FRANKLIN, TN (March 1, 2021) – The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN, parent organization of the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA), is excited to reveal some additional detail about the organization’s 2021 festival season which includes the 37th Annual Main Street Festival (July 17-18), 36th Annual Pumpkinfest (October 30) and 36th Annual Dickens of a Christmas (Dec. 11-12). The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival is the area’s largest artist / craft festival, Pumpkinfest is the state’s largest fall themed festival, and Dickens of a Christmas features dancers, performers, characters and holiday artisans. After a year of COVID-forced cancellations, all events are scheduled to take place on Franklin’s historic Main … [Read more...]
Northeast Corner of Main Street Sees Infusion of New Life Alongside Some Old Favorites
With the opening of several new Downtown Franklin Association businesses alongside some traditional favorites, the northeast corridor of Main Street is seeing vibrant, new life. Anchoring the newest corner in downtown in the Franklin Square development at First and Main is Franklin Bakehouse, 100 E. Main St., which brings a bakery, deli, market, flower shop, bar and coffee shop all wrapped into one. With counter seating and patio tables for warmer days, the bakehouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as grab-and-go selections and coffee, craft beer and wine throughout the day. Founder Angie Muir said she chose this particular location because she loved the idea of being on the corner of … [Read more...]
The Heritage Foundation Announces New Advisory Board for The Franklin Theatre
Thought leaders in entertainment, marketing and non-profit industries unite to support Franklin’s beloved historic theatre FRANKLIN, TN (August 24, 2020) The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN has appointed a new Advisory Board for The Franklin Theatre with 16 board members representing a rich portfolio of experience in entertainment, marketing and non-profit industries, announced Bari Beasley, Heritage Foundation CEO. The Advisory Board will work with The Franklin Theatre and the Heritage Foundation teams over the next several years to support long-term vision and planning. “We couldn’t be prouder of this group of talented people who have stepped up to serve and support our beloved historic downtown theatre and … [Read more...]
Downtown Franklin working hard to #KeepItGoing amid uncertain environment
BY: JILL BURGIN DIRECTOR, DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION As the weather gets warmer in Middle Tennessee, Downtown Franklin is showing signs of life that come with a typical spring – store doors are propped open, the trees are blooming, and more people are filling the sidewalks and restaurant patios. The year 2020, however, has been anything but typical. Since Gov. Bill Lee announced earlier this month that stores and restaurants could reopen after the Covid-19 stay-home order, the guiding principle seems to be … trepidation. While some shoppers and diners are eager to resume their usual habits, others are not. Personal preference is guiding their actions, but business owners downtown have another factor to consider: … [Read more...]
The Franklin Art Scene Returns May 6!
In addition to showcasing plenty of unique pieces created by a wide range of local artisans, The #FranklinArtScene is continuing its 5th anniversary celebration from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 6 by featuring Critter Invasion, an exhibition of sidewalk chalk art, plus a Kid’s CreArtivity Crawl and Parent’s Night Out event, hosted with the Arts Council and Williamson County Parks and Recreation. As part of the free event’s 5th anniversary celebration, patrons will have a chance to experience the Critter Invasion exhibit, which consists of temporary street art composed entirely of chalk on improvised locations. Those looking to view all of the critter drawings along the art crawl route should begin at “Critter Alley,” located at the … [Read more...]
Announcing the 2016 Main Street Brewfest Beer Lineup!
The 13th Annual Main Street Brewfest is just a few short weeks away, and lead sponsor Lipman Brothers is once again bringing a first-rate lineup of local, national and international beers to the festival in downtown Franklin. More than 35 different breweries will offer a selection of over 80 craft beers at tasting sites in and around Franklin’s famous Main Street on Saturday, May 7. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., attendees will “tap into history” as the Public Square and Main Street play host to 37 different tasting locations. “We hand-picked this year’s lineup to include something for everybody and I’m really excited about what we put together,” said Claire Crowell, 2016 Main Street Brewfest chair and chief operating officer of A. … [Read more...]
{April} Franklin Art Scene Continues 5th Anniversary Celebrations!
The #FranklinArtScene is continuing its 5th anniversary celebration on Friday, April 1 by educating participants on Williamson County art and culture with a “Trivial Pursuit: Artist Edition” quiz and prize-drawing, as well as featuring a wide range of local artisans at new locations. Coordinated by the Downtown Franklin Association, the free event will now include 28 participating sites dispersed in and around downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as up and down Columbia Avenue. As part of the free event’s 5th anniversary celebrations, patrons will have the opportunity to participate in a Trivial Pursuit: Artist Edition quiz where they’ll answer questions regarding the featured artists and their work. … [Read more...]
{March} Franklin Art Scene to “Light Up The Night”
The Franklin Art Scene is continuing its 5th anniversary celebration on Friday, March 4 by shining a light on Williamson County art and culture with complimentary glowsticks, in addition to a wide range of local artisans. Coordinated by the Downtown Franklin Association, the free event will feature 12 participating sites dispersed in and around downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as up and down Columbia Avenue. The first 100 patrons at each location will receive glowsticks to wear throughout the night’s festivities, which will take place from 6-9 p.m. March’s “Light Up The Night” theme is one of many unique perks that regulars will see throughout the year, as the Franklin Art Scene prepares to … [Read more...]
{February} Franklin Art Scene + 5th Anniversary Celebrations!
That's right -- the Franklin Art Scene is turning five this year and including you in celebrations the entire way through! In anticipation of the free event's 5th anniversary (which will take place in September!), the free event is kicking off a year of celebration on Friday, Feb. 5th, that will include unique perks each month, plus an array of diverse, local artisans. The February Art Crawl will feature 12 participating locations dispersed in and around downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as up and down Columbia Avenue. Patrons will receive a “passport” card at February’s event, which will take place from 6-9 p.m. Participants who get their passport stamped at eight of the 12 locations will … [Read more...]
Merriest Main Street Reveal
We're adding another enchanting moment to the community’s holiday season by inviting them to take part in its Second Annual “Merriest Main Street” Reveal on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 that includes an exclusive Studio Tenn performance at The Franklin Theatre and a grand Main Street window reveal! We're kicking off the holiday magic in Franklin, as well as put guests in the spirit to get a jump on spending money with downtown’s independently owned merchants and restaurants this season. The free program, presented by Franklin Synergy Bank, will start at The Franklin Theatre at 3:30 p.m. on November 23 with Christmas characters in costume greeting guests--presenting the perfect photo opportunity for families. Inside the theatre, participants will … [Read more...]
Franklin in the Running For “Best Southern Town” Bragging Rights
March Madness inspires a host of spin-off bracket-style contests, and Franklin is in the thick of one such wave: we've secured a Final Four spot in Garden and Gun’s “Best Southern Towns” tournament that began with 32 small cities below the Mason-Dixon line. The competition is based on an online readers’ poll. Garden and Gun magazine, a Southern lifestyle magazine based in Charleston, S.C., launched the poll on March 17 to gage its audience’s favorite American city. The publication says it saw around 700,000 votes cast during the first round. The Final Four round, which opened today at 9 a.m. and closes tomorrow mid-evening, pits Franklin against Hot Springs, Ark. Previously, Franklin won close battles against Fairhope, Ala., and Florence, … [Read more...]
Franklin Art Scene Brings Back Trolley For Spring, Hosts Local Art For Night Out
This Friday, Franklin Art Scene goers will enjoy the first hints of spring with the return of the monthly, first-Friday art crawl through downtown Franklin’s historic core. In conjunction with the monthly gathering coordinated by the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA), more than 20 locations will host local artists on their properties, 6-9 p.m. Many of the sites offer refreshments, drink or live music. The art crawl is free, but a $5 wristband includes unlimited stops on the trolley that circulate throughout the circuit this month. For more information about participants, go to www.franklinartscene.com. To see this month’s featured artists, visit the non-profit’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FranklinArtScene.com. Highlights … [Read more...]
Franklin Art Scene “Scares Up Scarecrows”
Franklin Art Scene Enters Its Third Year The Franklin Art Scene will enter its third year on Friday, Oct. 4. The first-Friday art crawl, which boasted a record attendance last month, will feature 30-plus participating locations in Historic Franklin’s downtown core. It was estimated that more than 2,000 people came out for the free event in September, with many of the galleries and working studios serving food and drink. Some locations offer live music, as well. To add to the spirit of fall festivity, the event’s planning committee is encouraging merchants to participate in a scarecrow contest to be launched the evening of Oct. 4. Each Franklin Art Scene site has been asked to “scare up a scarecrow” near its front window or door. The public … [Read more...]
Franklin Art Scene Celebrates September; Has Featured 40-plus Sites, More Than 300 Artists
In 2011, a core group of local artistic influencers gathered to discuss the launch of an art crawl in downtown Franklin, Tenn. On Friday, Sept. 6, the local community will celebrate those visionaries’ work as the Franklin Art Scene hosts its second-anniversary event in Historic Downtown Franklin. Organizers say that they believe more than 1,500 patrons came out for the free event in August, indicating steady growth for the art crawl over the past 24 months. The event boasts more than 30 participating locations each month, with locations dispersed in and around downtown—including the Second South District and Bridge Street, as well as Columbia Avenue. “The Art Scene was initiated two years ago to promote local talent and build community … [Read more...]
Downtown Franklin Merchants Collaborate in Dog Days of Summer Fundraiser; Raised $7,000 in 2012
More than 20 downtown Franklin merchants will support local charities together Tuesday, Aug. 27 through the second annual “Dog Days of Summer,” a collaborative fundraising effort coordinated by the non-profit Downtown Franklin Association (DFA). Participants will donate 10 to 15 percent of sales between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to a non-profit organization of their choice. Each shop or restaurant is within a four-block walking distance, and all of the involved merchants are leaving their doors open later for the benefit. In its second year, the unified effort among local merchants helped raise more than $7,000 in July 2012. Several of the businesses –Mellow Mushroom, Kimbro’s and Shoppes on Main, among others—are choosing animal welfare … [Read more...]
August 2013 Art Scene Offers New Work; Nears Second Birthday
This Friday, Franklin Antique Mall is offering two forms of craftsmanship during August’s Franklin Art Scene: local bluegrass band The Mizells will provide a live pickin’ performance to complement work by Franklin artist Marlena Karlsson. A recent member of the first-Friday event, the shop on Second Avenue South says that Karlsson will be on hand to talk with participants about the “Return to Nature” exhibition. “I’m drawn to nature and noticing the simplest detail in the world. I find it so fulfilling to emotionally connect with nature and translate that into my work,” she said. “My work consists of acrylic, enamel, sprays, stains, resin and driftwood—all elements I use to make pieces come to life.” In conjunction with the monthly … [Read more...]
“Taste of GRAYS” Event to Close Main Street Aug. 4, Re-lighting of Historic Sign
For the better part of the last decade, one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in downtown Franklin remained unlit, only occasionally stuttering to life for special events and annual festivals. Now, after more than a year of intensive renovations, the building will once again serve as a hub on one of the country’s most celebrated Main Streets: GRAYS on Main is commemorating its grand opening Sunday, Aug. 4 with a street closure from the Public Square to Fourth Avenue, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant and entertainment venue will offer tours, tastes and live music, with the historic Gray’s neon sign coming alive as darkness falls. Previously, it had been announced that the grand opening would be held July 28. However, a … [Read more...]
Iconic Main Street Building Comes Alive; Holds Job Fair This Week!
For more than 70 years, GRAYS Drug Store bustled with employees and customers filling their pharmaceutical needs—or locals popping in to get a piece of daily gossip. This month, the iconic neon sign will light up once again with memories, both new and old. Only this time, the building will come alive with community members visiting a new culinary and entertainment destination in downtown Franklin. Set in a ca. 1876, GRAYS on Main Owners Michael and Joni Cole have spent more than a year renovating the centuries-old building that sat vacant for a decade. Last week, the Coles received approval from the City of Franklin’s aldermen to close Main Street one Sunday evening in July to hold their grand opening. This week, the three-story … [Read more...]
Franklin on Foot Offers Staycation Options for Locals
With the summer often comes beach vacations and trips to the lake. But for those who don’t have the luxury of a brief escape, Franklin on Foot is offering several options to spice up the warm months without ever crossing the county line. The local tour company provides dozens of walking and mobile options throughout Historic Downtown Franklin, all which blend education and entertainment and cater to a wide range of interests. Owner Margie Thessin says the popularity of her tours skyrockets during July and August, a trend she attributes to both the longer days and the influx of tourists during the summer months. “People are looking for ways to beat the boredom, especially when it’s warm and stays light outside longer. They want … [Read more...]
Caroline’s Cart Donations Will Serve a Great Mission in Downtown Franklin!
Drew Ann Long, the visionary behind Caroline’s Cart, will make an important charitable donation to the GEAR Foundation Thursday, June 13 in downtown Franklin! Long will donate shopping carts, uniquely designed for special needs children, to Our Thrift Store to help facilitate the shopping experience for families that can utilize the invention. Long will join Dave Krikac, founder of the GEAR Foundation, in a special dedication ceremony on Thursday at Our Thrift Store at 1018 Columbia Avenue. The public is invited to commemorate the moment with the two organizations at 11 a.m. Caroline’s Cart incorporates a comfortable seat into a traditional cart for the transporting of special-needs children and adults, and combines the functions of both … [Read more...]
Heritage Foundation’s Town & Country Tour Includes Century Farm and More
Downtown Franklin resident Marti Veto has been named chair of the 38th Annual Town & Country Tour of Homes, to be held June 1 and 2 in and around historic Franklin. The event, produced by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, is designed to showcase old homes in an effort to underscore the importance of historic preservation. This year’s tour includes properties from the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as modern interpretations of Federal, Victorian and French Country-style homes in a newer neighborhood. Veto, who bought her ca. 1920 Craftsman-style bungalow in 2007 on West Main Street, opened her restored home to the Tour of Homes in 2008. “I love my downtown neighborhood—the history each house … [Read more...]
Downtown Franklin’s 30th Annual Main Street Festival Returns This Weekend
If you are using Twitter or Instagram to document your Main Street Festival experiences, use the hashtags #MainStreetFestival or #MSF13 or #downtownfranklin so that we can follow that! Downtown Franklin’s 30th annual Main Street Festival is April 27-28, featuring more than 200 artisans & crafters, two stages, two carnivals and a couple dozen food trucks to round out a full weekend of fun on one of America’s favorite Main Streets. Hours for the free street festival are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, with the Fourth Avenue Street Dance continuing until 10 p.m., and all activities re-opening noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The area of the festival is Main Street from First Avenue to Fifth Avenue, and including portions of Third and Fourth Avenues … [Read more...]
O’More Designer Show House Partners With Traditional Home Magazine
For more than 40 years, O’More College of Design has produced some of Middle Tennessee’s top interior designers. Now, alumni spanning the decades are partnering on the O’More Show House at Berry Cottage, to be held April 5-21 in Downtown Franklin with all proceeds benefiting the O’More College of Design. As part of Traditional Home magazine’s 2013 National Show House Tour, the event will feature 17 leading designers, all graduates of O’More’s award-winning interior design program. The 4,000 square-foot transitional Shingle-style home is currently under construction on Berry Circle, located just off of Lewisburg Avenue and adjacent to the College’s campus in downtown Franklin. “Traditional Home is thrilled to partner with O’More College of … [Read more...]
Franklin Theatre Hosts Children’s “Eggs-travaganza” March 30
The Franklin Theatre will help spread Easter cheer a day early this year. The historic event venue will host its first “Eggs-travaganza” on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The children’s event will include a screening of the animated movie Hop and a chance to win a brand-new bicycle from Mac’s Harpeth Bikes in Franklin. The Theatre, whose marquee first illuminated Main Street in 1937, said it focuses on children-oriented events each year in order to give back to its community supporters. “We enjoy these opportunities to engage with both the children and their families, because it means we’re making memories with them,” said Chelsey Reardon, marketing and communications manager. “The Theatre is nostalgic for many people, and we … [Read more...]
MAIN STREET BREW FEST CELEBRATES ITS 10th ANNIVERSARY MARCH 16
More than 60 Brews On Tap From Middle Tennessee and Around the Country Each year for the last decade, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has provided beer lovers a taste of some of the best local, national and international brews during its annual Main Street Brew Fest. On Saturday, March 16, the non-profit organization that helped spearhead the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core will once again offer 60-plus craft beers at 31 tasting sites from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., along with Celtic performers and plenty of Irish cheer. PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR THE BEER LIST. Presented by R.S. Lipman Company and Lipman Brothers, the popular event plans to showcase the latest product and shine a spotlight on Williamson County’s microbrewery … [Read more...]
Outdoor Classic Structures Brings New Dimension to March’s Franklin Art Scene
Outdoor Classic Structures, a design-build firm in downtown Franklin that focuses on outdoor construction, is wielding its craft to add a unique dimension to the upcoming Franklin Art Scene. The company works on projects ranging from spectacular courtyards to green roofs, tiered swimming pools to sculpted landscapes—and this Friday at their showroom on 203 Second Avenue South, they will take their art inside. With spring right around the corner, Outdoor Classic Structures is using the monthly art crawl to demonstrate unique ideas for enjoying the outdoors. “By this point in the winter months, people are growing weary of spending so much time inside. We thought it would be fun to ‘garden up’ the studio and bring in an early spring,” said … [Read more...]
Main Street Welcomes Town’s End General Store
Town’s End General Store, a vintage and uncommon goods shop at 504 W. Main Street, will hold its grand opening Friday, March 1, 2013 during the Franklin Art Scene, 6-9 p.m. The shop's ribbon cutting will take place at 4 p.m. The new business, formally known as Kaleidoscope, has taken on a new persona—and it’s one that Owner Cynthia Townsend said has been conspicuously absent from Downtown Franklin. “This area is such a special place, and contains so much history,” she said. “I’m surprised that it’s taken this long to re-establish a general store on Main Street, because I believe the two compliment one another so well.” Townsend’s new shop will sell a mix of traditional mercantile goods, clothing and old-fashioned candies one might expect … [Read more...]
Downtown Franklin Merchants Give Back to Charities This Friday
Twenty-two Businesses Donate 15 Percent of Sales to Charities Between 4-9 p.m. More than 20 downtown Franklin merchants will band together this Friday, Feb. 8, to support nearly two dozen local charities through “Open Your Heart,” a collaborative fundraising effort coordinated by the non-profit Downtown Franklin Association (DFA). The participating businesses will leave their doors open later and donate 15 percent of sales between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to a non-profit organization of their choice. Each shop or restaurant is within a four-block walking distance. DFA Director Nancy Williams said the promotion was created to show support for community organizations through a unified effort among local merchants. This is the second event of its … [Read more...]
FEBRUARY’S FRANKLIN ART SCENE SUPPORTS NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY FEB. 1
Downtown Franklin Association’s Art Crawl to Raise Awareness for Heart Disease in Women On Friday, Feb. 1, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) and the Franklin Art Scene are encouraging businesses and downtown visitors to participate in National Wear Red Day, the 10th Annual American Heart Association movement to raise awareness of heart disease in women. The Main Street group and its members will show their support by wearing red clothing all day Friday, and have asked that the 30 plus participating art crawl sites do the same. “The DFA always hopes to work with local organizations to raise awareness for the good of the community, in every way we can,” said Nancy Williams, director of the DFA. “Our members have shown a lot of … [Read more...]
Dickens of a Christmas Entertainment Schedule 2012
It’s a 27-year holiday tradition in Historic Downtown Franklin on the second weekend in December to travel back in time–about 150 years–to a Main Street from the time of Charles Dickens. That tradition continues this year on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 9 noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Dickens of a Christmas is a free street festival, is open to the public, and is expected to attract some 50,000 visitors over the weekend. Anyone is invited to join the fun by showing up in costume and engaging with the characters on the street, or just come as you are and enjoy a beautifully preserved Main Street with more than 70 unique shopping and dining destinations in the 15-block National Register Historic District. Here's your all-day … [Read more...]
Franklin Art Scene Debuts New Artists, Leads Dickens of a Christmas
FRANKLIN ART SCENE DEBUTS NEWS ARTISTS, LEADS DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Franklin Art Scene will usher in this weekend’s Dickens of a Christmas festival in downtown Franklin on Friday, leading visitors to nearly 40 host sites—many of which will feature holiday-themed art and décor. Live demonstrations and award-winning pieces will be on display throughout the 16-block Historic Register, from Columbia Avenue over to Main Street and down to the antique district. A $5 ticket gives patrons an unlimited Art Scene wristband to the trolleys that circulate from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more details and map information, go to www.franklinartscene.com. December highlights include: O’More College of Design, the four-year design institution on South Margin … [Read more...]
Dickens of a Christmas 2012
Holiday Entertainment to Abound in Historic Downtown Franklin, Dec. 8-9 It’s a 27-year holiday tradition in Historic Downtown Franklin on the second weekend in December to travel back in time--about 150 years--to a Main Street from the time of Charles Dickens. That tradition continues this year on Saturday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 9 noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Dickens of a Christmas is a free street festival, is open to the public, and is expected to attract some 50,000 visitors over the weekend. More than 250 volunteers participate in the event as characters from Dickens’ stories, vendors or street performers. Show up any time over the course of the weekend, and you’re sure to meet Ebenezer Scrooge, his unfortunate partner Marley … [Read more...]