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The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Wilson County, TN

Summer is the perfect time for children to explore new interests, make lasting friendships, and create unforgettable memories. Wilson County, TN, offers a diverse array of summer camps designed to cater to every child’s unique interests and passions. Whether your child is an aspiring athlete, a budding artist, or a young adventurer, there’s a camp in Wilson County that will provide an enriching and fun-filled experience. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best summer camps in the area, ensuring your child has a summer they’ll never forget!

Dance Camps

  1. Princess Ballerina Camp
  2. Summer Clogging Camp
  3. All About Dance Camp

Art Camps

  1. Imagine That! Art Studio
  2. Hammer and Stain

Sports Camps

  1. Green Hill Softball Youth Camp
  2. MJHS Soccer Kids Camp
    • Grades: K-8
    • Dates: July 10-12
    • Price: $80
    • Link: Google Forms
  3. Colton Dowell Youth Football Camp
    • Grades: 1st-8th
    • Date: June 1
    • Price: Free
    • Link: Facebook
  4. Lebanon Youth Football & Cheerleading Camp
  5. Hawk’s Baseball Camp
    • Grades: K-8
    • Dates: June 17-19
    • Price: $120
    • Link: Google Forms
  6. 3 Star Crossfit Kids & Teens Summer Camp
    • Ages: 7-11 & 11-15
    • Dates: June 24 – July 29
    • Price: $150-200
    • Link: 3 Star Crossfit

Music Camps

  1. Bach to Rock

Other Themed Camps

  1. Wilson County 4-H Design Camp
    • Grades: 5-8th grade 4-H members
    • Price: $100
    • Link: Facebook
  2. The Basement Marketplace
  3. Tico’s Crayon Shack
  4. Kids Camp Mario World
  5. Rock Zone Mt. Juliet
    • Ages: K-6
    • Price: $250/week full-time, $50/day part-time
    • Link: Rock Zone
  6. Maple Hill Ranch Summer Camp
    • Ages: 6-11
    • Dates: June-July
    • Price: Varies
    • Link: Google Forms
  7. MJ Elite Gymnastics Kids Summer Camp
    • Ages: 5-12
    • Price: $230/week, $50/day, $60/drop-in
    • Link: MJ Elite
  8. Groove Culture School of Music and Art
  9. Deaton Karate Studios
    • Price: Free with uniform purchase
    • Dates: June 3 & July 8
    • Link: Dojo Update
  10. Cumberland University
  11. Stables at Cedars of Lebanon
    • Ages: 7-15
    • Dates: July 22-26
    • Price: $395
    • Link: Ride Cedars
  12. BeHealthy Summer Gardening Camp
    • Grades: 1-6
    • Price: Free
    • Link: Facebook
  13. The Hangout Spot
  14. Universal Gymnastics
  15. Milele Academy
  16. Camp Smiley
  17. Empower Me Center

Wilson County, TN: Your Ultimate Guide to Spring Break Fun

Welcome to Wilson County, Tennessee – where local favorites meet rich history, and spring break adventures await! Whether you’re a local seeking new experiences or a traveler eager to explore hidden gems, Wilson County has something for everyone.

Your ultimate guide to spring break adventures in Wilson County, Tennessee!

Outdoor Adventures:

  1. Hike the scenic trails at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, surrounded by lush forests and limestone cedar glades.
  2. Explore the natural beauty of Long Hunter State Park, offering hiking, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities along the shores of J. Percy Priest Lake.
  3. Enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the serene surroundings of Don Fox Community Park or Charlie Daniels Park, perfect for family outings and outdoor dining.

Local Art & History Exploration:

  1. Immerse yourself in Wilson County’s rich history with a visit to Fiddler’s Grove, an authentic historic village showcasing pioneer life.
  2. Pay tribute to veterans at the Wilson County Veterans Museum, featuring exhibits honoring those who served their country.
  3. Step into the past at the Fite-Fessenden House Museum, a beautifully preserved home offering insights into 19th-century life.
  4. Unleash your creativity with a local art class at Imagine that! Art Studio, Hawaii Fluid Art, Basement Marketplace, Hammer & Stain, where you can express yourself through painting, pottery, and more.

Family Fun & Entertainment:

  1. Experience thrilling adventures at Cedar Creek Family Sports, featuring go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, and arcade games for all ages.
  2. Tee off at Pine Creek Golf Course and enjoy a round of golf surrounded by scenic landscapes and challenging holes.
  3. Let the kids burn off energy at indoor playgrounds like Chuck E Cheese, Nido Indoor Playground, or Wonder Hollow, filled with slides, ball pits, and climbing structures.

Sweet Treats & Delights:

  1. Indulge in handcrafted ice cream and delectable treats at Main Street Mercantile and Creamery or Shop Springs Creamery, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy your sweet tooth.
  2. Savor homemade baked goods and artisanal delights at The Adopted Farmhouse Coffee Co., Truleigh Scrumptious Sweet Cafe, J. Clayborn’s Bakery & Cafe where you can enjoy fresh pastries, bread, and gourmet snacks.

Unique Entertainment:

  1. Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie at Stardust Drive-In in Watertown, where you can enjoy double features under the stars from the comfort of your car.
  2. Take in the beautiful scenery of Cedars of Lebanon State Park with a horseback ride at Stables of Cedars of Lebanon.

With this diverse range of activities, spring break in Wilson County promises unforgettable experiences for everyone to enjoy!

A Cozy Adventure: Unveiling the Charms of Shopping Local at Downtown Lebanon Square

Step into a world where the warmth of a comforting drink mingles with the festive glow of downtown lights, creating the perfect setting for a holiday shopping experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of history, Downtown Lebanon Square beckons you to embrace the joy of shopping local. Join us as we embark on a journey through this enchanting destination, where every step unveils unique treasures and celebrates the spirit of community.

Sip, Stroll, and Shop Local: A Holiday Delight

As winter’s chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming cup of your favorite beverage. Imagine this warm embrace complemented by the inviting twinkle of bright lights adorning the streets. The ambiance is set, inviting you to take a leisurely stroll through the historic charm of Downtown Lebanon Square.

Full List of Downtown Lebanon Merchants

Dining

  • Basic.Eatery 122 Public Sq. Healthy Options, Smoothies
  • BJ Hot Chicken 109 N. Cumberland St. Southern/Hot Chicken
  • Cedar City Brewing Co 112 N. Public Sq. Brewery/American
  • Polly Sparrow Bakery 102 Public Sq. Bakery
  • Island Breeze Bistro 102 S. College St. Caribbean
  • Split Bean Roasting Co 110 E. Main St. Cafe/American
  • Yiaghee’s SpecialTeas 104 E. Main St. Bubble Teas
  • Town Square Social 145 Public Sq. American
  • Off the Square 108 S. Cumberland St. Brunch/Breakfast
  • The Roasted Coconut 201 E. Market St. Healthy, Soups, Salads

Shopping

  • The Lit Brand 106 W. Main St. Custom hats/accessories
  • Dreams Boutique 124 Public Sq. Women’s Boutique
  • Heavenly Scents Soap Co. 113 N. Cumberland St. Soaps/Beauty
  • Cotton + Cedar Boutique 105 N. Cumberland St. Women’s Boutique
  • Wilkie’s Outfitters 110 Public Sq. Outdoor Apparel
  • Jewell & Jane Co. 109 Public Sq. Home Decor/Goods
  • Jack’s Guitarcheology 107 Public Sq. Guitars/Musical
  • Em + Kate Boutique 104 Public Sq. Children’s Boutique
  • Markham’s Shoes 101 Public Sq. Shoes
  • Jessy’s Boutique 106 S. College St. Women’s Boutique
  • 3:sixteen Boutique 108 E. Main St. Women’s Boutique
  • The Artful Abode 106 E. Main St. Art
  • Harper’s Books 107 S. Cumberland St. Books
  • Square Market 115 S. Cumberland St. Home Decor
  • Seven Cedars Butcher Block 135 Public Sq. Butcher
  • Iddy & Oscar’s 133 Public Sq. Women’s Boutique
  • Poppie’s Boutique 132 Public Sq. Women’s Boutique
  • The Wellness Barre Boutique 130 Public Sq. Women’s Boutique
  • Main Street Mercantile & Creamery 128 Public Sq. Gifts/Accessories
  • Urban Mills Promotion & Boutique 126 Public Sq. Women’s Boutique
  • Demeter’s Common 116 N. College St. Grocery/Gifts
  • The Public Square Market 120 N. College St. Artisan

Entertainment

  • Capitol Theatre 110 W. Main St. Theatre/Movies
  • Barcadia 107 W. Main St. Arcade Bar

Virtual Reality is the new Reality??

Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime.  The NFL Draft, American Idol, zoos, and museums.  For the last 7 weeks, we’ve worked our jobs, visited our friends and family, attended school, and watched life happen, virtually.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s been pretty amazing to see the drive and ingenuity in people to ensure our world keeps turning, but for many of us, the “virtual” aspect of all of this can be stifling.   

My two boys have watched countless nature and zoo virtual experiences, but their faces yesterday when they found a caterpillar in backyard said it all.  They have filled books and refrigerator doors up with paintings and crayon drawings, but to take them out to Charlie Daniels Park to actually see the colors jump off of the caboose mural said it all.   

As I said, we cannot deny all the incredible things done virtually over the last couple of months, but now we can start this transition from “virtual” to “reality.”  The reality of things is thisWilson County is a pretty great place to visit and a pretty great place to be! So start searching our website and start virtually planning the reality of a visit to WilCo!

 

 

 

Jason Johnson, Tourism Director

Getting that Virtual Diploma

How do you fit all the milestones teachers and students lost during the COVID-19 pandemic into an approximately 350-word blog post? It isn’t easy. There aren’t words for how these students and teachers are feeling right now. There aren’t emotions for the milestones they are missing out on- last days, proms, commencement ceremonies, senior nights, end of school parties. Yet here I am, trying to put the lack of words and emotions into words.

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Go with the Flow!

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!

 

 

Stardust Drive-In

To quote Joe Nichols, this weekend looks {mostly} “sunny and 75!” Maneuvering your way through the COVID-19 pandemic can be hard. Self-isolating and staying in your house isn’t easy, especially when you have stir crazy kids home from school, but with the weather looking wonderful this weekend, the Visit WilCo Team wants to tell you about one of our all time favorite attractions in WilCo: The Stardust Drive-In located in Watertown, Tennessee.

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