Take the plunge into aqua fitness

2:22 am | Thursday, Jul 2nd
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Take the plunge and join the fun in one of the aqua fitness classes offered by Williamson County Parks and Recreation (WCPR) at three indoor pool locations: the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd.; the Longview Recreation Center at Spring Hill, 2909 Commonwealth Dr.; and the Indoor Sports Complex (ISC), 920 Heritage Way in Brentwood.

 

For the beginner to the most elite athlete, aqua fitness classes offer challenging workouts for all. Water is 800 times denser than air so you will get a better work out with a smaller risk of injury than if you were exercising on land. The natural resistance of water actually helps pump more blood to the heart, and the push and pull of the water builds muscle strength.

 

For a real challenge, grab some water dumbbells and head exclusively for the deep water in Aqua Dynamite, a fast-paced class that focuses on muscular strength and endurance. For a medium to high intensity workout in both shallow and deep water, try Move! or Power Up!. For a gentler class, try Aqua Stretch and Move, a shallow water class designed for stretching and toning the body as well as easing joint pain from arthritis or injury.

 

Admission to aqua fitness classes is $3 for teens and adults, and $2 for seniors (age 55+). All classes are open to the public. Current aqua fitness class schedules are available at www.wcparksandrec.com in the aquatics section.

 

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, designed to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. You can also receive up-to-date department information by “liking” us on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

Carnton Sunset Concert Series

4:30 pm | Sunday, Jun 28th
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Resurrection: A Journey Tribute
Carnton Plantation serves as a unique venue for friends and families to relax and listen to some of the area’s most talented musicians. The gates open at 4:30 pm and the music lasts from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased either in advance or at the door. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of on-site food and beverage vendors.

It’s Vintage Baseball

12:00 pm | Sunday, Jun 21st
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Vintage Baseball

June 21, 2015 – Double header – 12:00 pm & 2:30 pm

After nearly 150 years, a Civil War-era style of baseball will once again be played in Tennessee. Vintage base ball (yes, it was two words in the 1860s) was revived in the Mid-South when the Tennessee Association of Vintage Base Ball was formed in 2013. Carnton Plantation is pleased to be the home field for the Franklin Farriers. The base ball games are free to the public.

Westhaven Porchfest

4:00 pm | Saturday, Jun 20th
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The 4th Annual Westhaven Porchfest is scheduled for June 20, 2015.  This year’s event will include 26 porches throughout the community with over 100 musicians, representing a wide variety of musical genres.  Kicking off at 4:00 PM, musicians will perform on the front porches around the community, while the audience moves from place to place to take in all the music.  At 7:00 PM, the music moves to the big stage on the lake to wrap up the evening with Tim Akers and The Smoking Section.  Food trucks will be on hand at both the Westhaven Residents’ Club and in the Town Center to provide refreshments.  In addition, all the restaurants in the Town Center will be serving up Porchfest specials!

Farm to Fork

6:33 pm | Wednesday, Jun 17th
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Homestead Manor has announced that Executive Chef Carlos Garcia will spearhead culinary operations at Harvest, the property’s new Tuscan-inspired restaurant located in the ca. 1819 National Register home.

The fresh dining concept in Thompson’s Station, slated to open by the end of June, draws parallels between Italian and Southern food and family cultures. Centered on seasonality, Harvest’s menu reflects source-centric plates, with much of the ingredients plucked straight from the on-site organic farm.

Garcia has been charged with creating the vision for the fine-dining restaurant and bar operations, as well as crafting a menu that best highlights Harvest’s mission to provide diners with the freshest, and most authentic, flavors.

“This blend of Tuscany and Tennessee marries two cultures, both of which respect the concept of family and friends connecting over meals. By bringing native Southern ingredients into traditional Italian recipes, we can offer something unique to the area,” Garcia said. “People deserve to know where their food comes from. We have the opportunity to go to the farm in the morning and pick something that inspires a dish that evening.

“It’s about people being part of the experience too, which I find important—they can walk the grounds and see what we’re doing, and then watch us prepare the meal in the open-air kitchen.”

Garcia, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico, has more than 30 years of experience as a chef.  At the age of 11, he started his own business preparing gourmet hamburgers, often selling more than 350 a night. A famed local chef took notice and offered his mentorship, which led to a kitchen management position in a four-star hotel at the age of 17. Garcia received his formal culinary training in Mexico, where he graduated at the top of his class.

The 200-year-old Homestead Manor property—which also includes an equestrian-style event barn, in addition to the restaurant and farm—is the latest endeavor of A. Marshall Family Foods Inc., the hospitality group that has built its reputation on the success of Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant and Puckett’s Boat House. Prior to Homestead, Garcia helped successfully launch the Boat House in downtown Franklin, driving an extensive menu of Southern seafood recipes that often drew on his ethnic roots.

Andy Marshall, president of A. Marshall Foods, says Garcia’s passion for creativity, and his knack for marrying culinary traditions, will inspire the Harvest menu moving forward.

“When we approached Carlos over a year ago about the property, he connected with the vision immediately. I am intimately familiar with how he works in the kitchen, and he has continued to prove his genius to me through the years,” Marshall said. “This is a passion project for me. We have put together a team that is invested in the same way.”

A. Marshall Foods also announced that Donnie Counts has been named Kitchen Manager of Harvest. He was formerly the executive chef at GRAY’S on Main, a fine-dining restaurant in downtown Franklin that started under the A. Marshall group’s umbrella.

Counts has overseen kitchens and trained under acclaimed chefs in Colorado, Mississippi and South Carolina. As a kitchen manager, he will also serve as a liaison between Garcia and Homestead’s on-staff organic farmers, helping ensure that the farm can supply the restaurant on a sustainable basis. A native of the Mississippi Delta, Counts says his background serves as a working platform for the eatery’s mission.


“I’ll be using the building blocks I grew up on. It’s about taking simple ingredients and creating dishes that extract their complexities. Diners will see that happen from our farmers’ hands to Carlos’ food,” Counts said.

The Farm at Homestead encompasses 10-plus acres of land and is overseen by Property Director J.T. Ward and Agricultural Curators Joni and Casey McCarty. The 75-plus types of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits are organically grown in the garden and greenhouse under strict accordance with USDA Organic Certification Regulations.  

In addition, an orchard—which was originally part of the ca. 1819 property—will be groomed and harvested, and its fruits used in both the restaurant and the bar.

To learn more about Homestead Manor and Harvest, go to www.homesteadmanor.com or facebook.com/homesteadmanor.com.

Franklin Farriers

5:58 am | Tuesday, Jun 16th
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The Tennessee Association of Vintage Base ball was established in 2012 to entertain and educate our communities by recreating the civility of 19th century base ball.We promote living history by bringing the 19th century to life through base ball events that use the rules, equipment, costumes and culture of the 1860s. We provide cultural enrichment and education programs and activities to youth and adults that emphasize honor, team play, respectful conduct and community pride. Our goal is to exemplify to youth and adults alike the values that are lacking in modern-day athletic programs, and encourage a sense of belonging regardless of race, gender, religious conviction or physical ability.

In addition to monthly living history events during the playing season, we do demonstrations and workshops for youth and senior groups, museums, historical societies, corporations and others year-round. These programs are designed to provide history in a fun as well as educational manner; develop team-building skills; and/or for pure entertainment. Should you care to have two teams play an exhibition game at your event, we will work with you to schedule such an event.If you would like to learn more about these services, please contact us.

Board of Directors

Michael Thurmon – Commissioner of Base Ball
Trapper Haskins – Vice President
Tim Morgan – Treasurer
J. B. Brown – Chief Communication Officer
Jeff Wells – Secretary
Brad Hughes – Player Representative

Upcoming Games:

13th Annual NISSAN Taste of Music City

9:07 pm | Saturday, Jun 6th
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The NISSAN Taste of Music City is gearing up for its 13th annual event taking place at Public Square Park on Saturday, June 20, 2015. Festivities are from 5 – 9 PM with live music, food and beverage samples from some of Nashville’s best local restaurants, distilleries and breweries.

The NISSAN Taste of Music City will once again be hosting an all inclusive event so that attendees can enjoy unlimited tastings for one price. There will be a limited number of tickets available which can be purchased in advance online at TasteOfMusicCity.com for $55 (plus tax) or at the gates for $65 (plus tax) if not sold out. Tickets are still available and include all food and beverage samples from some of Nashville’s best restaurants and beverages that call Music City home.

US Foods and Springer Mountain Farms will both be returning as Presenting Sponsors to provide a one-of-a-kind food tasting experience.

 

Participating restaurants/food vendors:

1808 Grille Granite City Food & Brewery Noelle
312 Pizza Company Hillwood Pub Nothing Bundt Cakes
8 Lavender Lane Catering Jim N Nicks Rainforest Café
Aquarium Nashville Just Love Rumours East
Brooklyn Brothers Pizza MAFIAoZA’s Silo
Blue Coast Burrito Magnolia South The Farm House
Chateau West Margot Café The Peach Truck
Commerce Street Grille – Renaissance Mason’s Uncle Bud’s
Dan’s Gourmet Mac & Cheese MistaDales Urban Grub
Delivery Dudes Monchita’s Homemade Cobbler Whiskey Kitchen
Ember’s Ski Lodge Mrs. Grissom’s Salads Wicked Kitchen Food Truck

 

 

 

 

The following beverages will also be on site:

Alley Cat Tea Yazoo Blue Chair Bay Rum
Woodchuck Bonfire Wines White Lightning
Cayman Jack Valley of the Moon Lake Sonoma
Quivira La Follette Torbreck
Cielo Corsair Falls City
Walker Feed Co Stonehaus Global Beer Network
Stiegl Jack Daniels Fire Southern Pride Distillery
Sierra Nevada Jamba Juice Napa Smith
Shipyard Saturday Night Red Lonely Cow
Hidden Jewel Rivulet Artisan Pecan Liqueur Heroes Vodka
Redeye Bloody Mary Pickers Vodka
 

 

Art Four Sale, instrumental Jazz/Pop group, will be kicking off the event at 5 PM. Following at 7 PM, Ben Sturgell will take the stage with a Soft Pop and Rock combination.

Once again, the NISSAN Taste of Music City is proud to raise funds and awareness for The District, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to economic and community revitalization of three historic districts and their contiguous areas in downtown Nashville. The District’s programs seek to foster and stimulate growth of a district identity, community spirit, civic pride and unity while promoting the people in the area and to further retain downtown Nashville’s historic character.

More information regarding the event, tickets, and more can be found at TasteOfMusicCity.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TasteOfMusicCity.

NISSAN Taste of Music City is sponsored by NISSAN, Springer Mountain Farms, US Foods, MAFIAoZA’S, Cayman Jack, Classic Party Rentals, America’s Motor Sports, NuCO2, DO615, Xfintiy, Yelp, Nashville Lifestyles, Nashville Scene and The Big 98 WSIX.

 

 

ROBERT HICKS TO SIGN ‘WIDOW OF THE SOUTH’ AT HERITAGE TOUR THIS WEEKEND

8:25 pm | Friday, Jun 5th
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Robert Hicks, author of The New York Times Bestseller The Widow of the South and active preservationist, will sign copies of his famed book during the 40th Annual Heritage Tour, June 6th and 7th. Tour ticket holders can stop by The Masonic Lodge-Hiram Lodge #7–one of the historic properties on the weekend circuit–this Saturday or Sunday to have a chance to speak with Hicks and talk about the building’s important role in Civil War.
 
Hicks’ best-selling novel centers around the afternoon of the Battle of Franklin–five of the bloodiest hours of the Civil War–and highlights the Masonic Lodge (circa 1823-1826), which served as the local barracks for the Union soldiers during wartime occupation. He will be on site from 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
 
Each summer, members and supporters of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County open their homes and businesses as part of the Heritage Tour, showcasing the community’s dedication to protecting those resources as part of its legacy. In addition to the Masonic Lodge, this year’s event features nine properties, including six personal homes.
Now in its 40th year, the Tour invites the public inside historic residences, commercial structures and notable examples of sensitive infill within historic districts this Saturday and Sunday. The event acts as a fundraiser for our non-profit preservation organization, and underscores the importance of protecting the architectural and cultural heritage of Williamson County.
 
J. Edward and Brenda Campbell, a husband-wife team of real estate brokers in Franklin, have been named as chairs for the 2015 event. They say the benefit’s theme this year is “Experience History Beyond the Door,” and will expand past personal homes into historic sites that also have rich stories to tell.
 
“All of these buildings are within historic environments, and hold special significance to the Foundation and its efforts,” said J. Edward. “By purchasing a ticket, participants are given a first-hand look at why the organization works so tirelessly to preserve our cultural inheritance. This tour acts as an educational vehicle for both the public and the Foundation.”
 
 Tour destinations–several of which are located in Historic Downtown Franklin, within walking distance of each other–include:
  • The Masonic Lodge-Hiram Lodge #7, circa 1823-1826, was the barracks for the Union soldiers during wartime occupation.
  • FirstBank at Five Points (ca. 1924) is a stunning example of an early commercial building that has served for decades as downtown Franklin’s post office, and recently underwent a complete renovation.
  • The Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church is a Romanesque Revival structure built in 1888 that stands as the third house of worship to be established in downtown Franklin.
  • The Hicks-Friesinger House on 5th Avenue South is a ca. 1878 home renovated in 2015.
  • The Turley-Marshall House on West Main Street is a ca. 1880 home that once resembled Italianate style and now stands as an English Tudor.
  • The Smith-Hardcastle House (ca. 1893) on Fair Street is a beautifully restored two-storey Victorian home.
  • The Ross House on Lewisburg Avenue was built in 2010 in a way that seamlessly blends old with new, and offers a breath of fresh Cape Cod air in Franklin.
  • The Breezeway at The John Herbert House (ca. 1830) on Clovercroft Road is the oldest double-pen dogtrot log house in Williamson County.
  • The Ogilvie Place-Beech Hill Farm, built in 1796 in College Grove, showcases an original log cabin with additions in an early-American style that has been “home” to six generations of Ogilvies.
  • The historic Rest Haven Cemetery on Fourth Avenue North will feature a costumed re-enactor portraying John McEwen, the Civil War-era mayor of Franklin.
The 40th Annual Heritage Tour is presented by Synergy Realty Network and Homeland Title. Tickets are $30 if purchased online before 5 p.m. on June 5th, and $35 at the door. Tour hours are generally 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special hours for Rest Haven Cemetery and Historic First Presbyterian Church. To learn more, go to www.historicfranklin.com/events.

Thomas Dasilva Promoted at Franklin Synergy Bank

8:19 pm | Friday, Jun 5th
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Thomas Dasilva has been promoted to Banking Officer, Personal Banker. Dasilva’s promotion was announced Wednesday by Franklin Synergy Bank Chairman and CEO Richard Herrington.

“Thomas has already proven to be a tremendous asset to Franklin Synergy,” said Herrington. “He is an integral part of our Rutherford County Team and we are delighted to recognize his contributions through this promotion.”

Dasilva joined Franklin Synergy Bank in July 2014, upon the acquisition of MidSouth Bank. Dasilva’s professional experience includes Travel Leasing Consultant at Rohdie Management in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Imaging Specialist at Chemtura Corporation in Middlebury, Connecticut. He is a graduate of Pensacola Christian College in Pensacola, Florida.

Summer Pop-Up Fair

5:51 pm | Monday, Jun 1st
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For the last two years, the City Farmhouse Pop–up Fair has drawn visitors from around the globe to the tiny village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn., to score antique and vintage goods from dozens of curated vendors.

Earlier this month, Kim and David Leggett—owners of the popular downtown Franklin shop from where the event derives its name—announced that due to mounting popularity, a second pop–up fair has been added June 19-20, 2015.

The Leggetts, who are nationally recognized “pickers,” say the second show was due to both attendance popularity and their fans’ requests: the pair manage the City Farmhouse Facebook page, which boasts more than 100,000 followers—many of whom lobbied for an additional show.

“We had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback after the last show,” said Kim Leggett. “It’s a great opportunity for people who love vintage and antiques to come together to collaborate and share that passion.

“The idea of hosting a second show wasn’t ours—local show-goers kept coming into the shop encouraging us to have more than one event. At first we thought it was crazy to try and put on another show, but the more we talk about it with our fans, the more encouraged we are that this one’s going to be even bigger and better than the last one!”

The host says the theme of this season’s City Farmhouse Pop–up Fair is focused on the creativity and styling ability of the vendors, all of whom search for months to find the most unusual vintage and antique “picks” for the show. Currently, vendors from 13 states are slated to exhibit their unique wares.

The design and shopping show will once again take place at the stunning “lost-in-time” gardens and mansion of the late music publisher Buddy Killen, located off Old Hillsboro Road.

Similar to last year, those who shop the City Farmhouse Pop–up Fair will find the most unusual in handpicked selections spanning all eras and styles: farmhouse, French, architectural, garden, lighting, industrial, Americana and much more. Plus, there will be live performances, food trucks, how-tos, special guest appearances and more.

New to this year’s event is an interactive design showcase, intended to inspire fair-goers on what to look for amongst the uniquely offered wares of the vendors. The showcase will feature “room-like” setting ideas for using vintage and antique pieces, and displaying collections.

Fair-goers will also have the chance to meet and interact with professional designers within the exhibit and discover unique ways to use their finds. Presenters at the showcase will include the likes of Kim Leggett, Beth Lewis of Olde Tyme Marketplace, Jason Counce of Dirt Home & Garden, and other industry leaders.

Kim Leggett says the interactive exhibition will be helpful for showcasing items that aren’t commonly used in interior design.

“Farmhouse style is one of the fastest growing trends in interior design today. More than ever, homeowners are looking for vintage and repurposed goods to decorate their homes,” she said. “The show gives them an opportunity to pick through finds from all over the country, and the interactive showcase will inspire show-goers on how to creatively style their finds in their own homes.”

The Leggetts will continue to reveal guest appearances, performances and schedules of events in the upcoming weeks on the City Farmhouse website www.cityfarmhousefranklin.com.

The City Farmhouse Pop–up Fair kicks off June 19, 2015 from 9 a.m. until Noon, with first- chance buying, a champagne toast and a burlap carpet walk. Admission to early buying is $25.00.

General admission on June 19 is from Noon to 5 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 20. General admission for both days is $10.00.

The Leggetts have also announced the dates of the annual fall Pop–up Fair, scheduled for October 16-17, 2015. More details about guest appearances, vendors and more will be announced on the website closer to the event.

Those interested in staying current with the latest at City Farmhouse can visit their website www.cityfarmhousefranklin.com to sign up for the City Farmhouse newsletter, view the blog, www.cityfarmhousefranklin.blogspot.com or access the Facebook page.

More about City Farmhouse

City Farmhouse is a popular antiques and vintage shop located on Bridge Street in Historic Downtown Franklin, Tenn., that offers modern farmhouse style for urban and rural living.

Owners Kim and David Leggett have been “pickers” for more than 20 years, and their trained eye and vivacious personalities have earned them national acclaim, from individuals interested in following popular vintage trends to interior designers.

In addition to curating the store, the monthly pop–up store, The Fling, and the City Farmhouse Pop–up Fairs, the Leggetts exhibit at major vintage and antique events throughout the U.S. Kim is a sought-after expert for guest appearances and as a host of guided tours at fairs around the country, appearing in shows the likes of Marburger Farms, the Country Living Fair, The Nashville Shows, and more.

As a freelance interior stylist, Kim’s projects have been featured in a host of major publications, from Elle Décor and Architectural Digest to Gatherings Magazine. She also sells her finds to museums, private collectors and celebrity clientele like Ralph Lauren, Meg Ryan, Tommy Hilfiger, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Underwood and more.

The Leggetts’ recently crossed a social media milestone, amassing more than 100,000 Facebook fans. Follow them at www.facebook.com/cityfarmhousetn.com.

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