Lucas Hendrickson

We are naturally drawn to celebrations involving fives and zeros. So when the anniversaries of Tennessee becoming a state (230 years as of June 1) and the signing of the Declaration of Independence (250 years as of July 4) semi-coincide, now’s a good a time as any to think about the Volunteer State’s historical, cultural and economic contributions to the broader United States. And the Middle Tennessee region has played a central role in those contributions, both literally and geographically.

Sometimes, epiphany arrives in the midst of an exit. “I can’t remember exactly when it was, but I went through a very contentious exit interview at a commercial real estate job I’d held for eight years,” says Bill LaViolette, now the owner of Shotgun Willie’s BBQ in Madison.

We’re at the one-sixth pole of the 2026 race, and thanks to the ongoing miracles of Middle Tennessee weather, we’re never quite sure what conditions to brace for. Parkas and sunscreen? Flip-flops and umbrellas? Scarves and antihistamines? Regardless, it’s just about time for the blessed calendar event that teachers, students, professors, administration and parents alike circle with great anticipation: Spring Break.