Hendersonville, TN February 2026

mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 2/28/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.

Looking Forward To A Fabulous February

Ah February, the month of love – you have arrived at last!

Although we will still have our share of cold gloomy weather, it will only last for 28 days. Plus, it will be accompanied by ever lengthening periods of daylight, with Hendersonville gaining over 30 minutes of sunshine each day by month end. Fear not, for March is coming soon, and along with it, the renewal of springtime.

Unlike the Christmas holiday season, February doesn’t offer as many opportunities to revel with friends and family. However, there are a few notable occasions worth celebrating, including Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, and the elephant in the room – the Super Bowl. One way or another, we will still find reasons to gather together with those whom we love, and good times will still be had.

Although Valentine’s Day is traditionally focused upon couple’s love, we at Hendersonville Lifestyle choose to expand the definition. To us, we want to focus on the love that we all feel for our wonderful City by the Lake. We all know how blessed we are to live in Hendersonville, and this month is a great time to show our city how much we care about it. As such, we invite you to come along with us as we explore some of the terrific people, places and events that have made our city the 2025 U.S. News & World Report’s number one place to live in Tennessee.

First, we take a high level look at some of the groups and organizations that work tirelessly to take care of our neighbors, and to keep our city in the forefront of competing municipalities.

Next, we visit with a treasured community nonprofit that has become the centerpiece for all things art in the 37075 and beyond.

Continuing, we drop in at one of Hendersonville’s most popular restaurants and live music venues to see how it continues to positively impact our community.

As always, we will do our best to keep you up to date with the latest community and business events across Hendersonville.

So, grab your coat, hat and mittens, and come along with us as we explore local love in Hendersonville in February. We promise to keep you warm.

See you soon, Friends!

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Lynn Bowles | lynn.bowles@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Rick Murray | rick.murray@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Debbie Murray | debbiemurray1989@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rick Murray

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Rick Murray

LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle

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

3:5-6

city scene

1: Beverly and Mike Fussell enjoy the Appalachian Road Show at Monthaven on Dec. 14. 2: Albert and Deanne DeWitt enjoy the Appalachian Road Show at Monthaven on Dec. 14. 3: The Appalachian Road Show performs during the Monthaven Heritage Music Series on Dec. 14. 4: A&W Brewer are eager to greet fans during the Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Bus Tour. 5: Rachel Deelynn shares a moment with fans during the Christmas 4 Kids Celebrity Bus Tour. 6: Holly Thompson helps a young girl shop during the Christmas 4 Kids shopping event. 7: Terry Russell and his young charges are ready to shop during Christmas 4 Kids.

8: Tim Watson and his band put on a Christmas singalong for Jack Anderson Elementary. 9: The annual Jack Anderson Elementary Christmas Show took place on Dec. 19. 10: Retiring Hendersonville Fire Chief poses with aldermen Michael Martin and Rachel Collins on Dec. 19. 11: Jeremy Tackett presents Oliver Barry with a personalized hoodie during the 2026 YMCA Frostbite Races. 12: The 2026 Sumner County YMCA Frostbite 10K race gets underway on Dec. 27. 13: The 2026 Sumner County YMCA Frostbite 5K race gets underway on Dec. 27. 14: Michael Ponce is all smiles as he competes in the 2026 YMCA Frostbite 10K race.

Highpoint Orthopedics and Neurosurgery –Gallatin Opens New Facility

On Dec. 15, Highpoint Orthopedics and Neurosurgery – Gallatin with Ascension Saint Thomas announced the completion of its new, larger facility designed for significantly improved access and convenience.

Located at 179 Hancock Street, Suite 404, the new space is home to a dedicated team offering comprehensive orthopedic and neurosurgical health services, including care for local athletes.

Volunteer State Community College) proudly celebrated its graduating class at a commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, honoring students ranging in age from 18 to 71 who completed programs across a broad range of academic and professional disciplines. Dr. Wendi Tostenson, President at Volunteer State Community College shared, “It was a tremendous honor to stand before graduates whose stories reflect resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to bettering their lives and their communities.”

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TriStar Hendersonville NICU Babies Ring In The New Year

NICU babies at the Birth Center at TriStar Hendersonville helped ring in the new year as the team and families eagerly awaited 2026. The Birth Center features Sumner County’s only Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, offering specialized care and family-centered support for newborns who need extra attention. Surrounded by spacious labor, delivery and recovery suites, a lactation boutique and dedicated neonatal staff, these tiny patients benefit from compassionate, expert care during their stays.

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Community Groups Giving Back

HENDERSONVILLE ORGANIZATIONS THAT WORK YEAR ROUND TO MAKE LIFE BETTER IN THE 37075

During December 2025, Hendersonville was named the number one best place to live In Tennessee by U.S. News & World Report. The announcement contained several reasons for selecting the City by the Lake, including climate, housing and the economy.

While all of these criteria are true, longtime Hendersonville residents realize that there is a much more important reason –its people, and their love of their community.

Every year, many unsung heroes work tirelessly behind the scenes to help Hendersonville keep growing and improving. From nonprofits to local government to citizen volunteers, the 37075 is filled with the spirit of community love.

Some of the more notable community organizations are Live Love Nashville, HolidayFest, Christmas 4 Kids, Grace Place Ministry, Hendersonville PigFest, Hendersonville Parks & Recreation, Samaritan Center, Historic Rock Castle, Beautiful Hendersonville, Hendersonville Arts Council, Hendersonville Chamber Foundation, Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center and Sumner County Tourism.

While their missions and operations vary, they all are committed to ensuring that Hendersonville enjoy an unparallelled quality of life. Entities such as Christmas 4 Kids and Live Love Nashville focus their energy on ensuring that every child in

“There is no better community on this planet than Hendersonville, especially when we rally together to help people in need.”

- Andy Gilley, Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Director

our community feels loved. Others, such as the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation work hard to raise funds through events such as the annual Freedom Festival to ensure that teachers and students have what they need to succeed.

Along with helping neighbors in need, many Hendersonville groups are also helping the city improve its appearance and its cultural offerings. Beautiful Hendersonville and Hendersonville Parks are working daily to spruce up city assets, which can help attract new citizens and businesses. To further enhance the appeal of living in the 37075, organizations such as Monthaven, Rock Castle and Sumner County Tourism are helping the city grow its arts and music presence.

Regardless of their individual goals, entities are devoted to making Hendersonville the best place around in which to live, work and play.

Giving Back

In recent years, the generosity and community devotion of the residents of Hendersonville has become well known across Tennessee and far beyond. From tornado and flood relief to assisting schools to helping to enhance the city’s culture through world-class arts and music, the Hendersonville community is always ready, willing and able to go the extra mile.

None of these efforts occurs in a vacuum. In fact, most of the agencies eagerly work together to further their collective aims. One recent example of this synergy occurred during December 2025, when a check for $74,000 raised during last fall’s Hendersonville PigFest was presented to Grace Place Ministry, Live Love Nashville, Christmas 4 Kids and a fourth entity, Mary’s Magical Place. This donation was to be shared among each of the named nonprofits to help them continue their missions in 2026.

Here's the bottom line... Folks wanting to see what community pride is all about need look no further than the City by the Lake, where people live strong and love strong.

Opposite page, starting from the top left and going left to right: Christmas 4 Kids helps every child feel loved | Live Love Nashville Hometown Jam fundraiser | Samaritan Center golf fund raiser | Beautiful Hendersonville trash clean up | Sanders Ferry Greenway - Hendersonville Parks | Hendersonville Arts Festival/ Arts Council | Sumner County Tourism helps sponsor the annual Highland Games | HolidayFest Deck the Hulls Boat Parade

This page: The Nashville Symphony performs at Historic Rock Castle

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PERMISSION to be

cheesy

VALENTINE’S DAY CHEESECAKE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSIE SUPPES

Valentine’s Day is all about showing your loved one just how much you care. Rather than opting for the predictable chocolates and flowers, why not showcase your culinary prowess and create a one-of-a-kind cheesecake? Not only will this delectable treat demonstrate your affection, but it will also add a personal and luxurious touch

to the holiday celebration. Make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable by going above and beyond with a heartfelt, homemade gift. Cheesecake is the perfect dessert for two because it’s both rich and indulgent, but not too heavy. Plus, it can be easily customized to fit your own personal taste and it’s much easier than you think!

TO MAKE THE PERFECT CHEESECAKE, YOU’LL

• 1 pound cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sugar

• 3 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Next, add in the sour cream and heavy cream and mix until everything is well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely before serving.

For this recipe, we decided to add berries and honey to the top of our cheesecake. Take the time to make yours special to your relationship. With toppings such as chocolate, jelly, whipped cream, berries, fruit, or whatever your partner’s favorite is you’re sure to make them smile. Make things colorful by adding food coloring to the mix, it can even be made in

NEED:

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 1 prepared graham cracker crust

their favorite color. You can also change things up by making your own crust with Oreos or cinnamon crackers.

To elevate this recipe to the next level, consider using high-quality ingredients such as grass-fed cream cheese and locally sourced honey. For added luxury, try using a blend of different types of berries, or even substituting the graham cracker crust with a crust made of crushed pistachios or hazelnuts.

In addition to adding a variety of toppings, you can also get creative with the presentation. For example, try using a springform pan to create a heart-shaped cheesecake, or using cookie cutters to create fun shapes out of the cheesecake slices. You can also garnish the cheesecake with edible flowers or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a truly indulgent experience.

Hendersonville's

Rich Creative Culture Offers

Opportunities

For Everyone To Experience All Forms Of Art

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off of our souls.”- Pablo Picasso Picture a world without art. Imagine that there is no creative effort to take our minds off of our daily woes nor to help us grow together as a community. Life would be nothing but a drudge without the presence of visual, musical and performing arts. Fortunately, we do not have to endure such a droll environment – we live in Hendersonville, where the arts are alive and well. The City by the Lake is home to a diverse culture than spans the entire creative spectrum, including painting, sculpture, music, poetry, prose, photography, dance and theater.

All across the 37075, opportunities to experience art abound in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues coordinated by several local organizations, including the Hendersonville Arts Council, the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department, Actors Pointe Theatre Company, Hendersonville Performing Arts Company and the Streets of Indian Lake. In addition, coffee shops and restaurants across the city regularly showcase performances and visual artwork on display to be enjoyed by patrons.

However, while artistic expression may be found all across the community, nowhere is it more evident than in the city’s cultural hub – the Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center (the MACC). Located in an elegant Civil War era mansion, the MACC features year-round displays of visual art by talented painters, sculptors, crafters and other artists ranging from local school children through world renowned creatives such as Pablo Picasso and Henri de Tourlouse-Lautrec

“The MACC was founded in 2017 to create a vibrant arts and cultural scene for people of all ages throughout our community,” says Monthaven Executive Director Cheryl Stritchik. “Our mission is to educate, elevate and encourage our community through the transformative power of the arts.”

Along with spotlighting the work of famous arts, the MACC has not forgotten about the growing community of local artists and students in Sumner County. Every year, Monthaven offers several popular events that have proven to be popular with local art lovers, such as the annual Veterans Art Exhibition and James B. Hawkins Sumner County Student Art Show.

The MACC’s educational mission also includes offering art classes taught by some of the area’s most talented instructors. The classes are developed with all students in mind, ranging from beginners seeking to learn about art to experienced artists looking to dabble in new media and techniques.

“Every year, our team engages over 3,500 participants in free classes and workshops,” says Cheryl. “We also offer free lessons for seniors and veterans, as well as our healing arts program for veterans and their families.”

In recent years, the MACC has expanded its focus beyond the visual arts to include a wide variety of performance events, building upon Hendersonville’s rich musical heritage. Events such as the Sweet Summer Concert Series, Boots & BBQ and the new Heritage Music Series have brought many notable performers to Hendersonville, including John Berry, Steve Dorff and John Ford Coley.

“Here at the MACC, there is always something new and exciting,” says Cheryl. “We recognize that the arts are the soul of a community. They create a collective identity as we recognize places by their stories, music images and traditions. The arts build connections that bring together. Our vision is for the MACC to continue to be our county’s creative town square.”

Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center

1017 Antebellum Circle, Hendersonville, TN 37075

615.822.0789

MonthavenArts.org

Loving Local At The Local

POPULAR VENUE HAS CHANGED HENDERSONVILLE'S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE FOR THE BETTER

ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK MURRAY AND PROVIDED

Over the past decade, Hendersonville’s eating out landscape has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when there were just a handful of eateries offering limited menus. Instead, many new restaurants and bars have come to the city, providing a variety of dining options.

While the enhanced dining landscape has been good for local foodies, it has created somewhat of a quandary for local restaurants – how to differentiate themselves from their competition. To survive in this climate, they have to offer more than just good food and customer service if they wish to grow and prosper.

Entrepreneur and restauranteur Geoff Reid, owner of The Local Hendersonville, understands this calculus well. Recently, Hendersonville

“AT ITS CORE, THE LOCAL IS ABOUT CONNECTION - THROUGH MUSIC, CONVERSATION AND SHARED EXPERIENCES. OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL LIKE THEY BELONG.”

Lifestyle caught up with Geoff to see how things are going, and to find out what we can look forward to in 2026.

HOW HAS THE LOCAL CHANGED OVER THE PAST YEAR?

“During 2025, The Local continued to evolve while staying true to what made it special in the first place. We’ve refined our programming, leaned further into live music and improved our food and drink offerings to better reflect what our regulars and visitors are looking for. We’ve also focused more on creating memorable experiences – not just a place to grab a drink, but a place where people feel connected, welcomed and part of something familiar.”

HOW DOES LIVE MUSIC IN AN INTIMATE VENUE LIKE THE LOCAL HELP UNITE THE COMMUNITY?

“Live music in an up-close setting creates a shared experience that can’t replicated in larger venues. At The Local, artists and audiences are close enough to truly connect, which breaks down barriers and brings people together. Locals, tourists, musicians and industry professionals all end up sharing the same space, listening to the same songs and having the same conversations. That sense of closeness builds relationships and strengthens the community around music.”

HOW HAS THE THURSDAY NIGHT WHIN LIVE RADIO SHOW IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?

“The Thursday night live radio show has been a great opportunity to extend The Local’s reach beyond our walls. It brings new listeners into the venue, introduces our space to a broader audience and reinforces our role as a hub for live music and storytelling. The energy of a live broadcast adds something special to the night and helps strengthen our connection to the local music scene.”

HOW DOES THE LOCAL GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY?

“We at The Local have always believed that being a neighborhood bar means being an active part of the neighborhood.

GEOFF REID

OWNER, THE LOCAL HENDERSONVILLE

Since opening its doors, The Local Hendersonville has transformed the nightlife scene in the City by the Lake dramatically. If offers customers a comfortable combination of restaurant, bar and live music venue featuring daily performances by some of the area’s most talented singer/songwriters. Founded by Hendersonville songwriter Geoff Reid, The Local Hendersonville is the place to go to share an evening of food, drinks, music and fun with friends and family.

THE LOCAL HENDERSONVILLE

300 Indian Lake Blvd., Building B100, Hendersonville, TN 37075

615.431.0381

TheLocalHendersonville.com

We regularly support and host community-driven events, charity fundraisers and special gatherings that bring people together for a cause. This past year, we supported a variety of local activities, including a fundraiser for The Next Response Foundation, Andy Gilley’s Ugly Sweater Party and several special events for first responders. We are also a sponsor for the annual Hendersonville Pigfest, and we also participate in the annual Hendersonville Christmas Parade. Regardless of the occasion, we try to show up wherever the community is gathering. We also work closely with local artists, musicians, and small businesses to give them a platform and help keep Hendersonville and Nashville’s creative spirit thriving.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL EVENTS COMING UP IN 2026?

“Yes, we do. 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year. We’re planning a mix of activities including special live music showcases, community events and collaborations with local partners. While some details are still being finalized, guests can expect more of what The Local does best – great music, food, drinks and events that bring people together.”

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Date Night

AT HOME

THREE CREATIVE IDEAS TO CELEBRATE LOVE

ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL

Not every date night needs to involve reservations or an elaborate itinerary. With a little creativity, you can create magical moments right at home. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or just want to reconnect, here are three ideas for unforgettable at-home date nights.

Transform your backyard or balcony into a dreamy picnic spot! Spread out a cozy blanket, add a few fluffy pillows, and hang string lights or fairy lights for ambiance. A small fire pit or lanterns can also add a romantic glow.

Pack a picnic basket with finger foods and a bottle of wine or sparkling water. Don’t forget a decadent dessert like chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Lay back and stargaze, identifying constellations or making wishes on shooting stars. To make it extra romantic, bring a bluetooth speaker and play soft music.

Unleash your inner artists with one of these three fun and interactive dates. Grab some inexpensive canvases, brushes, and acrylic paints from the craft store. Don’t forget aprons or old clothes to protect against spills!

• Paint each other’s portraits for a mix of laughter and creativity.

• Work on a collaborative paintingeach person adds their own touch to a single canvas.

• Try a themed painting challenge, like recreating your favorite memory together.      Pair this date with a cheese platter and wine and don’t worry about being “good’ at painting - it’s all about enjoying the process together.

Start the day with love by turning breakfast into an indulgent experience. Prepare a tray with a DIY breakfast charcuterie board. Include mini pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, bacon, and pastries. Add small bowls of toppings like syrup, Nutella, or whipped cream.

Mix up mimosas or serve coffee with flavored syrups and whipped cream for a café vibe. Then, snuggle up in bed and watch a favorite movie or TV series. ROMANTIC PICNIC UNDER THE STARS