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“March, when days are getting long, let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong.”
Caroline May
When winter arrived last December, it appeared to be mild at first, with moderate temperatures and a few days that featured rain instead of snow. Due to the mostly calm conditions, we were able to enjoy all of our favorite holiday celebrations with friends and family in our homes.
However, that changed during late January, when the weather took a cold and cruel turn. Almost overnight, Hendersonville and Sumner County was hit by a fierce winter storm that brought bitter cold single digit temperatures and record ice accumulation that resulted in downed trees and major power outages.
Flash forward a few weeks, and March has finally arrived, along with the beginning of one of our favorite seasons – spring. Although we will still have a few more days of cold weather (thanks Punxsutawney Phil – Not!), we know that we will soon be enjoying warm temperatures, leafing trees, blooming flowers and, of course, the return of daylight savings time and the extra hour of sunshine that it will bring.
The return of March is also the perfect time to take part in an annual ritual –spring cleaning. Before long, it will be time to throw open the windows, air out and declutter our homes and address any lingering damage left over from winter.
To help get you ready for spring, your Hendersonville Lifestyle team is pleased to bring you our March 2026 issue. From cover to cover, this edition is filled with articles about our homes and our community.
First, we journey to a historic property that has been transformed from the home and recording studio of a legendary musician into one of Sumner County’s most unique event venues.
Next, we visit with a local restaurant that offers homestyle entrees with an upscale flair.
Continuing, we drop into another historic home that has found a second life serving as a major tourism hub for our county.
Finally, we take a look at some of the newest home security cameras that can help you keep your family safe and secure without breaking your budget.
As always, we will bring you the latest in local community and business news that makes the 37075 such a great place to live, work and play.
See you soon, Hendersonville,
March 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
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
LYNN BOWLES, PUBLISHER @HENDERSONVILLELIFESTYLE
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: After the snow stopped, heavy ice accumulated leaving thousands without power for days. 2: Hendersonville's first snowstorm of the season occurred on Jan. 24. 3: Jeff "Shannon" Hawkins emceed the Tennessee Songwriters Competition at the Palace Theater on Jan. 30. 4: Gypsy Outfit took first place in the Tennessee Songwriters Competition on Jan. 30. 5: Mariano Mallia took second place in the Tennessee Songwriters Competition on Jan. 30. 6: Tawna Goforth was selected as an alternate finisher during the Tennessee Songwriters Competition. 7: The full "Snow" Moon shines bright over Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville on Feb. 1.
Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas is transforming lung cancer diagnosis in a community setting with the recent addition of the ION robotic-assisted platform. The ION technology is a minimally invasive and more precise way for physicians to diagnose and stage lung cancer in one setting.
“It’s very exciting to bring this type of technology once thought of as only available in the big cities to Sumner County,” said pulmonologist Dr. Benjamin Ferrell.
TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 22 to dedicate its new cardiovascular expansion. This unit strengthens heart care across Sumner County, supporting faster diagnosis, advanced monitoring and coordinated care for patients with heart disease, one of the leading health concerns in our community. The new facility will allow more patients to receive high-quality, specialized cardiac care close to home, when every minute matters.
Photography by Rick Murray
Nestled in the scenic hills of Sumner County, just on the outskirts of Gallatin, lies one of Middle Tennessee’s hidden gems – Paradise Studio. Once the home of legendary entertainer Leon Russell, Paradise is today a destination venue suited for special celebrations and events of all kinds.
Paradise Studio was constructed in the late 1980s by Leon Russell to serve both as his home and a creative retreat for his recording studio. Located in what was then a rural, sparsely populated area of Gallatin, Leon was attracted to the 46-acre property due to its remote setting, which provided him with the solitude he needed for composing and recording his music. He lived in the property for over two decades, during which time he collaborated with a host of famous musical artists, including Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and Willie Nelson. Eventually, he decided to close down the studio, and he sold it in 2006.
Over the succeeding years, the property languished until it was purchased in 2023 by Rock Springs Wellness Center owner Kris Intress. Kris learned about the property during a meeting with her real estate agent.
“My realtor knows I’m always looking for distinctive properties where creativity and vision can add meaningful value,” says Kris. “She told me about Paradise, and once I began researching its connection to Leon Russell and the musical history tied to the studio, I realized it was far more than real estate — it was a cultural and creative landmark.”
Kris originally planned to use the property as an overflow space for her Rock Springs Wellness Center, but soon realized that due to its musical significance, it could be transformed into a unique destination for social, family and corporate events.
“Paradise naturally lends itself to connection and creativity,” says Kris. “Rather than turning it into something commercial and generic, I wanted to preserve its soul and reimagine it as a private retreat space where leaders, creatives and teams could gather in an inspiring, story-rich environment.”
After acquiring the property, Kris and her husband Pat Steffan spent nearly three years restoring the main house and studio, as well as several outbuildings. Throughout the process, Kris focused maintaining the musical heritage of the property, purposely decorating all of the living and gathering spaces with memorabilia of famous musicians who had worked with Leon Russell.
“At Paradise, our guests experience a blend of music history and retreat-style amenities that include themed rooms inspired by legendary artists, gathering areas, fire pits, a pool, spa and a fitness gym,” says Kris. “Two of our more unique social spaces include the Johnny Cash–inspired Whiskey and Cigar Bar and the Rolling Stones pub–style gathering room.”
During the restoration, Kris designed the venue to be flexible so that it could host events of all sizes.
“Paradise is designed to host both intimate retreats and larger gatherings,” says Kris. “Our Sunset Event Room can seat up to 150 guests at tables, and Leon’s Studio can accommodate up to 80 guests seated. In addition, we have five acres of groomed event space that can support larger outdoor events.”
Today, Paradise is ready to host events of all types, including corporate retreats, creative workshops, weddings and other private celebrations. Regardless of the occasion, Paradise will a memorable experience for every guest.
415 Dry Creek Fork Road, Gallatin, TN 37066
629.209.6777
FireflyVenues.com
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY RICK MURRAY
“Old places help us remember. Old places trigger memories people already have, give specificity to memories and arouse curiosity about memories people don’t yet know.” Thompson Mayes
Historic sites and structures provide timeless connections to our common interests, and they help to foster a strong sense of community. Their presence offers a priceless opportunity to appreciate their history, and to learn more about our heritage.
Far too often, many of these sites are falling by the wayside, being replaced by new commercial and residential construction. Once lost, they become nothing but distant memories, and our ability to study and learn from them soon fades away.
their arrival.
“PRIOR TO BECOMING THE HEADQUARTERS FOR TOURISM, THE COMER HOUSE PROPERTY HAD A LENGTHY HISTORY” – KENDALL SARAPAS
Fortunately, we live in a community that still appreciates its heritage, and whose citizens work hard to preserve it. Sumner County is blessed to have many historic properties that date back to the early days of America, including Cragfont, Rock Castle, Rose Mont and Wynnewood.
Most historic properties have been carefully preserved as museums, forever frozen in time. They are carefully managed and curated for historical accuracy so that we future generations can continue to learn from the past.
However, other properties have been preserved in a different manner. Instead of serving as relics of the past, they have been given a new lease on life by continuing to operate as office space for commercial or nonprofit entities. Once such structure is the historic Comer House.
Located northeast of Hendersonville in Gallatin, the Comer House has been repurposed from a vintage residence into the home of Sumner County Tourism. Every year, thousands of visitors stop by the house to gather brochures, maps and more to help them plan their stays in the county.
“Prior to becoming the headquarters for tourism, the Comer House property had a lengthy history,” says Tourism Director of Business Development Kendall Sarapas. “The land was settled in 1807 by John Franklin, and it was originally called the Woodlawn Plantation. The property passed through a number of Franklin heirs until it was purchased in 1867 by Thomas Black Wilson and his wife Lucy Cragwell.”
After Wilson’s death, his son Thomas Jr. took over the farm and managed it until the mid 1930s when he sold it to Guy Comer, a wealthy businessman from Kentucky who lived in Nashville. He renovated the original house and built an adjacent horse barn.
During the 1950s, Comer tore down the original structure and built the current house on the original foundation. Years later, the property was acquired by the Rogers Group, who subsequently leased the property to the county to serve as home for tourism.
Come visit the Comer House soon - where the past meets the future.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY
RICK MURRAY
For many decades, the state of Florida has one of Hendersonville’s favorite vacation spots. It’s sandy beaches, ocean breezes and abundant theme parks combine to make an unbeatable draw for thousands Sumner County residents each year.
Locals also flock to the Sunshine State to savor some of the Gulf Coast’s finest cuisine. From sizzling shrimp scampi to steamed crab legs to signature cocktails, Florida offers something for every taste.
While Florida has long been known for seafood, most people have not thought of the state as a breakfast destination – until Keke’s. Founded in Orlando in 2006, Keke’s Breakfast Café has become the go-to place for great food served in a warm and friendly environment.
“Keke’s was created by two brothers, Keith and Kevin, who could not find a quality breakfast spot in Florida that was like the one that they had loved back home in Philadelphia,” says Hendersonville General Manager Brigitte Jones. “They saw an opportunity to offer a better version of an American-style café that focused on fresh, quality ingredients, abundant portions, cleanliness and fast, friendly service.”
Keke’s is renowned for its commitment to serving outstanding breakfast and lunch items made from scratch every day at each location. Breakfast entrees include waffles, French toast, omelets, breakfast bowls, and of course, pancakes. Lunch favorites include paninis, sandwiches, wraps and salads. The restaurant also offers an expansive kid’s menu that features a variety of breakfast and lunch items that are sure to please younger diners.
“In Hendersonville, our most popular entrees are our pancakes, particularly our exclusive Florida pancakes that come topped with bananas, strawberries, blueberries and powdered
sugar,” says Brigitte. “During fall, we also offer several additional limited-time items, including cinnamon roll pancakes, pumpkin stuffed French toast and specialty coffees.”
Along with its entrees and side items, Keke’s also offers a wide array of beverages, including coffee, tea, milk and sodas. For customers aged 21 and older, Keke’s also serves a variety of custom cocktails, including its Classic Mimosa, White Peach Bellini and Wildberry Sangria.
Since opening the doors of its first location, Keke’s has expanded to over 70 sites spread across seven states, with the 116-seat
capacity Hendersonville restaurant representing the company’s first foray into Tennessee. Today, there are six Keke’s locations open in Tennessee, with additional units coming soon in Smyrna, Murfreesboro and Knoxville.
“Keke’s continuing expansion is proof that customers appreciate our Florida-style concept,” says Brigitte. “Locally, although Hendersonville has a large number of breakfast places, we are able to stand out due to our variety, our commitment to freshness, including cutting fresh food and potatoes each day, and having the best children’s menu around.”
Along with taking care of its customers, the Keke’s team is also dedicated to giving back to the local community. This commitment was first demonstrated during the Hendersonville grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony in 2024. During that event, Keke’s management presented $1,000 donation checks to two local organizations – Habitat for Humanity and Lakeside Park Elementary School. Since then, Keke’s has continued to help with a variety of community causes.
“Since day one, we have always been proud to sponsor our local schools. Just last month, we sponsored the Cougar Classic indoor soccer fundraiser at Ellis Middle School,” says Brigitte. “We also often give out give cards to help with private auctions and giveaways across the Hendersonville community.”
Since the arrival of Keke’s Breakfast Café, hungry Hendersonville diners are able to enjoy great breakfast and lunch treats, all served with a side of Florida sunshine. Be sure to drop in and visit with Brigitte and her team soon – you will be glad that you did.
Getting to share a meal with family and friends is one of life’s greatest pleasures. After all, nothing beats a dose of good home cooking, especially, when it is served up in a comfortable and inviting setting.
In Hendersonville, one of the best places to go for a great dining experience is Keke’s Breakfast Café. Known for great food and outstanding customer service, Keke’s is the destination for good times.
The restaurant is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Breakfast is served all day, and lunch items are available from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
KEKE’S BREAKFAST CAFÉ
209 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.912.0493 Kekes.com
mor e With incoming or der, at time of pur c hase only Expir es 3/31/26. Of fer not v alid in all r e gions.
ARTICLE BY RICK MURRAY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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There’s something about this fresh, ethereal feeling that not only melts away the last traces of winter but also sparks a quiet urge to refresh our surroundings. The cupboards that need decluttering, the baseboards that have gone untouched for months, the unworn clothes that no longer serve us—it all calls for renewal. This is the essence of spring cleaning: clearing out the old to make space for the new, both in our homes and in our minds.
For some, the idea of cleaning feels anything but peaceful. The thought of tackling clutter and dust can be overwhelming, turning what should be a refreshing transition into a dreaded chore. That’s why we’ve created a simple, practical guide to help you navigate spring cleaning with ease, turning it into a rhythmic, intentional process that mirrors the calm of the season itself.
Week 1: Refresh and Declutter
• Open windows for fresh air and let the natural light in.
• Declutter surfaces—countertops, coffee tables and shelves—removing anything unnecessary.
• Go through kitchen cabinets and toss expired pantry items and mismatched containers.
• Sort through closets, donating or repurposing clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
• Wipe down baseboards and dust ceiling fans, light fixtures and vents.
Week 2: Deep Clean and Rejuvenate
• Wash windows and mirrors to welcome in the sunlight.
• Deep clean the fridge and pantry, wiping down shelves and organizing items.
• Launder curtains, cushion covers and throw blankets.
• Vacuum and shampoo rugs and carpets for a fresh start.
• Rotate and flip mattresses; wash all bedding, including pillows.
Week 3: Outdoor and Seasonal Transitions
• Sweep porches, patios and outdoor furniture, preparing for warm-weather gatherings.
• Check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage.
• Tidy up gardens and potted plants, removing dead leaves and refreshing the soil.
• Store winter coats and boots, making space for lighter spring essentials.
• Replace seasonal decor—bring in fresh flowers, soft pastels and airy textures.
• Touch-up scuff marks on walls and doors.
• Stock up on cleaning supplies to maintain a fresh environment.
• Set a simple weekly cleaning routine to keep your home feeling refreshed.
• Light a scented candle or diffuse essential oils to celebrate your clean, peaceful space.
