Homes for the Holidays

2:04 pm | Sunday, Dec 6th
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Tour to showcase homes and churches for two nights of festive décor, holiday fare and music

 

First Tennessee Bank presents Homes for the Holidays Candlelight Tour benefiting Bridges Domestic Violence Center and historic preservation will be held Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. each night. Visitors will get an inside look into several Franklin homes and churches and enjoy the various styles of holiday decorations that exhibit the balance between historic charm and modern allure. The tour falls on the same weekend as the Heritage Foundation’s Dickens of a Christmas event, and guests are encouraged to come for the celebration and stay for the home tours.

In making the announcement, founding Bridges board member and historical preservationist Pam Lewis said, “We’re so pleased to open a festive collection of lovely historic and new homes along with several churches for a holiday candlelight tour in downtown Franklin. This tour demonstrates the rich heritage we enjoy in Franklin and highlights creative ways to celebrate, decorate and enjoy the blessings of the season.”

 

Homes and churches on the tour include:

  • Phillip Catholic Church – Old Sanctuary, 113 2nd Ave. South
  • Cumberland Presbyterian, 615 W. Main Street
  • Lotz House, 1111 Columbia Avenue
  • Ty’s House – Hard Bargain Association, 608 Mt. Hope Street
  • O’More College of Design, 423 S. Margin Street
  • Landmark Books, 114 E. Main Street
  • The home of Lisa and Brian Beathard, 704 Fair Street
  • The home of Kelly and Chad Dannenfelser, 315 Fourth Ave. South
  • The home of Ann Johnson, 1211 Carnton Lane
  • The home of Lydia and Tom Miller, 1328 Carnton Lane
  • The home of Erika and Marcus Frazier, 1508 Holmes Circle
  • The home of Rebecca and John Burns, 1136 Carnton Lane

 

“We’re pleased to celebrate the holidays while acknowledging the history of the Lotz House,” said Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson. “The festive decorations will make the visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time with the Lotz family.”

The variety of historic and new sites on the tour will be filled with special collections and personalized décor that celebrate their own unique traditions. The Lotz House will serve holiday fare such as hot cider and Christmas cookies. Decorations in the house will be representative of the time period of the 1864 Battle of Franklin, with fresh décor of pulled cotton, harvested nuts, fresh apples, magnolia leaves and holly. The home of Ann Johnson will offer festive foods and feature her collection of antiques, salvaged barn wood floors and refurbished cedar beams. Cumberland Presbyterian will provide holiday music, period décor and a 25-foot Christmas tree. The campus of O’More College of Design will be decorated by its talented design students. The home of Rebecca and John Burns will feature handmade crocheted Christmas ornaments and a Crystal angel collection. Period costumed and festive interpreters and holiday music will be at many of the sites throughout the tour.

  • Advance tickets are $30 per person or two for $55 and include a tour of all homes and churches. Tickets at the door on Dec. 12 and 13 are $32 per person or two for $60. Groups of 10 or more are $25 each. Please note that tickets are non-refundable. Tour patrons are welcomed to split up the tour over both days if desired.

 

Tickets are available at these locations:

  • Lotz House, 1111 Columbia Avenue, 615-790-7190, lotzhouse.com
  • The Heritage Foundation, 134 2nd Ave North, 615-591-8500, historicfranklin.com
  • Bridges Domestic Violence Center, 615-599-8064, bridgesdvc.org
  • Westhaven Resident’s Club, 401 Cheltenham Ave, 615-791-9250, westhaventn.com
  • Williamson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 150 4th Avenue North G-250, 615-791-7554, visitfranklin.com
  • The Shop Around The Corner, 117 3rd Avenue North, 615-599-1652
  • FirstBank, 510 Columbia Avenue, Suite 106 at 5 Points, 615-435-2460, firstbankonline.com

 

About First Tennessee Bank

First Tennessee Bank was founded during the Civil War in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country, as well as one of the highest customer retention rates of any bank in the country. First Tennessee and FTN Financial are part of First Horizon National Corporation (NYSE:FHN), which has 4,300 employees. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation’s best employers by Forbes, Working Mother and American Banker magazines. More information is available at www.FirstTennessee.com.

About Bridges

Bridges Domestic Violence Center serves women, men and their children affected by domestic violence, ensuring a safe transition to successful independent living through education, intervention and case management. More information is available at www.bridgesdvc.org.

Art Crawl

12:39 am | Thursday, Dec 3rd
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The Franklin Art Scene will open its doors this Friday with fabulous art to view for all.  The first-Friday art crawl, which has consistently grown in attendance since its 2011 conception, will feature 30-plus participating locations in Historic Franklin’s core.

Art Scene locations are dispersed throughout downtown, including the antique district and spots up and down Columbia Avenue. There is no set starting point for art crawl participants; guests are encouraged to begin at any map location. Trolleys circulate among all the stops throughout the night, and $5 buys an unlimited wristband to jump on and off at will from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

To download maps and applications, visit www.franklinartscene.com. To stay updated with featured artists showing at individual locations, check out www.facebook.com/FranklinArtScene.

 

About the Franklin Art Scene

In 2011, a group of Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) members launched the monthly Franklin Art Scene to promote local talent and community relationships in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tenn. Since its inception, the first-Friday event has been a unique experience for both the art novice and the connoisseur, offering a sweeping variety of magnificent work that ranges from blown glass and mixed-media pieces to original paintings and handcrafted jewelry.

The 30-plus participating locations are dispersed throughout downtown Franklin’s core. For more information, visit www.franklinartscene.com or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtScene.

Visit http://franklinartscene.com to learn more!

Three Trips for Seniors

3:56 pm | Tuesday, Dec 1st
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Online registration is now available for the Williamson County Archives & museum on January 14, the Hatch Show Print tour on January 27 and the Nashville Symphony on February 19.

January 14: Williamson County Archives and Museum & Merridee’s Breadbasket

Hop on board a Franklin Transit trolley at 9:15 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. on January 14 for a fun excursion to downtown Franklin. Tour the outstanding Williamson County Archives and Museum (free admission), where you will see a full size log cabin built by early settlers, historic quilts, clothing and tools.  Learn about the area’s ancient history and Native American culture as well. After the tour, the group will walk two blocks to Merridee’s Breadbasket for a Dutch treat lunch. Participants must register online in advance ($5) at www.wcparksandrec.com (event code # 5670). The group will ride the Franklin Transit trolley back to the recreation complex arriving at 1:45 p.m. Phone reservations are available through the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. No messages allowed. Registration ends January 7 or when the trip is full.

January 27: Hatch Show Print Tour & Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Seniors are invited to visit legendary Hatch Show Print in Nashville on Wednesday, January 27. Learn the history of the iconic Hatch Show Print posters as you watch them come off the presses during your tour. Lunch will be at Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Dutch Treat). The trip is $30, and includes transportation from three locations: Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Dr. at 9:15 a.m.; from the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. at 10:15 a.m.; and the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. at 10:15 a.m. Registration is now open and ends January 20 or when the trip is full. Register on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com (event code # 5662) or at the recreation centers. Phone reservations are available through the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. No messages allowed.

February 19: Nashville Symphony Coffee & Classics

Visit the beautiful Schermerhorn Symphony Center on February 19 for Coffee & Classics, a daytime concert of Mussorgsky and Ravel favorites. Williamson County Parks and Recreation invites seniors (55+) to join the fun. In addition to the lovely classical concert, coffee and pastries will be served at the event. The trip is $50, and includes transportation from three locations: Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Dr. at 7:30 a.m.; from the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. at 8:30 a.m.; and the Williamson County Recreation Complex at Nolensville, 7250 Nolensville Rd. at 8:30 a.m. Registration is now open and ends January 15 or when the trip is full. Register on-line at www.wcparksandrec.com (event code #5663) or at the recreation centers. Phone reservations are available through the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. No messages allowed.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For registration and additional information, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2:46 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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Come by the Franklin Visitors Center on Saturday, December 5, at 11:45 am. Storytime returns to the Visitor Center in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee on December 5th at 11:45 am. Bring the whole family and enjoy Santa reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” followed by a special meet n greet. Attendance is limited so get there early to secure your spot!

See Santa at the Mall

2:37 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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CoolSprings Galleria

1800 Galleria Blvd., Franklin
615-771-2128
Nov. 7 – Dec. 24
Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (breaks from 1 – 2 p.m. & 5 – 6 p.m.), Sun 12 – 6 p.m. (break 3 – 3:30 p.m.). Santa’s arrival on Saturday, Nov. 7 is a PJ Party from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Mall at Green Hills
2126 Abbott Martin Road
Nashville
615-298-5478
Nov. 6 – Dec. 24
Hours are Mon – Sat 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (breaks from 1 – 2 p.m. and 5 – 6 p.m.), Sun 12 – 6 p.m. (break from 3 – 4 p.m.). Pet Photo Nights are Nov. 15, 22 and Dec. 6, 13 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Opry Mills
433 Opry Mills Drive
Nashville
615-514-1000
Nov. 7 – Dec. 24
Santa’s hours vary daily, and he’s available in 10-minute increments per child each day. You have to book a reservation time online in order for your kids to see him and pose for a photo. A $10 non-refundable deposit is required at the time you make your online reservation, and it goes toward the cost of the photo package you choose. Make your reservation at simon.noerrsanta.com.

 

Santa Claus is coming to town

2:32 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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Columbia
Monday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
“Sleigh Ride”
Downtown Columbia at Public Square. 931-388-3647 or columbiamainstreet.com

Fairview
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m.
“Christmas Around the World”
Starts at France Manufacturing on Highway 100 and ends at Fairview Ballpark.
615-799-9290 or fairviewchamber.org

Franklin
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.
Starts at Boyd Mill Avenue at Jim Warren Park and travels down New Highway 96 West to Third Avenue South then down Main Street ending at 11th Avenue North.
https://www.facebook.com/Kiwanis-Christmas-Parade-Franklin-Tennessee-USA-354101974751789/?fref=ts

Gallatin
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 12 p.m.
“It’s a Magical Christmas”
Starts on Steam Plant Road and ends at Gallatin High School.
615-452-4000 or gallatintn.org

Goodlettsville
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.
Starts at Memorial Drive, then right on Main Street ending at Goodlettsville Plaza.
615-851-2234 or goodlettsvillechamber.com

Hendersonville
Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
“Who-ville Spectacular”
Starts at Drakes Creek Park and ends at the Post Office. 615-517-5714 or holidayfesttn.org

Lebanon
Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m.
“Songs of Christmas”
The parade is in downtown Lebanon through the square and Main Street. Darryl Worley is the Grand Marshal.
615-444-5503 or lebanonwilsonchamber.com

Leiper’s Fork
Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.
“Fun, Quirky, Country”
Southall Road through the village on Old Hillsboro Road. 615-364-9152 or visitleipersfork.com

Murfreesboro
Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.
“Christmas Around the World”
Starts at East Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard and ends at West Main at Walnut. 615-893-5373 or wgnsradio.com

Nashville
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 10 a.m.
“Miracle on Broadway”
This parade begins at Eighth Avenue traveling eastbound on Broadway to Second Avenue North, crossing over the Cumberland River ending at the base of the Woodland Street bridge. Jana Kramer is this year’s Grand Marshal. 615-872-2452 or nashvillechristmasparade.com

Spring Hill
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.
Begins at Home Depot and runs through Main Street to Beechcroft Road and into Evans Park.
931-487-0027 or springhilltn.org

 

Nashville Ballet’s Nutcraker returns in December

2:27 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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Nashville Parent Magazine is giving away tickets. Click here to register.

Nashville Ballet brings back Nashville’s Nutcracker Dec. 5 – 23 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. This holiday tradition celebrates seven years and features an original concept from the company’s Artistic Director/CEO Paul Vasterling. The show celebrates Nashville during the 1897 Centennial Exposition at Centennial Park. Other nods include Shelby Park, Belle Meade Mansion and characters inspired by well-known residents like President Andrew Jackson.

Mary Poppins the Musical

2:05 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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Though 50 years have passed since the Disney film “Mary Poppins” was released, the story of the magical English nanny still charms audiences today. The whole family will enjoy this live theatre experience, featuring memorable songs like “A Spoonful of Sugar”, “Chim Chim Cher-ee“, and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”.

 

Advance tickets are on sale for $8 at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Children 3 and younger are admitted free if sitting on a parent’s lap. Performances are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday December 3, 4 and 5 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 6 at 3:00 p.m. at Freedom Middle School, 750 Highway 96 West in Franklin. Non-perishable food will be collected at each performance for The Well Outreach Food Pantry.

“Mary Poppins” is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. For more information, go to www.wcparksandrec.com.

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For more information about the facilities and programs of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. You may also receive department information by “liking” Williamson County Parks and Recreation on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

Silver Anniversary Engineering Excellence Awards Will Be March 8

12:37 am | Saturday, Nov 28th
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Engineers, business and civic leaders, and state, city and county officials from across Tennessee will gather in Franklin on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, to celebrate 25 years of engineering excellence with the annual Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) gala sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Tennessee (ACEC of Tennessee).

Among the twenty-three nominees are high-profile projects such as Ascend Amphitheatre and Bass Pro Shop at the Pyramid in Memphis, as well as important infrastructure improvements such as Pigeon Forge Wastewater Treatment Plant and INRO White River Railroad Bridge Replacement. The Grand Iris Award will be awarded to the best overall project, while Grand Awards will be presented to projects in each individual category.

 

A distinguished panel of eight judges will choose most of the winners; a peer-chosen People’s Choice Award will also be presented to the crowd favorite on awards night.

 

“These projects highlight some of the most innovative solutions developed by our members to solve engineering challenges across Tennessee and beyond the state’s borders,” said Brian Hall, PE, AECOM and 2016 EEA Chair. “By recognizing the ‘best of Tennessee,’ the Engineering Excellence Awards help reinforce the contributions made by engineers that affect the welfare of every Tennessean.”

 

Scott Turnbow, general manager of engineering in generation construction with Tennessee Valley Authority, is the evening’s guest speaker. Turnbow has more than 22 years of experience in leadership roles throughout TVA. He has also served as an independent consultant and motivational speaker with the Zig Ziglar corporation, and is currently working on a Doctorate in Philosophy in Leadership.

 

The 25th Anniversary Engineering Excellence Awards gala is Tuesday, March 8, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs (700 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin). It begins with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m., and the award announcements and presentations at 8:00 p.m. Sponsorships for the event are available. To participate as a sponsor or to purchase tickets, visit www.ACECTN.org or contact Judy Logue at 615-242-2486 or jlogue@tnec.org.

 

About ACEC of Tennessee: Founded in 1968, ACEC of Tennessee is a statewide organization, which represents more than 100 Tennessee engineering firms. ACEC of Tennessee has chapters in Nashville, East Tennessee, Southeast Tennessee and Memphis. The organization works to advance the business environment of the engineering industry.

Small Business Saturday

11:48 pm | Friday, Nov 27th
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Historic Downtown Franklin is coming together on Saturday, Nov. 28, to support Small Business Saturday, a national effort to help independently owned merchants gain more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. The 150 shops and restaurants in downtown Franklin will offer special promotions and events the day after Black Friday to encourage patrons to shop local.

 

“Small Business Saturday is one way the community shows appreciation for our small businesses,” said Kristy Williams, Downtown Franklin Association director. “It’s our hope that we can help create a new tradition for families; a Christmas kick-off day in downtown Franklin that promotes relationships in a fun, non-chaotic, environment.”

 

Last year, patrons across the country spent $14.3 billion on Small Business Saturday, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

 

“With our Merriest Main Street Reveal happening just days before—in addition to the Hop & Shop Trolley that will be giving shoppers free round trip rides to Historic Downtown from The Factory at Franklin—it’s never been easier to get out and support local merchants while soaking in the holiday cheer,” said Williams.

 

The strip will be filled with sights and sounds of the season as merchants and building owners decorate their storefronts to make Franklin the “Merriest Main Street” around.

 

“The Heritage Foundation and our merchants have done a fabulous job implementing this initiative to give the public an extra dose of enchantment this season,” said Marianne DeMeyers, Downtown Franklin Association president and owner of Tin Cottage. “This will add even more magic to downtown Franklin, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the effect.”

 

Some of the specials our DFA members are offering include:

 

  • Avec Moi – Morning mimosas

 

  • Ecco Salon  – Refreshments, 10 percent off regular priced products, 20 percent off next three services when booked on Small Business Saturday.

  • Finnleys Good Findings – Light refreshments, including mulled cider and fruit. Will also be handing out favors to guests who arrive on the 25th of each hour

 

  • Handy Hardware – Free gift wrapping of purchases from Handy Hardware

 

  • It’s Vintage, Baby – Free ornament ($15 value) for every $150 spent

 

  • Mellow Mushroom – Hot Totties, featuring Bird Dog apple whiskey with a caramel and cinnamon rim, and an apple slice/ cinnamon stick garnish

 

  • Puckett’s Boat House –  Purchase a $100 gift card, get an additional $20 and purchase a $50 gift card, get an additional $10

 

  • Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant  – Buy one bottle of BBQ sauce, get one free; purchase a $100 gift card, get an additional $20 and purchase a $50 gift card, get an additional $10

 

  • Savory Spice – Gift packs containing four jars or more will be buy one, get three free

 

  • Taziki’s – Special catering menu, all items are $5

 

  • The Coffee House – Anyone who brings in a receipt showing purchase from a local retailer will receive a free cup of coffee

 

  • The Shop Around the Corner – Hot cider and muffins

 

  • The Visitor Center – For every $35 spent in the Visitor Center, customers will receive a free Franklin logo mason jar

 

  • Vue Optique – Offering a $100 voucher to use toward a complete pair of prescription eyewear, not covered by insurance

 

  • Walton’s Antique Jewelry – 10% off everything in the store

 

To learn more about Historic Downtown Franklin and the work of the Downtown Franklin Association, visit its website at www.downtownfranklintn.com.

 

More About Downtown Franklin Association

Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. We’ve done it by following the four-point program of the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.

 

Working in partnership with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County–the DFA’s parent organization–and with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, and local businesses in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation’s Main Street success stories. We’ve earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history – a place where community matters.

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