"Home" is Franklin, Tennessee. Even though I am a New Yorker, born and bred, and Tom is, for all intents and purposes, an Arizonan, Franklin has been more than a place to live for us. I've lived here twice (1993-2002, and 2009 until the present), and I can't help but think that I'm not "done" with this special place. Tom trusted me in 2009, having never lived in the "South", and he has since become an adopted Son of the South. He loves the people, the food and sweet tea!
What makes Franklin (and Tennessee) special? It's the people. Once you have experienced the genuine friendliness of the folks here, it's hard to NOT feel at home. Aside from the people, Franklin has wonderful restaurants, music venues, shops and is surrounded by lovely countryside.
As we prepare to ring in the new year, and set off on our journey, we want to pay homage to Franklin and some places, people and things we'll miss...
This is Five Points...where everyone eventually ends up, having a coffee at Starbucks and meeting up with friends.
Downtown Franklin is full of lovingly cared for homes...this is one of my favorites -they decorate for every holiday!
Rural Williamson County...this old train depot has been sagging for many years and probably will do so for many more.
Both of our kids attend UT - Good Ol' Rocky Top!! This is Neyland Stadium on game day (not exactly "Franklin", but most folks in Franklin have orange blood in their veins).
The Student Section!
Brad, one of many wonderful baristas at the Five Points Starbucks.
Sign on the bench that Tom and I usually sit on when we drink our coffee in the sunshine...
The people of Franklin raised the millions of dollars needed to restore the historic Franklin Theatre. It's more beautiful now than ever, and all sorts of acts play here. They also show movies...
There is always a street fair, festival or parade happening downtown! Franklin is a great place for families.
The Farmers Market is not just a place to shop...there is always some sort of entertainment, and being so close to Music City, Franklin is home to some unbelievable talent.
This is my Noble Farms Goat Cheese Lady. I sure hope we can find goat cheese in Panama!
Fall color.... We won't be seeing this for a while.
Ribs and BBQ...Tom will miss this A LOT.
Saturday morning...bring your coffee and wander the market...fresh produce, eggs, grain fed beef from nearby farms can be found, along with honey, crafts, herbs, artisan breads and granola...
Frozen yogurt at Sweet CeCe's...Tom can be found here even in the winter!
McCreary's Pub on Main Street...if you can get a seat, try the fish and chips and a stuffed baked potato...with a Guinness of course...
One of our favorite places to go in the Franklin area is High Meadow Alpaca Farm in Liepers Fork. Every year they have an open house, and last summer, we watched two crias (baby alpacas) being born. Here is one of them...standing and bonding with Mom about an hour after birth!
What makes Franklin (and Tennessee) special? It's the people. Once you have experienced the genuine friendliness of the folks here, it's hard to NOT feel at home. Aside from the people, Franklin has wonderful restaurants, music venues, shops and is surrounded by lovely countryside.
As we prepare to ring in the new year, and set off on our journey, we want to pay homage to Franklin and some places, people and things we'll miss...
This is Five Points...where everyone eventually ends up, having a coffee at Starbucks and meeting up with friends.
Downtown Franklin is full of lovingly cared for homes...this is one of my favorites -they decorate for every holiday!
Rural Williamson County...this old train depot has been sagging for many years and probably will do so for many more.
The BEST burger in Franklin and possibly the world can be found at the Bunganut Pig...this is Dina, one of our favorite servers at "the Pig". The patio is the place to be in the spring, summer and fall with awesome live music!
Both of our kids attend UT - Good Ol' Rocky Top!! This is Neyland Stadium on game day (not exactly "Franklin", but most folks in Franklin have orange blood in their veins).
The Student Section!
Brad, one of many wonderful baristas at the Five Points Starbucks.
Sign on the bench that Tom and I usually sit on when we drink our coffee in the sunshine...
The people of Franklin raised the millions of dollars needed to restore the historic Franklin Theatre. It's more beautiful now than ever, and all sorts of acts play here. They also show movies...
There is always a street fair, festival or parade happening downtown! Franklin is a great place for families.
The Farmers Market is not just a place to shop...there is always some sort of entertainment, and being so close to Music City, Franklin is home to some unbelievable talent.
This is my Noble Farms Goat Cheese Lady. I sure hope we can find goat cheese in Panama!
Fall color.... We won't be seeing this for a while.
Ribs and BBQ...Tom will miss this A LOT.
Saturday morning...bring your coffee and wander the market...fresh produce, eggs, grain fed beef from nearby farms can be found, along with honey, crafts, herbs, artisan breads and granola...
Frozen yogurt at Sweet CeCe's...Tom can be found here even in the winter!
McCreary's Pub on Main Street...if you can get a seat, try the fish and chips and a stuffed baked potato...with a Guinness of course...
One of our favorite places to go in the Franklin area is High Meadow Alpaca Farm in Liepers Fork. Every year they have an open house, and last summer, we watched two crias (baby alpacas) being born. Here is one of them...standing and bonding with Mom about an hour after birth!
Love what you guys are doing. I especially loved the trip down memory lane with Franklin. We lived there for 5 years....left just a few years ago. You captured the charm and magic of the city.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and her hubby are doing just what you folks are setting out to do and are having the time of their life.
I wish you nothing but the best and commend your bravery!
Thanks so much, Theresa! We are actually going to have a post a "part 2" to this post about Franklin, because folks reminded us about this place or that! Franklin does tend to get under one's skin...
ReplyDeleteWhere are your sister and her hubby traveling/living? In Central America someplace?
Just wanted to wish you all a safe and fulfilling trip, and congratulate you for taking a leap to experience something incredible. It'll suck not having you at work, Tom, but we'll be here when you get back. So enjoy, and que te vaya bien!
ReplyDelete-Gonz
I miss you already! I hope y'all have a safe and blessed trip. Keep in touch :) (thank you for inspiring me to get a [real] blog of my own)
ReplyDelete