Middle Tennessee’s restaurant industry is thriving, providing countless new choices for locals and tourists alike to grab a quality meal. 

This growth is not just providing dining options, but also countless job opportunities and yet another reason to visit the area. The food service industry is projected to increase more than 10% over the next 8 years, and the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. is eager to see if this growth can make Nashville a popular destination for foodies.

Over 100 restaurants opened in Nashville alone in 2017, and though the growth is expected to plateau, chances are, there are still dozens of restaurants you’ve yet to try. We visited one, Pancho and Lefty’s, to learn more about the exciting new concept.

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January is a great time to rest after the holidays, read that book you’ve been meaning to pick up, and visit with family and friends. It may be chilly, but it’s also a great time to get out of the house and enjoy some of the best events Middle Tennessee has to offer. From outdoor activities to evenings out on the town, we’ve got you covered.

January 1: First Day Hike
Various Tennessee State Parks
Get some fresh air and recover from your night on the town with a free hike around one of Tennessee’s beautiful state parks. Can’t make this one? Check your local state park’s event calendar for other hikes and programming, most of which are free!

January 4-28: Winter Shakespeare | Hamlet
Belmont’s Troutt Theater | Nashville
The Nashville

You’ve taken the kiddos to visit Santa, they’ve made their wishlist, and it’s Christmas Eve. What’s the last thing you should do before convincing them that Christmas morning will come faster if they go to sleep? Leave out some cookies and milk for Santa, of course! We visited Julia’s HomeStyle Bakery in Murfreesboro to find out what Mr. Claus likes best and about the care and love that goes into each of the bakery’s cookies. 

The holidays are a busy time around Julia’s, with around 900 dozen cookies being ordered each week. Each cookie is hand rolled, cut, glazed, iced, and sprinkled before being put in the beautiful display cases at the front of the store. No shortcuts are taken, and guests can get a peek into the kitchen from the counter where

If you’ve got little ones at home, one of the most fun parts of Christmas is taking them to meet Santa! Hearing what questions they come up with and what gifts they want from St. Nick is a fun experience, and whether they laugh or cry, the photos are always priceless. We’ve compiled a list of some of the area’s best places to take your kids to visit Santa, along with tips and tricks to make it an enjoyable experience! 

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

1200 Forrest Park Drive | Nashville

When?: Tuesdays-Thursdays through Christmas, 8 pm
Cost: Included with Cheekwood Admission
Other: Bring your own camera!

The Mall at Green Hills

2126 Abbott Martin Road | Nashville

When?: During Mall Hours
Cost: $26-52, depending upon package purchased
Other:

The holiday season is in full swing and there are plenty of events around Middle Tennessee to keep you busy. Make plans to see a family-friendly play, step back in time at Dickensfest, or get ready for a fun evening out with one of our suggestions for December. 

November 24th-December 10: It’s a Wonderful Life
Hendersonville Performing Arts Company Theater
This classic holiday favorite is back, telling the tale of George Bailey and his visit from his guardian angel. It’s a heartwarming tale that celebrates the American philosophy of life.

November 24th-December 31: Holiday LIGHTS
Cheekwood | Nashville
One million lights will fill the trees and surround the gardens and ponds of the beautiful Cheewood Estate and Gardens. Kids will enjoy visiting

Make-A-Wish, a non-profit close to the hearts of the Parks Family of Realtors®, grants wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Serving 38 counties in Middle Tennessee, they grant approximately 140 wishes per year for children between the ages of two and a half and 18. 

Make-A-Wish is participating in Giving Tuesday, a day of giving following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, falling this year on November 28. It kicks off the charitable season and has a global reach, raising millions of dollars for nonprofits in approximately 98 countries.

This biggest part of Giving Tuesday’s campaign is through social media, and it’s one of the biggest ways an individual can participate beyond donating financially. They offer an online toolkit

On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States, many people have begun to celebrate a day of giving known as Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday). Founded in 2012, Giving Tuesday is a direct response to the rampant consumerism and commercialization of the holiday season. Disturbed by the lack of empathy and compassion demonstrated by US citizens during such events as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the 92nd Street Y and The United Nations Foundation launched Giving Tuesday in the hopes that the entire world would be inspired to launch the holiday season with an emphasis on giving and charity rather than self-enrichment and exchanging of material goods with those who don’t truly need them. 

By 2016, just four short years after its launch, Giving

ABOUT BRENTWOOD

The area between Davidson and Williamson counties is home to some of the prettiest communities in Middle Tennessee. Brentwood, Tennessee sits just minutes from downtown Nashville and features pristine parks, some of the best schools in the state, and homes that look like they’ve come out of a Southern Living magazine.

Brentwood is located about 10 minutes south of Nashville in scenic Williamson County, and because of its easy access to Nashville and small-town feel, Brentwood has quickly grown to become one of the most attractive and desirable communities in Tennessee.

The town is home to an abundance of recreational and cultural amenities such as 11 public parks, the Brentwood Library, which is a must visit if you have

There are a lot of great pumpkin patches around Middle Tennessee, and each one offers something a little different. We spent a day at Lucky Ladd Farm and spoke to their staff to bring you the best tips for visiting your local pumpkin patch. 

Things to Do

• Pick a Pumpkin
• Visit the Petting Zoo
• Go Through the Corn Maze
• Go on a Hayride/Train ride
• Play on the Playground
• Grab Something from the Concessions
• Mine for Gems

Each farm has a unique list of things to do. Visit their website or grab a map when you arrive to plan your day!

Elements of the Perfect Pumpkin

• No mushy/soft spots
• No brown spots
• No discoloration (could mean it is frostbitten)
• Has a strong, sturdy stem that is dark green or black
• Symmetrically shaped

November is a great time to enjoy time with your family and friends, eat a great meal or two (or more!), and gear up for the holiday season. There’s a lot going on this November to keep you busy, but many events have the wonderful opportunity of also letting you give back to your community. Take some time this month to reflect on what you’re grateful for and give back when you can! 

November 3-4: Gallatin Ghost Walk
Gallatin City Hall | Gallatin

Storytellers in period dress tell chilling tales of Sumner County’s history and folklore. This tradition has been apart of Gallatin’s community calendar since 2005 and is a family-friendly event. This will be a great event for those who didn’t get enough ghost stories at Halloween.

November 4: Wine