Franklin, TN April 2026

LOCAL SERVICES

FRANKLIN'S ROBINSON LAKE PROJECT

DAV ID SPADE

COM EDIAN DEL IVERS LAUGHS AT NASHVILLE COMEDY FESTIVAL

FOOD + BEVERAGE

75 YEARS OF THE LOVELESS CAFE

LIFE + CULTURE

THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE FOUNDATION

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 4/30/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

GOING ON VACATION? BEFORE YOU PACK.... PLAN!

Prepare your estate plan including wills, trusts, and beneficiaries

Review your plan for minor children // Review titles and beneficiary designations

“When my wife and I were looking for a trust attorney, we interviewed four different attorneys. We were most impressed by Justin Gilbert’s breadth and depth of knowledge. He listened carefully to our needs and requirements and he recommended we create a grantor trust for our taxable assets and retirement trust for our pretax assets. He was the only attorney who was knowledgeable about retirement trust and the benefits such trust would offer.

I am a very detailed person, I read every word of the documents and I require that I understand everything in the trusts. Justin answered all my questions to my satisfaction and readily agreed to make changes that I wished to make. At no time did Justin show impatience with my requests or inquiries. Justin always met his commitments to deliver draft documents or changes there to.

There will come a time when our children will need an attorney’s services to settle our estate in accordance with the terms of our trusts. My instructions to them is to employ and depend on Justin’s services. I HIGHLY recommend Justin to anyone who needs a trust attorney. I am very hard to please because I like perfection. That is what I pay for and Justin delivered.”

Good Health Begins From Within.

Expert insight. Trusted voices. Conversations that care for our community.

Health Talks: From the Inside Out podcast brings healthcare insight directly to you from the experts who serve our community every day. From orthopaedics and general surgery to breast health, urogynecology and pelvic health to pulmonology and sleep medicine to cardiology and emergency medical services and more — we have an episode for every listener.

HEALTH TALKS: From The Inside OUT

Subscribe today! Health Talks: From the Inside Out is available to listen on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and more. You can also watch on Spotify and YouTube. Visit WilliamsonHealth.org/healthtalks or scan the code for more information.

Start baking memories.

#1 Team at Onward Real Estate

Leveraging real estate resources with a creative and tenacious spirit, the LCT Team of Onward Real Estate are experts in delivering a synergy of success for each client with long-time REALTOR® Lisa Culp Taylor as team leader. We are ready to help you buy or sell a home in the Franklin, Brentwood, or Nashville areas - and we have the experience and knowledge to make the whole process easier for you. View listings at LCTTeam.com.

CORTINA FARMS | 5715 GREENBRIER RD, FRANKLIN | LEIPERS FORK

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5557 PARKER BRANCH RD, FRANKLIN

$4,950,000 | 7+ ACRES | 5 BD | 4/1 BA 6,790 SQFT | POOL | LEIPERS FORK

3514 BAILEY RD, FRANKLIN

$4,850,000 | 8+ ACRES | 5 BD | 5/1 BA 6,094 SQFT | LEIPERS FORK

3148 BLAZER RD, FRANKLIN

$10,000,000 | NEARLY 100 ACRES LEIPERS FORK

513 KING RICHARDS CT, FRANKLIN

$15,000,000 | 5+ ACRES | 7 BD | 8/2 BA | 14,876 SQFT POOL | GATED | HILLTOP VIEWS | THE TORS OF AVALON 8100 MOUNTAINTOP DR, COLLEGE GROVE

$3,750,000 | 1+ ACRES | 5 BD | 4/1 BA | 6,800 SQFT POOL | THE GROVE GATED COMMUNITY

Investing in our Community

Strong communities are built by the people who choose to invest in them.

In this April Invest Issue, we highlight local businesses that are doing exactly that, pouring their time, talent, and passion back into the community through the services they provide and the experiences they create. The entrepreneurs featured in these pages are not only building successful businesses, they are strengthening the place we all call home.

As the publisher of Franklin Lifestyle, I see this magazine as an investment in our community as well. By showcasing the people, events, and businesses that make this area special, our goal is to celebrate what makes Franklin such a vibrant place to live. After all, this is where we all live, work, and play.

The stories in this issue are a reminder that when local businesses invest in people and community, the returns extend far beyond the balance sheet. They create connection, pride, and a stronger foundation for the future we are building together. Investing in you,

ATHENA WEST,

PUBLISHER

@FRANKLINTNLIFESTYLE

Franklin Lifestyle is available for pickup at the following locations:

• Fork of the South - The Factory at Franklin

• Saint Goose - Downtown Franklin

• The Parker House on Main - Downtown Franklin

• United Country Real Estate - Leiper’s Fork

• Local doctors and professional offices around the area

PUBLISHER

Athena West | athena.west@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Maria Dinoia | maria.dinoia@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Karen Creason | karen.creason@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Stephanie Krejci | stephanie.krejci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

SFCU, Trent Linville, Bert Summerville, Ellen Randall, Sheila Johnson, Sophie Brock

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

April 2026 Visit our Instagram

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

8-14:

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Tennessee Tourism Pairs Music and Food Through New Campaign

Sound Bites, a new campaign launched by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) pairs two of the state’s most cherished traditions, music and food, featuring chefs and artists collaborating to create new dishes and original songs that are designed to be experienced together.

At the heart of Sound Bites is the idea that music can amplify how people experience flavor, a phenomenon known as “sonic seasoning.” This science comes to life through three original short-form films. To watch and try the interactive pairing tool, visit TNSoundBites.com.

Franklin Receives Aaa/AAA Ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s

Both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services have given the City of Franklin a triple A rating for Franklin’s proposed $106.5 million in 2026 general obligation (GO) bonds. In assigning the highest rating, the rating agencies cited the City’s healthy financial position marked by high available fund balance and liquidity ratios, continued conservative budgeting and strong revenue performance. FranklinTN.gov

H. Audrey Boutique Set To Open Second Location At McEwen Northside

H. Audrey is opening its second location in the heart of Cool Springs’ premier shopping district, McEwen Northside. The new storefront will be a 1,640-squarefoot space, with an anticipated opening in early summer 2026.

H. Audrey was founded in Nashville in 2007 by musician and entrepreneur Holly Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. Retail veteran Mitch Johnson took ownership in 2024.

Stay up-to-date at McEwenNorthside.com or following @mcewennorthside on social media.

Come enjoy your new salon oasis at Elite Collective, Franklin’s go-to salon for luxury hair color and extensions. NewGuestsReceive20%OffTheirFirstAppointment.

www.elitecollective.co | 615.708.8226 | info@elitecollective.co 4000 Longpoint Way Suite 420, Franklin TN 37064 V @elitecollectivesalon

MORE THAN CONCIERGE

The Future of Medicine.

Paradigm Health redefines healthcare with its Medicine 3.0 approach, blending cutting-edge precision medicine with expert physician access for superior care. We go beyond traditional concierge services, optimizing health at every level.

"Paradigm health has made me feel empowered - physically, emotionally and mentally. Their

if a gift that I am incredibly grateful for! The communication, lovely office space and happy energy when I walk in the door are cherries on top. I highly recommend this practice!"

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Health Asset Management model

Franklin Fire Department Offers Teen Summer Camp, June 1–3

Registration is now open for the Franklin Fire Department’s 3rd Annual Lead with Fire Summer Camp for teens. The three-day exploratory camp will take place June 1–3 at the Franklin Fire Training Center.

Lead with Fire is open to rising 9th through 12th graders, ages 14–18; students do not have to attend a WCS school to participate. The camp gives teens an up-close look at the firefighting profession through immersive, realistic training experiences.

To learn more and register, visit: FranklinTN.gov/LeadWithFire

Kane Brown To Open Kane Brown's On Broadway

Country music artist Kane Brown is partnering with Detroit-based Elia Group to announce the opening of “Kane Brown’s On Broadway.” This new multi-story bar, restaurant and live music venue is set to open its doors this summer. The venue will be located in Nashville’s Lower Broadway district in the historic building that previously housed The Valentine, spanning four dynamic levels and 11,400 square feet.

To learn more about “Kane Brown’s On Broadway,” visit KaneBrownsOnBroadway. com and follow @kanebrownsonbroadway for updates.

WOW Windowboxes Expands

WOW Windowboxes™ has expanded to Nashville with a new franchise owned by local resident Fritzi Celentano. Serving Nashville, Franklin and Murfreesboro, the company offers custom-built window boxes, premium four-season plantings and optional maintenance-free irrigation systems for effortless curb appeal. With the region’s thriving luxury housing market, WOW Windowboxes Nashville brings personalized color and character to homes and businesses. Installations are now booking year-round at WowWindowboxes.com.

Whataburger Opens In Franklin

Whataburger has expanded in Middle Tennessee as the company announced plans to open three new restaurants across the region. The first location opened in Franklin on March 24 at 3075 Mallory Lane. Additional restaurants in East Nashville and Columbia will open soon, with the grand opening dates to be announced.

Whataburger will serve bold, fresh, made-to-order burgers, the brand’s signature Fancy and Spicy Ketchup, and a variety of unique shake and beverage flavors.Whataburger.com

Downtown Franklin Rotary Club Brings Back Popular Kentucky Derby Event

After a one-year hiatus, the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club (DFRC) is once again hosting Franklin’s largest Kentucky Derby party, Jockeys & Juleps, on Saturday, May 2 in Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin. Tickets are $250 per person. Jockeys & Juleps will benefit The Gary Sinise Foundation, which supports our nation’s veterans, first responders, heroes and defenders, along with their families. Local celebrities and long-time media personalities Nikki Burdine and Neal Orne will serve as emcees for the evening. DowntownFranklinRotary.com

EMPOWERING EMPOWERING THE

VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND

HOW THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE FOUNDATION IS BUILDING COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY THROUGH SPORT

Griffin Pinkow loved playing sports as a kid. And that affection never waned even as he began to progressively lose his sight. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative retinal disease that slowly takes your vision from peripheral to complete vision loss, he thought he'd never play baseball again. The path to that diagnosis wasn't an easy one and it wasn't just about not playing baseball.

"Around high school, I had started to lose more vision and it got really bad," says Pinkow. "Teachers didn’t want to support me so my grades weren’t that great because I had stopped caring about school."

Pinkow's family eventually returned to their East Coast roots to be around the support of other family

members and seek out different options for Griffin's loss of vision. For Pinkow, that's when everything changed. "I actually had a guidance counselor who said, 'You have all the tools, you just need additional help and support,' he says. "I was more open in talking to my parents about my visual impairment, I was open to getting more adaptive equipment. My grades went back up to As & Bs and I was still really active and into sports even though I was losing my vision. I played three sports my junior and senior years of high school - football, wrestling and track and field."

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA

“IT WAS THE FIRST EXPERIENCE WHERE I LEARNED I COULD STILL BE AN ATHLETE JUST IN A DIFFERENT CAPACITY. AND SENIOR YEAR OF COLLEGE, I TRAINED AND RAN THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON. I GOT HOOKED. THEN I DID PHILLY, BOSTON AND CHICAGO.”

Pinkow always wanted to be an athlete and it was a friend who introduced him to guided running. "I had a friend who asked if I wanted to run a marathon," he says. "It was the first experience where I learned I could still be an athlete just in a different capacity. And senior year of college, I trained and ran the New York City marathon. I got hooked. Then I did Philly, Boston and Chicago."

In 2017, after graduation, Pinkow started The Foreseeable Future Foundation, whose mission is to help the visually impaired and blind community live more fulfilling lives through sports and recreation. "Sports can be someone’s

A group of seniors from Governor Morehead School for the Blind in North Carolina and Tennessee School for the Blind traveled to Aspen

medicine," Pinkow says. "It’s realizing that sense of community. You get all the pieces of the emotional and physical experience through doing something, learning how to navigate it, gaining your independence, and understanding you can excel at it."

As part of its advocacy, the Foundation’s educational awareness events bring the sighted community together with the visually impaired community through an activity, such as “Dining in the Dark,” so that the sighted community can have a deeper understanding of those who are living with a visual impairment or blindness. The foundation's advocacy curriculum is one they want to continue to grow.

"We’ve created tip sheets, manuals, mock interviews, and webinars on how we can show young individuals to advocate for themselves around sports and recreation," Pinkow says. "We also talk about how a family member or support person can be an advocate, too. I'd love to eventually offer new programs around leadership as well."

The Foreseeable Future Foundation also offers camps, clubs and clinics all over the country. The ranch program is a big one. "We give them weekends of fly fishing, horseback riding, roping, leather making, archery, rafting, etc., so they get those incredible experiences," says Pinkow. "And they're in an environment with their peers - other kids just like them -  that they can talk to about similar things they may have gone through. And we're teaching life skills like how to get from one place to another."

Pinkow talks about kids like Henry when he talks about the good the foundation is doing. Pinkow helped him compete in a duathalon and at the end of the whole experience, Henry said to Pinkow that he, too, wanted to start a non-profit to help kids like him. Another young man Pinkow speaks of is one who conquered his fear of heights by climbing a rock wall. "These are moments I can talk to you about all day," he says.

But Pinkow feels there's still a lot of work that has to be done. "70% of the visually impaired community is unemployed," he says. "Employment is still a struggle for this community. How can we help them find the resources and support to do day-to-day things?"

The foundation partners locally with Southall Farm. "We have a new curriculum with the beekeepers there," says Pinkow."These kids don't realize they could potentially do these things as a career."

One easy way for people to get involved with the foundation is to share its existence. "A simple thing is sharing the mission and work," says Pinkow. "Make people aware. That’s how anything starts really - with education and awareness."

Of course, donations are paramount to continuing its good work. "Obviously, funding helps us to continue to help more people."

As far as goals for the future of the organization, Pinkow says, "I'd love to get it to a point where instead of a small organization doing a lot, it's a medium-sized organization and instead of helping thousands of people through our initiatives and programs, we are helping millions."

ForeseeableFuture.org

Stunning Contemporary Farmhouse-Style Lake Home

$2,975,000 | 501 County Road 2010, Crane Hill, AL 35053 | MLS 26-558

With over 7,000 sf under roof and 4766 sf heated, this home is located in one of the most desirable subdivisions on Lewis Smith Lake. Situated on approximately 2.7± acres on Ryan Creek, this private property offers beautiful views and easy boating access to popular destinations, including Cocktail Cove, Coon Creek, Lick Creek, Trident Marina, and Drifters on Smith Lake.

Entering through the gated community of Pointe 16 and down the long concrete driveway, you’ll immediately appreciate the peaceful setting and privacy this home provides.

Inside, the main level welcomes you with soaring 14-foot ceilings, a spacious open floor plan, and a stunning kitchen featuring custom cabinetry and a large island topped with nearly a full slab of marble. The living area showcases a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace with gas logs and a wall of windows that frame incredible views of the heated saltwater pool and the main channel of Smith Lake.

The primary suite and guest master suite are both located on the main level, each offering exceptional views, private decks, full baths, w/ walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Just off the primary suite, enjoy the unique “treehouse porch” complete with a swinging bed--the perfect spot to relax and take in the views.

The lower level is just as inviting and functional, featuring two additional bedrooms with large walk-in closets, an art room, a comfortable lounge area with a pull-out sofa for additional guests, a “tack”/storage room, a bar area, and an additional living room with French doors that open directly to the pool area.

This one-of-a-kind lake home is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. An oversized golf cart path provides easy access down to the water, making lake days effortless.

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Smith Lake retreat, this exceptional property may be the dream home you’ve been waiting for.

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA

ORIGINAL INSTITUTION THE Nashville

A CELEBRATION OF 75 YEARS OF BISCUITS, HOSPITALITY, AND SOUTHERN TRADITION AT THE LOVELESS CAFE

Some places are more than restaurants. They're also landmarks, gathering spots, and keepers of a community's story. Few fit that description more completely than the Loveless Cafe. Tucked at the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway on the outskirts of Nashville, the Loveless has been serving scratch-made biscuits, country ham, and Southern hospitality since 1951. As the cafe marks its 75th year this year, we talked with Wendy Felts, community relations manager, about what it means to steward an institution and what three quarters of a century looks like from the inside.

AS THE LOVELESS CAFE CELEBRATES ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY, WHAT DOES THIS MILESTONE MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY AND TO THE ENTIRE TEAM?

What an honor it is to work for and celebrate a company that loves its employees, community and guests the way that the Loveless Cafe does! I’ve always said that the Cafe isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality that has endured for these last seven decades because people feel at home there, including me. I’ve been with Loveless for over 15 years myself. This milestone is a celebration of decades of hard work, family and community. I have so much gratitude for the generations of families and guests that have made the Cafe a part of their lives.

CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE CAFE’S ORIGINS AND THE LEGACY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNERS?

When Lon and Annie moved to Nashville in the 1950s, they noticed all the folks driving by their home on Highway 100, just off the Natchez Trace, heading toward Memphis. It was before the interstate, so it was the only route people could take. Lon and Annie were true Southerners and knew that people needed a place to stop, stretch their legs, eat and relax before continuing on the long road ahead. So it didn’t take long before they decided to serve fried chicken, biscuits and country ham out of their home for all of the hungry travelers. Eventually, Lon and Annie opened their home and utilized it as a sit-down Cafe, and even added 14 motel rooms. Their vision has always been to feed people and give them a place to stop and connect at the table before they continue on their way, and that still holds very true to Loveless today. We’re always hoping to be that stop for people: a place they can come to, sit down, settle in, relax, eat good food, spend time with their loved ones and then get back on the road. Heads high and bellies full!

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OLDEST OR MOST ICONIC MENU ITEMS THAT REMAIN FROM THE EARLY DAYS, AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE THEY STAY TRUE TO THEIR ORIGINAL RECIPE?

A few of our most iconic menu items are our famous biscuits, fried chicken, country ham and hash brown casserole. These are all of Annie Loveless’ original recipes that we have preserved and passed down over the years.

HOW HAS THE MENU EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS WHILE STILL PRESERVING THE TRADITIONS AND FLAVORS THAT GENERATIONS OF DINERS KNOW AND LOVE?

Most of our menu items are original, which is what makes us so unique. Just good country-style home cooking. We have added a few items over the years, like red velvet pancakes and waffles during the month of February and some salads for those looking for lower-calorie options.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE HONORING TRADITION WITH INNOVATING AND KEEPING THINGS FRESH FOR BOTH LONGTIME PATRONS AND NEW VISITORS?

We will always stay true to our traditions, which are good cookin’ and Southern hospitality, but we still want to stay fresh. This year, for our 75th, we hosted Michelin-star-winning Locust for a onenight-only menu collaboration. It was a hit to combine the flavors of the American South with a coastal, fine dining flair. Honestly, I’m not sure Lon or Annie ever imagined caviar on their biscuits, but I’m sure they would have gotten a kick out of it. We also love to get connected and work with other chefs in the area. This year, to honor our milestone, we’re creating unique menu items with some notable Nashville restaurants, like Frothy Monkey, Daddy’s Dogs, Tailgate Brewery and more.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS OR CELEBRATIONS PLANNED TO COMMEMORATE THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY?

Yes! We have been celebrating our 75th anniversary since Jan. 1 and we love to PARTY at the Loveless. Each month, we have a different collaboration with a notable business in Nashville, as mentioned above. September is also our birthday month, and we will be hosting our 75th birthday party—Jam Fest. It will be a mix of a pickin’ party, music festival, tasting experience and more. Please come celebrate with us on Sept. 19.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SECRET TO THE LOVELESS CAFE’S ENDURING POPULARITY, BOTH LOCALLY AND WITH VISITORS FROM OUT OF TOWN?

The secret is our Southern hospitality and fresh, homemade, from-scratch country cooking. It’s that simple. And our delicious one-of-a-kind Loveless Cafe biscuits and preserves, of course.

HOW DO YOU ENVISION CARRYING THE CAFE’S LEGACY FORWARD FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DINERS AND COOKS?

The Loveless Cafe has always been more than a place to eat. It’s a hub for our community. Most of the people who work here have been here for well over 10 years, and that includes our chefs and cooks. We plan to carry ourselves forward over the next 75 years the same way we have for the first 75, by taking care of one another and serving up some mighty fine Southern cooking.

LovelessCafe.com

WENDY FELTS

joined the Loveless Cafe 17 and a half years ago, and in that time, she has worked in every department, gaining a deep love and appreciation for every facet of what makes the Cafe an iconic Nashville institution. Felts currently serves as Loveless’ community relations manager, where she prides herself on meeting people from various walks of life, becoming familiar with their stories and sharing the Cafe’s origin story and evolution throughout the years. Prior to Loveless, Felts graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and was employed as the Catering Manager at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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UNLOCKING HO THE POWER OF YOUR ME

Everything You Need to Know About HELOCs

To shed light on the ins and outs of Home Equity Lines of Credit, commonly known as HELOCs, we sat down with Tammy Robinson, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Lending at Southeast Financial Credit Union*. Her insights offer a clear and practical perspective on this powerful lending tool, how it works, and how homeowners can make the most of their home’s value for a range of financial needs. Whether you’re a first-time borrower or simply curious about leveraging your equity, Robinson’s expertise provides essential guidance to help you navigate your options and avoid common pitfalls.

What is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a revolving credit line secured by the equity you’ve built up in your home. Equity is simply the difference between your home’s current market value and the remaining balance on your mortgage. Lenders typically let you borrow up to a certain percentage of your home’s value, minus what you owe.

What sets a HELOC apart from other loans is its flexibility. Imagine it as a credit card with a large limit, but instead of being unsecured, your home serves as collateral. You don’t have to take out the entire amount at once. Instead, you can borrow as much or as little as you need (up to your credit limit) during what’s known as the “draw period.” This flexibility makes a HELOC ideal for ongoing projects or unpredictable expenses.

Why would homeowners open a HELOC?

Members use HELOCs for a wide variety of reasons. Popular uses include funding home improvement projects, consolidating high-interest credit card debt into one manageable payment, and covering education expenses. The appeal of a HELOC lies in its ability to adapt to your needs over time, whether you’re planning a series of renovations or dealing with unexpected costs. However, with flexibility comes responsibility. While many HELOCs require only interest payments during the draw period (often the first five years), it’s wise to pay more than the minimum whenever possible. By putting extra money toward the principal, you not only reduce your outstanding balance but also ease your transition into the repayment phase, when principal and interest payments kick in. Additionally, since HELOCs have variable interest rates that can change monthly, it’s important to budget for the possibility of rate and payment increases over time.

HELOC vs. HELOAN: Which is the right choice for homeowners?

While the HELOC is a flexible, revolving line of credit, a Home Equity Loan (HELOAN) offers a more traditional lending experience. With a HELOAN, you receive a lump sum up front, typically at a fixed interest rate, and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set term. This can be ideal for one-time, well-defined expenses, such as paying for a major home renovation, purchasing a vehicle, or covering medical bills, when you know exactly how much you need to borrow.

In contrast, a HELOC comes with a variable rate, which means your payments may fluctuate with changes in the Wall Street Journal Prime Index Rate plus a margin based on your creditworthiness. During the draw period, you’re often required to pay only the interest on the amount you’ve borrowed, making it a good fit for expenses that arise over time or when you want the option to borrow as needed.

Choosing between a HELOC and a HELOAN depends on your specific needs and financial goals. If you value predictable payments and have a specific lump-sum expense, a HELOAN may be the best option. If you’d prefer flexibility and ongoing access to funds, a HELOC could be the smarter choice.

Tell us a little about the application process at Southeast Financial Credit Union.

Applying for a HELOC at Southeast Financial Credit Union is designed to be straightforward and member-focused. You can begin by applying online or by contacting one of the credit union’s knowledgeable mortgage loan officers for assistance.

Once your application is submitted, a mortgage loan officer reviews your credit history, credit score,

income, and an estimate of your property’s value. If you meet the approval criteria, the officer will contact you to discuss any additional documentation needed to move the loan into processing, such as proof of income or property insurance.

The processing period typically lasts 10 to 12 business days, after which your loan will be ready to close. At closing, all owners of the property used as collateral must sign the required loan documents. After closing, there is a mandatory three-business-day waiting period before your line of credit becomes available, giving you time to review the terms and access your funds.

How are HELOC limits determined?

Several factors influence how much you can borrow through a HELOC at Southeast Financial. The most significant is your home’s Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which is calculated by dividing your total mortgage debt by your home’s appraised value. The lower your LTV ratio, the more equity you have, and the more you can potentially borrow. Other factors include your credit score, income, and overall debt-to-income ratio. For instance, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000, with a maximum LTV of 90%, you might be eligible for a HELOC totaling $70,000.

What is the repayment structure for HELOCs?

HELOCs typically feature a draw period of around five years, during which you can borrow as needed and make interest-only payments. After the draw period ends, your HELOC enters a 15-year repayment phase, where both principal and interest payments are required. Interest rates on HELOCs are variable, tied to the Prime Index plus a margin based on your credit profile, and may change monthly throughout both the draw and repayment periods.

Something important to remember: variable rates mean your payments may increase. If you’ve only made interest payments during the draw period, expect a higher monthly payment once principal repayment begins.

We would like to thank Tammy for sharing her expertise and explaining how a HELOC is a versatile tool for accessing your home’s equity. Understanding how they work helps you use them wisely and support your financial goals. For more information about HELOCs or to explore your options, contact Southeast Financial Credit Union today.

*Tammy Robinson, Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Lending (NMLS# 430160)

OLD SOULS, New Stories

REMY

WATTERS OF VINTAGE REMNANTS ON THE ART OF FINDING BEAUTY IN THE PAST

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Remy Watters has mastered the art of slowing down and looking back. Her Franklin shop, Vintage Remnants, is equal parts boutique and treasure hunt, a carefully curated space where salvaged, one-of-a-kind pieces and forgotten relics find their way back into the world. Watters has built a loyal following among shoppers who appreciate the stories stitched into every piece. Valuing authenticity over mass production, Watters was happy to talk shop and the philosophy behind it.

What inspired you to open Vintage Remnants, and how did the shop’s journey begin?

After solo-traveling to 35+ countries at a young age, I saw firsthand that the way we spend our lives doesn’t need to be dictated by imposed societal standards (such as a traditional 9-5). When my husband and I moved our lives to Tennessee in March 2020, with nothing but houseplants and a few pieces of clothing in the back of our old school, two-door Cadillac, we slept in an empty three-bedroom house for weeks. We left California the day the world shut down. Since furniture stores and malls were shut down due to COVID, I turned to Facebook Marketplace. Every single piece of furniture, art and even our pots and pans were Marketplace finds. It felt sustainable and became a thrill of the hunt. One day, I bought a simple but ugly buffet table and an orbital sander on Marketplace for a whopping total of $20. I thought, heck, I have the time, let’s learn how to sand and refinish this buffet. I learned a new trade, completely refinishing the piece, but by the end of it, I didn’t love it for our space. So I turned around and listed it on Marketplace for triple the price, and it sold within hours. A business idea was born: Vintage Remnants.

How would you describe the aesthetic or personality of Vintage Remnants to someone who’s never visited?

Vintage Remnants is a creative collective of all things I love. It’s an artistic outlook on what we surround ourselves with in our safe space, our home. I am the artist, and I don’t bring anything into the shop that I wouldn’t put in my own home. I’m not restricted to one era or color palette, but we do tend to lean into all things organic material.

What draws you personally to antiques and vintage pieces?

I grew up in San Francisco in the 90s. My mom dragged me in and out of second-hand stores as early as I could remember. Weekend adventures, early breakfasts in nowhere towns, smelly antique shops and thrift stores. I hated it then. I love it now.

How do you source inventory?

An average week looks like at least one Marketplace pickup, two antique malls, multiple thrift stops, and now that I’ve grown my Instagram and Facebook shop presence to what it is, people reach out to me daily to consign their family heirlooms in my antique warehouse. All these sources keep my shop overflowing with constant new inventory.

Are there particular eras, styles, or types of pieces that you specialize in or find especially exciting?

I am Vintage Remnants, and as I change, the shop reflects that. However, primitive pieces have always been of most interest to me—hand-forged nails, overused cupboards and pieces that have survived multiple generations.

What’s one of your favorite pieces currently in the shop?

I sourced a mid-1800s dark wood hutch with painted floral glass panels. It was found on a sourcing trip, formed around this Marketplace find, out of an old Eastern Tennessee farmhouse. If furniture could speak, I bet it would have stories to tell!

How do you help customers incorporate vintage finds into modern interiors in a way that feels thoughtful and cohesive?

Modern complements old and vice versa. What you’re aiming to achieve is a space that looks like you handpicked each piece, regardless of age or origin. I always

“Vintage Remnants is a creative collective of all things I love. It’s an artistic outlook on what we surround ourselves with in our safe space, our home.”

recommend clients and customers start with one piece they have to have and build their space around it.

What trends are you seeing in the vintage and antique market right now?

I don’t like trends. What I do like is timeless. What truly makes your space “cool” or have the “wow factor” is uniquely creating a space that screams “thoughtful.” Shop slow, sustainably, and make sure you love what you’re buying.

How has being part of the Franklin community shaped Vintage Remnants?

My space has evolved tremendously over six years. Franklin locals have made my shop a Saturday staple, and it feels as though I’m important to them. Equally, my community is important to me. With the help of social media, my Instagram and Facebook platforms have reached millions of people across Tennessee. People across Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, and beyond have road-tripped to Franklin just to check us out.

REMY WATTERS

Remy Watters is the founder of Vintage Remnants, considered a “speakeasy” due to its discreet location behind 354 Downs Blvd. Watters serves the local community solely through her business’s Facebook and Instagram pages, acting as a hub for rehoming unique, antique and vintage items. Before Vintage Remnants, Watters began her career as a 911 dispatcher in San Francisco. Desiring more positivity in her personal life, she quit her job and traveled the world solo until she met her now-husband in California. The COVID-19 pandemic urged them to relocate to Tennessee, and with an empty house to furnish, Watters turned to Facebook Marketplace. Unsatisfied with the quality, color and condition of some items, she learned how to make old items new by renovating and refinishing them.

What’s next for Vintage Remnants?

Our physical location might be announcing something HUGE for our community in the next few months. We also have partnerships in the works with small business owners and tourism agencies to help you find not only what our shop offers, but also where to shop for antiques and vintage pieces across Tennessee. The best way to keep up with our wild adventures is through our Instagram and Facebook. @vintageremnants

Spring is here! It’s going to get messy.

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THE ART OF PERSONALIZED MOVEMENT

The first thing clients notice when they walk into Pilates Franklin is not the reformers or the serene studio light, it is the sense that someone is truly paying attention.

For Megan Pinson and Laura Foutz, Owners and Certified Instructors at Pilates Franklin, that attentiveness is not accidental. It is foundational to everything they do. In a culture that often treats fitness as performance, competition, or aesthetic pursuit, their studio has built a reputation for something quieter and more enduring.

“At Pilates Franklin we build personal relationships with our clients,” they say. “While our understanding of life stages is taken into account, we do not take them for granted. At a client’s first visit, we go over intake questions about what their body has experienced, what daily activities look like for them, and most importantly, what their goals are. We take time to get to know the person in front of us; the better we understand what brings you joy and what challenges you might be working with, the better we can help you attain your goals. Our bodies move best when we feel safe and understood.”

SUPPORT THROUGH LIFE’S TRANSITIONS

Many clients arrive during pivotal seasons. Some are recovering from injury. Others are navigating pregnancy or rebuilding

strength after years away from consistent movement. These chapters can feel physically and emotionally vulnerable.

"Each session is a tailored experience, carefully built and adjusted to your unique body, its specific needs, and your personal goals, never a generic series of movements designed for someone else. Our primary focus is for you to find a feeling of comfort with your body’s capability," Megan explains.

For Pinson and Foutz, comfort does not mean complacency. It means confidence. “We go beyond mere instruction; we educate and empower you, providing the foundational knowledge to feel confident and strong, both on the reformer and in your daily life,” Laura notes.

Their commitment to one-on-one instruction and small groups of four or fewer participants allows instructors to observe subtle shifts, adjust load and positioning, and respond in real time to how a client is feeling that day.

According to Megan, “Empowerment is key, rooted in the independence your body can achieve and the confidence that it instills in you. We understand that exercise and or new movements can feel intimidating, especially in a group setting.”

The result is a practice that feels deeply personal. Clients are not chasing arbitrary benchmarks. They are training for their

own lives, climbing stairs with ease, lifting a suitcase into an overhead bin, refining a golf swing, or preparing for a marathon. “Our STOTT PILATES based approach is holistic: it integrates your current lifestyle, attitudes, specific goals, physical limitations, postural deviations, and even your history with exercise,” Laura says. “This tailored program ensures that your nervous system feels safe, fostering trust that leads to greater ease in movement and increased confidence."

AGING WITH CONFIDENCE

For clients in later decades, the stakes often shift from performance to longevity. “We say Pilates is for everyone because it’s true. For the aging population, personal Pilates instruction is not merely an exercise regimen but a critical investment in longevity and quality of life.”

Unlike larger classes where individual needs may be overlooked, their personalized sessions address specific conditions with care. “Sessions are expertly tailored to address individual conditions with meticulous care from joint replacements and osteoporosis to chronic back pain,” Laura explains. “This focused approach helps clients improve balance, core strength, spinal mobility, and fascial connections, which are the cornerstones of fall prevention and maintaining an independent lifestyle.”

Pregnancy and postpartum clients require similar nuance. Rapid changes in the body call for informed adjustments and careful attention to load and pressure management. “One-onone and small group classes create opportunities for our clients and instructors to build a relationship where they truly know and understand your unique body,” notes Megan.  “Your instructor is watching you and facilitating movements built for you.”

REWRITING THE STORY OF EXERCISE

Many people arrive with preconceived notions about what exercise should feel like. Pinson and Foutz gently challenge those assumptions.

“We like to think we are expanding expectations and broadening experiences,” they say. “Not all exercise needs to feel any one specific way. Sometimes we may experience burn, fatigue, or exhaustion and sometimes we sense ease, flow, or suppleness, and sometimes we feel it all in the same session.” By teaching clients to develop proprioception and interoception, awareness of the body in space and awareness of internal state, they cultivate a stronger mind-body connection. That attentiveness creates a noticeable shift.

“Over time, the biggest shift we see is a greater sense of trust in themselves and their bodies,” according to Laura. “Sometimes we are not only building a relationship with a client, but we are helping them repair or rebuild their relationship with their body. We want clients to feel empowered with tools to work with their body, and confidence in their capabilities.”

When asked what clients are truly seeking beyond flexibility or strength, their answer is immediate. “Relationships! We all are looking to connect with our bodies and with others. We all want to feel heard and supported. We want to feel like we are in capable hands that truly ‘get’ us and that is what our approach is all about. It’s not one size fits all.”

A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE

What distinguishes Pilates Franklin is not only its philosophy but its longevity. The studio has served the community for more than a decade, with several instructors remaining for most of that time and a combined teaching experience of more than 50 years.

As a STOTT PILATES host training center, the studio offers internationally recognized education. Each current instructor has been trained locally under Lead Instructor Trainer Laura Foutz, creating continuity in standards and mentorship.

In a town known for its discerning tastes and appreciation of quality, Pilates Franklin has quietly become a sanctuary for those seeking more than a workout. Here, strength is not measured solely by muscle tone or repetition counts. It is measured by trust, independence, and the quiet confidence that comes from feeling at home in one’s own body.

PilatesFranklin.com

Welcome to Tennessee’s only container-style vacation home community, just minutes from beautiful Dale Hollow Lake.

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“SOMETIMES

WE ARE NOT ONLY BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH A CLIENT, BUT WE ARE HELPING THEM REPAIR OR REBUILD THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR BODY. WE WANT CLIENTS TO FEEL EMPOWERED WITH TOOLS TO WORK WITH THEIR BODY, AND CONFIDENCE IN THEIR CAPABILITIES.”

Tucked in pristine Tennessee wilderness and only minutes from Dale Hollow Lake, these luxury container-style homes give you your own slice of nature

Wake up to breathtaking views above the treetops, sip coffee on your balcony, and watch the woods roll out beneath you. Step outside to miles of stunning trails, or don’t step anywhere at all

Craving adventure? You’ll have a crystal-clear lake for boating, world-class bass and fly fishing, and enough whitetail, turkey, and small game nearby to turn every weekend into a story worth bragging about.

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Laugh Out Loud

The Nashville Comedy Festival Returns For Its 12th Year

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Nashville has long been known as a city that does live entertainment better than almost anywhere else in the country. But for 11 days each spring, the spotlight shifts from the musical stage to the mic stand, as the Nashville Comedy Festival takes over six venues across Music City.

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Now in its 12th year, the festival is put on by Outback Presents, the Nashville-based promoter that bills itself as the largest independent comedy promoter in the world. Andrew Farwell, who was named president of Outback last May, has been with the company for 16 years, long enough to watch it grow from a 13-person operation into a force that produces thousands of events annually. "We're really proud of the city, the opportunities, the different sized stages, the diversity," Farwell says.

This year's festival spans almost two full weeks, from April 9-19, with shows spread across Bridgestone Arena, the Ryman Auditorium, the Fisher Center, Zanies Comedy Club, The Lab, EXIT/ IN, and The Schermerhorn. The headliners alone make a strong case for clearing your calendar: Shane Gillis tops the bill at Bridgestone Arena,

while Heather McMahan headlines the Ryman. David Spade and Kevin James each host their own shows, and Albert Brooks, "the legend," as Farwell puts it, takes the Fisher Center stage with special guest host Kevin Pollack. Morgan Jay plays two nights at the Ryman. Other performers include Kathy Griffin, Sal Vulcano, Jeff Arcuri and Nate Jackson, to name a few.

But the real point of the festival, Farwell says, isn't the headliners. It's the breadth.

"People confuse comedy as a genre," he says. "It really isn't the case. Comedy is similar to music in the sense that there are so many subgenres within that vehicle and there's something for everybody. You've got clean comedy, you've got the dirty comedy, you've got the family comedy, you have niche comedy, you have prop comedy, you have improv comedy, so there are so many different formats."

That philosophy shapes every booking decision. The goal isn't to build the biggest possible bill but to build the most representative one. "You want to book something for every audience," Farwell says, "and it's so indicative and representative of Nashville to be able to have something for everybody."

Farwell speaks about the city of Nashville with genuine affection, and he sees the festival as an expression of what Nashville is at its best — welcoming, diverse, and full of homegrown talent that's ready for the national stage.

Zanies Comedy Club, the festival's longtime venue partner, holds a special place in that story. "We're so proud to have Zanies as a partner, because of what they represent," Farwell says. "For as long as they've been around, they've seen it all, they've seen that neighborhood grow up."

“You want to book something for every audience and it's so indicative and representative of Nashville to be able to have something for everybody.”

Local talent is a consistent priority. Farwell points to Nate Bargatze and Leanne Morgan as examples of what the festival's investment in Nashville comics can yield over time. "Local guy, local gal, and what they've grown on to do, it's homegrown talent," he says. Features like New Material Monday at Zanies provide a pipeline for emerging comics to develop their craft in front of live audiences. "You're definitely going to see the next big thing," Farwell says. "It just kind of happens organically."

The festival's economic footprint is no small thing either. Outback Presents estimates the event drives more than $10 million in economic impact on Nashville across its 11-day run. That's a figure that earned the festival an official proclamation last year from Mayor Freddie O'Connell, designating April 3rd as National Comedy Festival Day.

The festival has expanded steadily over the years, adding days and venues as demand has grown. But Farwell is careful about what growth means, and what it doesn't. "We're not going to say that this is going to be like a Coachella or a Bonnaroo, that's not what we're hoping for," he says. "You don't want to overdo it, so you need to be very cautious and careful with the approach that you have to growing a festival."

The model has already extended beyond Nashville. Outback Presents launched the 312 Comedy Festival in Chicago, applying the same tent-pole booking philosophy to the Chicagoland market in the fall. Closer to home, conversations about bringing programming to venues like The Caverns and the Franklin Theatre in Franklin are ongoing, but only when the timing and purpose are right.

"It needs to have a purpose," Farwell says. "It has to be the right act serving the right demo. So we're very intentional with our decisions from that perspective."

When asked what he hopes audiences take away from the festival this year, Farwell's answer is straightforward.

"Joy," he says. "I mean, that's one of my favorite things about working in comedy, because it's so much more than a person with a microphone. It's a platform, people are delivering a message. And more often than not, the whole purpose of comedy is to make people laugh. If you feel better than when you walked in when you're walking out, we've done our job and the comedian's done their job. The case for a room full of laughter doesn't require much elaboration."

"To have that live experience is unmatched," he says, "and to be able to laugh at your favorite comedian with your friends, a whole room of people, there's just this unifying feeling that you get that you can't replicate anywhere else. Have a good time, enjoy a laugh or two and find your new, next favorite comedian."

Tickets and the full schedule are available at NashComedyFest com

“You're definitely going to see the next big thing and it just kind of happens organically.”

THERAPEUTIC

ARTICLE BY TRENT LINVILLE

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

PLANNING With PURPOSE

How Trent Linville of Linville Estate Law Helps Families Protect What Matters Most

At life’s most pivotal moments, clarity becomes one of the greatest gifts a family can give itself. For Trent Linville of Linville Estate Law, those pivotal moments are often when the phone rings. Families typically reach out during seasons of transition, when joy and uncertainty or grief and responsibility intersect.

“We tend to see families during life transitions because it serves as an easy prompt for someone to revisit their estate planning or have the conversation for the first time,” Linville said. “The most common life transition is, unfortunately, the death of a loved one because that is when people are often first exposed to the probate court system. Other life transitions where it is important to revisit your plan is when there is a marriage, a divorce, or upon the birth of a new child.”

While estate planning is often associated with retirement, Linville believes some of the most critical conversations should happen much earlier. “I would argue that in a lot of ways, estate planning is equally or more important for younger families than for those later in life,” he said. One of the most common misconceptions involves what happens when a spouse dies. Many assume assets automatically transfer to the surviving spouse. Under Tennessee probate law, that is not always the case. “A simple plan can make sure that doesn't happen,” Linville said, referring to situations in which surviving spouses can find themselves in unexpectedly difficult financial positions.

For young families, guardianship is often the greater concern. Without a clear plan, decisions about who will raise minor

children may be left to a judge. “The truth is, estate planning isn't really about age, it's about what you have to protect,” Linville notes. “And when you're building a young family, the stakes are as high as they'll ever be. We just try to make the process simple enough that people don't put it off until it's too late.”

That emphasis on protection continues through other life stages. Welcoming a new child or sending one off to college both create legal shifts that many parents do not anticipate. “When your child turns 18, the law sees them as an adult,” Linville said. “It doesn't matter that you're still paying their bills or that they're living in a dorm. If something happens to them medically, you can't access their records. You can't make decisions for them. You can't even talk to their doctors without the right documents in place.” To address that gap, the firm created a Student Protection Plan that includes powers of attorney and health care directives. The goal is straightforward, to ensure families remain connected during emergencies.

Medicaid planning and long term care often present an entirely different kind of urgency. These conversations typically follow a health crisis and arrive with emotional weight. “This is probably the area of our practice where empathy matters the most,” Linville said. “When families come to us for Medicaid planning or long-term care conversations, they're usually in the middle of one of the hardest seasons of their life.” Rather than overwhelming clients with technical language, Linville and his team focus on slowing the process down and explaining options clearly.

“I would argue that in a lot of ways, estate planning is equally or more important for younger families than for those later in life.”

“What I tell families is this- you don't have to figure this out on your own. That's what we're here for. We'll help you understand the options, protect what you can, and put a plan in place so you can focus on what matters most right now, which is taking care of the people you love,” he said. After a loss, families often face probate at the very moment they feel least prepared to handle it. Linville said the firm’s role is to provide stability.

“Our approach is pretty simple. We handle the details so our clients don't have to carry that weight alone. We explain what's happening at each step, what to expect next, and what they need from us along the way. No surprises, no legal jargon- just clear direction when everything else feels uncertain,” he said.

Beyond logistics, much of Linville’s work involves reframing how families think about estate planning in the first place. Many hesitate because it feels pessimistic or uncomfortable. “I hear this all the time - ‘I don't want to think about that.’ And honestly, I get it,” Linville said. “Nobody wakes up excited to talk about what happens when they're gone. But here's what I tell people - estate planning isn't really about death. It's about the people you love and the assets you’ve worked hard for in life and making sure there’s a clear plan.”

He views the process not as an exercise in fear, but as one of stewardship. “It's not about planning for the worst - it's about being intentional with what you've built and who you've built it for. You're not just protecting assets - you're shaping a legacy. You're making sure your values, your priorities, and the things you've worked for are passed down the way you intended. That's stewardship. And when families see it that way, it changes the whole experience,” he said.

Over the years, Linville has seen firsthand how thoughtful planning preserves harmony between generations. He recalls one client whose trust appeared sound on paper but had not been properly funded. After a cancer diagnosis, the client sought

“Our approach is pretty simple. We handle the details so our clients don’t have to carry that weight alone. We explain what’s happening at each step, what to expect next, and what they need from us along the way.”

a second review. Adjustments were made, assets were aligned and documents were updated. When the client later passed away, his family avoided probate and unnecessary conflict. For Linville, the outcome illustrated a larger truth. Proper planning does more than transfer wealth. It safeguards relationships.

For families in Williamson County looking ahead, the ultimate benefit is not just legal precision but peace of mind.

“When your plan is in place and you actually understand how it works, you stop carrying that weight around.”  He adds, “Proactive planning lets you get back to living your life - being present with your family, building your career, enjoying what you've worked for - without that nagging feeling that you're leaving something important undone. You've made the decisions, the plan is in place, and you know it works. That's a powerful thing.”

In the end, estate planning is less about preparing for an ending and more about protecting the people and principles that matter most, ensuring that when life shifts, families are supported not by uncertainty, but by intention.

WHERE THE SKY MEETS SERENITY

CLOUDLAND AT MACKLEMORE RESORT IS REDEFINING MOUNTAIN LUXURY

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA DINOIA

Are you seeking breathtaking views, cozy luxury, and outdoor adventure? Then look no further than two and half hours southeast of Franklin to Cloudland at McLemore Resort. Atop the scenic Lookout Mountain plateau, Cloudland at McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn, Georgia is an ideal getaway just a few hours’ drive from Franklin. Chasing fall foliage or spring blooms, planning a romantic escape, or craving fresh mountain air and stunning sunsets on your next trip out of town, has never been easier.

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“Our setting atop Lookout Mountain naturally invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature, and prioritize wellbeing.” —Mike Burton, President McLemore Resort

The resort has several options for dining. Auld Alliance, the resort's signature fine dining restaurant, is a culinary celebration of the historic pact between Scotland and France, dating back to 1295, rendered in elevated highland fare with French sophistication. The dry aged meats are a must, particularly the 28-day aged ribeye that you can view through the glass showcase as you enter the restaurant.

If fine dining isn't your thing, you can enjoy a casual sit-down at Croft, with its American fare and creative twists or grab some lighter fare like handcrafted sandwiches and healthy snacks with artisanal teas and a variety of energizing drinks at The Pocket Cafe. If poolside, you might try Skyside, a stylish oasis that offers a relaxed, cliff-side experience. This open-air lounge serves an array of handcrafted cocktails, beverages, and bar

bites including snacks, salads, bowls, handhelds, and more.

Cloudland takes wellness seriously. For starters, The Selah Spa offers an impressive array of treatments rooted in high-quality ingredients and genuine craft, including a signature body ritual that draws on gold and peptide-infused formulas. Massages, facials, sauna and cold plunge are all on the menu.

“The second annual Wellness Weekend was a wonderful reflection of what we’re building at Cloudland at McLemore Resort. While the weekend itself brings together inspiring practitioners, outdoor experiences, and meaningful moments of connection, it’s really an extension of the resort's everyday spirit.”  —Mike Burton, President McLemore Resort

Beyond the spa, the resort offers yoga sessions, peaceful, guided hikes along Cloudland's own wooded trail system, and immersive experiences led by local practitioners — from sound baths to hands-on herbology workshops. The genuine and friendly staff work hard to curate these wellness experiences for their guests.

Let's not forget the breathtaking heated cliff-edge infinity pool and hot tub, a full fitness center with a dedicated Peloton room, complimentary bike rentals, and miles of hiking trails, ensuring that no two guests spend their time the same way. Evening fireside chats and s'mores round out the experiences. There's even a library, stocked with games and books.

The resort staff regularly hosts a Maker's Market featuring local artisans from across North Georgia including jewelers, hatmakers, lavender growers, glassworkers, and herbalists who bring the character of the mountain into the resort itself.

Of course, no luxury mountaintop resort would be complete without a golf course or two. Cloudland guests can play two world-class golf courses designed by renowned architects, Bill Bergin and Rees Jones. The courses are meant to challenge your golf game and leave you captivated by the natural beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking to hone your skills, Cloudland at McLemore resort offers a truly exceptional experience.

Cloudland is the kind of place that earns its name. With sweeping views of McLemore Cove and the Cumberland Plateau, stretching across Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama, the cumulative effect of good food, thoughtful programming, genuine quiet, and a setting that keeps reminding you of exactly where you are: above the clouds.

StayCloudland.com

BEYOND THE CLOSING:

FINDING COMMUNITY ALONG FLORIDA’S

EMERALD COAST

HOW SCENIC SOTHEBY’S SUMMERVILLE-RANDALL

TEAM

MATCHES LIFESTYLE WITH PLACE

The first thing most people notice about Florida’s Emerald Coast is the water.

It’s not just blue. It’s layered with turquoise, aquamarine, and deep emerald, shifting with the light like silk in motion. For many, that first glimpse seals the deal. But for Bert Summerville and Ellen Randall of Scenic Sotheby’s Summerville-Randall Team, the water is only the beginning.

“What keeps people here,” they often say, “is something far less visible.”

Along this stretch of coastline, from Port St. Joe to Navarre, encompassing the celebrated 30A corridor, Miramar Beach, Destin, and Panama City Beach, real estate is not simply about square footage or price per foot. It’s about rhythm, nuance, and belonging. On the Emerald Coast, two homes can look nearly identical on paper and feel entirely different in person.

30A is a curated string of New Urbanist microtowns--Seaside, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach, each with its own architectural DNA and carefully crafted sense of place. Here, communities are intentionally designed to be experienced at a human pace. You can walk or bike almost everywhere within your enclave. Arrival feels deliberate.

Even nature plays a role in defining boundaries. Rare coastal dune lakes, found in only a few places in the world, create natural breaks between neighborhoods, reinforcing a sense of distinct identity. Drive a bit farther, and the atmosphere shifts. Panama City Beach carries a different energy altogether. “It’s the high-octane sibling,” they say with a smile. Between Pier Park shopping, entertainment, and vibrant vacation crowds, it feels like a city that happens to be on the beach.

In between are the hidden gems. Inlet Beach and Carillon Beach bridge the two worlds, offering proximity to 30A’s dining and design while allowing for a bit more breathing room. The coastline may be continuous. The lifestyles are not.

Bert and Ellen use a phrase clients quickly come to appreciate: lifestyle flow. “Lifestyle flow is how naturally a community fits into someone’s daily routine.” A home can be architecturally stunning. But if the surrounding environment doesn’t support the way someone actually lives, it will never quite feel right. They talk clients through the details that don’t show up in listing photos: walkability, bike paths, parking realities, seasonal traffic patterns, noise levels in peak months.

Some buyers want to park the car and never use it again. Others welcome a scenic drive to dinner and prioritize privacy over proximity. “Our goal is to help clients picture their real, everyday life here, not just their vacation life.” That distinction often determines long-term happiness.

Belonging doesn’t arrive with the closing documents. It happens in the rituals. “A house becomes a home when you stop feeling like a visitor and start recognizing the unwritten schedule of the neighborhood.” On 30A, sunset is not simply a time of day. It is a shared ceremony. Neighbors drift toward balconies and beach walkovers, glasses of wine in hand, pausing collectively as the sky performs its nightly show. There is an unspoken agreement: everything slows.

“Our goal is to help clients picture their real, everyday life here, not just their vacation life.”

Farmers markets become social anchors. It’s not just about produce. It’s knowing which vendor makes the best sourdough, which neighbor you’ll run into, and how long you’ll linger in conversation. These rhythms mark the shift from visitor to local.

Even the humble golf cart carries social significance. In master-planned communities, it isn’t just transportation... it’s connection. The slower pace invites porch talk, quick check-ins, spontaneous conversation. Belonging is built at five miles per hour.

For many of their clients, especially those relocating from close-knit communities like Franklin, Tennessee, ownership alone isn’t enough. “They don’t just want to own here. They want to belong.” That transition from tourist to local is intentional. Integration often begins with the practical. Bert and Ellen provide a curated inner circle of trusted service providers including boat mechanics, private chefs, and artisans. They introduce new residents to conservation groups protecting the coastal

Ellen Randall and Bert Summerville

dune lakes and to neighborhood charity events. They encourage engagement during shoulder seasons, when crowds thin and authentic relationships deepen. “When a resident understands the story of their community, they become its most natural steward and advocate.”

Community also reveals itself in shared experiences: attending the 30A Songwriters Festival, snorkeling along offshore artificial reefs, or witnessing a rare dune lake outfall event when fresh water breaches the sand and flows into the Gulf. These are not brochure moments. They are lived ones.

The Gulf Coast continues to evolve. Infrastructure improves. Dining expands. Residential offerings diversify. Yet character remains paramount.

“The Gulf Coast is evolving quickly but in thoughtful ways,” they say. “Our role is to help clients choose not just where they’ll be happy now, but where they’ll still feel at home as their life, and the community around them, continues to grow.”

Because ultimately, the most valuable amenity along the Emerald Coast cannot be captured in a listing description. It’s discovered at sunset. At the farmers market. Or on a quiet paddle across a dune lake. It’s the moment you realize you recognize more faces than you don’t. It’s the feeling of belonging long after the closing papers are signed.

“Our role is to help clients choose not just where they’ll be happy now, but where they’ll still feel at home as their life, and the community around them, continues to grow.”

When a Clicking Jaw Is More Than a Quirk

For many people, a popping or clicking jaw becomes part of the background noise of daily life. It may happen while chewing, yawning, or speaking, and because it has been there for years, it is often dismissed as harmless. Especially if there is no pain, it is easy to assume there is no real problem. But the body is rarely that casual with its warning signs.

The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is one of the most active and important joints in the body. It guides the movement of the jaw thousands of times a day and plays a central role in speaking, chewing, swallowing, and facial comfort. When it begins to click, pop, or shift, it may be signaling strain, instability, or an unhealthy pattern that deserves attention long before it becomes painful.

In my practice, we see jaw joint health and bite alignment as one of the foundational pillars of lasting oral health. When that pillar is not stable, the effects do not always remain confined to the jaw. Over time, the teeth may begin to wear in ways they were never meant to. Edges flatten. Enamel chips. Sensitivity develops. Muscles of the face, temples, and neck begin working harder than they should, often creating a pattern of tension that patients may mistake for stress alone.

Dr. Kellye Rice | DMD, FAGD, ABDSM

Dr. Kellye Rice is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a Diplomate of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and a graduate of Airway Health Solutions, dedicated to the ongoing care of children and adults with airway and breathing problems.

What makes this especially important is the growing recognition that TMJ dysfunction is often connected to sleep disruption. Jaw tension, clenching, grinding, and an unstable bite frequently overlap with airway and sleep-related concerns. And when sleep is compromised, the consequences reach far beyond the mouth. The heart, the brain, memory, focus, mood, and overall vitality all depend on restorative sleep. A restless jaw at night can be part of a much larger conversation about whole-body wellness.

There is also the matter of progression. A jaw that clicks without pain today may not remain that way forever. Patients often tell me they ignored the noise for years until the joint began to catch, feel restricted, or suddenly lock. At that point, something that once seemed minor can begin to interfere with one of life’s most basic pleasures: eating comfortably. Difficulty opening the mouth fully or chewing with ease can affect not only comfort, but also nutrition, confidence, and enjoyment of everyday living.

The encouraging news is that treatment is often far more conservative than people expect. TMJ care does not automatically mean extensive dental work or rebuilding the entire bite. In many cases, when problems are identified early, a minimally invasive approach can help calm inflammation, reduce muscle strain, protect the teeth, and support healthier joint function. For some patients, that may include a carefully designed nighttime appliance to reduce stress on the joints and limit abnormal wear. Others may benefit from a short-term daytime appliance to help relax the muscles and guide the jaw into a healthier position. When bite imbalance is part of the picture, Invisalign or other clear aligner systems can often improve both comfort and function in a highly discreet way. We may also use laser therapy, known as photobiomodulation, to reduce inflammation and soreness in the muscles and joints. In our office, this treatment is called Oralase. It is gentle, noninvasive, and designed to support healing while improving comfort.

Perhaps most reassuring of all, rebuilding the bite is often unnecessary when treatment is guided by thoughtful, minimally invasive principles. The earlier the issue is identified, the more elegantly it can often be managed.

A clicking jaw should not be normalized simply because it has always been there. Sometimes the smallest sounds are the earliest signs that the body is asking for support. And when we listen early, we have the opportunity to protect not just the smile, but comfort, sleep, and long-term quality of life.

Your comfort. Your health. Your peace of mind. You deserve them all!

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GAME, SET,DINK

ARTICLEBYMARIADINOIA| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED FROM WILLIAMSON COUNTYTO DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, PICKLEBALL HAS OFFICIALLY TAKEN OVER

If you've spent any time in Williamson County lately, chances are you've heard the unmistakable pop of a pickleball paddle. From Franklin to Brentwood, courts have been filling up faster than they can be built, as Middle Tennessee tries to keep up with one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Enter Nashville and a new place to play. Dinkville, the pickleball concept anchored inside the Nashville Yards development downtown, is bringing the game to a whole new level, transforming what began as a backyard pastime into a full-blown destination experience in the heart of Music City. We caught up with Landon Hallam, Co-founder & CEO at Dinkville to talk all things pickleball.

TELL US ABOUT THE NEW COURTS AT NASHVILLE YARDS.

We’re really excited about what we built at Nashville Yards. The courts are called Dinkville UnderBroad, and they’re literally right under the Broadway bridge in downtown Nashville. It’s five pickleball courts with mini golf, an outdoor bar, TVs, music, and murals everywhere. It’s just a vibe. We wanted to create something that felt different than your typical rec center or park courts. It’s premium but still approachable. You can come play open play, reserve a court with friends, grab a drink, watch a game, or just hang out. Our whole goal was to make it the most epic place to play pickleball in Nashville, and the response so far has been awesome.

HOW HAS THE CULTURE AROUND PICKLEBALL EVOLVED SINCE YOU FIRST GOT INVOLVED WITH DINKVILLE?

When we first started Dinkville, pickleball was still kind of in that stage where people thought it was just a retirement sport. And honestly, the sport was growing fast, but the culture around it hadn’t caught up yet. Now it’s totally different. You’re seeing people in their 20s, 30s, families, athletes, former college players — everyone is playing. It’s become way more social and lifestyle-driven. People come out not just to compete, but to hang with friends, meet new people, have a drink, listen to music, and just be part of the community. That’s really the lane we tried to build with Dinkville, making pickleball fun, social, and something people want to be around.

CONTINUED >

Landon Hallam

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MUST-HAVE PIECES OF GEAR FOR BEGINNERS JUST GETTING INTO PICKLEBALL?

For beginners, honestly, you don’t need to overcomplicate it.  First thing is just a solid paddle. You don’t need the most expensive one on the market, but something with a decent carbon face and good control helps a lot when you’re learning.  Second is court shoes. A lot of people show up in running shoes, but pickleball has a lot of lateral movement, so real court shoes help prevent injuries.  And then obviously good pickleballs, because the difference between a cheap ball and a quality ball actually matters more than people realize. Outside of that, just bring a good attitude and jump in. That’s the beauty of the sport, it’s really easy to pick up.

FOR MORE SEASONED PLAYERS, WHAT GEAR OR EQUIPMENT UPGRADES DO YOU RECOMMEND TO ENHANCE PERFORMANCE?

Once players start getting more competitive, the paddle becomes a lot more important. Players usually start looking for things like carbon fiber faces, thermoformed paddles, and different core thicknesses depending on if they want more power or control. Grip upgrades are another big one. A lot of people start customizing their grips with overgrips to get the right feel and reduce vibration.  And then the big thing is just finding the paddle that matches your style of play. Some players are bangers who want power, others are dink-and-reset players who want touch and control.

ARE THERE ANY NEW PADDLE TECHNOLOGIES OR INNOVATIONS THAT ARE CHANGING THE GAME THIS YEAR?

The paddle technology is moving really fast right now.  You’re seeing a lot more thermoformed paddles with carbon fiber surfaces, which create a bigger sweet spot and a lot more spin potential. Companies are also experimenting with foam-injected edges and different core constructions to increase stability without making paddles too heavy.  The big trend right now is basically trying to find that perfect balance between power, control, and spin, which is why you see new paddle models coming out all the time.

HOW IMPORTANT IS CUSTOMIZATION (PADDLE WEIGHT, GRIP SIZE, MATERIALS) TO FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR INDIVIDUAL PLAYERS?

Customization is actually really important once you start playing regularly. Little things like paddle weight, grip size, and balance can completely change how a paddle feels in your hand.  Some players like lighter paddles for quicker hands at the net, while others prefer heavier paddles for power from the baseline. The biggest thing I tell people is try different paddles and see what feels natural, because the best paddle for one player might not work at all for someone else.

WHAT TRENDS DO YOU SEE EMERGING IN PICKLEBALL COURTS AND FACILITIES, BOTH LOCALLY IN DINKVILLE’S COMMUNITY AND NATIONALLY?

One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is pickleball becoming more of an experience rather than just courts. Facilities are adding bars, food, music, lounges, and social areas, because people want to stay longer and make a night out of it. You’re also seeing more unique venues like rooftops, repurposed spaces, urban locations, things like what we’re doing at Nashville Yards. The sport is evolving from just a place to play into a social destination, which I think is really exciting.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE SPORT HEADING IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

Honestly, I still think we’re early. Participation keeps growing, new facilities are popping up everywhere, and the professional side of the sport is gaining a lot more visibility. But the biggest growth will continue to be on the community side with leagues, local events, social play, and beginners getting introduced to the game. Pickleball is one of the few sports where you can have a 20-year-old and a 65-year-old playing together and both having fun, and that’s really special. I think over the next few years you’ll see pickleball become less of a trend and more of a permanent part of American sports culture.

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A Seat At The Table

The Music City Food & Wine Festival Is Back And Nashville's Culinary Scene Has Never Looked Better

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Nashville has spent the better part of the last decade proving it is as much a food city as it is a music city, and few events make that case more compellingly than the Music City Food & Wine Festival. Under the leadership of Executive Director Olivia Britton, the festival has grown into one of the Southeast's most celebrated culinary events. The weekend draws worldclass chefs, acclaimed winemakers, and serious food lovers to the banks of the Cumberland River each fall. We sat down with Britton to talk about what goes into producing one of Nashville's signature events, where the festival is headed, and why she believes the city's culinary moment is only just beginning

What inspired the creation of the Music City Food & Wine Festival, and how has the event evolved since its inception?

Music City Food & Wine Festival (MCFW) under its current ownership came to be after our leadership team at FW Publishing (parent company of Music City Food & Wine,  Nashville Scene, Nfocus  and  Nashville Post ) realized that our city didn’t have a true multi-day destination festival like other large southern cities such as Atlanta, Charleston, Greenville, etc. We felt uniquely positioned to be the ones to “bring it to life” as a culmination of elements of our existing food and beverage events (like the

“I hope that the festival grows to be a true destination experience for our city that attracts guests from all over the country and world, while never losing our ‘secret sauce’ that has made us so successful thus far.”

Scene ’s beloved Iron Fork Chef Competition, Food Faire Market, Best of Nashville, etc) and give the city a festival that really showcased the culinary talent, diverse cuisine and culture that represents this city. Now in our second year, we’ve adjusted our event schedule to have a yearround schedule of events, including our signature spring three-day weekend at Centennial Park, and our Intimate Dinner Series and Iron Fork Chef Competition taking place in the fall.

As Festival Director, what is your overall vision each year?

I hope that the festival grows to be a true destination experience for our city that attracts guests from all over the country and world, while never losing our “secret sauce” that has made us so successful thus far.

The "secret sauce," I believe, is first and foremost highlighting local talent and local restaurants. We’ve heard from many restaurants that participation in this event feels like going to a big party of their industry friends and they love the community aspect so we will always keep that at the core of what we do, no matter how big the festival grows or how it changes over the years. It’s also of continued importance for us to find a way to give back and raise funds for our partner nonprofits that are focused on supporting our city's hospitality professionals, our parks and those experiencing food insecurity.

What makes Nashville’s food scene unique, and how does the festival reflect that local flavor and diversity?

Our events are all unique in their concepts and the restaurants that participate reflect that diversity both in style of cuisine and price point. At our Grand Tasting you’ll find everything from your favorite divebar burger joint to one of the top fine dining Michelinrecommended restaurants. That to me truly represents Nashville’s unique food scene as it is less about the price point and prestige. It's more about the experience. We never want the festival to feel stuffy or pretentious. I also think the community aspect of our festival makes us unique. It is so interesting to hear of so many participating restaurants having existing relationships with other brands or restaurants also signed up either via collaborations or donating food for a charity event together. Nashville, at its core, really is a big city small town, and the restaurant industry here is even more so. It’s fun to see everyone come together for one weekend and celebrate those friendships.

How do you go about selecting chefs, restaurants, and partners to participate in the festival?

Our team works year-round with restaurants, chefs and brand partners on our portfolio of events and advertising/marketing initiatives so it is fun to have MCFW as an opportunity for us to ask these restaurants to participate and support our festival and provide samples or host an experience and get that visibility. We also always try and select featured talent and restaurants based on guest experience to provide a well-rounded lineup no matter if you are an adventurous eater or like to stick to more familiar style cuisines. We also want to make sure we are representing Nashville’s diverse community of restaurant owners and chefs and including a mix of newcomers and OG favorites.

Are there any standout experiences or signature events during the festival that you think attendees shouldn’t miss?

I am most excited about the addition of Southern Fried Hootenanny, our Friday night tasting event that is an ode to all things Southern flavors, good times and honky-tonk vibes. Bands from Robert’s Western World will be performing and it will be a can’t-miss-experience with unlimited samples of the best southern style cuisine, a whiskey & beer garden, unique chef demos and is just going to be a fun party in the park to kick off the weekend.

Is there a particular moment or memory from past festivals that stands out to you as especially meaningful or memorable?

At our spring 2025 festival, we had a lot of dicey weather leading up to the big weekend which is any event planner’s worst nightmare! But the stars aligned and the night of our biggest event, the Grand Tasting, we had the most picture perfect weather and there was a moment where the sun was setting just behind the Parthenon, the string lights were twinkling, the DJ was playing a perfect jam and

everywhere I looked I saw guests smiling, people laughing, chefs that had become my friends hard at work but having fun while doing it. And it was that moment something clicked and I thought 'This is it – this moment of collective joy is what it’s all about.' There was an energy that night in the park of positivity and gratitude that I am hoping to recreate this year and every year forward.

What exciting new elements or innovations do you hope for in upcoming editions of the festival?

I’m excited to continue to grow our network of “in-market” events that take place at venues, restaurants, bars and locations around the city and outskirts of Nashville. When I look to some of our beacon Food & Wine Festivals around the country, they host nearly one hundred or more “satellite” events that are a more intimate way to highlight the dozens of businesses, artists, sommeliers and creatives involved in the festival and that’s something I’d love to see us do more of in the future.

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THE LAKE PROJECT ROBINSON

ARTICLE BY MARIA DINOIA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Designed to improve stormwater management while creating a scenic public place for recreation, the Robinson Lake Project reflects the city’s long-term approach to sustainable growth. To better understand how engineering, environmental stewardship, and community needs intersect at Robinson Lake, we spoke with Shahad Abdulrahman, an engineer with the city of Franklin. She shared insight into the project’s purpose, its technical challenges, and how careful planning is shaping a space that will serve residents for generations to come.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE ROBINSON LAKE PROJECT.

History: In 2017, the city of Franklin purchased 75.5 acres known as Robinson Lake from the developer that constructed Lockwood Glen. It was sold to the city for $500k, knowing the land was in the floodway/floodplain along with a non-working dam that would need to be rebuilt if

the lake was to be open to the public. As part of a public-private partnership, Lockwood Glen & the city together developed a conceptual master plan in 2016 before the city moved forward with the purchase so that both parties could understand and agree on the overall vision for the property. The land with the lake belonged to the Robinson Family, and from what we can tell through maps, was constructed in the late 1940s. It was a 1949 map of Franklin that labeled Robinson Lake as a destination on the map, which is why we considered this a significant part of Franklin’s community's heritage. This land is more than just acreage with a lake. It's a tangible connection to our agricultural past, a testament to our shared local history of just one of many farming families on the east side of town, and a source of pride and nostalgia for many residents in Franklin.

The master plan, completed in 2016, envisions transforming this land into a multifaceted public park that enhances the quality of life for

“AS A CITY, WE HAD A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESERVE THIS INVALUABLE PIECE OF OUR HERITAGE WHILE REPURPOSING IT IN A WAY THAT BENEFITS THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.”

all residents. With ADA walking trails, access for kayaks and canoes for water recreation like paddle boarding and fishing, and an additional 27 acres of green space, this park promises to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. The park's design includes amenities for walk-up sports, movies in the park, and even mini triathlons, creating a vibrant, active destination within the city of Franklin that complements the entire park system.

However, the uniqueness of this park lies in its rich history. The Robinson Family not only owned the land but also allowed fishing and swimming for many years, fostering a sense of community and belonging. The Nichols Cemetery, located beside Robinson Lake and originally close to their home, further underscores its historical significance. The three formal markers on site include John Nichols (1827-1905), his wife Elizabeth Nichols (1830-1888), and their son John M. Nichols (1866-1880), who lived, farmed, and was buried on the property.

As a city, we had a unique opportunity to preserve this invaluable piece of our heritage while repurposing it in a way that benefits the entire community. By creating an outdoor recreational area on floodplain and floodway property, we can offer a unique recreational space that no other entity in town can provide. This dual-purpose use not only honors our past, meaning the land, but also ensures a sustainable and enjoyable future for generations in the surrounding neighborhood. This will be their community park:  Ladd Park, Echelon, Waters Edge, Cannonwood and Falcon Creek, all within walking distance. This lake and land tie back to our local history and preserving the lake with the same reverence as a 75+ year-old structure is significant for this side of town.

WHY DID THE DAM NEED UPGRADING?

When the city of Franklin purchased the Robinson Lake property, it was impounded by an unregulated earthen embankment dam with numerous dam safety deficiencies. It was originally built by the owner who used the land for farming. The city of Franklin performed extensive geotechnical and geophysical surveys to determine a safe design to rehabilitate the site.

WHAT TYPES OF AMENITIES WILL THE PARK OFFER?

This park will have an open green space that can be used for movies at the park, picnics, open-air concerts, etc., a greenway with a boardwalk that wraps around the lake, an ADA boat dock, and the lake will be stocked with a variety of fish for visitors to fish.

CAN VISITORS SWIM IN ROBINSON LAKE?

No, swimming will not be allowed but adaptive recreation, paddle boarding, paddle board yoga, and fishing are just a few of the activities that will be allowed as the canoe dock will be fully accessible for all skill levels and abilities.

IS ROBINSON A NATURAL LAKE OR A MAN-MADE LAKE?

It is a man-made lake.

WHERE DID THE CITY GET THE NAME OF THE LAKE FROM?

It was named prior to the city purchasing it.

WHEN IS THE PROJECT EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED?

The project is estimated to be substantially completed at the end of summer 2026, weather pending, of course, but we hope to complete it within that timeline.

FranklinTN.gov

SHAHAD ABDULRAHMAN

Shahad Abdulrahman is an engineer with the City of Franklin, where she has worked since 2019 as part of the Capital Projects team CIP. She is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, earning her degree in civil & environmental engineering in 2014. In her role with the City of Franklin, she primarily works on Parks and Recreation projects and the development of Greenways, helping shape public spaces that enhance quality of life for the community. She finds deep fulfillment in seeing residents enjoy and connect with the projects she helps bring to life and takes pride in contributing to infrastructure that serves the public for generations to come.

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Three Home Investments that Reveal Hidden Damage

Unexpected bumps in the road of renovation can be a blessing. Homeowners rarely go looking for water in the basement or mold in the crawl space. When problems under the home reveal themselves during remodeling, they can be solved as part of the bigger plan rather than evolving into their own, more expensive repair project.

FLOOR REPLACEMENT

The decision to replace flooring in the home opens a world of possibilities, and there's a thrill to visiting the flooring warehouse to inspect various styles and colors. Unfortunately, many homeowners have had their new possibilities dimmed by high humidity in their subfloor.

Moisture testing is essential when laying hardwood. An installer will refuse to lay flooring if the subfloor has moisture levels above 12%. If the subfloor is past that threshold, it’s a great opportunity for the homeowner to have their crawl space inspected, as high moisture content in the wood often indicates high levels of humidity beneath the home.

Inspectors should always check relative humidity (RH) during crawl space evaluations. RH over 60% creates a prime environment for mold growth and wood rot. A proper remedy often includes installing a dehumidifier and full encapsulation. Without this renovation discovery, mold may have continued to thrive and rot the wood in your crawl space, possibly resulting in full subfloor replacement.

Aside from moisture, floors may slope due to a lack of support beneath the home. Ground settlement underneath support pillars in the crawl space removes support from floor joists, causing them to bend and the floor to sag. Adjustable steel support systems can be installed under the home to brace the floor joists and raise the floor back to its original position.

For homeowners looking to expand usable living space, similar discoveries often happen during basement renovations.

ARTICLE BY SHEILA JOHNSON

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BASEMENT FINISHING

You may have decided it’s time to turn your basement into an extra living suite, a media room, or an in-home gym. While updating that extra room under your feet, you may find some surprises along the way.

Before beginning the project, it’s advantageous to inspect the space for existing moisture. Signs could include wet carpet, rusted carpet tacks, mold on furniture, or white chalky substance on walls called efflorescence. It’s also a good time to check for cracks or bowing in your basement walls which could indicate your walls need additional support or potential foundation problems.

If any of these symptoms are present, consider calling a waterproofing and foundation specialist to create a solution before renovating. They will give you the best idea of how much you’ll need to budget for the project. If no moisture is present, time to move on to the fun part of designing your space!

If moisture is the issue in your basement, consider installing a drainage system and a sump pump to remove the collected water. A dehumidifier is often used to pull humidity from the air. Walls and floors can be installed as normal over any waterproofing measures.

If bowing or cracked walls are an issue, there are several solutions that will stabilize or straighten them. Most solutions are low-profile and allow for renovations to continue as planned.

CONTINUED >

HVAC UPGRADES

With Williamson County’s hot summer humidity and cold winter dips, it’s important to have a fully functioning HVAC system. Your HVAC system works hard to keep you comfortable, but you may be footing a bigger bill than necessary. If you’ve been considering a new HVAC system, you may want to inspect your crawl space first.

If your home takes a long time to reach the correct temperature, your floors are cold over the crawl space even when the rest of the home is comfortable, or a musty smell permeates the home, the crawl space may be impairing your HVAC ducts.

Air circulates through your home in a process called the Stack Effect, where warm air inside a building rises and escapes through the top, causing cooler outside air to be drawn in from the bottom.

According to Energy Star, typical homes lose 20-30 percent of conditioned air moving through the duct system. Small openings allow for that air to leave the duct and unconditioned crawl space air to flow in and distribute throughoutthe home.

Encapsulation creates a conditioned space under your feet and reduces stress on your HVAC system. A sealed vapor barrier prevents musty, crawl space air from circulating through your home, stabilizes temperatures, and lowers your heating and AC bill. Air rising into your home will be healthier, and musty smells will be reduced.

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Unexpected barriers in renovation are frustrating. They can interrupt your timeline and your budget. But while repairing unseen damage in your home isn’t as glamorous as new floors or a basement, it ensures your home will last longer and be healthier to live in. You can end your project with peace of mind knowing your money was well spent and your home protected for years to come.

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Inquiring Chef

START WITH A VEGETABLE

Jess Smith is the founder of the popular food blog InquiringChef.com, which she started in 2010 after moving to Thailand with her husband. She explored Thai cuisine, took cooking classes, and documented her experiences on the blog. Over time, her passion for cooking grew, leading her to focus on quick, easy meals for families. Today, Inquiring Chef receives over 5 million page views annually and supports a small team. She shares new recipes weekly through email, her blog, and social media, helping home cooks simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor.

Smith is now an author. Her debut cookbook,  Start with a Vegetable, published in 2025 reimagines meal planning by putting vegetables at the center of the plate.

“Start with a Vegetable was the result of a natural transition in the way I started thinking about preparing dinner for my family. At the end of a busy day, I often didn't have the energy to think about dinner in parts by preparing a separate protein, vegetable, and starch,” says Smith. “I realized that if I put a vegetable at the center of the dish, the rest was easy to fill in.”

The book features 100 flexible recipes proving vegetables aren’t just a side—they’re key to simple, satisfying meals.

As chief recipe developer for the Cook Smarts meal-planning app, Smith worked closely with families struggling to get dinner on the table. She noticed a common challenge: people wanted to eat more vegetables but didn’t know how to build meals around them.

“As I started planning and testing recipes for the book, I just loved how easy it made dinnertime feel. Are there carrots in the fridge? Here are a bunch of ways to turn them into dinner. Nearly all of the 100 recipes are complete meals and include easy swaps to make them vegetarian. The book is truly flexitarian, with vegetable-forward recipes for all types of eaters.”

Unlike most cookbooks,  Start with a Vegetable is organized by ingredient. Each chapter focuses on a different vegetable, offering multiple ways to turn it into a meal.

“The concept is resonating with many readers who tell me they love that the chapters are organized by vegetable, making it easy to use whatever they have on hand.”

Smith went through a rigorous testing process, starting with over 300 ideas before narrowing them down to 100.

“I always have running lists of recipe ideas. I started sorting recipes into categories, making sure there was variety for each vegetable. I wanted different cooking methods and types of dishes, so each chapter might have a soup, a salad, a roasted dish, a stove-top dish, and a sandwich or pasta.”

After perfecting the recipes in her own kitchen, she passed them to a trusted friend, an everyday home cook, to ensure they worked under realworld conditions.

“I want to know how these recipes worked for a home cook who was shopping at regular grocery stores and trying to make dinner for a family on a weeknight. She sends me feedback on any ingredients that are hard to find, anything that is unclear in the recipe, and tracks how long it takes her to make it with real-life interruptions.”

To further refine the book, Smith enlisted 30 volunteer home cooks through Instagram and her email list to test the recipes.

“My goal was to ensure that the recipes in this book are reliable, easy, and adaptable. I wanted this to be a cookbook for real home cooks. I'm so grateful to that team of volunteers for helping to ensure that it is.”

To order a copy of the cookbook visit:  InquiringChef.com

CITRUS, CARROT, AND CHICKPEA COUSCOUS

Sweet carrots and tart cranberries complement each other in every bite of this tangy couscous. It makes a light meal on its own but becomes a showstopper when spread on a platter and topped with braised meat, roasted cauliflower steaks, or seared tofu. If you want to add a little creaminess, serve the couscous with a spoonful of plain yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound carrots

• one 15½-ounce can chickpeas

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for boiling

• ½ cup orange juice

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup dry regular or whole wheat couscous

• ⅓ cup sliced almonds

• 1 lemon

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F

Step 2. Peel the carrots and slice them diagonally into 1-inch ovals. Drain and rinse the chickpeas

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the carrots and chickpeas with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, cumin, ginger, dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, coating evenly.

Step 4. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned veggies and chickpeas on it in an even layer.

Step 5. Bake until the carrots become tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking.

Step 6. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over high heat, combine the orange juice, water, and ½ teaspoon of salt. When the mixture begins to boil, remove it from the heat, stir in the couscous, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 7. When the carrots become tender, sprinkle the almonds on them and continue baking until the almonds lightly toast, 4 to 5 more minutes.

Step 8. Juice the lemon for 1 tablespoon fresh juice.

Step 9. In the same mixing bowl used to season the veggies, whisk together the lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the cranberries.

Step 10. Fluff the couscous with a fork and add it to the carrots, chickpeas, and almonds. Stir well to combine.

Step 11. Serve warm or refrigerate for 30 minutes and serve chilled. Just before serving, stir in the parsley.

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

c o n s ciously c re ated es s e ntials

ARTICLE BY SOPHIE BROCK

FOUR SIMPLE WAYS TO INVEST IN YOUR MORNING AND START YOUR DAY OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT

habits morning for success

One of the best ways to invest in yourself is by creating a consistent and intentional morning routine. No matter how unpredictable or chaotic the rest of your day may become, starting your morning with self-care and purpose sets a positive tone that stays with you throughout the day.  Once you develop a morning routine that truly resonates with you, you’ll look forward to it every night, knowing it will set the foundation for a productive and fulfilling day.

If you’re ready to elevate your mornings, here are some meaningful ways to invest in your routine and start each day on the right foot.

Be Your Own Barista:

One of life’s simplest pleasures is savoring a homemade coffee each morning. While skipping the drivethru may be tough at first, brewing your own allows you to appreciate the process—and chances are, you’ll end up preferring your own perfect cup of joe.

Get Your Steps In:

An hour-long gym session before work may not be realistic, but a quick morning walk is. Use this time to clear your mind, enjoy nature, and listen to your favorite podcast or artist—an easy way to start your day feeling relaxed.

Enjoy Some Breakfast:

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet often the most overlooked. Setting your alarm just minutes earlier to prepare a fresh, nutritious meal can transform your morning, fueling your body and mind for a more energized and productive day.

Read A Book:

Starting your day with a book is far more calming than scrolling through social media. Reading in the morning helps ease you into the day, providing a peaceful and mindful escape that sets a positive, focused tone for what’s ahead.

A Scientist’s Approach

Plant You r Kitchen Garden

BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.

GETTING STARTED

• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-tofruit, living harmoniously in one bed.

• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).

• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!

• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!

• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)

• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.

What to Plant

Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.

TOMATOES: They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.

OKRA: Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)

EGGPLANT: Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.

ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN

PEPPERS: Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with welldrained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged.

Flowers Bring Pollinators

Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.

HIBISCUS:

Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.

MARIGOLDS:

To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.

ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:

These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.

Simple Weight Solutions blends advanced weight loss, hormone balance and wellness therapies designed for a woman’s body. From GLP’s and fat melting peptide injections to Red Light, Cryo-Sculpting, NAD+, and our Ultimate Human Protocol. Feel lighter, stronger, more sharp and radiant. Your transformation starts here!

simpleweightsolutions.com | 615.706.2050 | 1650 Murfreesboro Rd, Unit #245 | VB @simpleweightsolutionstn

FIVE BEST INVESTMENT BOOKS TO READ

ARTICLE BY SUSAN LANIER-GRAHAM

These Investment Books Can Help You Stay Up-To-Date On The Latest Financial Trends

Investing in your future is critical yet complicated. While reaching out to qualified professionals is vital—whether you’re building your business, investing in your financial security, or planning for retirement—doing some of your own research is often helpful. We checked out some of the top investment books that help you better understand how to invest in your future and build wealth.

ONE UP ON WALL STREET

One Up On Wall Street: How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market by Peter Lynch with John Rothchild. Peter Lynch explains average investors’ advantages over professionals and how they can use these advantages to achieve financial success.

HOW TO INVEST

How to Invest: Navigating the Brave New World of Personal Investment, part of Economist Books, by Peter Stanyer, Masood Javaid, and Stephe Satchell. A dynamic new guide to personal investment for the era of cryptocurrencies and personal trading platforms.

POWER YOUR PROFITS

Power Your Profits: How to Take Your Business from $10,000 to $10,000,000  by Susie Carder. While not a traditional book on investments,  Power Your Profits helps you discover how to take your business from startup mode to the multi-million-dollar mark.

THE WEALTH DECISION

The Wealth Decision: 10 Simple Steps to Achieve Financial Freedom and Build Generational Wealth by Dominique Broadway. A roadmap for becoming a millionaire and building the foundation of generational wealth from a self-made, first-generation multimillionaire.

HOW TO INVEST

How to Invest: Masters on the Craft by David M. Rubenstein. This book is a master class on investing, featuring conversations with the biggest names in finance. Brought to you by the legendary cofounder of The Carlyle Group, David M. Rubenstein.

events

APRIL 9TH

Nashville Comedy Festival

Various

The Nashville Comedy Festival will bring together some of the funniest names in the business for 10 days of shows across Music City’s most iconic venues from Zanies to The Ryman. Tickets and schedule: NashComedyFest.com

APRIL 10TH

Brentwood Library Book Sale

John P. Holt Brentwood Library | 9:00 AM

Runs through the 12th. The Friends of the Brentwood Library hosts its quarterly used book sale, featuring over 17,000 items (books, puzzles, media) priced at $3 or less. FOBLTN.org

APRIL 17TH

At the Copa: A Tribute to the Music of Barry Manilow

Franklin Theatre | 8:00 PM

This spectacular show celebrates the timeless hits of one of music's most beloved artists, Barry Manilow, featuring captivating performances by Richard Jacques, Missy Garnett, and Tracey DiCicco. Classics like "Mandy," "Copacabana," and "Can’t Smile Without You," all reimagined with fresh arrangements that will have you singing along. FranklinTheatre.com

APRIL 18TH

Arbor Day

Pinkerton Park | 10:00 AM

Hosted by the Parks Department and Tree Commission, the annual Arbor Day event features tree education, activities, and giveaways to honor Franklin's status as a Tree City USA. FranklinTN.gov

APRIL 21ST

Dinner In The Barn Park At Harlinsdale Farm

Enjoy live music, cocktails, and a seated dinner in one of Franklin’s most beloved settings to honor the ongoing impact of Friends of Franklin Parks, benefitting the organization’s mission to cultivate stewardship within the community to preserve cultural and natural resources, conserve public open spaces, enhance the park and trail experience, and expand its legacy for future generations. FriendsOfFranklinParks.org

APRIL 24TH

Music City Food & Wine Festival

Centennial Park

Celebrate and enjoy Nashville's thriving culinary community with culinary delights from local restaurants, a lively chef competition, vendor market, sips from top wine and spirits brands, pairings dinners and entertaining brunches happening throughout the city. Runs through the 26th. MusicCityFoodAndWineFest.com

Stress & Hearing Health: Why It Matters

April April is Stress Awareness Month—a great time to consider how stress affects your hearing health. Ongoing stress can worsen tinnitus, increase listening fatigue, and impact how your brain processes sound. Addressing hearing concerns can ease daily strain and support overall well-being. HearTN offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized solutions to help you hear clearly and feel your best.

info@HearTN.com www.HearTN.com Take the first step toward better hearing and less stress— schedule your hearing evaluation with HearTN today. Less stress. Better hearing. Healthier living.

For our Franklin, Spring Hill, Nolensville, and Dickson Offices: (615) 591-6410 For our Tullahoma Office: (931) 393-2051 For our Chattanooga and Trenton, GA Offices: (423) 870-9930