Happy Tuesday, Murfreesboro. In today’s edition: School rezoning update, a winter farmers market, brunch with Santa, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Mixed signals for shoppers: MTSU surveys show a holiday season split in Tennessee, with consumer optimism at a 10-year low and only 16% positive, while business leaders report record confidence with 48% positive — see the survey results.

Key school board moves: Rutherford County Schools approved middle school rezoning starting in 2026-27, letting rising eighth graders stay if families handle transportation. Elementary changes move 300 students from Stewarts Creek to Brown’s Chapel — get all the details.

Overnight rescue in Tennessee: First responders in Murfreesboro rescued a person trapped about 70 feet inside a stormwater drain, locating an opening nearby and using ropes. The individual was hospitalized with minor injuries — read the full story.

Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since January. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week

• Join ranger-led Stones River tours
• Young chefs make merry holiday treats
• Celebrate A Charlie Brown Christmas live
• Meet baby goats in holiday outfits
• Celebrate ugly sweaters with BBQ and music
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A home warranty that actually pays is 30% off

🫶 We got your back

Investing in young learners: Save the date for Murfreesboro’s largest education fundraiser: the City Schools Foundation’s 19th Excellence in Education event hits Macca Villa at Riverside on Friday, March 20, 2026. Proceeds fund teacher grants and classroom resources for 9,000+ elementary students. Honoree details drop mid-January. Fancy venue, even fancier impact. Get all the event details.

West Coast favorite expands: In-N-Out opened its third Tennessee spot in Murfreesboro on Dec. 12, drawing long lines. It follows earlier openings in Antioch and Lebanon. The restaurant has a drive-thru, seating for 74 inside and 30 on the patio. More locations are planned, including Goodlettsville’s RiverGate Mall, though there’s no timeline yet. Get all the details.

Old-school movie night: Skip the megaplex and let Premiere 6 Theatre handle your midweek reset with popcorn, current releases, and a low-key neighborhood vibe that makes movie night simple again, no cross-town trek required. Bring a friend for an easy plan, or keep it in mind for a future private rental.

Hear me out: My mom’s been asking people to repeat themselves 5,281 times too many for years. She always avoided hearing aids like the plague — they’re clunky, obvious, expensive, not really worth it. I always thought “she’s not wrong” until I saw these new invisible hearing aids going viral. In the same boat? Now’s a great time to check them out before unused health benefits expire on the 31st.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now + you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🌱 Build a Biosphere @ Wilderness Station | Tuesday (12/16) at 2:00pm – Whether you can spot a savanna from your sofa or still call it “the frog’s house,” this hands-on workshop lets everyone build a model habitat, learn the why behind where animals live, and feel delightfully crafty. All ages, five bucks, bring the kids.

🐾 Quarterly Pet Food Distribution@ Beesley Animal Foundation | Thursday (12/18) at 1:30pm – Beesley is doing their quarterly pet food distribution, rain or shine, so your dog and cat can keep their streak of judging you from a full bowl. If you need a hand, pull up. If you can help, donate unopened, unexpired food, and share.

🔨 Wood Carving for Beginners @ Wilderness Station | Thursday (12/18) at 3:30pm – Think your pocketknife skills extend beyond opening packages? Learn beginner wood carving at the Wilderness Station in Barfield Crescent Park, and whittle a small figurine with all tools and materials provided. It’s $3, for ages 10+, creativity encouraged, and granddad approved.

🥕 Farmers Market @ Lane Agri-Park | Friday (12/19) at 8:00am – Think farmers markets hibernate? Not here. Every Friday morning, all winter and spring, at Lane Agri-Park, grab cold-season produce, mushrooms, meats, baked goods, and canned treats, then feel smug about skipping sad store tomatoes, supporting local folks, and still making your lunch plans.

🎅 Brunch with Santa @ Metro Diner | Friday (12/19) at 10:00am – Skip the mall line and meet Santa at brunch, where the coffee is hot and the syrup flows. Snap a photo, tuck into a proper holiday plate, snag those gift card specials for Future You, and pretend this counts as both merrymaking and errands.

This weekend

🐶 Rescue Puppy Yoga @ North Rutherford Family YMCA | Saturday (12/20) at 11:00am – Stretch it out with puppy yoga at the Northern Rutherford Y, where Downward Dog finally lives up to the name. Expect gentle flows, adoptable pups, and the real possibility you leave with a new roommate who sheds, snores, and thinks you’re perfect.

🎄 Mamusia’s Kitchen Polish Food @ Skin Confidence | Saturday (12/20) at 1:00pm – Skip wrestling with dough, pre-order from Mamusia’s Kitchen, then swing by Skin Confidence for a pickup of Polish Christmas classics. It’s pre-order only, no hot service. Pierogi, cabbage rolls, and all the cozy carbs, heat at home, impress the in-laws, and call it tradition.

🎉 Annual Christmas Pajama Jam @ Hop Springs | Saturday (12/20) at 8:00pm – This holiday bash is all about comfort and chaos, featuring live music, laid-back vibes, and your finest pajama couture. Grab your crew, grab a drink, and get ready for a night where the only dress code is “festive and stretchy.”

🎹 A Charlie Brown Christmas @ Middle Ground Brewing | Saturday (12/20) at 8:00pm – Put down the wrapping paper and catch A Charlie Brown Christmas played live by the Miles Damaso Trio, all local, all heart. Expect Vince Guaraldi warmth, good food, drinks, and kids who can sit quietly. Tickets will vanish, like patience at the mall.

🚶 Winter Welcoming Walk @ Mill Ridge Park | Sunday (12/21) at 1:00pm – If you need a nudge to trade chores for fresh air, take a guided three-mile, easy-to-moderate stroll on the Yellow/Grassland Trail with a naturalist. Come early to roast treats, sip cider and hot chocolate, bring the kids and leashed dog, and call it quality time.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/20 Christmas Carols on Strings @ Williamson Family Farm – 8:45 pm