Murfreesboro, TN March 2026

Jillian Teslow, DPM Podiatry

To lear n more about Dr. Teslow or to request an appointment, scan here.

Cadence Academy Preschool, Murfreesboro

Our Promise: To provide parents with peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a place as nurturing as home.

Cadence Academy Preschool is a private Christian preschool in Murfreesboro providing a high-quality, fun, Faith-Based learning environment for all children to develop and grow. We offer programs focused on values, for children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. The Christian message of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness is the foundation of all learning here at Cadence. If you are looking for the best preschool in Murfreesboro, look no further!

Glad To Be At Home

"If you don't know where you are goin', any road will take you there," wrote singer-songwriter George Harrison as lead guitarist for the Beatles. Luckily, most of us don't have to worry about where we're going when we're laser-focused on our homes. Returning to our homes feels good because it triggers a chemical reward in our brains, with studies suggesting a dopamine surge can occur, because getting home acts as a sanctuary offering comfort, security and familiarity.

Our homes allow us to relax and shed social pressures for a while. To honor all the positive aspects of homes, within our annual Home-themed edition this month we're paying tribute to the business teams that enable us to find, build or perfect our humble abodes.

As you read through these pages, we hope you have, or can create, a special place to be your reading, sketching or daydreaming nook. It can be little more than a comfy chair with a good reading lamp or a window that brings in natural light, but let it be your retreat! JON

GREGORY, PUBLISHER

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Jon Gregory | jon.gregory@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Stacie Gregory | stacie.gregory@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Angela Lynn Dugger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lynn Caldwell/Parks & Recreation marketing coordinator, Julie Brown Patton, Angela Broockerd

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Angela Lynn Dugger, Dan Jenkins, Amanda Proudfit, Showcase Photographers

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

Tri Star Title And Escrow Team Prepares Agents And Lenders

The Tri Star Title and Escrow, LLC team recently held an informative class in Murfreesboro regarding Financial Crimes Enforcement Network(FinCEN) laws taking effect March 1. FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that safeguards the financial system from illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. Tri Star owner Sheri Morgan says they support buyers, sellers, agents and lenders with thorough title work, accurate escrow handling and smooth settlements.

Real Estate Dreams

Century 21 Wright Realty Professionals Assist Residential And Commercial Clients

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Realtor/broker Shawn Wright works with 25-plus real estate agents to serve Murfreesboro, the Nashville metropolitan area and the surrounding Davidson and Rutherford counties. Examples of Century 21 Wright professionals who help keep clients informed and pleased are spotlighted here.

Sally Locke-Hicks

Realtor and Notary

As a Tennessee native and top-producing real estate professional, Sally says she values the trust that clients place in her. “I strive every day to exceed client expectations by providing excellent customer service and going above and beyond. I love to work with first-time home buyers; it’s most rewarding to experience the excitement they have in a new home. I take time to thoroughly go through the entire process with clients, and I’ll always be available for calls.” Direct: 615.336.0505.

Sally Locke-Hicks' dedication to service earned her Century 21’s highest level of customer service recognition.

Brad Fowler

Realtor

As a seasoned Realtor with a decade of experience in local markets, Brad says he specializes in helping individuals sell and buy homes with ease. “Whether clients want to list their property or find their dream home, I leverage my expertise in market analysis, negotiation skills and personalized service to guide them through every step of the process. I employ cutting-edge strategies, with the latest tools and technologies combined with tried-and-true methods, to maximize exposure and attract qualified buyers.” Direct: 615.519.3339.

Brad Fowler, Realtor, Broker, Coffee County Realty and Auction

The Century 21 Wright Realty team is based out of Murfreesboro at 108 N. Spring St. This family-owned and operated group offers comprehensive real estate services across the Middle Tennessee region (33 counties, including Murfreesboro, Nashville, Hendersonville and Franklin), specializing in residential buying and selling with experienced local agents. Originally opening during 1975 as an independent local real estate company, since 2018 the group has been part of the established Century 21 brand founded in 1971. This local team has helped hundreds of families sell their homes or find their dream homes in Middle Tennessee and beyond, while also

Kathryn Paul

Realtor

As someone who’s lived in Rutherford County for 50-plus years and as a former teacher, Kathy says she likes to apply heart, hustle and hometown roots to help clients navigate their home-related needs. “I know the local market like the back of my hand. Whether clients are upsizing, downsizing or relocating, I make transitions smooth, stress-free and a little fun. I serve families, empty nesters and first-time homebuyers with the same passion, patience and problem-solving I brought to my classroom.” Direct: 615.653.2741.

Kathryn Paul / Photo by Noah Meador

Erik Bremer

21st Century Lending/Loan Officer

Financing a home is one of the biggest commitments to ever make. As a mortgage broker and direct lender, Erik assists clients throughout entire loan processes, offering hundreds of loan programs for purchasing, building or refinancing properties. He says he creates favorable financing options for various scenarios, including down payment assistance and programs with no minimum credit score, job requirements or cash available. “I’m willing to compete with other lenders for any program, rate, term or fees.” Direct: 629.295.5089.

Eric Bremer, 21st Century Lending/Loan Officer

leveraging Century 21’s expansive worldwide referral network. Shawn has commercial clients as well.

Shawn assures that he and his team are focused on integrity, professionalism, strategic solutions, client satisfaction and exceptional results. The team is a multi-year recipient of Century 21’s Quality Service Pinnacle Award. “From staging homes for maximum appeal to using advanced digital marketing techniques, we always remain client-focused.”

615.895.9710

MiddleTennessee.RealEstate

Craftsmanship House BESPOKE CONTRACTOR

Canaan Builders: Acquire

Luxury Home Construction In Middle Tennessee

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHOWCASE PHOTOGRAPHERS

When constructing a new home with Murfreesboroheadquartered Canaan Builders, co-owners and spouses Eric and Niki Hensley offer a three-fold promise to clients: timeless quality through tailored luxury; results from principled, hard-working builders who operate with transparency and honesty; and collaboration that builds quality partnerships for life.

Indeed, Eric admits he and the whole team are a bit obsessed with quality overall.

He reminds that a home-building process can take up to a year or more, so it requires patience, flexibility and a team of experts in one's corner. "We have more than a decade of experience designing and building luxury homes in and around Nashville. Whether someone's looking for a traditional farmhouse or something with a modern flair, we have them covered every step of the way."

Niki, who serves as the company's design coordinator, adds, "We build custom homes that are aesthetically pleasing and endlessly functional. Whatever homeowners' needs may be, we pride ourselves on making their next home truly beautiful for them."

The Canaan team handles pre-built, designbuilt and custom-built homes — all known as high-end dwellings. Pre- or spec-built houses are move-in ready with faster closings, while designbuilt renditions reflect a streamlined approach for the construction and architectural components so homeowners can focus on the feel and livability of the house by selecting personal finishes, such as exterior materials (brick, stone, siding) and interior finishes (flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting and fixtures) to customize the home.

For Canaan custom builds, the financing, permitting, materials purchase, inspections and interior design are included in the agreement fee. Eric says they provide a fixed-price method for which the cost in a contract is the cost paid. "In other words, we avoid unexpected fees or creeping costs," he adds.

At press time, four Canaan project managers were managing 90 different single-family homes and townhouses, which Niki confirms are in various stages from permitting to rehabbing to final construction. These Canaan crews are supported by five in-office professionals to handle financial and administrative construction factors.

This detail-driven team also transforms backyards into personal paradises, installs custom gunite swimming pools and prioritizes energy-saving technologies via eco-friendly executions.

The Canaan Builders team handles pre-built, design-built and custom-built homes.

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

TOP-TIER Heating AND Air CONDITIONING SERVICES

Aire Serv Of Murfreesboro: Locally Owned And Operated Team Handles

Commercial And Residential Customers

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY AIRE SERV OF MURFREESBORO

Indoor air quality is paramount, especially given how much time people often spend in their homes. The level of air quality in houses and buildings relates to both health and comfort of occupants, and is affected by temperature, humidity, ventilation and chemical or biological contaminants found within each structure. Some good news is that air quality doesn't have to be left up to chance.

To get advice from local HVAC experts,  Murfreesboro City Lifestyle checked in with Lee Downing, franchise owner of Aire Serv of Murfreesboro, who was happy to answer all the questions. This HVAC business has been operating since the fall of 2020. Their company's team partners with professionals at Mr. Electric of Murfreesboro, whose staff provides electrical services to the local community, including Generac generators.

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO HANDLING THIS TYPE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE?

"As a homeowner, I know how stressful it is when the air stops working, especially in Tennessee heat or a cold snap. I was drawn to this business because it’s one of the few services where you can make an immediate difference in someone’s comfort and peace of mind. I enjoy building a company that treats people the way we’d want our own family treated: show up on time, explain what’s going on, offer options and do the work the right way."

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU SUPPLY?

"We provide full-service heating and cooling support for residential and commercial customers. That includes system diagnostics and repairs, seasonal maintenance and tune-ups, air conditioner and heat pump installations, furnace and heater repair or replacement, and indoor air quality solutions. We also help customers improve comfort through airflow balancing, filtration upgrades, humidity control and ventilation recommendations based on the needs of the home."

CONTINUED >

WHAT MAKES YOUR COMPANY DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS WHO PROVIDE THESE SAME TYPES OF SERVICES?

"We focus on clarity and consistency. Our customers deserve straightforward communication —  what we found, what it means, and what it will take to fix it — without pressure. We emphasize preventative maintenance because it protects customers' investments and helps avoid emergency breakdowns so that customers have peace of mind when it comes to our safety checks and visits."

DO ALL YOUR TECHNICIANS WORK DIRECTLY FOR THE COMPANY VERSUS BEING CONTRACTED, SOLO TECHNICIANS?

"Yes, our technicians work directly with our company. That matters because it ensures consistent training, standards and accountability. When someone comes to your home wearing our name, we want you to feel confident that they’re backed by a team, proven processes and a commitment to doing things safely and correctly."

ARE THERE ANY NEW SERVICES YOU'VE LAUNCHED THIS YEAR, OR INTEND TO LAUNCH BEFORE YEAR'S END?

"Indoor air quality has become a bigger focus for many homeowners, so we’re expanding education and solutions around filtration, purification, humidity control and ventilation. We’re also working to make preventative care easier for customers, so maintaining their system is simple, scheduled and stress-free. Our goal is to help families get better comfort and fewer surprises throughout the year."

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?

"I love that this work is both technical and personal. Every home and building is different, and every customer has a different comfort need. The best days are when we solve a problem that’s been bothering a family for weeks: hot rooms, humidity issues, allergy concerns, and they can feel the relief immediately."

WHAT'S THE BEST BEGINNING POINT FOR CUSTOMERS, ESPECIALLY WITH SPRING COMING?

"If thinking about indoor air quality, start with the basics: a well-maintained system, the right home filter and proper airflow. Many air-quality issues are tied to humidity and ventilation, not just 'dirty air.' My advice is to schedule a professional evaluation before peak season hits. A small adjustment today can prevent a major breakdown later, and help a home feel consistently comfortable year-round."

Breathe Comfortable, Clean Air For Healthier, Happier Lives

Aire Serv of Murfreesboro is part of Aire Serv’s network of 200-plus locations across the United States and Canada. Aire Serv was founded during 1992. Local Aire Serv entrepreneurial owner Lee Downing assures his team lives by the following code of values: Respect, Integrity, Customer Focus, Having Fun in the Process.

“For decades, the Aire Serv brand has stood for excellence and putting customers first. We’re proud to be a trusted name in the field of heating and air conditioning installation, maintenance and repair,” adds Lee, whose stated mission is to provide premium home services with a commitment to world-class execution.

615.380.4671 AireServ.com/Murfreesboro

PRIVATE OFFICES. SHARED ENERGY. SMARTER

Join our thriving business community while space lasts! Located in the vibrant Fountains at Gateway community, Studio Suites features turnkey, furnished corporate suites accommodating up to 20 team members and a full complement of luxurious amenities. With only one Corporate Suite and two Team Offices currently available, Studio presents a unique opportunity to elevate your workspace at Fountains. Designed for modern teams, these suites feature cutting-edge technology, refined finishes, and flexible monthly leasing. Act now while these openings last!

ST. CLAIR SENIOR CENTER: WHERE OLDER ADULTS SHARE LIFE

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

“EVERY DAY IS DIFFERENT. WE HAVE SO MUCH FUN CREATING  UNIQUE OPPORTUNITIES  FOR SENIORS.”

“Seniors feel as if St. Clair is their second home," shares Mark Owens, superintendent of St. Clair Senior Center in Murfreesboro at 325 St. Clair St. “They love to partake in our many activities, exercise classes and trips. Or simply come to drink some coffee and socialize.”

The moment people walk through the front doors of the St. Clair Senior Center, they often say they feel like they're “home." But it’s not a place to live or even stay for a few nights; it’s a vibrant and fun activity center that seniors are graciously welcomed into, and look forward to coming back, time and time again.

Since 1980, the St. Clair Senior Center has been helping seniors live active, independent lifestyles for as long as possible and without regard to socioeconomic status. The Center provides a warm, caring place where those 60 and older can gather with other adults for services and activities that reflect shared experiences and skills, support one's needs and interests, broadens independence and maintains one's involvement in the community.

ST. CLAIR SENIOR CENTER OPERATING HOURS ARE: MONDAYS THROUGH

FRIDAYS •

6 A.M.TO 7 P.M.; SATURDAYS • 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M.; AND SUNDAYS • 1-5 P.M.

“It’s an incredible gift for myself and my staff to be part of something so special," remarks Mark. “Every day is new and different, and we just have so much fun creating unique opportunities for the senior community to connect.”

This community hub really is all about connections. Daily activities at St. Clair provide many social interactions, including games of billiards, several card groups, a well-stocked library with books, magazines, movies, the puzzle room and lots and lots of coffee shared. Aside from a great workout room, the list of fitness programs is long and varies with everything from chair yoga for beginners to tai chi, karate and line dancing. It is also a great creative outlet offering stained glass art classes, ceramics, watercolor, quilting, crocheting and several music classes, too.

One of the most popular programs offered is St. Clair Travel. Their trips fill up quickly, but the wait is well worth it, according to former travelers. There are many types of trips available, including international, national and even local trips. Upcoming 2026 tours include a Niagara Falls & Toronto trip, a Grand Canyon and Las Vegas trip, Highlights of Kenya cruise, Treasures of Ireland, the

Virginia Scenic Railway, just to name a few. There are also many day trips for lunch and shopping at new and exciting places.

Another favorite way to connect is through the special events that happen at St. Clair with everything from dances, health fairs, educational sessions on hot and current topics, art shows, Noon Year’s Eve and their very own theater productions. There is always something big happening and something to look forward to each month. Connection encourages friendships, and there are so many ways to cultivate connections at St. Clair, which is why people feel so at home when they come here.

Mark says volunteers are welcome at the Center in a variety of forms: bingo caller, drama (Seniors Acting Up), hand quilting, knitting, crocheting, library assistant, server/clean up after events, sign-in table at events, Singing Seniors, stuff bags for events, take blood pressure, telephone reassurance, trip escort, WEE Read and welcome center helper.

An online version of the Senior Connection Program Guide, which lists all classes, programs and upcoming events, is available at MurfreesboroParks.com

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Most Popular Home Décor In 2026

ARTFULLY FURNISHING LIVING SPACES TO ENHANCE ESTHETIC APPEAL, COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY

Tassels

Tassels may show up everywhere on furniture, lamps and drapery, because they add instant textures and luxurious flair. A recent  Forbes magazine article stated this trend introduces color, movement and sophistication.

Natural Greenery

Natural greenery is a must-have, with the focus on live plants rather than faux florals to improve health and psychological benefits, state designers representing furniture store Living Spaces. Some people believe real plants boost productivity, while adding natural beauty to indoor areas.

Statement Hardware

Think of ‘statement hardware’ as ‘jewelry’ for furniture. Some homeowners are switching out cabinet and door handles with unique, almost antiquestyle hardware. It’s about adding personality, detail and thoughtful touches to homes.

Metal Accents

Warm metal accents are on the rise, with bronze replacing brass as the top metal for lighting, hardware and accessories. The interior design goal appears to be adding a softer, aged elegance to spaces.

Earthy Tones

Rich, earthy tones, such as rust, warm yellow, olive green and deeper, moodier shades are replacing cool grays, note sources such as Houzz and Vogue

Bombshells

With

Whether you’re experiencing hair loss or simply want to elevate your look, our experienced team will guide you through a private, personalized consultation— from selection to styling.

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT

MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED

There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.

Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.

“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”

Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.

“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”

That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.

THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED

The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.

“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”

A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.

ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME

The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.

Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.

POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT

If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.

LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH

Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings.

Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.

At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.

PROJECT CREDITS

Builder - Buildwell

Architect and Interior Architect - Flower Architecture

Designer - Kate Manz

CARING FOR THE HEARTS OF MURFREESBORO FAMILIES

MARCH 6TH-8TH

Murfreesboro Little

Theatre Presents: Elvis

Has Left The Building

Oaklands Mansion | 7:00 PM

It’s Dec. 20, 1970, and Elvis Presley has disappeared. No one, not even his wily manager, “The Colonel,” knows of his whereabouts. But the Colonel is all shook up because he's racked up a secret debt, and with the King himself missing, the only way to pay it off is to find an Elvis impersonator within 24 hours. Hijinks ensue.

MARCH 7TH

Art Of Knot-Tying (Macrame)

Wilderness Station, Barfield Crescent Park | 10:00 AM

Discover the creative side of survival skills in this hands-on macrame workshop. Attendees will learn knots traditionally used in outdoor and survival settings, then apply them to craft a beautiful piece of macrame art as a fun blend of function and flair. All supplies are included. Registration ($5) is required. For more information,

Cannonsburgh Crafts: Wooden Spoon Creations

Cannonsburgh Village | 10:00 AM

Take a simple wooden spoon and transform it through creativity. Garden flowers, winter snowmen, a simple picture or wherever your imagination takes you. This take-home craft is ready for your arrival for this 1-hour session. Admission is $5 per participant. Make your reservation by registering online, emailing sthompson@murfreesborotn.gov., or calling 615.890-0355.

CONTINUED

MARCH 12TH

TEDx

The Walnut House | 6:00 PM

TEDx will host its first-ever Murfreesboro event, featuring curated, local "ideas worth spreading" until 9 p.m. Tickets for this inaugural, independent, community-focused event are limited and available to the public via Eventbrite. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. Murfreesboro co-organizers are Joshua Specht and David Specht.

MARCH 21ST

HOME IS MORE THAN A PLACE,

Peace of Mind

Hike With Jane: Wildflowers

Wilderness Station, Barfield Crescent Park | 10:00 AM

Enjoy the sounds of surrounding nature. Blaze the trail, hike and learn about the area's native wildlife and wildflowers from an enthusiastic Tennessee State Naturalist and educator for City of Murfreesboro sessions, Jane Powell. This adventure concludes at 11 a.m. No registration necessary.

MARCH 28TH

2nd Annual Oreo Festival

MTSU Livestock Center | 10:00 AM

Get ready for a full day packed with Oreo-inspired treats, desserts, drinks and family fun. From the classics beloved to wild, new Oreo creations, this is the ultimate celebration for cookie lovers of all ages, including Oreo dessert vendors, food trucks, games and activities. Murfreesboro is about to get a whole lot sweeter. This event offers free parking and admission.