Craftmasters Dinner Series

7:42 pm | Tuesday, Jul 26th

Featuring Local Craftmaster: Corsair Distillery
Benefiting Williamson County CASA
Entertainment By Buddy Jewell

Tickets include a four-course Chef’s menu, inspired by and paired with dynamic Corsair Artisan Distillery whiskey cocktails, as well as complimentary drink tickets, a photobooth and intimate acoustic live entertainment in our Grand Event Barn provided by Grammy and CMA nominated artist and Nashville Star winner Buddy Jewell.

Homestead Manor is proud to partner with Corsair Distillery for the second in our 2016 Craftmasters Series, benefiting the Williamson County chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children. Proceeds from the July 29th evening will fund their will fund their Service Technology Initiative, providing much needed resources for the tools to serve ever more children in need.

Front Street Craft Beer Celebration

7:39 pm | Tuesday, Jul 26th

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The Celebration is dedicated to the enjoyment of the best craft beers around. Guests will have the opportunity to sample 30+ craft beers, with many of these brews coming from the best Southern craft and micro-breweries around. This rain or shine event will take place under a tent, at the lake on Front Street in Westhaven Town Center.

Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door until sell-out. Doors open at 4:30 pm and runs until 9 pm. Tickets include a samples of some of 30+ craft beers, five ounce souvenir glass, brewer’s list card. Designated Driver tickets are also available for $5. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit The Westhaven Foundation’s Excellence in Education efforts.

Tickets for the VIP area are $75 and include entry to an exclusive lounge with private taps and limited food from 5 – 7 pm, and your very own porta-potti. What a deal!

Food truck vendors will be on-site and Bellaterra fine cigars will be available for purchase. Attendees at the event must be 21-years of age or older, and no children, strollers or pets will be allowed in the Beer Garden.

For Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Shaun Rowles at (865) 803-3453 or Mark McCutcheon.

This is a tented event and will be held rain or shine.

City Releases Draft Long-term Vision for Franklin

7:32 pm | Tuesday, Jul 26th

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The City of Franklin has completed a draft update to their long-range land use plan for the city. The new and improved plan is titled Envision Franklin which articulates the long-term vision of the kind of places that Franklin’s residents, businesses, and institutions want for their future. The drafting of Envision Franklin began with a series of community workshops in May of 2015. Envision Franklin provides policies that direct future development in a way that strengthens the City and creates exceptional places for people while preserving the past and planning for the future.

Envision Franklin sets forth a framework that provides guidance to the City in making land use decisions, managing the quality of development, determining the timing and location of future growth, and directing investment and development activity. It is meant to be a dynamic tool that is responsive to changes in the City and is periodically updated.

As part of the unveiling, the City will introduce the Plan to the public and gather feedback through two open houses. The first is on Monday, September 26, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.at City Hall, at 109 3^rd Avenue South, Franklin, TN. The second is Tuesday, September 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Columbia State Community College, Williamson Campus, at their new location at 1228 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN and will be held in the administration building located at the top of the hill. Envision Franklin will also be discussed throughout the community with various civic groups and organizations. Additional information will be available as these meetings are scheduled.

Participants can come to either open house at their leisure to review a variety of stations that focus on different aspects of the Plan. City planning staff and the consultants from Rundell Ernstberger & Associates will be present to answer questions and take comments. A draft of the plan can be found on the City’s website and a copy will be available at the open house to review.

For more information about Envision Franklin, please visit the City’s website at www.franklintn.gov/envisionfranklin.

WCAR Leadership Academy

7:59 pm | Monday, Jul 25th

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The Williamson County Association of Realtors® (WCAR) announced the participants in the inaugural class of the WCAR Leadership Academy, according to WCAR President David Logan.

“It is an exceptional pleasure to be able to announce both the initiation of the WCAR Leadership Academy program and the list of association members who will be participating in that experience,” said Logan. “We have talked about starting a program like this for several years, and it is truly exciting to see the fruition of a great deal of planning and hard work invested by many WCAR leaders.”

The list of participants includes the following WCAR members:

Bobbi Jo Astorga, Reliant Realty ERA Powered
Christopher Close, Parks – Franklin
Dawne Davis, Parks – Cool Springs
Stacy DeSoto, Reliant Realty ERA Powered
Chris Elrod, Benchmark Realty
Gabrielle Hanson, Williamson Real Estate
Kim Henderson, Parks – Franklin
Jack Jernigan, Benchmark Realty
Tina Majors, Re/Max Fine Homes
Mona Martin, SilverPointe Properties
Charlie Peterson, Realty Trust Residential LLC
Kymberly Petty, Parks – Franklin
Tina Pierret, Fridrich & Clark Realty
Amy Tarter, Parks – Franklin
Renae Voda, Coldwell Banker Barnes
Julia Wood, Benchmark Realty
Misty Woodford, Benchmark Realty

The WCAR Leadership Academy course includes four separate four-hour sessions over five weeks. Subjects include explanations of the national and state association relationships, the role of the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, the political and community service involvements of the association, the work of the various WCAR committees, the REALTOR® Code of Ethics and its enforcement and a host of additional information. A variety of speakers and expert presenters will help make the experience informative, memorable and motivating.

“All of us on the board of directors are thankful for their interest in the association and we are proud of their willingness to invest themselves in the WCAR Leadership Academy experience,” said WCAR President Elect Lisa Wurth. “It will be a pleasure to shake the hand of each of these members when they graduate from this course.”

With 2,200 members, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® provides support and services for area real estate professionals and is the leading voice in the community for its members, as well as residential and commercial property owners. REALTOR® is a registered trademark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

Movie Night at Carnton

7:46 pm | Sunday, Jul 24th

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Watch a movie under the stars on the lawn at Carnton Plantation. Gates open at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:30 (sunset). Click here for tickets.

Night at the Museum

PG, 108 min.

A night watchman (Ben Stiller) at a museum of natural history makes a startling discovery: Thanks to the unleashing of an ancient Egyptian curse, the museum’s animals, birds, bugs and other exhibits spring to life after the building closes, and former President Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) is among those the hapless guard encounters.

WHEN: Friday, August 5, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (CDT) – Add to Calendar
WHERE: Carnton Plantation – 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064 – View Map

Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson

6:49 pm | Wednesday, Jul 6th

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Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

11:30 a.m. – Registration & Networking

Noon – Lunch & Program

Franklin Marriott Cool Springs

700 Cool Springs Boulevard East, Franklin, TN

$35 – Members | $55 – Non-Members

On the heels of a successful year in Williamson County, Mayor Rogers Anderson is set to deliver his seventh annual State of the County address to the business community.

Anderson’s speech will give an overview of how the county is performing on economic indicators such as financial health, education, public safety, transportation, job growth and capital investments. Anderson will also provide an update on the county budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Be among the first to hear Mayor Anderson’s plan for the upcoming year. Early registration is strongly encouraged as this event is expected to draw a large attendance. Tickets are $35 for members and $55 for non-members. A $5 late fee will be added after Noon on Friday, July 15. Contact Claudia@williamsonchamber.com for more information.

Shopping in Downtown Franklin, TN | The Full Guide

1:00 am | Sunday, Jun 19th

Shopping

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Downtown Franklin TN is all about shopping, gifts, galleries, antiques and more.

Fourteen miles and 100 years from Nashville, Downtown Franklin, Tennessee is an oasis of Southern hospitality housed in a 16-block National Register district of antique shops, gift and book stores, art galleries, boutiques, lovingly restored homes and more. It boasts an award-winning Main Street, brick sidewalks, a stunning collection of Victorian buildings and a host of “Best of“ accolades.

The Downtown Franklin Association promotes and protects more than 150 unique places to explore in the National Register District. Come on out to America’s Favorite Main Street™, and SHOP-EAT-PLAY-WORK with us!

Below is a list of most local stores. With this list (and the contact info we provide), it should help you on your way…

Antiques, Furniture, Home Décor & Interior Design

Arbor Antique Mall
202 South Margin St. / 615-599-1200
Virtual Tour

Avec Moi
418 Main St. / 615-791-9121
Virtual Tour

The Bagbey House
134 4^th Avenue North / 615-595-8645
Virtual Tour

Bittersweet Primitives
320 Fourth Avenue North / 615-614-3389
Virtual Tour

The Barn Door
109 S. Margin St./615-794-0089

City Farmhouse
111 Bridge St. / 615-790-8101

Foyers and Beyond Custom Flooring
502 West Main St. / 615-790-4003
Virtual Tour

Franklin Antique Mall, LLC
251 Second Ave. S, Suite 100 / 615-790-8593
Virtual Tour

Franklin Custom Interiors
1265 Columbia Avenue / 615-595-7156
Virtual Tour

Inspirations on Main
334 Main Street, Suite 100/ 615-236.9013

Iron Gate
338 Main St. / 615-791-7511

J.J. Ashley’s
125 South Margin St. / 615-791-0011

Rebecca’s Furniture & Design
117 3rd Avenue North / 615-599-1652

ReDo
300 Public Square / 615-790-3989

Riverside Antiques & Home Décor
144 Bridge Street / 615-591-4089

Scarlett Scales Antiques
246 Second Ave. S / 615-791-4097

Serenite Maison
4149 Old Hillsboro Rd. / 615-599-2071

The Shop Around The Corner
117 3rd Ave. N / 615-599-1652
Virtual Tour

Tin Cottage
123 S. Margin St. / 615-472-1183

Trisha Nesbitt & Co.
145 2nd Ave. N / 615-347-6128
Virtual Tour

Urban Design + Renovation
813 Columbia Ave. / 615-790-6408

West Main Antiques
1182 W. Main St. / 615-614-3392

William Powell Home & Garden
506 West Main / 615-791-5495

Winchester Antique Mall
113 Bridge St. / 615-791-5846
Virtual Tour

Art Galleries & Studios

Carpe Diem
212 S. Margin St. /615-429-0157

Damico Frame & Art Gallery
112 A East Fowlkes St. / 615-815-6015
Virtual Tour

Franklin Glassblowing Studio
1143 Columbia Ave. Ste. A10 / 615-638-3778

Gallery 202-Art at Historic Clouston Hall
202 Second Ave. S / 615-472-1134
Virtual Tour

The Hip Hop Shop
735 Columbia Ave. / 615-591-2212

Leiper’s Creek Gallery
4144 Old Hillsboro Rd. / 615-599-5102

Rare Prints Gallery
420 Main St. / 615-472-1980
Virtual Tour

Westlight Studios
1106 Harpeth Industrial Court / 615-499-6269

Wm. Darrell Moseley Tribal Arts, Inc.
427 Main St. / 615-790-3095
Open by appointment

Clothing & Jewelry

Anthropologie
335 Main St. / 615-591-1216

Bink’s Outfitters
421 Main St. / 615-599-8777

BoutiqueMMM
238 Public Square / 615-628-8523

The Cellar on Main Street
324 Main St. / 615-790-9803
Virtual Tour

Chico’s
348 Main St. / 615-599-8471

For Every Child, Inc.
111 Fifth Ave. N / 615-790-6426

Ecco Bella Salon & Boutique LLC
341 Main St. / 615-599-3030

Gin-O Boutique
118 4th Avenue S. / 615-591-8450

Finnleys Good Findings
435 Main St./615-628-8495

Haven
343 Main St. / 615-790-7954

It’s Vintage, Baby
234 Public Square / 615-465-2166
Virtual Tour

Jack Yacoubian Jewelers
114 Third Avenue S. / 615-224-3698

Johnnie Q
317 Main St. Suite 105 / 615-794-2763

JONDIE Boutique
407 Main St. / 615-807-2386

Our Thrift Store
1018 Columbia Ave. / 615-591-9612

Philanthropy
432 & 434 Main St. / 615-794-0074

Walton’s Antique Jewelry
410 Main St. / 615-790-0244

Shopping Centers/Areas

CoolSprings Galleria
1800 Galleria Blvd. / 615-771-2128

Historic Downtown Franklin 15-block National Register District Surrounding Main St
615-591-8500
VIRTUAL TOUR

The Factory at Franklin
230 Franklin Rd. / 615-791-1777

Franklin Farmers Market
230 Franklin Rd. at The Factory/615-916-1274

Specialty Shops, Gifts & Florists

Bathos
416 Main St. / 615-790-0151

Carpe Diem
212 S. Margin St. /615-429-0157

CharacterEYES Eyecare & Optical
407 Church St. / 615-599-1800
Virtual Tour

Early’s Honey Stand
209 E. Main St. / 615-302-2240

Franklin Flower & Gift Gallery
1152 Columbia Ave. / 615-794-4501
Virtual Tour

Harpeth True Value Home Center
203 Down Boulevard / 615-794-3641
Virtual Tour

Heart & Hands
342 Main St. / 615-794-2537
Virtual Tour

The Heirloom Shop
404 Main St. / 615-791-0110
Virtual Tour

HeyDay
334 Main St. / 615-472-1816

Inspirations on Main
334 Main Street, Suite 100/ 615-236-9013

The Iron Gate
338 Main St. / 615-791-7511

The Kandle Kitchen
1914 Columbia Ave. / 615-261-7550

Landmark Booksellers
114 E. Main St. / 615-791-6400

LuLu
345 Main St. / 615-794-3345

Main Street Toy Company
412 Main St. / 615-790-4869
Virtual Tour

Olivia Olive Oil
443 Cool Springs Blvd. 103 / 615-771-9595

The Quilting Squares Quilt Shop
107 Confederate Dr. Suite 1 / 1-877-794-4769

The Registry
347 Main St. at the corner of 5th & Main / 615-595-2323

Tin Cottage
123 S. Margin St. / 615-472-1183

Town’s End General Store
502 West Main St. / 615-791-8086

Savory Spice Shop
324 Main Street / click here to contact
Virtual Tour

SEC Fun Foods
98-b Beasley Dr. / 615-538-6073

The Shoppes On Main
413 Main St. / 615-591-8433
Virtual Tour

Shuff’s Music
118 3rd Ave. N / 615-790-6139

Shuff’s Piano Showroom
127 2nd Ave. N / 615-261-8888

Yarrow Acres
424A Main St. / 615-591-7090

Transportation

Franklin Transit
708 Columbia Ave. / 615-790-0604

Improvements on Hillsboro Road

6:54 pm | Friday, May 20th

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This project is the second phase of the overall Hillsboro Road Improvements Project, creating roadway and utility infrastructure upgrades to Hillsboro Road, State Route 106. Aspects of this project include:

Widening from a 2-lane roadway with shoulders to 3-lanes (includes a new center turn lane) with curb and gutter (widening is symmetrical along the roadway’s existing centerline); New 4.0’ Bike lanes on both sides; New 3.0’ grass strip with street trees; New 5.0’ sidewalk along both sides of the roadway, up to Claude Yates; New street lighting along both sides using decorative street light poles; Northbound right turn lanes (in addition to the 2 travel lanes and center turn lane) to be added in front of Franklin High School and at both of the Joel Cheek Blvd. and Claude Yates Drive Intersections; Installing a traffic control signal at Claude Yates Drive to help with Franklin High School Traffic; Upgrading the Joel Cheek Blvd. traffic signal; Relocating all overhead utilities into underground duct banks; Upgrading older and undersized water and sanitary sewer utility lines; and Installing a new storm water sewer system with catch basins and yard inlets. These upgrades take place in both State Rights-of-Way and City/Public Easements.

Project Length & Limits
Total project length is approximately 0.827 Miles.
Beginning: Along Hillsboro Road (SR-106), by Independence Square/1200 feet north of Del Rio Pike.
Ending: Along Hillsboro Road (SR-106), just south of the Mack Hatcher Parkway (SR-397) intersection.

Construction Timeframe
The construction contract was awarded to Eutaw Construction Company in March 2016. The contract time starts on April 18^th. You may see traffic control devices and erosion protection measures installed later in April. Actual construction will begin in early May. The project is scheduled to last 14 months, with completion by August 2017. This is an aggressive schedule for the contractor to follow, considering the vast amount of utility relocation work. The City will work closely with the local utility companies to make sure they help get this project completed in a timely manner.

Project Contact
William Banks – Project Manager
William.Banks@franklintn.gov
(615) 550-6677

For more information, please contact the City of Franklin.

Franklin Kids Arts Festival of Tennessee

3:29 pm | Thursday, May 19th

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Elementary, middle and high school age children are invited to participate in the first annual Franklin Kids Arts Festival of Tennessee. The festival is looking for artists, dancers, musicians, vocalists, actors, poets, photographers and artisans to participate in the event put on by the City of Franklin Parks Department and the Williamson County Cultural Arts Commission. Students should call 615-794-2103 ext. 5310 to submit something to the festival.

The Festival will offer many opportunities for school-aged artists of Franklin, and surrounding communities, including: A juried art exhibit, hand-crafted art for sale, stage performances, master classes, art stops to experience and create unique art, and more! Youth artists participating in the hand-crafted art sale will be mentored by participating professional art vendors. Student art will be displayed throughout the event, judged, and winners presented cash awards, as well as the opportunity to exhibit in Franklin City Hall throughout the summer months. Participants will have the opportunity to develop new artistic skills and talents from professional artists through master classes.

The first annual Franklin Kids Arts Festival of Tennessee is free festival and open to the public. It will take place on Saturday, June 4, from 10am to 5pm in Pinkerton Park across the footbridge from Historic Downtown Franklin, TN.

For additional information, applications, and deadlines visit the website at www.franklintn.gov/fkaft.

Open Data Performance Site

2:37 pm | Thursday, May 19th

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The City of Franklin is proud to launch its new Open Data performance website – https://performance.franklintn.gov. The City teamed up with Socrata, a company that provides cloud-based solutions for online data, to create the website. It is the first in Franklin dedicated to the City’s strategic plan – FranklinForward – and allows anyone to fully explore each of the themes, sub-themes and goals which comprise the plan and the data behind them.

“We want the citizens of Franklin to have the ability to not only be informed about what the City does with their resources but to dig in and see exactly the same information we see on a daily basis”, said City Administrator Eric Stuckey. “Together, we can share a common understanding of what information is used in building and reaching our shared goals, and in turn build a stronger and more sustainable Franklin.”Unlike other websites, what makes this site unique is the full ability for users to explore the data. Rather than just a static webpage, users can click any chart or table on a page and access the data behind the graphic. Users can then export the data and do their own visualizations, or analysis. Users can even export snapshots of the data into a variety of display formats and even post through social media.

So check it out! – Click here: https://performance.franklintn.gov