Category: Blog

Meet Our New Marketing Specialist!

Written by Brittany Hoffmann on May 3, 2023. Posted in Blog.

Hey y’all!

My name is Brittany, and I am the newest member of the Wilco Convention and Visitors Bureau crew. I will be working hard for the marketing team to show off fabulous Wilson County, TN! I think it’s only appropriate to introduce myself so you can say “hi” if you ever see me out and about in the community. 🙂

I graduated from MTSU in 2022 with my bachelor’s degree in communications, and a minor in psychology. Go Blue Raiders! My passions include volunteering with individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities, making people smile, and seeing my hard work make a difference.

I am originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I moved to this beautiful state back in 2019. Sorry Titans fans, but I am a cheesehead for life. GO PACK GO! I met my boyfriend due to our love of the Packers, and we live together in Lebanon with our two fur babies, Ipsy and Bogart. In my free time I love to go to concerts, shopping, hiking, and playing on a co-ed kickball team.

I am beyond excited to explore and enjoy the beauty of Wilson County with you all!

Your Ultimate Wilson County, TN Holiday Bucket List

Written by Jason Johnson on November 9, 2021. Posted in Blog.

Attention Wilson County Christmas-lovers: We’ve got a festive challenge for you! If you’re ready to light up the streets of Wilco with holiday cheer, we invite you to take on our Christmas bucket list. We’ve put together a list of local, magical activities that will leave you brimming with Christmas spirit. Bundle up in your ugly sweater and warm up your vocal cords for Christmas carols, because it’s about to be the merriest season ever!

Drive Through The Dancing Lights of Christmas & Chad’s Winter Wonderland

Lebanon Dazzling Lights Christmas Display

Every county has a street known for its dazzling Christmas lights. Wilson County is lucky enough to have two. Pile into your car with your loved ones and settle in for a joyful, holiday cruise. Start off your night with Tennessee’s largest light and music show: The Dancing Lights of Christmas. You’ll drive through twinkling, colorful lights, while listening to synchronized music. This has become an annual tradition for many families near and far!

1033 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087

Cost: $30 per car

Afterwards, turn up the Christmas carols and fly your sleigh to Chad’s Winter Wonderland. You’ll enjoy over 350 pieces of holiday scenery from a dancing snowman to the Christmas Train. Word in the North Pole is…Santa himself will be there giving away candy canes and gathering Christmas lists! Both displays are openly nightly seven days a week through New Years Eve.

791 Old Laguardo Rd E, Lebanon, TN 37087

Cost: $25 per car

Catch a Christmas Movie at The Historic Capitol Theatre

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a heart-warming holiday movie night! Take a trip back to the 1950s for an authentic movie theatre experience at Lebanon’s Capitol Theatre. You’ll enjoy all of the historic charm with the modern comforts you’ve come to love.

Choose from upcoming films like Elf, The Polar Express, It’s a Wonderful Life, Muppet Christmas Carol, and White Christmas. They are also hosting a movie followed by Christmas trivia featuring National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!

Make a Child’s Christmas by Donating a Toy to Wilson County Christmas For All

Like the moral of the classic story of The Grinch, the greatest joy comes from giving back to others. There are two wonderful nonprofits in Wilson County that provide toys at Christmas time to local underprivileged kids. They are Wilson County Christmas for All and Big Brothers of Mt. Juliet. Each year, they give toys to thousands of disadvantaged children.

You can choose to donate a toy or ‘sponsor’ a child and buy items directly from his or her Christmas wish list. You never know how much a small gift can mean to a child who has very little. After you check this one off your Christmas bucket list, take a minute to imagine the big smile you’re bringing to a child’s face.

Shop Til’ You Drop at Historical Lebanon Square

As you wander along the cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights, you’ll discover a treasure trove of local businesses nestled within charming, historic buildings. From quaint boutiques offering handmade crafts to cozy cafes serving up seasonal delights, Lebanon Square is a vibrant tapestry of local flavor.

By choosing to shop here, you’re not just finding the perfect gifts; you’re investing in the heartbeat of the community. The shop owners greet you with a warm smile and a wealth of knowledge about their wares, ensuring a personalized and enriching shopping experience.

Check out the full list of all vendors located in the square here.

Pick out your own Christmas Tree

Choosing the perfect Christmas tree from a local farm is a cherished holiday tradition that adds a touch of festive magic to the season. As you stroll through the rows of fragrant evergreens, the crisp winter air tinged with the scent of pine, you’ll find yourself immersed in the joyous spirit of the holidays.

The experience of selecting a tree is more than a mere transaction; it’s a sensory journey that invokes nostalgia and anticipation. Embrace the tradition, support local farmers, and bring home not just a tree but a piece of the holiday spirit cultivated with care from the heart of your community!

Rhonda & Chris’ Treeland 2054 Beech Log Rd, Watertown, TN 37184

Puckett’s Supply Co. 1501 Hwy 109 N, Lebanon, TN 37090

Craft your own holiday decor

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit this holiday season by unleashing your creativity at WilCo’s hidden gems: the Basement Marketplace, The Working Man Winery, and Wild Colors Creative Design Studio!

From sip-and-paint classes to putting your own twist on holiday crafts, these unique spaces invite you to trade the hustle and bustle for a more personal and hands-on approach to holiday celebrations.

Top 5 Things to do Before Traveling During COVID-19

Written by Jordan Campbell on February 22, 2021. Posted in Blog.

It’s no secret that we are living in weird, unprecedented times right now. While traveling might not be at the top of some people’s list, it is necessary for others and some just want to escape for the weekend and be safe and healthy while doing so. If you are looking for a weekend trip to get you away from your everyday life, Visit WilCo has a “COVID-19 Travel Check List” to keep you safe and healthy while traveling.

Before you book a flight, hotel, or buy tickets to attractions, always check your local travel restrictions. You might have travel restrictions that don’t allow you to travel to certain places. Check and see if you have to supply anyone or anywhere with a negative COVID test or if there is a quarantine requirement once you return home.
Always check your hotel’s sanitizing protocol. These protocols should be listed on their website when booking, or you can call their front desk and ask or their protocols.
Plan your travel schedule and itinerary. With so many places having COVID-19 protocols in place, it is important to do your research beforehand. While being spontaneous can be fun, it’s not fun to show up to a museum and find out that you have to buy a ticket beforehand or that they are already at capacity for the day. Knowing restaurants’ protocols are also important before showing up to eat so you know if they have indoor dining, mask requirements, outdoor dining only, etc. *WilCo tip: One of Lebanon’s newest restaurants, Sassy Pecan has outdoor seating, and the food is to die for (homemade confections with toffee in every bite)!
Don’t leave without masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products.
Finally, enjoy yourself! Traveling might look different, but you can still have fun while following COVID-19 protocols.

WilCo cannot wait to see you in our beautiful county, and we want you to stay safe while doing so!

If you need help planning your trip, click here to browse through our 2021 Visitor’s Guide.

We have so many things to do in WilCo, whether it is an event at the Farm Bureau Expo Center, a pizza from Town Square Social, or a trip to any of our #PaintWilCo murals, you won’t ever get bored while you’re in town. Make sure to tag us in your pictures @VisitWilCo so we can see all of your excursions and fun while in WilCo!

THANK YOU to our Veterans

Written by Jordan Campbell on July 2, 2020. Posted in Blog.

Yesterday I had the honor as the CVB Director and a member of the Wilson County Murals Committee, to be part of the unveiling of our newest mural in our #PaintWilco murals project. With the perfect location donated by Lisa and Darryl Noble and the brilliant artistry of Brad VanHook, the Veterans Mural now looks over the Veterans Plaza (Wilson County Veteran’s Service Office) as a symbol of our ever-grateful hearts to our Veterans.

Yesterday I had a much bigger honor than unveiling the mural. Yesterday I had the honor of meeting and talking with so many of Wilson County’s Veterans. Men and women that have sacrificed so much for our country. My wife and twin boys were there, and I gentleman who actually thanked us for bringing them. This man that probably went through things I cannot imagine was thanking US!?! Selfless hearts are a thing many of us are guilty of being short on, but this was not the case for the men and women I spoke with yesterday.

So again, I say to our Veterans, Thank You. Thank you for being the inspiration for this mural. Thank you for being an inspiration through your acts. Thank you for being the life blood that made the Veterans Museum happen and continue to happen. Thank you from my boys that thought the helicopter in the museum was the coolest thing they’ve ever seen. Personally, thank you for the reminder. We get caught up in ourselves and sometimes just see “the old guy in the Veterans cap” or give no more than a passing thought to a Field of Flags, but we all need to be reminded that each cap tells a story. Each flag in that field tells a story. We need to take the time to hear those stories and appreciate them.

Last night at dinner, as we talked about the people we met, my wife, Kristy, said “Today was good for the soul.” I could not have put any better words together.

Statement from: Jason Johnson, Wilson County Director of Tourism

Photo Credits: Wilson County Mayor’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, and Visit WilCo

Finding My Place in the Crazy

Written by Jordan Campbell on April 9, 2020. Posted in Blog.

“When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do” -Walt Disney

Breeden’s Orchard

Written by Jordan Campbell on March 31, 2020. Posted in Blog, In the Meantime.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy in a time that is so full of uncertainty can be hard. Breeden’s Orchard in Mt. Juliet is trying to keep as much “normal” in the world as they can. Starting March 31, 2020, they will be open Tuesdays 9-1, Thursdays noon-4, and Saturdays 9-1 to offer locally grown and sourced produce and products.

Go with the Flow!

Written by Jordan Campbell on March 30, 2020. Posted in Blog, Uncategorized.

Hospitality-the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

It’s been my profession for over 20 years. It’s what my wife and I do at home all the time. We are “that house” in the neighborhood, the migration to our backyard and patio is a natural, frequent occurrence and we love it! Welcoming people, inviting friends, and creating moments is what we do in our home all the time and I feel extremely lucky that I am now doing that on the grander scale of my “home”, Wilson County.

Hi, Jason Johnson here, and along with my wife, Kristy, and our twin boys, Aiden and Elijah, let me say that I am beyond happy to take the position of Tourism Director for the Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau. I have called Wilson County home for nearly 15 years. I’ve done and seen a lot in Wilson County, but the more I look and learn, the more I realize there is a whole lot more that I HAVEN’T done in Wilson County. We are loaded with things to see, places to eat, and shops to visit!

We are obviously in a strange time for tourism (and many other things), but the horizon on the other side of this is bright and filled with possibilities for Wilson County. I can’t wait for you all to experience (or re-experience) the hospitality of Wilson County! Until then, check out our website, send us an email at tourism@wilsoncountytn.gov, or give us a call at 615-547-6438 and start planning!