August 27, 2026
Happy Thursday, Mt. Juliet! 🍂
There’s just something about that little crispness in the morning air that makes you stop and think, Ohhh… fall is coming. And we couldn’t be happier about it. 😊
We’ve got a good one for you this week. We lost an American icon yesterday and have a special tribute to Dolly and the lasting legacy she left behind. Eddie Poole from Benchmark Realty is back with a little something we could all take to heart, we found a fun way to get to the Titans games without fighting traffic, and we’ve got the details on upcoming Home Rule meetings, local events, and plenty more happening around town.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee, take a little break, and let’s catch up on what’s happening around Mt. Juliet! ☕️🍂
Denise & Mike
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THIS WEEK IN MT. JULIET
Your Quick Look at What’s Inside
💗 Remembering Dolly
🏡 Home Rule Meetings
🏈 Titans Train
🚓 Back the Blue License Plate
🌳 From the Front Porch with Eddie Poole
👟 Walk for Hope: Making a Difference
📸 A Look Back: Mt. Juliet’s History in Photos
🐶 Pet of the Week
💰 Insider Deals: Exclusive Coupon
📆 Things to Do in Mt Juliet This Week
☀ Weekly weather forecast
💗 Remembering Dolly: A Gift That Keeps Giving
Photo courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Dolly Parton was one of those rare people who seemed to make the world a little brighter just by being in it. She brought joy through her music, kindness through her actions, and hope through the countless lives she touched. And even right here in Wilson County, her generosity has made a lasting difference.
As we remember Dolly, we’ll remember so much more than the songs and the sparkle. We’ll remember the good she did—and the way she quietly found ways to give back to people who needed a little help, a little hope, or simply something to smile about.
Here in Wilson County, that legacy has shown up in a particularly sweet way — right in our mailboxes.
For years, local parents and grandparents have watched little ones get excited when a book arrived with their very own name on it. Dolly created the Imagination Library in honor of her father, who never had the opportunity to learn to read, and her simple idea grew into a gift that has reached children all over the world — including right here in our community.
Our own family was part of the Imagination Library, and I’ll always remember how excited the kids were when those books arrived in the mail. They loved opening them, seeing their names on the packaging, and discovering a new story inside. Looking back, those little books became so much more than something to read — they became part of our family memories, and I know I’ll always treasure that.
Every month, children in Wilson County from birth through age 5 can receive a free, high-quality book in the mail. It’s more than just a book. It’s a bedtime story, a new adventure, a reason to get excited about reading — and a little piece of Dolly’s heart arriving at your home.
That’s the kind of legacy that doesn’t disappear. Month after month, it lives on in the hands of children who may never fully realize just how much one woman cared about giving them books, opening their imaginations and helping spark a lifelong love of reading.
Dolly will be deeply missed. But what a beautiful thing it is to know that her memory will keep living on through the good she put into the world. 💗
If you have a little one or grandchild under 5, you can learn more and sign up at imaginationlibrary.com.
🏛️ Home Rule: Come Get the Scoop
The City of Mt. Juliet will host a series of Home Rule Information Meetings beginning in September, giving residents a chance to learn what Home Rule means for the city, hear directly from City Commission members and staff, and ask questions. Check the schedule below and find a meeting that works for you — come get informed and be part of the conversation!
🏈 Hop on the Titans Train!
With football season gearing up, here’s a little local discovery that Titans fans will want to know about: you can take a train from Mt. Juliet straight to downtown Nashville for Titans home games! 🚂💙
The Titans Express runs for every home game, including preseason, so you can leave the traffic and parking headaches behind and spend your energy cheering on our Titans instead!
The next ride is Saturday, August 29, when the Titans take on the Chicago Bears. The train makes stops in Lebanon, Hamilton Springs, Martha, Mt. Juliet, Hermitage and Donelson before heading to Riverfront Station. Round-trip tickets are just $17 ($15 + $2 fee), and kids 4 and under ride free when sitting in a parent or guardian’s lap. After the game, the train heads back about an hour after the game ends. So, grab your Titans gear, hop on the train and Titan Up! Click here for more info.💙🏈
🚔 Show Your Support for Tennessee Law Enforcement
Want a simple way to Back the Blue every time you hit the road?
A new Tennessee Back the Blue Specialty License Plate is working to reach 1,000 pre-orders before June 2027 so the plate can make its way onto Tennessee roads.
The plate features bold navy and black colors along with the Tennessee Tri-Star, creating a simple but meaningful way to show support for the law enforcement officers who serve communities across our state.
Once approved, proceeds from each plate sold will help support officer training, community programs, critical resources and other efforts that promote public safety throughout Tennessee.
🚔 A license plate with a purpose—and a pretty cool way to show your support while you're out and about! Click here for more information.
🚔 Speaking of local law enforcement, the MJPD just announced that U-turns are now officially allowed in Mt. Juliet! To be honest, we had no idea they were ever illegal in the first place.
🚗 Did you know U-turns were against the law here?
Last Week’s Poll Results…
🥵What’s your strategy for surviving the fair in this heat?
🎡 Nothing stops me from going to the fair!- 13.8%
🌙 Nighttime fair visits are the way to go- 20.7%
🍧 Give me a snow cone and some shade!- 6.9%
🏠 I’ll pass until it cools off- 58.6%
📝 From the Front Porch
Eddie Poole is back with us this month, taking a thoughtful look at something we could all probably give a little more of these days — grace. In a world where it’s easy to get frustrated with one another, Eddie reminds us of the difference a little understanding, patience, and kindness can make. So grab your favorite brew, settle in, and enjoy this month’s feature. ☕️
🤍 A LITTLE MORE GRACE COULD MAKE MT JULIET EVEN BETTER
The Mt. Juliet neighborhood I live in has one of those busy roads you have to turn onto when leaving the neighborhood. Before school starts, it can get pretty hard to get out. And if you don't take the opportunity to turn when the slightest break in traffic opens up, you could be sitting there for a while.
I don't know about you, but not much irritates me more than sitting behind someone who is hesitant to move.
And yes, I do talk to them a little when I'm sitting behind them.
"GO, PLEASE!"
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???"
Of course, they can't hear me, but somehow I feel better saying it.
Maybe that's not what irritates you. Maybe it's something else.
You don't get the best service at a restaurant.
You let someone out in traffic and they don't give you the little "thank you" wave.
The cashier at Kroger is more interested in talking to a co-worker than checking you out.
Here's what I've been thinking about lately:
We see people's behavior, but we rarely see behind the curtain of their lives. We don't see the burdens they're carrying.
Personally, I've discovered that it's much easier for me to get irritated and judge someone when I don't know their story. I think most of us probably struggle with that.
Maybe that's part of the reason "keyboard warriors" can be so brave on social media. It's easy to say things to or about someone when we don't really know the person—or what they're going through.
Galatians 6:2 says, "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
The reality is, we can't carry every burden we encounter—especially when we don't even know what the burden is.
But everyone is carrying something.
Maybe they're behind on their bills because of medical issues.
Maybe they have an out-of-control teenager and they're at their wits' end trying to figure out what to do.
Maybe they just received a bad report from the doctor.
Maybe they're caring for an aging parent.
Maybe their marriage is struggling.
Maybe they're simply having one of the worst days they've had in a long time.
We may never know.
But here's one thing we can do:
We can make the decision to show a little grace and not make their burden heavier.
It doesn't have to be something big.
Hold the door.
Smile at the person you pass in the aisle at Publix.
Be patient with the overwhelmed server at The Paper Mill or Corner Pub.
Let someone merge into traffic—even if they don't give you the wave.
Say something encouraging to the cashier instead of getting irritated.
And yes, take a breath and be patient with the person in front of you who just won't GO!
Mt. Juliet continues to grow. People are moving here from all over the country. We have more houses, more cars, more businesses, and certainly more traffic than we've ever had.
Growth brings a lot of change, but I hope one thing doesn't change.
I hope Mt. Juliet continues to be a place where people care about one another.
We can't control every decision that's made about the growth of our city. But every one of us can do our part to help Mt. Juliet remain the awesome place to live that it has always been.
We do that one person at a time.
So the next time you're sitting on Lebanon Road and someone cuts you off, or you're waiting behind someone at Compassion Coffee or Nutrition Nova and they seem to be taking forever, remember this:
You don't know what burden they may be carrying.
Give them a little grace.
Someday, the person carrying something heavy could be you.
👟 Walk for Hope: Making a Difference Together
If you’re looking for a simple way to make a difference, you can join your neighbors for the 2026 Team Hope Walk at Charlie Daniels Park.
The walk will take place on Saturday, September 5 at 9 a.m. and supports the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA), helping fund research, family services and advocacy for those affected by Huntington’s disease, all while spreading hope for a cure.
You don’t have to be personally connected to Huntington’s disease to take part. Whether you walk, start a team, help raise money or simply make a donation, every bit of support helps.
Registration is free, and if you raise $100 or more, you’ll receive a complimentary participant shirt.
📍 The Details
Saturday, September 5, 2026
9 a.m.
Charlie Daniels Park
1075 Charlie Daniels Parkway, Mt. Juliet
It’s a great opportunity to get outside, meet up with friends and neighbors, and support an important cause—all right here in Mt. Juliet.
Ready to join the walk? Visit the HDSA website to register, start a team or learn more about how you can help.
🏘️ Around Town: Opening Updates
🍹 Casa Mezcal Is Almost Here!
The wait is finally over! Casa Mezcal (11804 Lebanon Rd.) has announced its opening for August 31, so the newest spot in town is just days away from welcoming guests. With a beautiful patio, it looks like the perfect place to grab a drink, enjoy some food, and soak up the last bits of summer. Be sure to go check them out!
🍨 CocoPilla Is Now (Softly) Open!
Calling all gelato lovers! CocoPilla (2236 N. Mt Juliet Rd.) is officially open and serving up Italian gelato right here in Mt. Juliet. And here’s a fun bonus: they’ll also have the classic Disney-favorite Dole Whip! 🍍Even better, they’re open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with hours potentially running even later on weekends. That makes this a pretty tempting stop for an afternoon treat, an after-dinner dessert, or a late-night scoop! 🍦
📸 A Look Back: A Few More Stops Down Memory Lane
We’re winding down our little trip through Mt. Juliet’s educational history, but we have a couple more interesting stops to make! This week, we’re heading back more than a century to the Beckwith community for a look at an early Mt. Juliet school and the people who were part of it. These old photos offer a wonderful glimpse into what school life looked like here in the early 1900s — and they’re a great reminder of just how much our community has changed.
Beckwith School, Around 1900
These photos take us back more than 120 years to Beckwith School, located in the Beckwith community along what is now Beckwith Road in Mt. Juliet. One photo shows the school building surrounded by students and adults, while another features Flavus J. Sullivan, who was born in 1875 and was a teacher at Beckwith School around 1900. The school was part of the area’s early rural education system, serving families in the surrounding community. Historical records show that a Beckwith School District was formally established in Wilson County in 1913.
Looking at these old photographs, it’s fun to imagine what a school day might have been like back then — no school buses, no smartphones, and definitely no air conditioning! Just a simple schoolhouse, a teacher, and a group of local children learning together.
Did someone in your family attend school here, or do you remember this building? Hit reply and share your memories with us!
A special thank you to Wilson County Archivist Linda Granstaff for generously providing these wonderful photos for us to share with the community. We hope you enjoy this journey through Mt. Juliet's past!
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The Cookware Behind 100+ Michelin-Starred Kitchens, Now in Brushed Copper
You've probably seen Made In Cookware® by now. They're the cookware brand used in 4,000+ professional kitchens and adopted by millions of home cooks.
Their 5-ply Stainless Clad line is what put them on the map, and now it comes in a limited-run Brushed Copper finish.
🐾 Pet of the Week: Meet Turkey Bacon!
Just look at that face! 😍 Turkey Bacon is a 1½-year-old Black Lab with the sweetest expression, a big personality, and plenty of love to give.
This handsome guy is snuggly, affectionate, and full of energy. He’s the kind of dog who would love nothing more than to be part of an active family that enjoys getting outside, playing and going for walks. And when playtime is over? Turkey Bacon is more than happy to settle in for some quality snuggle time. ❤️
❤️ Interested in adopting Turkey Bacon? Visit the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter during business hours or stop by their Farewell to Summer Adoption event this Saturday from 11-2!
What’s Up Mt Juliet Shortcuts:
💸 Insider Deals
🍴 This Week’s Exclusive Coupon: Kat’s Bar & Grille
Looking for a good excuse to grab a bite along with a cold drink and unwind? We’ve got one! 😋
This week’s exclusive coupon is from Kat’s Bar & Grille, and it gets you a FREE Happy Hour appetizer with any purchase! 🎉
Yep — order something for yourself and get a Happy Hour appetizer on the house. Whether you’re meeting up with friends, grabbing dinner, or just need an excuse to treat yourself, this is a pretty tasty deal.
This Week’s Line Up
$= There is a charge for these events
Thursday, August 27
☕ Coffee with a Cop | La Madeleine Cafe | 10 am - 12 pm
Drop in between 10 a.m. and noon for coffee, pastries, and friendly conversation with members of the MJPD. It’s a perfect chance to ask questions, meet the officers, and build connections within our community.
Friday, August 28
FoodieLand Food Festival, Nashville Superspeedway 8/28-8/30
📖 Story Time | Breeden’s Orchard | 10 - 11 am
A sweet morning on the farm for little ones—Story Time at Breeden’s Orchard features engaging stories, fresh air, and relaxed playtime in a cozy outdoor setting.
🥕 Friday Night Market | Breeden’s Orchard | 4:30 - 8:30 pm
Stroll through vendor booths featuring local makers, grab dinner, a drink or treats from the market, and enjoy the open-air orchard setting. It’s a nice way to support local, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the farm as the sun goes down.
🍺 Cider Fridays Happy Hour | Breeden’s Orchard | 4:30 - 9:00 pm
Come hang out at the orchard, sip your favorite Breeden’s cider or beer, and make the most of your weekend on the farm. 🍎🍺
🍕 Parent’s Night Out: Childcare, Pizza and Keychains | Hammer & Stain | 5:30 - 8:30 pm | $
Enjoy a night off your kids will rave about all year — while you savor a well‑earned date night. Drop them off, and dinner, entertainment, and fun will be completely taken care of.
💗 Mom’s Social | The Little Gym | 6 - 7:30 pm | $
Join in on enjoyable and interesting conversations with other moms while your kids have fun playing together. It's a great chance to meet other moms, share stories, and make some friends.
🏈 MJCA Football vs. Concord Christian | MJCA Football Stadium | 7 pm | $
Join in the excitement and rally behind the Saints’ varsity football team for the thrilling Homecoming game under the Friday Night Lights!
Just around the corner:
🐻 Reading Ranger Story Time | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 11 am- 12 pm
🍔 FoodieLand | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, TN | 3- 10 pm | $
🌕 Full Sturgeon Moon Hike | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 8- 10 pm
Saturday, August 29
🍅 Farmer’s Market | Charlie Daniels Park | 8 am - 1 pm
This event brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors to create a lively, welcoming community market. It’s a fun way to shop while supporting local small businesses
🐶 Farewell to Summer Adoption Event | Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter | 11 am - 2 pm
Meet your new best friend at this end of summer adoption event! Stop by the animal shelter to meet amazing dogs and cats waiting for their forever families.
🍽 Unmasking Freedom Annual Gala: A Farm to Fork Event | Irishwoods Events Venue | 5:30 - 9 pm | $
Join Rest Stop Ministries for their 14th annual gala. Your ticket includes entry to the evening, shopping hour, farm-to-fork dinner, and the opportunity to participate in the raffle and live auction.
Just around the corner:
🧈 Butter Churning Class | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 12 pm
👜 The Market @ 109 | The Market at 109, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 1 pm
🛍 Musicians at the Market | Wilson County Vendor Market, Lebanon, TN | 8 am- 2 pm
🃏 Card Club | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 10:30 am - 4:30 pm
🍔 FoodieLand | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, TN | 1- 10 pm | $
🧺 Beginner Basket Weaving | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 2:30 - 4 pm | $
🍫 Embark- A Global Chocolate Culinary Adventure | Durci Chocolate, Lebanon, TN | 6 pm | $
Sunday, August 30
🐶 Canines and Coffee | Starbucks (Division St & N. Mt Juliet Rd) | 10 am - 2 pm
Visit MJ’s newest Starbucks to meet some adorable pups looking for their forever homes. Sip on your favorite coffee and you might just leave with your new best friend!
🐾 Mt Juliet Animal Shelter Volunteer Orientation | Mt Juliet Animal Shelter | 12 pm
If you’re passionate about animals and want to make a positive impact in our community, this could be your chance. Drop by the shelter this Sunday to learn how you can get involved!
🎨 Whimsythings Paint Party | Ready Teddy’s | 2 - 4 pm | $
Enjoy a fun, creative paint party where the cost includes everything you need to make your own masterpiece, including paint, canvas and brushes — plus a medium drink from Ready Teddy’s!
Just around the corner:
🧘 Rise and Shine Yoga in the Park | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 8:30 - 9:30 am
🐦 Pinecone Bird Feeders | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 2 - 3 pm | $
🍔 FoodieLand | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, TN | 1- 10 pm | $
Monday, August 31
☕ Bingo Night | Compassion Coffeehouse | 5 - 7 pm
Come out for a fun round of Bingo and a chance to win free coffee! ☕️🎉 Grab your friends, play a few games and see if your lucky number comes up!
🀄 Mahjong Night | Braingineers Lab | 6 - 8:30 pm | $
Mahjong night is a great excuse to get out, have some fun, and enjoy a little friendly competition! Bring your game face, grab your friends, and join in for a fun night around the table.
Just around the corner:
🐮 Family Afternoon: Cow Cuddles and Coloring | S & G Legacy Farm, Lebanon, TN | 5 pm | $
Tuesday, September 1
💻 Drop-in Tech Help | Mt. Juliet Library | 1 - 3 pm
Come in anytime 1:00 to 3:00 to ask tech questions or get help with most computer subjects, including Microsoft Office, Google Docs, internet searching & safety, email, ebooks, Libby app, smartphones, and more!
Just around the corner:
🎮 Teen Hangout | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage, TN | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Wednesday, September 2
🀄 Mahjongg Afternoon | Billy Goat Coffee Cafe | 1 - 4 pm
Enjoy a friendly game of Mahjongg, meet new friends, and have fun each week. Whether you're a seasoned player or still learning, everyone is welcome!
Just around the corner:
✏ Writer Support Group | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 5:30 - 7:30 pm
🧘♀ Gentle Yoga | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 6 - 7 pm
Thursday, September 3
🏠 The Home Pour | Ready Teddy’s Coffee | 5 - 7 pm
Come hang out at The Home Pour—a relaxed, no-pressure evening where you can ask any home-related questions and connect with local professionals all while enjoying a complimentary drink.
Just around the corner:
🧪 Library Lab: A STEAM Program | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
🎭 Nashville Children’s Theater Workshop | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
🎨 Wine & Watercolor: A Beginner’s Painting Workshop | The Hermitage, Hermitage, TN | 6 - 9 pm | $
🍫 Chocolate & Cheese Tasting Experience | Durci Chocolate, Lebanon, TN | 6 pm | $
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Meet the Team
Denise is a SoCal native who has called Middle Tennessee home for 25 years. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for the area's latest and greatest restaurants—though during football season, you’ll likely find her locked into a game.
Mike originally hails from New Jersey and has lived in Mt. Juliet for over 30 years. When he isn’t cheering on his favorite college and pro football teams, he loves getting out to catch some live local rock music.
Together, we started What’s Up Mt. Juliet because we believe there is so much to love about this great city. Each week, our goal is to bring you the best of Mt Juliet…and hopefully brighten your day along the way!
Thanks for letting us be a small part of your week!
Publication Disclaimer:
While we work hard to keep all information accurate and up to date, event details can change unexpectedly. We highly recommend double-checking the event links directly before heading out to ensure you have the latest updates. This newsletter contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We deeply appreciate your support, which helps keep our content running.