He followed up the release of “If I Ran The Zoo” in 1950 with “Horton Hears a Who!” in 1955, “If I ran the Circus” in 1956, “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” in 1957 and “Green Eggs and Ham” in 1960. It is safe to say that Dr. Seuss is a cultural phenomenon, with the legacy of his work stretching far beyond his own life, inspiring kids and adults to keep reading not just his books, but books in general!

How to celebrate Dr Seuss Day? The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss is part of many children’s first foray into the literary world, which is why it’s such a fun day to celebrate. On the day, children get together to read his books – lots of them sound even better out loud! Sometimes, children might choose to dress up as their favorite characters, too. Most importantly, Dr. Seuss Day is a celebration of children’s literature. So, if Dr. Seuss isn’t your favorite, you can still get involved by celebrating his influence on children’s literature, and by enjoying some of your own favorite authors.

Five

Seusstastic Ideas for Celebrating Dr. Seuss Day 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Have fun making “The Cat in the Hat” hats. Discover your child’s favorite Dr. Seuss book and read it together. Throw a party to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Have everyone come costumed as a different character. Make creative Seuss-inspired crafts. Use favorite Seuss book quotes in each. Make Seuss sticks for math manipulatives. Make learning fun!

Whether through the books of Dr. Seuss or any book that inspire and delight – always maintain reading in your children’s lives. Through the lines of a book and the images contained within, imaginations are born and nurtured – fostering a lifetime of: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

TRACT 4

TRACT 4 1192 Lula Lane $1,249,000

Approved for one 4 bedroom home

One of, if not THE most, secluded, yet most conveniently located developments in Franklin -Williamson County! One lot out of 6 remains! Offering a spectacular view, privacy and only five minutes to downtown Franklin and five minutes to Leiper’s Fork Village. Underground utilities in place to the site. This lot has a private drive and offers low maintenance acreage with primo view Lot is approved, platted and recorded, ready to pull septic and building permits.

LANDing you Home in

Middle Tennessee

SOL D

Lauren Sullivan

NEW YEAR, NEW HOUSE

PARKS Realty 106 East Main Street Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee Cell: 615.289.8610

START 2022 OFF RIGHT WITH FINDING YOUR

3023 Auld Tatty Drive FOREVER HOME! Spring Hill UNDER CONTRACT LANDing you Home in

Middle Tennessee

Lauren Sullivan

106 East Main Street Suite 200 Franklin, Tennessee Cell: 615.289.8610

YOURWILLIAMSON.COM 75

LIFESTYLE

Read Between The Lines

n e t topFavorite Spring Break Reads BY EMILY EVANS

My love of reading and words began as a very young child. My father was an English major at Princeton and then spent his forty-six year career as an English teacher and college counselor at his alma mater, later mine as well. He read to me every night — as far back as I can remember — after teeth were brushed and I was tucked in bed. He shared his love of words, books and reading by reading to me, having me join him in the evenings to work on the crossword puzzle and on outings together to book shops. Our family of four spent a month in Maine every summer in a cabin on a lake, and reading was a nightly ritual after a busy day of water-skiing, boating and fishing. Fast forward through my high school and college years, I finally started reading for pleasure again after college when I was working and just married. I started collecting children’s books when I was pregnant with our first child. I could not wait to read to our children as my dad had read to me. Thankfully, all three of our children share my same love of books and reading. They always knew that I would never say no to a book request if we were in a store! The tooth fairy usually brought them a book, and Santa always brought a basket full of new books on Christmas morning. Most of their birthday party favors were a book based on the theme of their party or had a character in the book with their name. My dad continued his tradition of reading with my children before bed whenever we visited with them. And like with me, my dad always took my children on bookstore outings.

76 MARCH 2022

While our family grew from one to three children, my husband and I maintained demanding jobs. Kid's activities multiplied per child. It seemed like seven days a week, as I was most often exhausted, reading became a vacation pastime only. Then, three years ago, I entered a new season. I stopped working full-time to focus on my family and my monogramming hobby. I joined a neighborhood book club and was back in my reading groove! Last August, I was fortunate to start teaching at The Little School in Franklin, so I am in my element getting to share my love of children's books again each day — since my children are too old! I am especially proud of my toddler class and watching their love of reading develop! As my passion for reading grows, I have enjoyed reading different genres. I choose my books by following Goodreads, "bookstagram" and authors on social media. I am in the Williamson County Public Library several times a week, borrowing books and buying donated books to support the Friends of the Library. If I love one book by a particular author, I tend to then get hooked on the author! Some of my favorite authors are Elin Hilderbrand, Mary Kay Andrews, Patti Callahan Henry, Colleen Hoover, Lisa Genova and William Kent Krueger. The following is a list of ten of my top favorite books that I highly recommend as you look ahead to your spring break reads. They were difficult to narrow down and choose, and they are not in any particular order! I adore recommending books and sharing my love of reading, so please follow me on Instagram: @letsreadtherainbow

FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 2022 GRAND HYATT NASHVILLE bgcmt.org/gala

It’s Time to Jump Into Summer with Clearwater Pools! Visit our store or make an appointment today to assess your pool for upcoming spring and summer use.

EMILY EVANS

@LETSREADTHERAINBOW Emily Evans lives in Franklin with her husband and their three children. She teaches at The Little School and, in addition to reading, she loves walking, working out, monogramming, baking and spending time with her family. Follow Emily at @letsreadtherainbow on Instagram as she reads and recommends books.

330 Franklin Road, Suite 242 | Brentwood In the Kroger Shopping Center 615.370.9811 | clearwaterpoolsnashville.com

YOUR Williamson March 2022

Articles inside

YOUR Kids

News From the Schools

Arts & Culture

Arts & Culture

YOUR Education

YOUR Business Partner

SCOOP

A Little Something Extra

YOUR Real Estate

I Am Williamson County

Welcome Home

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville

A Spirited Conversation

YOUR Charitable Self

18th Annual Mardi Gras Ball

YOUR Health & Wellness

Dancing With the Nashville Stars

Distinctively Southern Wedding Experience

Beautiful YOU

Letter from the Publisher

From Our Table to YOURS

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

The Well Outreach Shine Gala