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Columbia in the Spotlight: "News 2 On Tour" Highlights What Makes Our Community Special

Issue #645

January 15, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Sunny w/ high of 34, low of 22

📰 Columbia in the Spotlight: “News 2 On Tour” Highlights What Makes Our Community Special

🏃‍♂️ March 28: Duck River 5K & 15K Trail Run

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia in the Spotlight: “News 2 On Tour” Highlights What Makes Our Community Special

Columbia is in the spotlight this week as WKRN News 2 spent some time around town capturing what makes our community special as part of their “On Tour” series. 

The segment (above) featured Columbia Tourism Director Kellye Murphy, who explained that Mule Day consistently draws people from more than 100 miles away, bringing visitors into Maury County from all across the region. She also pointed to the most recent Tennessee Department of Tourism Development report, which ranked Maury County 20th in the state for visitor spending last year, with a direct economic impact totaling $137.3 million — a number local leaders hope will continue to grow.

News 2 also spent time downtown with business owner Kathryn York, who, along with her husband, owns and operates three shops on the square: Gather, Smith & York Co., and Woven. She shared that tourism is essential to keeping their businesses afloat, noting that on some days they see customers from as many as 14 different states.

In this segment, Maury County Commissioner Gabe Howard spoke about the Duck River’s significance as one of the most biologically diverse waterways in the world and shared that longtime anglers are noticing water levels dropping to historic lows in places they’ve fished their entire lives.

The recent approval for a new water intake and treatment plant was mentioned and Howard stressed the importance of taking a regional approach to water planning rather than viewing the issue solely through a Columbia lens, including seriously evaluating alternative water sources.

Good Morning Nashville stopped by Legacy Coffee, a local favorite that started in 2015 and has been operating out of its Neapolis location for the past four years. Owner Joshua Merrill shared how the business began with a coffee trailer he built himself and has grown into a community-focused shop that offers special discounts to first responders, farmers, teachers, and homeschool teachers. 

In a follow-up segment, Merrill explained what sets Legacy apart — they are among the small percentage of commercial roasters that use an air-roasting process. This method produces a smoother cup with lower acidity, less bitterness, and superb flavor. 

Another stop on the tour highlighted Jana’s Jumbo House, a longtime Columbia staple that has been serving the community since 1975. News 2 visited with Jana, who first started working there at just 15 years old and later became the owner in 2008. She shared how many of their customers have been coming in for years, and how those long-standing relationships are a big part of what makes Jumbo House feel like home to so many locals.

No feature on Columbia would be complete without Mule Day, the annual celebration that brings more than 200,000 people to town each spring. News 2 spoke with Harvey Spann and Louise Mills from the Maury County Bridle & Saddle Club, who shared how planning for the massive event doesn’t really kick into high gear until January, with the busiest stretch running from January through March. Local resident Lilly Wall also talked about how her friends travel in each year and turn Mule Day into a standing tradition - a time they plan around to reconnect and spend time together.

Additional segments may be on the way, so keep an eye out for more Columbia stories from News 2!

March 28: Duck River 5K & 15K Trail Run

The Duck River Trail Run 5k & 15k will take place along the scenic trails of Chickasaw Trace Park located just northwest of the city of Columbia, Tennessee. Net proceeds from this event benefit Maury County Parks & Recreation and efforts to continue the preservation and care of Chickasaw Trace Park, which provides a quality place for families and individuals to gather and recreate. Come out, run the trails, and enjoy the beauty of Chickasaw Trace Park!

Date/Time: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | Run begins at 8:00am

Location: Chickasaw Trace Park | 1419 New Hwy 7 Columbia, TN 38401

Registration: $27 for 5K | $32 for 15K

*price increase to $35 for 5K and $40 for 15K on event day

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, January 15th

Friday, January 16th

Saturday, January 17th

Sunday, January 18th

Monday, January 19th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, January 15th
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
The Alderson Jazz Collective - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7–9 PM

Friday, January 16th
Brin Banta - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7–9 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellano - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
DownSouth Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, January 17th
Los Swamp Monsters - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 5:30 PM
Winter Series - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
The Howlin Embers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Rubiks Groove - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Escape - The Boondox, 8 PM
Reba’s Hairdo - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk