My hometown is one of those places where farms run for miles, there is a church on every road, sweet tea is the drink of choice and everyone is somehow related to one another. If you are from Lebanon, this one's for you.
1. If we need last minute clothes, shoes, or Bath and Body Works lotion, we go to the Prime Outlets
Even though the Prime Outlets isn't our favorite place to shop, it is great for last minute pickups because it is so close.
2. The old Los Compadres is the ONLY Los Compadres
Everyone in Lebanon knows that the Los Compadres on West Main is superior to the one by the interstate. You know the waiters, they know you, and you are bound to see at least one person you know while eating.
3. If you want to find guys in pickups, drive past Big Lots on a Friday Night
If you see big, decked out pickups driving down West Main, there is only one destination on their minds: Big Lots. Now, what the guys actually do there, no one knows. But as they say, "Yee Yee Bo!"
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4. You hang out at Sonic because there is no where else to go
When we get bored, we meet up at Sonic because there is nothing else to do around town.
5. Even though the speed limit on West Main is "30", we all assume that is "recommended"
Even though we know the speed limit on West Main is 30, none of us do it, except for the occasional grandma you have to pass in the right lane.
6. You may get stuck behind a tractor
Backroad, main road, highway, or possibly even interstate, there is always a chance you'll get stuck behind a tractor. If you are lucky, it will only be one.
7. You see all kinds of people when you go into Walmart
There is a website titled "People of Walmart". The Lebanon Walmart should have its own tab. Even on the bad days, there is always someone who looks worse than you do.
8. Cops are hidden everywhere in town
If you are from Lebanon, you know the "usual" spots for the cops to hide. Under the overhang at Maple Hill Church, beside the brick wall at Sake, at the car wash next to OfficeMax, and at Partlow Funeral Home on 231.
9. If you are in the mood for Japanese, you go to Sake
Who wants to drive all the way to Wasabi in Mt. Juliet when Sake is right in town. If you haven't eaten at Sake, you haven't been to Lebanon.
10. We are the home of the Wilson County Fair, the best fair in Tennessee
The Wilson County Fair is our claim to fame, it is actually known as the "Best Fair" in the state of Tennessee. It is the best week of the entire year. Between the fair food, demolition derby, Fairest of the Fair pageant, and the Ferris wheel, there is something for everyone. If you haven't been, it is definitely worth checking out!
11. There are cows everywhere
As soon as you turn down a back road, you are bound to see a cattle farm.
12. The weather is unpredictable
It feels like this at times: one minute you are in the pouring rain on 231, when you get to the square the sun is out, you drive towards South Hartman in a tornado, and by the time you reach Kroger it is snowing.
13. Everyone is obsessed with Sweet Tea
If you don't know what someone from Lebanon wants to drink, sweet tea is a great guess.
14. Lebanon High School has two rivalries: Wilson Central and Mt. Juliet
Everyone knows that Lebanon has two rivalries: Wilson Central and Mt. Juliet. Even though we might come second to both schools at almost every sport, it doesn't matter. You are either a die hard "L-Town" fan or you aren't.
15. We are home of Cracker Barrel
Everyone loves Cracker Barrel, but being from the town where Cracker Barrel began makes it that much better. There is never a time of day that the parking lot is empty.
Even though Lebanon is not the biggest town on the map, it holds a lot of character. We have some of the most friendly, welcoming, and happy people around that truly live by "southern hospitality". If you happen to drive through, you may get lost on some of our backroads, but stop and stay for a while. We would love to have you!
