The Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to bring you sample highlights of upcoming holiday events in our area. We have everything from parades to train rides with Santa, to holiday theatre musicals and amazing drive-thru light displays! Wilson County has something for everyone this holiday season!

Pack up your family and head to some of Wilson County's drive-thru Christmas light displays! The Festival of Lights is open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., every Thursday through Sunday inside historic Fiddlers Grove at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center from Nov. 26 through Dec. 26. Admission is $5 per car. Then visit one of the nation's largest Christmas light displays at Chad's Winter Wonderland, located just off Hwy. 109 in Lebanon. Admission is $10 per car. View over two million lights and visit the live Santa while you're there!

Another holiday favorite is the Tennessee Central Railway's North Pole Express Train with Santa. The train will run Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and 11. Tickets for the train sell out quickly, so get yours today! For train information and tickets, please contact the Tennessee Central Railway Museum at 615-244-9001, or visit www.tcry.org.

Experience the holiday cheer with marching bands, floats, Santa and so much more! Enjoy the City of Lebanon's Christmas Parade on Dec. 5, beginning at 2 p.m. The Jingle Jog 5K will take place prior to the Lebanon Christmas Parade. This fun run is sure to warm your heart! And don't miss the City of Mt. Juliet's Christmas Parade on Dec. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. The theme for this year's parade is "Toy Store Christmas."

If you love shopping during the holiday season, you're in luck! The Art Mill in Lebanon will host a Parent's Day Out "Shop 'Til You Drop" Kids Art Camp on Nov. 26 and 27. You can treat your kids to a fun painting class while you do some holiday shopping. Then head to Mt. Juliet for their annual Holiday Bazaar at the Mt. Juliet Community Center on Dec. 4 and 5. Get in the holiday spirit with caroling, carriage rides, hot apple cider and more at Providence Marketplace's annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Nov. 27. Also on Dec. 4 and 5, Providence Marketplace will host Snowfest. Enjoy outdoor ice skating and visit with Santa. You can also visit with Santa on the Watertown Square on Dec. 4 and 11.

Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way with the City of Watertown at their annual Christmas Tour of Homes on Dec. 11 and 12. You'll tour some of Wilson County's beautiful and historic homes. You also won't want to miss Historic Lebanon Tomorrow's 3rd Annual Tour of Historic Places on Dec. 4 and 5.

All dates and times are subject to change. For more information on these events and others, contact the Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau or visit www.visitwilsoncounty.com. You can also look for us on Facebook and Twitter!

PHOTO BY candrews

Shoppers at Mt. Juliet's Providence MarketPlace and Paddocks shopping developments can expect to see more men and women in blue on "Black Friday" as the Mt. Juliet Police Department (MJPD) kicks off Operation Safe Shopper - an initiative to help deter crime, increase response times and alleviate traffic congestion during the busy holiday shopping season.

As part of Operation Safe Shopper, MJPD's Crime Suppression Unit and other members of the department will be in marked and undercover vehicles, on foot and on bicycles to raise law enforcement visibility and promptly respond to calls for service in the shopping centers as well as surrounding areas. Operation Safe Shopper will run from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31 throughout the holiday season.

"Because the number of crimes and complaints often rise the day after Thanksgiving throughout the peak holiday shopping season, we'll be increasing patrols seven days a week," said Lieutenant Keith Youmans, MJPD's Patrol Commander.

Community Policing Director Cpl. Tyler Chandler added, "It's our goal that Operation Safe Shopper will keep people even safer as they choose to spend time in one of Tennessee's best and safest communities. We hope the time that visitors spend in our community is a positive experience."

In addition, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has taken steps to ease traffic congestion around the Interstate 40 shopping hub. The timing of the traffic light sequencing has been adjusted for all intersections near Providence MarketPlace and Paddock shopping centers.

MJPD reminds all residents and visitors that there are alternate routes to get in and out of Providence MarketPlace. The alternate route you choose may get you to your destination even quicker. You can view those routes on the MJPD website.

Police offer the following holiday shopping safety tips:

• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Park in well-lighted spaces, lock car doors and place packages out of sight in the trunk or underneath seats.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card if possible.
• Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by the straps.
• Put wallets in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Supervise children at all times. Teach children to go to a police officer or security guard if they get lost or separated.
• Take a holiday inventory. The holidays are a good time to take photos or videos of items in your home.

Because traffic also increases around the shopping centers during the holidays, police are also advising shoppers to take heed of the following driving tips:

• Don't block intersections. Blocking intersections causes frustrating and unsafe back-ups; that's why it's against the law. When the traffic signal turns yellow, avoid trying to beat the upcoming red light and pulling into and blocking busy intersections. Instead, drop back and wait for the next green light. When traffic lights are green, make sure there is adequate room to completely cross the intersection.
• Don't run red lights. Running a red light can have deadly consequences. As a result, Mt. Juliet has seven red-light cameras designed to deter red-light offenders. Red-light citations carry a $50 fine with an additional penalty if the fine is not paid within a specified period. Violators who run a red light and are cited by a police officer can face a higher fine as well as insurance points.
• Contact the Mt. Juliet Police Department in case of any accidents. If the accident is minor without injury, motorists should move their vehicles out of the travel lane and into a parking lot or onto the shoulder and call Mt. Juliet Police at (615 754-2550. For accidents involving injuries, motorists should call 911.
• Watch for pedestrians. Maintain a safe speed in parking lots and be on the lookout for shoppers exiting vehicles and walking to stores.
• At stop signs, come to a complete stop behind the white stop lines and not in the crosswalk. Especially when turning right on red, remember that a full stop behind the stop bar is necessary to give time to look both ways before proceeding. Look not only for cars but also for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Always use a turn signal to prevent accidents. A turn signal alerts motorists of your intended action and helps prevent rear-end crashes, which is why it's the law.
• Be patient. There will be a record number of motorists and pedestrians, so a little holiday cheer will go a long way for safety.

For everyone's safety, motorists can expect strict enforcement of these and other traffic laws as the Mt. Juliet Police Department works around the clock to make sure everyone has safe and happy holidays.

On a recent trip out to the Cumberland University football home opener, we were looking for something new as far as restaurants go. After having perused the reviews on Urbanspoon, we were very intrigued by a new place, Cori's Dog House. Having been raised on Oscar Meyers with mustard and/or ketchup, but hearing the anecdotal stories of Chicago dogs, Pinks hot dogs and other unique concoctions, it definitely seemed worth a try.

Not being able to decide between the more extravagant or traditional-type dogs, I ended up starting with a Chicago Dog and the Dog House's fresh cut fries. The traditional toppings made for more than a mouthful, but I felt up to the task. So, where does one begin? The dog itself was an all-beef Sabrett that featured a slight garlicy, beefy taste and most important of all, had a great pop from each bite due to the casing. The toppings of tomato wedges, sport peppers, dill pickle spear, etc. were each tasty in their own right; however, the only thing I might remove next time would be the neon-green relish - just a bit too sweet for me, but I can see how folks would swear by it.

Another result of my never being able to decide is having eyes bigger than my stomach. I also decided to give the Cincinnati (chili, ketchup, cheese and onions - though I chose to go without those) a try. The chili is very different from the Texas-style chili I'm used to and featured a thick, meaty texture with a light hint of cinnamon. A special thing to note at Cori's is their use of New England-style rolls that are buttered and grilled on the griddle before being filled with your choice. The result is a crispy, buttery, soft texture that I could eat all by itself. Cori's also earns extra points for offering fresh cut fries that are crisp on the outside and light and airy on the inside. Most places don't even try to do those right, but even fewer succeed.

If hot dogs aren't your thing, Cori's Dog House also has sausages and sandwiches. Since Sarah doesn't eat hot dogs, she decided to try a chicken sausage. The sausage was full of apples and had a nice maple flavor. Instead of french fries, she opted for fried pickles. I think the breading had dill seasoning in it, which amplified the taste of the pickles. The breading also contained a liberal dose of cayenne pepper. The flavors were divine.

Will we be the next ones on the Wall O' Wieners? I doubt it, but we'll definitely be back!

Cori's Dog House

401 South Mt. Juliet Road

Mt. Juliet, TN 37122

The writers of Nashville Fork are fans and supporters of locally owned Middle Tennessee restaurants and love searching out places most people just drive right by. Whether it's Middle Eastern, meat-and-three, or new southern cuisine, hopefully we'll give you some ideas when others think their only option is a chain restaurant. Our writers work in and enjoy exploring Wilson County and love to find great places to try in the area. We also hope you'll join us as we write about our travels, which often involve some good eating as well. We have found that eating well on vacation isn't as hard as it sometimes seems. You can read our blog at www.nashvillefork.com and follow us on Twitter.

The Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to bring you sample highlights of upcoming events throughout the month of September. From fall fun and festivals to 5Ks to car shows and more, there's something for everyone in Wilson County!

On Sept. 11, participate in the 7th Annual Sherry's Run. Sherry's Run is a 5K run/walk benefiting the fight against cancer. For more information about Sherry's Run, call 615-975-1081 or 615-400-2032, or visit www.sherrysrun.org. After the race, be sure to attend the first-ever Lebanon Tow Square Celebrates. Bring your family to this fun event honoring our community volunteers on the Lebanon Public Square from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Activities include games, live entertainment, food, sidewalk sales and more. For additional information about Lebanon Town Square Celebrates, visit www.lebanontownsquarecelebrates.com or call 615-444-8329 or 615-627-8487.

Another fun run will be held on Sept. 25 at Providence Marketplace in Mt. Juliet. The 4th Annual MJ5K, hosted by the Wilson County Search and Rescue K-9, will benefit Buddy Break, a charity geared at rewarding the caregivers of children with special needs and Speed the Light, an organization that provides worldwide relief after devastating events. To register or learn more about the MJ5K, please call 615-403-5612 or visit www.mj5k.com.

If you love cars, don't miss the Redneck Rumble on Sept. 17 and 18 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon. Additional information about the Redneck Rumble can be found at www.bothbarrelspromotions.com or by calling 615-364-1828. Also on Sept. 18, Gladefest will feature a car show, booths, games, horse rides, crafts and SO much more! Contact Wilson Bank & Trust for more information at 615-443-6522. Car lovers can also show off their antique, classic, muscle, hot rod or any car or truck 25 years or older at the Mt. Juliet Cruise-In, happening every Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. through the end of October at Chick-fil-A in Mt. Juliet at Providence Marketplace ... or, just come and look at all of the stunning cars and trucks!

The fall celebrations continue on Sept. 18 and 19 at Cedars of Lebanon State Park at the Ole Time Farm Fest. Celebrate farm and farm life with farm equipment, horse-drawn equipment, animals, antiques, crafts and more! For additional information on this event and others at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, please call 615-443-2769.

Celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month at the 29th Annual Mt. Juliet Pow Wow on Sept. 25 and 26. Enjoy authentic food, arts, crafts, music, dances and more at Charlie Daniels Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. each day. For more information about the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow, visit www.mtjulietpowwow.com or call 615-443-1537.

For additional information about these and other events, visit www.visitwilsoncounty.com or call the Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 615-453-9655.

Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, an award-winning, national fast casual sandwich concept, is set to opened its doors in Mt. Juliet on Thursday, August 5. The Mt. Juliet Which Wich is located at 401 S. Mt. Juliet Rd., Suite 345, in the Providence Marketplace shopping center. The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 am-9 pm, and Sunday, noon-6 pm. It is the fifth Which Wich in the greater Nashville area.

Which Wich offers more than 50 varieties of customizable, toasted “wiches,” from the signature Wicked(R) sandwich, loaded with five meats (turkey, ham, roast beef, pepperoni, and bacon) and a choice of three cheeses, to unique items such as the Elvis Wich with peanut butter, honey, and banana. The Which Wich menu also includes plenty of vegetarian options, such as tomato & avocado and black bean patty, as well as several healthy wiches for less than 400 calories each. Guests can dine in or take out. Catering is also available.

Which Wich is also known for its creative ordering system. Guests use red Sharpies to mark up pre-printed menus on sandwich bags. They select a sandwich from one of 10 categories, then choose the type of bread, cheese, spreads, and vegetables. The sandwiches are prepared to guests’ exact specifications and delivered in personalized sandwich bags. After they’ve enjoyed their wiches, guests are encouraged to draw on their bags using red Sharpies and hang their “artwork” on the community wall.

“I’m very excited to bring the Which Wich vibe to Mt. Juliet,” says owner Shawn Ting. “Providence Marketplace is the perfect location, with shops, movies, and, now, Which Wich! Plus it’s easily accessible from I-40 and only minutes from Lebanon, Watertown, Opryland, the airport, and downtown Nashville. My family and I love the superior quality and variety of options available at Which Wich. Mt. Juliet will love it too.”

In addition to customized, toasted wiches, customers can enjoy hand-dipped shakes, signature house chips, and just-out-of-the-oven cookies in an edgy yet inviting environment. Which Wich locations feature music from Aware Records, newspaper reading stations, free wi-fi, and a community wall showcasing the sandwich bag artwork.

For more information, visit www.whichwich.com or www.facebook.com/whichwich.

The Mt. Juliet Police Department has announced the traffic plan for the City of Mt. Juliet Fourth of July Fireworks in the Providence MarketPlace area. The fireworks presentation will begin at 9 p.m. Mt. Juliet Police are expecting a large amount of exiting traffic out of the Providence MarketPlace area after the fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. With safety being a top priority, the following exit traffic plan, which will go into effect at the grand finale around 9:50 p.m., has been developed:

• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Providence Way (aka Belinda Parkway) - Northbound Traffic Only
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Providence Parkway - Southbound Traffic Only
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) at Crossings Circle - Intersection Closed
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) - southbound traffic will be closed at Providence Way (aka Belinda Parkway)
• Mt. Juliet Road (SR 171) - northbound traffic will be closed at Central Pike (SR 265)

Those who exit onto Providence Way (Belinda Parkway) will have access to North Mt. Juliet Road and Interstate 40 areas. Those who exit onto Providence Parkway will have access to South Mt. Juliet Road, Providence Trail, Rutland Road, Beckwith Road and Central Pike areas. Those who exit onto Adams Lane will have access to Central Pike only.

In addition, certain exits from Providence MarketPlace will be closed.

Personal fireworks, alcoholic beverages and barbecue grills are prohibited during this event.

Mt. Juliet Police hope this patriotic celebration is safe and enjoyable for everyone. Maps of the traffic plan are available on the police department's website at www.mjpd.org. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact Cpl. Tyler Chandler, Community Policing Director, at (615) 754-2550, ext. 260.

PHOTO BY BEVERLY & PACK