Home + Design

A Square Full of Style

Square Market Gives Lebanon a Fresh Look for the Holidays Article by Lindsey Hickman and Alana Cheeves | Photography by Cedar & Light Photography For Jan and Chip, design isn’t just a business—it’s a way of life. The couple, married for 32 years this November, has deep roots in Lebanon and an even deeper passion for making homes beautiful. Their store, Square Market, located just steps from the Lebanon Square, has become a destination for furniture, custom design, and seasonal inspiration. ...

Entertainment

Winter Road Trips Lead to Festive Memories

Journey across Tennessee, Missouri, and Kentucky to discover dazzling lights, holiday shows, and sweet treats. Article and Photography by Whether you’re looking for dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, or family traditions, here are three unforgettable holiday experiences perfect for your family’s seasonal adventures. Each destination offers a unique way to celebrate from the Smokies to the Ozarks to Kentucky, no matter which direction you head. Dollywood – Smoky Mountain Christmas ...

Life + Culture

A Legacy of Love

The Kim Alverson Foundation Gives Back to Caregivers of Cancer Warriors Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Cedar & Light Photography The Kim Alverson Foundation is a tribute to a remarkable woman—a wife, mother, and friend who fought cancer with unwavering strength, grace, and faith. Kim’s battle lasted nearly two years, and throughout it, her desire to help others remained strong. After she passed, her family created the foundation to honor her memory and fulfill her wish to support...

Life + Culture

A Community to Be Thankful For

How Historic Lebanon Keeps the Heart of Downtown Beating Article and Photography by At the heart of Wilson County, Lebanon’s historic downtown stands as both a memory and a promise. Its brick-lined sidewalks, historic facades, and lively storefronts reflect the city’s past while pointing toward a vibrant future. It’s a place where neighbors meet, visitors linger, and the character of Lebanon shines brightest. Supporting this vision is Historic Lebanon Main Street, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit...

Life + Culture

Radiant Purpose

How Jake and Brittney Hoot Are Using Music and Mission to Change Lives Article by Lindsey Hickman While Jake Hoot may be best known for winning The Voice and launching a successful country music career, his heart for service—shared deeply with his wife, Brittney—is just as powerful as his voice. Together, the Hoots are raising their family with a strong foundation of faith, love, and global compassion through The Radiant Initiative, a nonprofit founded by Brittney in 2020. The mission? To...

Life + Culture

WilCo’s Holiday Heart

Shop Small in Historic Downtown Article and Photography by The holiday season transforms Historic Downtown Lebanon into a destination filled with charm, tradition, and community spirit. With more than 40 locally owned shops and restaurants, visitors can find one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy festive dining, and experience the magic of shopping small in a setting that feels personal and joyful. From decorated windows and twinkling lights to special holiday events and extended shopping hours, downtown...

Professional Services

Lighting Up Christmas

Griswold Illumination brings faith, creativity, and heart to every project, transforming homes and communities into unforgettable holiday wonderlands. Article by Interview with Joe Shearer What’s new this 2025 Christmas season? Favorites? So I've searched high and low in the off season for new vendors with different items. This year we're incorporating more teardrop garland, different textures and colors of greenery, icicle garland, and one project is even getting a snow machine. I think...

Entertainment

Songs of Service

Where Music Meets Ministry in the Heart of Lebanon Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Kat Bradshaw Photography For country artists Jake Hoot and Scotty Hasting, music isn’t just a career—it’s a calling rooted in faith, family, and a deep love for community. Though their journeys to the stage were vastly different—Jake winning NBC’s The Voice , and Scotty discovering songwriting after surviving life-threatening injuries in combat—both found purpose and peace in the same place...

Food + Beverage

From Diamonds to Drumsticks

How Shawn Smith turned a weekend hobby into Hush Piggies, Lebanon’s go-to barbecue brand Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by January Alexander For Shawn Smith, owner of The Jewelers by day and pitmaster by night, cooking has always been more than a pastime—it’s therapy. Growing up, food was at the center of family gatherings, especially the big annual barbecue that always fell on his birthday weekend. That’s where his very first sauce recipe was tasted, a tangy vinegar-based blend that...

Life + Culture

A Little Leaven, A Lasting Legacy

From Ma’s kitchen to tables nationwide, Bay’s Southern Bread proves good things rise with time Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Provided by Bay's Southern Bread Here in Lebanon, tradition has a taste. It rises warm from the oven, fills a room with comfort, and gathers people around tables. For more than forty years, Bay’s Southern Bread has been baking more than just loaves—it has been weaving family, community, and heritage into every slice. What began with a grandmother’s recipes...