Duggin Homes Blog

Why Book Direct Instead of Airbnb? (The Duggin Homes Answer)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you found this post, there's a good chance you've seen our properties on Airbnb or VRBO and wondered: is it cheaper or better to book directly? The answer is yes — and here's exactly why. The Fee Problem When you book through Airbnb, you pay a guest service fee that typically runs between 6% and 12% of the subtotal. On a $1,000 stay, that's an extra $60–$120 that goes straight to Airbnb — not to us as the hosts, and not to you as the guest. It's money that evaporates. When you book dire...

Holiday Weeks in Mt. Juliet: How to Lock In Thanksgiving and Christmas Before They Are Gone

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving lands on November 26 this year and Christmas falls on a Friday. If your family is coming to the Nashville area for either one, here is how to get a private, two-bedroom place minutes from the lake and about 30 minutes from downtown, and why the calendar is the first thing to check.

What to Pack for a Fall Week in Middle Tennessee (and What You Can Leave at Home)

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Middle Tennessee in October can hand you a 50 degree morning and a 75 degree afternoon on the same day. Here is how to pack for both without checking a bag, plus what you can leave at home because it is already waiting for you in Mt. Juliet.

Fall in Middle Tennessee — Leaf Peeping, Festivals, and More

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There's a window every year — roughly mid-October through early November — when Middle Tennessee becomes one of the most beautiful places in the Southeast. The oak and hickory forests turn orange and red, the air gets that first real chill, and the whole region seems to slow down just a little bit. If you're planning a fall visit to the Nashville area, here's what to know. The Leaves Middle Tennessee sits at a lower elevation than the Smokies or the Appalachians, which means the color change...

Nashville Day Trips Worth the Drive from Middle Tennessee

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

One of the best things about staying in Middle Tennessee — specifically Mt. Juliet — is that you're right in the middle of some genuinely great day trip territory. Nashville is 20-25 minutes away, but there's a whole region worth exploring beyond the honky-tonks on Broadway. Here are some of our favorite day trips that are worth the drive when you're staying at Duggin Homes. Jack Daniel's Distillery — Lynchburg, TN (about 80 miles) Lynchburg is a small town that feels like it hasn't change...

Things to Do at Percy Priest Lake — A Complete Guide

Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Percy Priest Lake is one of Middle Tennessee's best-kept secrets — and if you're staying in Mt. Juliet at Duggin Homes, you're just a few minutes from the water. This 14,000-acre reservoir sits east of Nashville and offers some of the best outdoor recreation in the region without the crowds you'd find at more well-known spots. Here's a rundown of the best ways to spend a day — or several — at Percy Priest Lake. Boating and Watersports The lake has multiple boat ramps and marinas, making it...

Best Restaurants Near Mt. Juliet and Nashville (A Local's Guide)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

One of the best things about staying in Mt. Juliet is that you're close to some genuinely good food — not just chain restaurants, but the kind of local spots that regulars drive out of their way for. Here's a mix of places we point guests toward, from Mt. Juliet itself to the wider Nashville area. Right Here in Mt. Juliet Mt. Juliet has grown into a real dining destination over the past few years. For a relaxed dinner out, check out the options along the Providence Marketplace area — you'll...

Monthly Stays in Mt. Juliet: A Mid-Term Rental That Feels Like Home

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Juliebeth and I have been hosting in Mt. Juliet since 2016, and over the past few years more and more of our guests are staying a month or longer. Travel nurses on hospital rotations, contractors on projects across Middle Tennessee, families between homes, and remote workers who are simply tired of hotel life. If that sounds like you, this post is for you. What is a mid-term rental? A mid-term rental (sometimes called an extended stay or monthly rental) is a fully furnished home you book for...

Why Mt. Juliet, TN Is the Best Place to Stay Near Nashville

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you're planning a trip to Nashville, you might automatically think about staying downtown — but there's a smarter option just 20 miles east that locals have known about for years: Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Staying in Mt. Juliet gives you easy access to everything Nashville has to offer, without the downtown noise, traffic, and inflated hotel prices. And if you're looking for a place that feels like home rather than a hotel room, this is exactly where you want to be. Small Town Feel, Big City...

Best Things To Do Near Nashville for a Weekend Getaway

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Planning a weekend trip near Nashville? You're in the right place. Middle Tennessee is packed with things to do — and when you stay at Duggin Homes in Mt. Juliet, you're just 30 minutes from it all, without the downtown price tag or the noise. Here are our favorite things to do near Nashville for a weekend getaway. 1. Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Whether you're a die-hard country fan or just curi...