Gallatin Lifestyle

08/21/2026

07/28/2026

We’re excited to welcome Hector Cruz to Smith Sholar Milliken Matthews as our new Director of Marketing + Business Development!

Hector brings experience in marketing strategy, business development, brand positioning and social media across the corporate and nonprofit sectors. In his new role, he will lead the firm’s marketing efforts, strengthen industry relationships and support continued growth throughout Middle Tennessee.

Please join us in welcoming Hector to the team!

07/28/2026

07/16/2026

Have you been eyeing a breathtaking view or a luscious green patch near a waterscape? For special times with your favorite people, nothing says warm weather fun like a picnic. Follow these tips for preparation ideas.

Ambiance: Throw pillows are a must. Pull them from your couches
or invest in outdoor pillows that can be used repeatedly. A large throw is also essential to protect from moist ground and grass stains. Bring your favorite tunes with one of the many available portable speakers or unplug and
enjoy the sounds of nature. Cut flowers add a wow factor.

Gear: You don’t have to own a picnic basket to have a picnic. But
if you do bring a basket, make sure to have some way to chill your perishables and drinks. Reusable silverware, plastic wine or drink cups, and plates often come with a picnic basket set, but can also be purchased separately. Keeping it elegant, but easy (and cool) is the key!

Accompaniments: A cheese plate with fruit is the perfect start to your picnic fare.
As with the cheese, your drink selections should coordinate with the main dish. For salads, pair accoutrements with the dressing in mind. A lemony herb vinaigrette dressing goes well with smooth cheeses and tart beverages such as lemonade, prosecco, or sauvignon blanc. Enjoy your perfect picnic!

07/13/2026

As the Owner of You Can Fly Travels, LLC—a Disney Earmarked travel agency specializing in Disney destinations, cruises, all-inclusive resorts, Europe and custom curated vacations—Kim Thompson knows a thing or two about planning a Disney trip people will treasure for a lifetime.

When asked what families should consider while planning their summer vacation, Thompson shared her knowledge to help families experience the magic they’ve dreamt of without breaking the bank.

What are some of the most overlooked ways families can save a bit of money—or get way more value—without cutting out the magic?

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that saving money means sacrificing the experience, and that really is not the case. Timing can make a huge difference. Traveling during slightly lower demand weeks can often save families thousands while still giving them amazing weather and experiences.

“We also encourage families to focus on value instead of trying to do every single add on. Sometimes staying at the right Disney resort with included perks gives more value than overspending on upgrades that may not matter to their family.”

What’s your advice to keep the fun and leave the overwhelm of trying to do everything behind?

“The biggest advice we give families is this—you do not have to do everything to have an incredible Disney vacation.

“Some of the best trips are the ones where families slow down enough to actually enjoy each other. Disney can absolutely feel overwhelming if you go into it thinking every attraction, restaurant and experience has to happen in one trip.”

What is your golden rule for pacing a Disney day so that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—stays happy, hydrated, and smiling?

“Build in breaks before you think you need them.

“That one simple shift changes everything. Disney days are long, hot and overstimulating, especially for little ones and grandparents. We always recommend families take a midday reset, whether that is going back to the resort, having a relaxed sit-down meal or just spending time by the pool.”

To read the full story, visit the link in bio!

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07/10/2026

Tennessee homeowners are changing the way they vacation.

Rising fuel prices, airfare and tourist crowds have caused a cultural shift: both natives and those who have recently called the Volunteer State their home are spending less on travel and investing more in their properties.

“Staycations” are becoming the new luxury, and at the heart of the experience is a premium outdoor summer escape.

No one understands the art of creating a staycation quite like Middle Tennessee native Taylor Milliken, CEO of Milosi. For more than 24 years, the family-owned company has been rooted in Middle Tennessee, designing outdoor spaces that reflect the region's unique climate, lifestyle and love of gathering with family and friends. Milliken lives in Gallatin with his wife, Samantha, and their three children. His upbringing and family background are deeply woven into the company’s DNA — multiple family members work for Milosi and operate businesses throughout Gallatin and Sumner County.

Milliken's secret to creating the ultimate backyard retreat? Start with a design and a team that understands your vision and fully manages the project, and put a plan in place to maintain the space.

“We seek to understand the wants, needs, and vision of our clients for the spaces they ask us to design and build during our design consultations,” says Milliken. “Always make sure you begin with the end in mind and design the entire space.

Begin with the focal point: the pool

“In almost every case, we are going to start with a pool when a client asks for the ultimate staycation,” Milliken says. “The second thing we are going to talk about is the outdoor kitchen and dining. When I think of vacations and memories made with friends and family, it always comes back to cooking and breaking bread together.”

One other pro tip Milliken recommends? Try to build out a pool bathroom if possible, so guests can avoid drying off and taking multiple trips into the house for a bathroom break.

Continue to read the full feature at the link in bio!

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07/06/2026

INDY fans, mark your calendars and buckle your seatbelts, because race day is almost here. The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix is returning to the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon for the third consecutive year on July 18 through the 19. Fans will have the opportunity to take to the stands to witness the high-speed thrills of NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone drivers battling for prime starting positions during the qualifying day before heading back to see who will ultimately take the crown.

The ultimate open-wheel racing experience is not limited to the action on the iconic 1.33-mile concrete oval. Down in the free Fan Zone, there will be driver autograph opportunities, live entertainment, vendors and more that make the race weekend live up to the Nashville name.

Whether you are a racing enthusiast or want to make summer memories with the family, the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix will leave a lasting impression. There are individual tickets and weekend ticket packages available, as well as add-ons to enhance the experience — such as Garage and Pit Passes — which offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of race day before the action kicks into high gear.

To purchase tickets and explore race day packages, visit MusicCityGP.com.

Visit the link in bio for more features!

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