The holiday season in Middle Tennessee is one of the most fun-filled, activity-packed events in the nation. We’ve selected some of our very favorite destinations, pop-up bars, shows, shopping pop-ups, and family-friendly festivals below. We hope you take full advantage of the rich festivities this year! We’re delighted that we’re all going to be able to get out in the community once again in 2021. 

Home Alone at Hidden Bar

200 4th Ave N | Nashville

Opening Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Feeling nostalgic? Head to this Home Alone-inspired bar to be transported to the McCallister home circa 1990—complete with the famous residence’s signature décor and design elements that will recall memorable moments. Of course, you’ll also enjoy Hidden

Perhaps nothing within a space affects our perception and mood so much as lighting. From intensity to direction and hue, lighting greatly influences our ability to relax and feel welcome. Even so, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to invest a great deal of effort into furniture selection and arrangement, object placement, and paint colors – yet hardly spend any time deliberately choosing a lighting scheme.

Today, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of overhauling or just installing a lighting system. As you read through our guide, jot down ideas as they speak to you. These rough notes can form a great foundation around which you’ll create a cohesive lighting plan.

1.) Why You Should Install Smart Controls

Once upon a time, only dimmer switches

Kitchen minimalists, we respect you, but how do you cook and bake to your heart’s content with only one kitchen knife and a few pots and pans? Today, we’re talking to the home chefs, those maximalists who long for a fully kitted out kitchen that can function to its fullest potential. 

Here, then, are 18 kitchen items that are guaranteed to make your life easier. 

1.) Breville Food Processor

This robust food processor will make your smoothies, mix pancake and quick bread batter, whip up a pie crust, shred blocks of cheese, grate carrots, slice any vegetable you please—and that’s just the beginning. If you want to cut your in-kitchen time by a large margin, this food processor is for you. 

When you’re finished using it, just let your

One of the best things someone can say as they enter your home is, “It smells wonderful in here!” We all know how powerfully smells influence our perception of a place, so it feels good to know our home is making a good first impression. Today, we’re sharing ways to keep your home smelling great, from preventive measures to a variety of tips for sending delicious scents wafting through each room. 

Eliminate Sources of Bad Smells

Before you can add pleasant smells to your home, it’s essential that you get rid of anything stinky. Masking bad odors isn’t really possible, so roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started. 

1.) Scrub Out Your Trash Receptacle

We all know we have to empty our trash often in order to avoid a pervasive stench, but

The popularity of VA loans has soared in recent years, surpassing the 1 million mark in 2020, and is on pace to break that record in 2021. But despite the success of the VA home loan program, there is still some skepticism among prospective homebuyers when it comes to VA loans.

Read the top myths about VA home loans and learn the truth behind them so that you can make the best decision on whether or not a VA home loan is the right option for your specific requirements.  

Myth 1: Certification is a cumbersome process

The first step in the VA home loan application process is getting an official verification from the VA Office. This certification will assert that the veteran, active-duty military member, or spouse has met the basic eligibility

Trick-or-treating in costume is the highlight of the Halloween season for children and families. Our communities missed out in 2020, but we’re glad to say that most festivities are back this year! We’ve scouted the best places to trick or treat in Middle Tennessee, from decked-out neighborhoods to afternoon park extravaganzas, all promising massive candy hauls with high turnout.

Trunk-or-treat events are gaining popularity year after year, but fear not—there are still plenty of places where goblins, ghouls, and witches can be found throughout the final weeks of October.

Trick-or-Treat Events

“Belle Meade Plantation,” Nashville

Thursday, October 21, from 1 – 3 p.m.

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

This free event boasts fun for all ages.

If you own an investment property, you already know that getting a mortgage for this type of property is different than a refi of a primary home. If you recall, the qualifying requirements for getting an investment loan are more stringent than a primary home loan. 

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about refinancing an investment property.

Why Refinance Your Investment Property?

Owning a second property comes with costs, and some may feel that these additional costs tie up too much of their free cash flow. Others choose to refi to free up some money for repairs or improvements to the property. 

If this sounds like you, it could make sense to refinance into a better rate --possibly lowering your mortgage payment --and

Fire pits are one of the most popular backyard entertainment features, and they’re a straightforward DIY project as well! Modern fire pits are warm, beautiful, and safe, and make outdoor entertaining in Middle Tennessee feasible eight to nine months out of the year.

Are you ready to create your own fire pit? All you need is a budget of around $100 and a free afternoon, and you could be roasting s’mores around your new outdoor space by nightfall. Today’s guide will walk you through each step, so scroll through to learn just how to make a DIY fire pit.

1.) Check Local Building Codes

Depending on your local ordinances, there may be restrictions on DIY fire pits. Before you get started on your project, take a few moments to read up on

If you’re fortunate, your home has one more bedroom than your family requires. While creating a guest bedroom is the traditional move, we've gathered our favorite alternative ideas for your spare bedroom to share with you. We find that the happiest homeowners are those who use their homes to meet their needs rather than opting to conform to standard expectations, so as you read through our list, follow your heart to find your bliss!

Keep scrolling for 11 ideas that can be used either in tandem with a guest space or in lieu of one.

1.) Experiment With Bold Color

If you do decide to use your spare bedroom to accommodate your houseguests, consider painting the walls a bold color you adore. While you might not want your own bedroom to be awash

In Middle Tennessee, fall is a breathtakingly beautiful place. Understandably, then, most of us want to spend fall out and about, enjoying the festivals, sights, and smells of our state. For homeowners, though, we have fall chores to complete before winter arrives. Our fall home checklist below will help you weatherproof your home, improve its energy efficiency, and help you tackle your tasks one step at a time.

1.) Clean Out or Replace Gutters

It’s easy to take your gutters for granted; when they’re working, you hardly notice them. However, even one season with clogged gutters will increase the risk of foundation damage and dry rot within your home.

This fall, either climb up and clean out your gutters, or hire a service to handle it for