Category: Wilson County CVB

Holidays are all about friends, family, and togetherness. That’s why the Visit WilCo team has created the PERFECT holiday outing!

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day: breakfast. You can’t go wrong with any breakfast spot in WilCo, but for the holiday season, our favorite hidden gem is Sweet Biscuit Co. in Mt. Juliet. Featuring different delicious flavors every day, there’s something for everyone, and boredom is definitely not on the menu! Enjoy signature holiday flavors such as apple pie, sweet potato caramel, pumpkin chocolate chip, and caramel apple crisp.

Following breakfast, you’ll be ready to work off those biscuits. So, load up the car and head to the Historic Square in Lebanon. Swing by Split Bean Roasting Co. to pick up some shopping fuel in the form of a Peppermint Mocha before you check out all the boutiques and shopping experiences (make sure to save those receipts for later!) downtown Lebanon has to offer. Iddy & Oscar’s, Poppie’s, and The Faith Store have a wide selection of Christmas gifts and tree ornaments for friends and family this holiday season.

Now that you’ve “shopped till you’ve dropped,” it’s time to replenish with lunch on the square. Some of our favorite options are Town Square Social, Split Bean Roasting Co, and Main Street Mercantile & Creamery (for that sweet tooth fix).

Do you have your energy back? Good! Time to make the short, scenic drive out to Rhonda & Chris’ Treeland in Watertown to cut down your very own Christmas tree. This family-owned tree farm opens to the public for three weekends, beginning on Thanksgiving Day, so experience it while you can! With nearly 15 acres of trees and 25 years of experience, you won’t leave without that perfect tree!

Whew, it’s been a long day of seeing what makes WilCo merry and bright this holiday season, so why don’t we relax for a little while? Did you take our advice and keep up with those receipts from your downtown shopping? If you did, present them at the Dancing Lights of Christmas for $5 off your ticket price! The Dancing Lights of Christmas is one of Tennessee’s largest drive-thru light shows, with over 2 million lights synced to music on the radio in your car. That’s right, you don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy this attraction! Even better? To celebrate their 10^th year, they are including Santa’s Village in the ticket price this year! That means you get to enjoy a pony ride, train ride, spider jump, inflatables, tubs of fun, swings, mechanical reindeer, petting zoo, outdoor movie, and a visit with Santa at no extra cost!

It’s the most magical time of year to make memories with friends and family, and we hope you make some of them right here in WilCo this holiday season!

Leaves changing color, crisp morning air, and the smell of fall all around you. There’s no better time to get out and explore somewhere new!

Here are some fun happenings to make you {Fall} in Love with WilCo:

September 28:

 Southern Smoke BBQ Festival: Enjoy live music, kid-friendly activities, handmade crafts, and artisan shopping. General admission is only $5, and kids under 12 are free.

October 5:

 Breeden’s Orchard Fall Farm Dinner: Edible Nashville’s Fall Farm Dinner will take place at Breeden’s Orchard with seasonal produce cooked by Edible Nashville Executive Chef Skylar Bush. It will also feature local spirits, wine, craft beer, music, and many other local artisans and partners. Come enjoy a night under twinkling lights for a memorable evening you won’t soon forget.

 Tough Mudder: Tough Mudder is back and better than ever at Neal Farms in Lebanon. With courses from 3 miles to 10 miles, this is the perfect event for any skill level. Running and getting dirty not your thing? Come out and enjoy food, music, and vendors at the Mudder Village Festival. You can even bring your furry friend to participate in the Ruff Mudder obstacle course.

October 6:

 Tough Mudder: Tough Mudder is back and better than ever at Neal Farms in Lebanon. With courses from 3 miles to 10 miles, this is the perfect event for any skill level. Running and getting dirty not your thing? Come out and enjoy food, music, and vendors at the Mudder Village Festival. You can even bring your furry friend to participate in the Ruff Mudder obstacle course.

October 19:

 Ghosts in the Grove: Bring the family for a night of history, ghost stories, and spooky trolley rides at Fiddler’s Grove in Lebanon, TN. Enjoy live music by the The Inglewood Old Time String Band, and a special appearance by Tennessee Ghostbusters! Come with an empty stomach and try homemade chili, hotdogs, hot cocoa, and hot coffee available at the Fiddler’s Grove General Store. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 ages 6-12, and kids 5 and under get in free.

October 26:

 Halloween Chills and Thrills at Cedars of Lebanon State Park: Come see Cedars of Lebanon in all its spooky glory. Kids can participate in trick-or-treating at Spooktacular campsites. There will also be hayrides and costume contests to enjoy! Cost for non-campers will be $5 per car.

All season long:

 You pick apples at Breeden’s Orchard: Grab the family and get outside as you pick fresh apples at Breeden’s Orchard in Mt. Juliet. Make sure to check out the fresh, homemade donuts, apple cider slushies, and local produce at the general store. Don’t forget to bring something to haul your fruitful bounty home at the end of the day!

 Shop Spring’s Creamery Corn Maze: Enjoy Shop Springs Creamery’s first ever corn maze starting on October 2nd! After you check out the corn maze, the whole family can check out the hay rides, shelled corn pit, petting zoo, photo booth, and so much more!

 Nashville: The Glow: Thousands of hand carved jack o’ lanterns will light up the city this fall at Andrew Jackson’s the Hermitage. Bring your family to this enchanting pumpkin wonderland and enjoy fall treats, drinks, family friendly designs and over 5,000 carved pumpkins.

 Cheekwood Harvest: Celebrate the autumnal season at Cheekwood! The changing of the leaves is one of many garden highlights you’ll find as oaks, maples, dogwoods, and other trees greet you with their fall colors. You’ll find activities and experiences for the whole family including Mum Explosion, community-made scarecrows, and a pumpkin patch.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Fall Fest: Fall Fest at The Hermitage is a spectacular weekend of art, music, and history at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. This year’s family-friendly event includes nearly 50 outstanding artists and craftsmen, live music and the Ajax Family Area where children and adults can participate in historical and cultural activities. Food and drink vendors will also be on-site offering taste-tempting fare to complete your day. Admission is free to the public and proceeds from the Festival benefit The Hermitage.

The Fourth of July is just a couple weeks away which means it’s time to start making plans for a fun filled day! Here is your guide to the Fourth of July in WilCo.

1. Wilson County Fireworks: Bring the whole family out to the James E. Ward Ag Center for an afternoon full of fun, food, and fireworks. Enjoy free hotdogs and watermelon from 5-6 PM. You can also choose from the variety of food trucks in attendance, enjoy live music, and then end your night with a spectacular firework presentation!
2. Stars, Stripes, and Squirt Gun Parade: Celebrate July 4^th Watertown style this year! Bring your squirt guns and have a blast during an interactive squirt gun parade featuring some of Wilson County’s favorite people!
3. Juliet Independence Day Fireworks: For the first time ever, the City of Mt. Juliet and the Mt. Juliet League Baseball/Softball will be teaming up with 94.1 “The Fish” in displaying a firework show completely in sync with music! There will be over 300 premiere parking spots located inside the league’s park. Parking spots will cost $10 per car, and the money will go back to the baseball and softball league.
4. July 4^th Music City Star Excursion: If you are looking for something extra exciting that night, why not ride the Music City Star into Downtown Nashville to watch their celebration! This allows you to be in the middle of all the excitement without having to fight traffic or worry about parking. The first train leaves the Lebanon station at 4:00 PM. The train will leave Nashville 30 minutes after the fireworks end. For a complete train schedule and to buy tickets, click here.

We hope this July 4^th is an {explosion} of fun and excitement for everyone in WilCo! Make sure to have fun and be safe!

Have a long weekend but can’t seem to find anything to do to fill your time? Don’t worry because the Visit WilCo team is here to help! Here are 5 things to do this weekend in and around Wilson County.

1. Dog Days at The Hermitage (May 25): Bring out your favorite canine and enjoy the trails and grounds of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage! Our NEW monthly series will allow dogs and their humans to enjoy the acreage of The Hermitage every last Saturday of the month, from May through November.

On Dog Days, visitors can purchase an $8 grounds pass (Members get in FREE!) to walk the grounds, hike the trails and enjoy the preserved natural surroundings and historic 19th-century buildings. OR for a $15 combo ticket ($7 for Members), guests can get an exclusive Hounds Hike the Hermitage Tour with a surprise Hermitage team member.

This 60-minute walking tour will include stories of the Hermitage community and explore the outer edges of the historic area, including untouched fields and enslaved quarter sites. Tours will leave at 10 a.m. from the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and reserve their spot!

2. Pupshop for Old Friends Dog Sanctuary (May 26): AR Workshop Mt. Juliet is so excited for their first ever PUPSHOP workshop as a give back event for the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Pick a wood photo frame project
Bring your best furry friend with you
Photo booth fun
and Old Friends up for adoption you can come love on!
20% OF ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO OFSDS

Register for the workshop here.

3. Memorial Day Weekend Workshop (May 25): AR Workshop Mt. Juliet is celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with a free bonus project! Registered guests for this featured workshop will be eligible to make a complimentary 12×16 Hometown USA Plank Map along with your project. You can place the heart right where it fits best! We’ll automatically prep your bonus project for completion in this class. Register for the class here.

4. Long Hunter State Park:

a. Hike the Story Book Trail (May 25 from 1:30-2:30): Join Ranger Sweeney on a hike around the Story Book Trail.

The park will be introducing a new story book in June 2019 so now is the time to get your last read about “Miss Maple’s Seeds”. Miss Maple will stay within Tennessee State Parks but will be leaving Long Hunter. The new story will be “In the Trees, Honey Bees”

This is a FREE event. Everyone welcome!

b. Wildlife Walk (May 25 from 5:30-6:30): Come join Ranger Fite for a one-mile hike around the Deer Trail. With any luck we will get to see several different types of wildlife and the environments they live in. Please dress appropriately for a moderate hike and bring water and snacks. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.

5. Cedars of Lebanon State Park:

a. Cedars of Lebanon Cave Tour (May 25): Join Ranger Loewer for an underground exploration of Cedars of Lebanon State Park. We will be going on a tour of three of the most prominent caves inside Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Forest. We will learn about the geology, hydrology, and biology of the cave formations in this area. Participants should bring two flashlights, clothes they don’t mind getting muddy, and sturdy footwear. They should be at least 5 years old (with a guardian) and physically able to hike for two hours, bend, and crawl. This program will last 2-3 hours, and vehicle transport between sites will be required. Space is limited to 15 people. Tickets are $10 a person, and you can purchase them here. This event will begin at 1 PM and participants should meet at the Cedars of Lebanon Nature Center.

b. Paint Americana (May 25): We will have paint and pallets for you and we’ll be painting them the colors of Old Glory this Saturday at the Sadie Ford Farm. Come and express you’re patriotic for Memorial Day Weekend with the whole family. At the end of the workshop, you can take the pallet you painted home to show off to all your friends! This event lasts from 1-3 PM and tickets are $10. Participants will meet at the Sadie Ford Farm and Art Center.

c. Wagon Ride (May 25): Join the SIRs at the Nature Center from 5-6 PM to take a tour of the park in style. Hopefully see some of our native wildlife as well as our beautiful forest. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased here. Participants will meet the Nature Center.

So, get out and enjoy the sunshine this long weekend in WilCo Tennessee!

Have a long weekend but can’t seem to find anything to do to fill your time? Don’t worry because the Visit WilCo team is here to help! Here are 5 things to do this weekend in and around Wilson County.

1. Dog Days at The Hermitage (May 25): Bring out your favorite canine and enjoy the trails and grounds of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage! Our NEW monthly series will allow dogs and their humans to enjoy the acreage of The Hermitage every last Saturday of the month, from May through November.

On Dog Days, visitors can purchase an $8 grounds pass (Members get in FREE!) to walk the grounds, hike the trails and enjoy the preserved natural surroundings and historic 19th-century buildings. OR for a $15 combo ticket ($7 for Members), guests can get an exclusive Hounds Hike the Hermitage Tour with a surprise Hermitage team member.

This 60-minute walking tour will include stories of the Hermitage community and explore the outer edges of the historic area, including untouched fields and enslaved quarter sites. Tours will leave at 10 a.m. from the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center. Space is limited, so guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online and reserve their spot!

2. Pupshop for Old Friends Dog Sanctuary (May 26): AR Workshop Mt. Juliet is so excited for their first ever PUPSHOP workshop as a give back event for the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.

Pick a wood photo frame project
Bring your best furry friend with you
Photo booth fun
and Old Friends up for adoption you can come love on!
20% OF ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE GIVEN TO OFSDS

Register for the workshop here.

3. Memorial Day Weekend Workshop (May 25): AR Workshop Mt. Juliet is celebrating Memorial Day Weekend with a free bonus project! Registered guests for this featured workshop will be eligible to make a complimentary 12×16 Hometown USA Plank Map along with your project. You can place the heart right where it fits best! We’ll automatically prep your bonus project for completion in this class. Register for the class here.

4. Long Hunter State Park:

a. Hike the Story Book Trail (May 25 from 1:30-2:30): Join Ranger Sweeney on a hike around the Story Book Trail.

The park will be introducing a new story book in June 2019 so now is the time to get your last read about “Miss Maple’s Seeds”. Miss Maple will stay within Tennessee State Parks but will be leaving Long Hunter. The new story will be “In the Trees, Honey Bees”

This is a FREE event. Everyone welcome!

b. Wildlife Walk (May 25 from 5:30-6:30): Come join Ranger Fite for a one-mile hike around the Deer Trail. With any luck we will get to see several different types of wildlife and the environments they live in. Please dress appropriately for a moderate hike and bring water and snacks. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Visitor Center Parking Lot.

5. Cedars of Lebanon State Park:

a. Cedars of Lebanon Cave Tour (May 25): Join Ranger Loewer for an underground exploration of Cedars of Lebanon State Park. We will be going on a tour of three of the most prominent caves inside Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Forest. We will learn about the geology, hydrology, and biology of the cave formations in this area. Participants should bring two flashlights, clothes they don’t mind getting muddy, and sturdy footwear. They should be at least 5 years old (with a guardian) and physically able to hike for two hours, bend, and crawl. This program will last 2-3 hours, and vehicle transport between sites will be required. Space is limited to 15 people. Tickets are $10 a person, and you can purchase them here. This event will begin at 1 PM and participants should meet at the Cedars of Lebanon Nature Center.

b. Paint Americana (May 25): We will have paint and pallets for you and we’ll be painting them the colors of Old Glory this Saturday at the Sadie Ford Farm. Come and express you’re patriotic for Memorial Day Weekend with the whole family. At the end of the workshop, you can take the pallet you painted home to show off to all your friends! This event lasts from 1-3 PM and tickets are $10. Participants will meet at the Sadie Ford Farm and Art Center.

c. Wagon Ride (May 25): Join the SIRs at the Nature Center from 5-6 PM to take a tour of the park in style. Hopefully see some of our native wildlife as well as our beautiful forest. Tickets are $2 and can be purchased here. Participants will meet the Nature Center.

So, get out and enjoy the sunshine this long weekend in WilCo Tennessee!

The weather is getting warmer, and if you are a pet lover, this means you want to get out and about with your “furry friends!” According to a study done by the American Pet Products Association, 37% of pet owners take their animals on vacation with them. That is up 19% over the past 10 years.So, what is there to do on your vacation in WilCo that is pet friendly? Check out our guide to the pet friendly vacation!

Let’s start with pet friendly hotels: 

• Cedars of Lebanon State Park has 87 campsites in three different camping areas. All Tennessee State Parks allow leashed pets in their campgrounds.
• Days Inn by Wyndham
• Econo Lodge
• Executive Inn
• Home 2 Suites
• Knights Inn
• My Place Hotel
• Quality Inn (Mt. Juliet & Lebanon)
• Ramada by Wyndham
• Sleep Inn & Suites
• Travel Inn
• Woodspring Suites

Pet Friendly Restaurants:. 

**Remember that although you think your dog is a part of your family, not everyone will so always be courteous when taking your dog to a restaurant and to be safe, call the restaurant before going to ensure your pup will be welcomed!**

• Riverfront Tavern Patio
• Sammy B’s Patio
• PDK Southern Kitchen Patio
• Snow White Drive-In outside tables

Exercise Your Pooch:If you need to find a way to let your pup run off some of that energy, WilCo has plenty of trails, greenways, and parks to take your pet on an adventure!

Mt. Juliet Bark Park: This park has 0.75 fenced in acres that will allow your dog to have space to run and play! It has access for big dogs and little dogs so there is something for pups of all sizes!

Lebanon Pet Park: Lebanon’s pet park is the perfect place to let your dogs run around and get that much needed exercise. There are two separate areas (big dog and little dog) for them to play. They also have tunnels, pools, and agility practice!

Charlie Daniels Park: Charlie Daniels Park is in Mt. Juliet, TN, and it is the perfect place to take the whole family. With 9,000 feet of playground area, 2 sand volleyball courts, outdoor basketball court, 4 tennis courts, and a 1 mile long PET FRIENDLY walking trail, there really is something for everyone. So, pack a picnic lunch (or grab lunch to go at any of our Mt. Juliet Restaurants) and make it a day to remember.

Long Hunter State Park: Long Hunter State Park has over 10 trails to hike, and over 2/3 of them are pet friendly!

Cedars of Lebanon State Park: Cedars of Lebanon has 10 miles of hiking trails that are open year-round. They have easy, moderate, and even strenuous hikes, depending on your sense of adventure.

Spoil your four-legged friend: We all know that traveling is hard on anyone (especially a pet) so we wanted to give you options on how you can spoil your pet while on vacation (because everyone deserves to be pampered from time to time).

Three Dog Bakery: This animal savvy bakery is in Mt. Juliet, and they have any goodie you could imagine. And the best part? It’s all safe for your animal to eat! So, go by and grab a cookie, cupcake, or even a whole cake for that special pet in your life!

Nashville Pet Spa: Who says dogs can’t have a spa day? Nashville Pet Spa just opened its doors in Mt. Juliet this year, and pampering animals is their specialty. You can board them, let them attend doggie daycare, or just take them in for a spa day full of bathing, brushing, and trimming!

Barks, Hugs, and Kisses from the Visit WilCo Team.

We hope to see you soon!

Spring is finally here! The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the entire family collectively sighs, uttering an all too familiar phrase – “We’re booooooored”.  What to do? Wilson County has a wealth of activities and attractions that are sure to cure the family boredom bug.

We all know that it can go from sunny skies to soaking rain in the blink of an eye here. So, if weekend outdoor plans get rained out, families can head to one of our art studios to satisfy their creative sides. Check ahead to register for fun workshops and classes at AR Workshop, Imagine That! Art Studio, Board and Brush, or pop into Fired Up, pick a piece of pottery and make it your own right on the spot. 

Perhaps lower cost/free options that still offer the benefit of tuckering out the younger family members, so they’ll leave you alone to binge-watch your neglected Netflix shows later is more desirable? Check out Charlie Daniels Park or Don Fox Community Park! Both beautiful parks boast multiple playgrounds to accommodate different ages, walking/running/biking tracks, as well as splash pads/a wading pool in the summer, volleyball courts and much, much more. You can even bring a picnic or pick up food from one of our many local restaurants and make a day of it.

Wrap up a fun-filled family day by catching a double feature on one of the big screens at the Stardust Drive-In Theatre. The Stardust Drive-In lends a nod to nostalgia for the past, while utilizing the technology of the present to bring stellar sound and projection quality to every movie. While you’re in Watertown, why not try any of their amazing culinary choices before the movie (and popcorn of course!)

We hope you will consider WilCo for your next weekend getaway with your family. If you’re in need of lodging while you’re vacationing, check out what WilCo has to offer. We really are Near Nashville, Miles from Ordinary!

Wilson County is home to two beautiful Tennessee State Parks. If you love the outdoors and open air, here are some ideas for a weekend getaway in WilCo.

1. Long Hunter State Park: Long Hunter State Park’s 2,600 acres is sure to have something for everyone. Whether you want to camp at any of their campsites, hike any (or all) of their trails, fish on Couchville Lake, or swim in the Bryant Cove swimming area, you’re sure to leave with your daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air. Plan your trip based on their events throughout the year to make sure you get the full Long Hunter State Park Experience!
2. Cedars of Lebanon State Park: With over 1,100 acres and more than 100 campsites, Cedar’s of Lebanon is sure to accommodate any activity you might want to experience on your weekend in WilCo! Play a game of disk golf on their state of the art, 18-hole course, take a hike on any of their 6 trails, or maybe go birding and just enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Whether you want to spend the weekend in a cabin, a tent, or even a camper, Wilson County’s two state parks offer just what you need for a relaxing, nature filled weekend.

While you’re in Wilson County, make sure to stop by any of our restaurants and get a taste of the county too!

Need plans for this weekend? Here at the WilCo office, we have made a list of the top 6 things to do this weekend. Check out all the information and how to buy tickets below. We hope to see you out and about this weekend.

1. AR Workshop Mt. Juliet Grand Opening!!
   1. March 16 from 5-8 PM
   2. Mini Make and Take Project
   3. Sips and Sweets
   4. Giveaways and Promotions
   5. Browse Retail
   6. Register Here!
2. Vintage Market Days of Nashville- “Roam Free” at the Wilson County Expo CenterVintage Market Days of Nashville- “Roam Free” at the Wilson County Expo Center
   1. March 15-16 from 10-5
   2. March 17 from 10-4
   3. Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and a little more.
   4. More information on tickets here.
3. President Jackson’s 252nd Birthday
   1. Friday, March 15 from 8:30-5 PM
   2. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
   3. Half-price admission
   4. Join us to celebrate President Jackson’s 252nd Birthday on Friday, March 15 and receive half-price general admission for the day! The celebration will include our annual wreath-laying ceremony with the Tennessee National Guard and US 7th Infantry at 11 am at the President’s Tomb. In addition, guests will get to enjoy the first day of the War of 1812 Military Encampment program! Guests will enjoy the rare opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of a 19th-century military encampment as General Jackson’s forces are encamped on the grounds of The Hermitage. Wander through the camp to meet with members of the militia, participate in military drills and weapons demonstrations, watch the blacksmith repairing tools of the camp, and step inside the Tavern as citizens of Tennessee debate the politics and cultural issues of the day.
   5. More information about the event here.
4. Kid’s Watercolor Workshop at Imagine That Art Studio
   1. Saturday, March 16 from 1-2:30 PM
   2. Learn to create your own watercolor masterpiece in this kid’s watercolor workshop on Saturday, March 16th from 1pm-2:30pm for $25 per child! Best for ages 6-10.
   3. Buy Tickets here.
5. Daddy Daughter Date Night at Imagine That Art Studio in Lebanon
   1. Saturday, March 16 from 6- 8 PM
   2. Join us for another Daddy-Daughter Date night on Saturday, March 16th at 6pm! Make a memory that will last forever by painting these two canvases that connect to make one sweet image and enjoy a meal provided by Chick-Fil-A! $60 per pair and an extra $15 for each additional child.
   3. Register here.
6. 15th Anniversary of Napolean Dynamite at Capitol Theater
   1. Saturday, March 16 from 6-9 PM
   2. Tater tot bar
   3. Tickets can be purchased here.

Get out and enjoy what the county has to offer this weekend! Come and see why Wilson County is such a great vacation destination!