Trick or Treat at the Mansion

2:22 pm | Tuesday, Oct 14th
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Trick-or-Treating at the “Old Maney Mansion”

At the dead-end of North Maney Avenue you’ll find a tree-lined drive to the most famous mansion in Murfreesboro! The iron gates are open and the mansion, normally locked and secured, is ready to greet you on this rare night! Bring your little ghosts and goblins to the doors of the dimly lit Oaklands Mansion to offer their most haunting greeting. As the doors creak open to reveal the grand stair hall, and the family in mourning, you’ll see that this isn’t like any “haunted” house you’ve visited.

Victorian families stopped the clocks, shuttered the windows and draped their mirrors in black when a loved one died.  Before the time of funeral homes, the family’s parlor was the scene of their funerals and wakes.  Just like any home on Halloween, you can’t go in, at least not tonight.  Through the doors, you’ll see just enough of the inside of this sprawling Italianate mansion to wet your appetite to return for a full tour!

James Manning, Executive Director of Oaklands Historic House Museum said, “This is a unique opportunity to introduce kids to Oaklands in a new and exciting way! You’ll be helping to make special memories for them that will last a lifetime”!

By 1860, Oaklands was one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee and situated on an over 1,500 acre plantation! Following the Civil War, it deteriorated from a majestic mansion to virtual ruins and, in the 1950’s, its very existence was threatened. Thankfully, the mansion was saved from the wrecking ball when a group of concerned ladies created Oaklands Association in 1959.   Since then, the generosity of the community has provided for the restoration of Oaklands to its original splendor! By preserving the mansion and grounds, its unique history can be shared time and time again!

Trick-or-Treating at the “Old Maney Mansion” is free, open to the public and will take place at the doors of Oaklands Mansion at 900 N. Maney Avenue in Murfreesboro, TN on October 31, 2014, from 4:00p.m. until all candy is given away!

For more information, contact Oaklands Historic House Museum at (615) 893-0022 or email info@oaklandsmuseum.org

Event Details
Start date: October 31, 2014
Start time: 4:00 pm

Grand Ol’ Chili Cook-off

12:00 am | Tuesday, Oct 14th
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The transformation of the Leiper’s Fork Chili Cook off into the GRAND OL’ CHILI COOKOFF was inspired by the musical environment of this community and general area. The idea is to create a festival type event that beckons the community and visitors to gather together to make new friendships and reunite with people in a festive atmosphere.

www.GrandOlChiliCookoff.com

An adorable mascot has been added to the event, and his name is GrandPeppey. He is a red hot Grandfather looking chili pepper who plays the guitar as well as conveys the message that our festival will be full of music and fun! This Forktober Fund Raising event has a lofty goal to raise $40,000 for the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

Located in the Pow Wow Field adjacent to Floyd Rd at 4121 Old Hillsboro Rd, ticket prices for the 13th Annual Chili Cookoff are $8 Adults – Kids 8 and under: FREE – Family Pak $25 includes 2 adults (16 and up) + 2 children (9-15). Tickets will be sold at the gate, which opens at 10am.

Features include: Live music from 3 bands, dancing, clogging, chili tasting, kids zone with blow up structures, mechanical bull, food vendors, artisan market vendors, prizes, costumes, unique scenes in various booths, Grand Ol’ Chili Stage, Hank Williams Sr impersonator and free parking! All proceeds go to the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

The Leiper’s Fork Community Fund helps a variety of people and merchants in the Leiper’s Fork Area. Helping families that fall on hard times and need groceries or help pay an electric bill is one of the uses of this fund. Another aspect of the fund is to contribute to the Hillsboro Kids Christmas gifts donations. And it is used to help bring free events to the community in an effort to help the merchants increase their foot traffic and ultimately their sales.

Expanding relief efforts in our area is an important mission as we want to make sure people have a safe place to live and food to eat. Tornadoes, floods, hail storms and other types of extreme weather have hit our area hard over the last 6 years, destroying homes and property and putting people in an unexpected state of shock and poverty. Establishing a substantial community fund will allow us to locally provide meals and relief supplies to the people affected right away. Helping each other in our community in times of need is an important aspect of rural living.  It’s important to meet immediate needs such as food, water, cleaning supplies, hygiene items and blankets.

How to Help: Those who would like to help people affected by extreme weather disasters and other crises can make a donation to the Heritage Foundation earmarked for the Leiper’s Fork Community Fund.

MISSION STATEMENT:  To raise money in order to support the Leiper’s Fork Community fund which assists individuals and families within the community during difficult times.  Financial assistance includes payment of household bills, groceries and provides Christmas presents for families in need.  The purpose of the Grand Ol’ Chili Cookoff is to raise money and also to bring community members and visitors to the town for an old-fashioned fall festival. This event exemplifies the creative and all-inclusive atmosphere unique to Leiper’s Fork.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Lavana Deal, Lavana@grandolchilicookoff.com W: 615-791-9860   C: 615-478-8262

Brewsboro Fest

7:51 pm | Friday, Oct 3rd
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The Fourth Annual Brewsboro Fest has been scheduled for Saturday, October 11th at The Avenue® Murfreesboro. The event will be held from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm and is expecting a sell-out crowd of 2,500. A portion of the ticket sales will go to benefit the Murfreesboro Young Professionals.

Attendees will receive a souvenir mug and will be able to sample brews from local, regional, national, and imported breweries. Attendees will be able to purchase and enjoy food from local restaurants: Boutique Burger Bar, Humpty’s, Gus’s Fried Chicken, Nashville Street Taco and Batey Farms.

Live music begins at 2:00 pm and will run through the event with local artist Mize and the Drive and DJ Tim Battle.

Free parking will be available at The Avenue® Murfreesboro near the Belk store.

Attendees will have multiple ticket-buying options. To purchase tickets in person, stop by Nissan of Murfreesboro on Memorial Boulevard or Humidor / Liquid Smoke on the town square. Tickets are also available online at BrewsboroFest.com. General Admissions tickets are $30.00 (plus tax) in advance but may be purchased at the event for $40.00 (plus tax) if it has not sold out. VIP tickets are available for $40 (plus tax) in advance and includes an early admission into the event. Admission to the event includes all beer samples and a souvenir mug. Hotel packages are also available and include a stay at the Embassy Suites on Saturday night plus two tickets to the event.

“We are very excited to bring Brewsboro Fest back to Murfreesboro again this year,” says Event Director, Candace Price. “We’ve received such great feedback from the attendees, brewers and sponsors over the last couple of years and look forward to another great event.”

More Brewsboro information can be found on Twitter @Brewsboro or online at BrewsboroFest.com or Facebook.com/Brewsboro.

Battle of Franklin

3:52 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
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Tickets are ONLY being sold in advance! Click here to purchase your tickets!

On November 15 & 16, re-enactors from all over the country will recreate two different scenarios from the 1864 Battle of Franklin. A different scene will be depicted each day and admission is charged separately for each day.

Saturday, November 15: The Columbia Pike Sector and Fighting Near the Carter House
Sunday, November 16: A. P. Stewart’s Advance Against the Federal Left Flank
The re-enactment will be held on Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, adjacent to Carnton Plantation, and will involve strictly infantry and artillery.
The re-enactors will encamp on the grounds just south of Carnton and approximately 8-10 sutlers will set up in close proximity to the soldiers’ camps. Parking for spectators will be available on-site. Additional parking will be available off-site and free trolley service will be provided to transport spectators to and from the re-enactment. Food and drink will be available to purchase on-site.
Admission per Day:
$10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12, free for children 5 & under

Giving Back

3:35 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
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On November 15, Franklin, TN will remember the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.  There will be re-enactors from all over the country on November 15, and 16, bringing history to life.  JLB Works is excited about this community event and has donated all Eastern Flank Battlefield design with the signs around town commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin.

In addition to their support of the Battle of Franklin’s Charge, JLB Works supports many local non-profits such as Hard Bargain, the Boys and Girls Club of Williamson County, Leadership Franklin, the Franklin Theatre, Community Housing, and CASA.

JLB donates a portion of its income to CASA to help children in need.  JLB’s owner Ken Royer said,

“Because we live and work in the Nashville, Brentwood and Franklin, TN area, it’s important to our staff to support local nonprofit organizations with their design, Web and communications needs. We understand that many organizations can’t afford to pay typical corporate prices, but we recognize how important it is for these groups to get the word out.”

Helping non-profits “get the word out” is exactly what JLB Works aims to do whether that is through email marketing, web design, branding, or copywriting.  JLB Works is dedicated to helping the community.  To learn more about JLB Works, visit www.jlbworks.com.

Pumpkinfest

3:08 pm | Monday, Sep 29th
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Franklin’s favorite fall celebration is returning to Main Street this month, and this time it’s bigger and better than ever.

The 31st annual Pumpkinfest will take place on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., bringing a full day of free entertainment to families in the area. Presented by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County, the festival will stretch along Main Street from First to Fifth avenues, and will also include portions of Third and Fourth avenues. Attendees can expect a day of live music, various contests, an array of arts and crafts booths, a chili cook-off and much more.

In addition, The Great Pumpkin will be making an appearance at Pumpkinfest after traveling across the country from Franklin’s sister city, Carleton Place, Ontario, Canada. Festivalgoers will have the chance to participate in a “Guess the Weight” contest where one lucky winner will take home a $50 gift certificate to Stroud’s Barbecue.

“Everybody in Franklin looks forward to Pumpkinfest each year,” said René Evans, the Heritage Foundation’s Festival Vendor Relations Manager. “We always try to mix things up by bringing new and exciting entertainment to the festival, and fresh vendors and artisans—but at the same time, we look forward to revisiting annual favorites as well.”

Other activities at this year’s Pumpkinfest include:

  • Two stages offering continuous entertainment from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

o   The Bethel University stage at City Hall will feature five performance groups from Bethel’s Renaissance program: two bluegrass bands, a Southern gospel quartet, a 15-voice group and a 55-member choir.

o   The School of Rock stage at Five Points will feature a variety of local performance schools and regional groups.

o   Then at 5 p.m. on the School of Rock stage, The People’s Church will present the Battle of the Bands, a competition between four teenage bands—the winner will go home with a cash prize of $500. For band audition information, email Danielle at dberg@thepeopleschurch.org.

  • Children’s activities will be located on Third Avenue South, and will include pumpkin painting, free games with small prizes offered by several local non-profits, pony and train rides, inflatables and more.
  • A separate area of attractions for older children will be available on Fourth Avenue North, and will feature bungee jumping, a mechanical bull and a spider web mountain.
  • More than 80 arts and crafts booths will feature unique, handcrafted wares that complement fall and the holiday season including jewelry, food and home décor items. Booths will be open along Main Street from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Over a dozen food vendors will be selling traditional street festival favorites like corn dogs and hot dogs, barbecue, funnel cakes and kettle corn, as well as fresh bagels, gourmet coffee, fish tacos and jambalaya.
  • A community swing dance will commence at 4:45 p.m. on the Public Square to the sounds of 5 Points Swing. Unsure of your swing dance skills?  Local dancers will be there to warm you up with brief instructions before the band starts up.
  • The Franklin Tomorrow Chili Cook-Off will feature 15 teams competing for the 12th annual title. A $10 ticket includes a 2 oz. sample from each team, and beer will be available for purchase in conjunction with the Chili Cook-Off. The tent will be located on Third Avenue South, between City Hall and the Courthouse, where competitors will be serving from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
  • An extreme pumpkin carving contest will feature the Leiper’s Fork Carving Club and their work. The public will have a chance to vote on their favorite carved pumpkin, plus the opportunity to purchase one via silent auction.
  • Children, adults and even pets can compete in four categories during the annual costume contest. The categories are: pets; children, ages 0-2; 3-5; 6-11; 12+ and groups. Registration is limited to the first 40 entrants in each category and includes a $2 entry fee. Those who wish to participate can sign-up from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. near the Bethel University Renaissance stage at City Hall. Competition will begin at 2 p.m.
  • Offsite parking will be available at both Harlinsdale Park and The People’s Church, with trolley rides to downtown for $1 per person each way, which will run from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Pets and strollers are not permitted on the trolleys.

Pumpkinfest is produced by the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association. The annual October festival is just one of the many activities presented by the non-profit group, which was founded in 1967 to protect and preserve Williamson County’s historic, architectural and geographic resources. For more information, call 615-591-8500 or visit www.historicfranklin.com.sion, the Downtown Franklin Association.

August 2014 Sales Stats

2:50 pm | Tuesday, Sep 16th
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The median sales price for a single-family home was $380,000 in August of 2014, a decrease of 2.5% over August 2013, and a 12% increase over 2012.

The number of single family residential closings increased by 8.1% in August 2014 compared to August 2013.  There was a 20.7% increase over August 2012.  Condo closings in August 2014 were down 24% over August 2013, with median price relatively unchanged.

Franklin tops the charts in the number of single family closings this month, while Brentwood has the highest average price.
Franklin had 5% more closings and 2.5% decrease in median price over August of last year.  For more stats, visit the WCAR.

Wine Down Main Street 14

2:06 pm | Tuesday, Sep 16th
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Tickets are now available for Wine Down Main Street 14. Tickets are available online at www.WineDownMainStreet.com.  Tickets will also be available for purchase in the shops along Main Street in September.

Wine Down Main Street 14 will be held Saturday November 1, 2014 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm.  General Admission tickets are $75 in advance until October 17, 2014 and will go up to $85 per person at 12:00am on October 18, 2014.  Tickets include all wine, beer and food tastings.  A complete wine list will be available online at www.WineDownMainStreet.com.  All proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (www.BGCMT.org). Since 2001, Wine Down Main Street has raised more than $ 1,367,872 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee.

Battle of Franklin Collectibles

1:50 pm | Tuesday, Sep 16th
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In making the announcement, Lotz House Executive Director J.T. Thompson said, “We’ve had a lot of requests from visitors to purchase items to commemorate the Sesquicentennial and we’ve created an incredible series of items using the 150th Battle of Franklin logo created by the Williamson County CVB.  Today we presented Mayor Ken Moore and the Aldermen with a commemorative coffee mug and t-shirt to gear up for the upcoming anniversary.”

In addition to the t-shirts and coffee mugs, the series of commemorative items include pewter belt buckles and paper weights, ball caps, Christmas ornaments, coins, ribbons and tins of mints.

The Lotz House, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976, is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “epicenter” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the Civil War on November 30, 1864.

The house is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. or by appointment.  Admission charged.  The Lotz House is located at 1111 Columbia Avenue.  For more information, call 615-790-7190 or visit the website is www.lotzhouse.com.

Way to go Franklin!

1:47 pm | Tuesday, Sep 16th
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In the past month, America’s Favorite Main Street has received titles like “charming” and “quirky” from major national publications USA Today AND Travel + Leisure! That’s some good stuff.
“Franklin’s historic downtown draws city dwellers searching for Southern hospitality and small town charm.” – USA Today
  • First, USA Today featured Franklin in its “Charming Small Towns of the South” gallery, praising our town’s Southern hospitality, historic attractions and authentic comfort food! View the full gallery here.
  • Travel + Leisure also recently recognized downtown Franklin in an article on “America’s Quirkiest Towns,” featuring cities across the country full of colorful characters and unique businesses. The article cited Dickens of a Christmas, Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Landmark Booksellers as selling points, and we also hear it ran in Huffington Post and TIME! See the story here.
  • The New Zealand Herald published a piece in its paper last weekend following one writer’s Nashville adventures… and she spent a lot of time in downtown Franklin! Read the story here to find out what she thought about her Franklin on Foot Segway tour, our Franklin 150 history, and her GRAY’S on Main dining experience.
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