Local’s Guide to Lebanon

Posted by Jenni Barnett on Friday, December 7th, 2018 at 3:13am.

 

Lebanon, Tennessee is located about 38 minutes east of Nashville in Wilson County. Known largely for being home to Cumberland University, Cedars of Lebanon State Park, and the host of the Wilson County Fair, Lebanon offers the small town feel, but conveniences of a bigger city. Watch our Local’s Guide to Lebanon video to take a look at this wonderful city!

Maintaining history and historical areas has always been a top priority in Lebanon. Its well-known historical downtown area was formed in 1802 and is still standing strong to this day. In fact, the downtown area has experienced massive growth and revitalization in recent years and is now home to eclectic shops and boutiques.

When it comes to finding a home in Lebanon, there are plenty of options. From townhomes to grand historical southern style homes, any size family or individual will be able to find a place to call their own.

Not only is this area a great place to live, but it’s also a great place to work and do business. Due to its thriving economy, Lebanon attracts and retains many skilled workers and corporate business. Restaurant chain Cracker Barrel was founded in Lebanon in 1969 and has its headquarters there to this day. Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, also chose this community as a home for one of their massive shipping and receiving centers.

Lebanon is a part of the Wilson County School District and Lebanon School District. This area is also home to the historic Cumberland University, which was founded in 1842. Having survived the American Civil War and the Great Depression, Cumberland University now educates over 1,500 undergraduate students.

You can find whatever you need in Lebanon with shopping plazas like the Lebanon Outlet Marketplace, Cedar Shopping Center, and Cedars Square Shopping Center. Never go hungry with local restaurant options like Mo’ Cara, Painturo’s Pizza, and Sunset Restaurant.

Lebanon doesn’t come short on fun things to do. Dating back to 1853, the annual Wilson County Fair offers fun for the entire family with things like a carnival, live music and entertainment, motorized events, and competitions. For those looking for more peace and quiet, Cedars of Lebanon State Park offers beautiful views of nature, camping, hiking, disc golf, and even horseback riding.

With its easy accessibility to Nashville, rising economy, and a wide variety of things to do, Lebanon is the perfect middle ground for people looking for the sense of community a small town offers, while also having the perks of a big city.


LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Mo’ Cara features fine southern cuisine and creative interpretations of classic southern foods. Working with only the finest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible, they strive to create creative, unique, and delicious menus you’ll be talking about long after you leave. If you’re looking for plain and ordinary you’re in the wrong place!

Although very modest and unassuming from the outside, locals say Painturo’s is hands down the best Italian food in Lebanon. Known best for their incredible pizza and mouth-watering spaghetti, Painturo’s is the go-to choice in the area for great food and friendly customer service that’ll keep you coming back!


THINGS TO DO

Consistently ranked as one of the top fairs in the United States, the Wilson County Fair hosts nearly 500,000 people every year. Experience nonstop live music on 9 stages, step back in time in Fiddlers Grove, participate in beauty pageants, watch livestock shows, or enter your creation in one of the hundreds of exhibits. There’s also food of every kind and rides sure to please the whole family. The Wilson County Fair is an 8-day event that is so action-packed, you’ll want to be there every single day!

Part of the Cedars of Lebanon State Forest, the park is named for eastern red cedar trees found throughout the area. The trees reminded early American settlers of the famed Biblical cedar forests that thrived across Mount Lebanon in what is now the Mediterranean area. After becoming a state park in 1955, the 1,139-acre park has 117 campsites and modern lodges that are open year-round.


SCHOOLS

  • Public Schools

Residents have the option of sending their children to any schools in the Lebanon Special School District and Wilson County School District. Enjoy quality education close to home!

  • Private Schools

Residents of this area are central to many private education options! Among the many nearby, Cedars Preparatory Academy and the Friendship Christian School!


See More in Our Local’s Guide Series!

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