FIRST FRIDAY ART CRAWL (FRANKLIN, TN)

Image: FranklinIs.com

Mark your calendar: The monthly art crawl in Historic Downtown Franklin, TN, takes place 6-9 pm on the first Friday of every month. Download the app (which includes the Art Crawl Map) or start at any location and take the free trolley from place to place. You’ll see a variety of art pieces from local artists —paintings, blown glass, turned wood and more—all while enjoying complimentary refreshments and live music. See a piece you like? Take it home! All the art is available for sale.

For more information, visit Arts Council of Williamson County TN.

SECOND SATURDAY ART CRAWL (DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE, TN)

Image: Facebook

From 6-9 pm on the second Saturday of each month, downtown Nashville galleries open their doors for special receptions and exhibition openings. Admission is free and you can enjoy free wine and snacks while strolling through the spaces. Each location presents diverse collections ranging from Nashville-area talent to internationally recognized artists. See which galleries and artists are on the schedule each month at DADA Nashville.

THIRD SATURDAY 100 TAYLOR ARTS MARKET (GERMANTOWN/NASHVILLE)

Image: 100 Taylor

The perfect outing for a wintery weekend, 100 Taylor Arts Market brings together more 60+ local artists and makers each month in a historic converted mill in the historic Germantown neighborhood of Nashville. Shop local while enjoying live music, food trucks and local craft drinks. The third Saturday of every month from 4-9 pm at 100 Taylor Arts Market.

TUESDAYS-SATURDAYS: LEQUIRE GALLERY (WEST NASHVILLE)

Image: VisitMusicCity.com

Browse over 5,000 sq. feet of floor space with 500+ works of art and exhibits at the LeQuire Gallery & Studio. Owner Alan LeQuire is best known as creator of the iconic sculpture, Athena Parthenos, located in Nashville’s Parthenon. Both a gallery and a studio, they promise “an insight for the public into the daily life of a sculptor.” Learn more.

ANY DAY BUT TUESDAY: FRIST ART MUSEUM (DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE)

Image: Facebook

This family-friendly museum doesn’t have a permanent collection, which means there’s always something new to see. Their rotating exhibitions range from classical art to contemporary works. Plus, they offer family programs, talks, and community events. Don’t miss their Martin ArtQuest Gallery, where visitors of all ages can make their own art. The Frist is located in downtown Nashville, in an Art Deco post office building that’s a work of art in its own right. Plan your visit.

Go on one or all of these outings and you might turn into an art aficionado, if you’re not one already. If nothing else, it’ll be something fun and different to do on a chilly winter weekend. Enjoy!

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1. FRANKTOWN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Facebook

At the 2025 FrankTown Festival of Lights you’ll drive through more than 200 dazzling light displays—or walk through on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:30! (Dogs on leashes welcome.) After your one-and-a-half-mile drive or walk, snap a pic under the giant lighted Christmas trees or a FREE photo with Santa (or both). Warm up with hot cocoa and s’mores by the fire pit and grab a bite from the onsite food truck. Open nightly through Dec. 31, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, rain or shine. All profits support the work of FrankTown Open Hearts. Get your tickets.

2. DANCING LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS

Image: Dancing Lights of Christmas

Head to the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon for this family-and-budget-friendly outing. Just $35 per car covers the light show, entrance to Santa’s Village, visiting with Santa and petting the animals in the petting zoo! The lights run every night (rain or shine) through Jan. 4, 2026. Santa’s Village will be open the whole time, but Santa has to head back to the North Pole to get ready for Christmas, so his last day is Dec. 23. Plan your outing.

3. HOLLY JOLLY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Facebook

A magical Christmas festival featuring millions of twinkling lights, dazzling holiday scenes, and festive music awaits at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, TN. You’ll find plenty of festive photo ops and the kids can burn off their energy on the mega slide, corn box, swings and tricycle track. No need to eat dinner before you go; the Barnyard Grill is open until 8:30 pm. You’ll also find scratch-made treats and drinks at the Big Red Barn’s Bakery and Coffee Bars. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM through Dec. 21, plus Monday-Tuesday Dec. 22-23, 2025. Get details.

4. CHRISTMAS ON THE CUMBERLAND

Image: VisitClarksvilleTN.com

Step into a winter wonderland at Christmas on the Cumberland in Clarksville, TN. Stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, where twinkling lights, festive cheer, and beloved holiday traditions come alive. This event is FREE, ADA-friendly, and open daily (weather permitting) from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM through Jan. 2, 2026. Directions and info.

5. HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT CHEEKWOOD

Image: Howard Ezell, courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Start your journey at the 28-foot Pixel Pine Tree that welcomes you through Cheekwood’s winter wonderland. Celebrating its 10^th year, Holiday LIGHTS features a one-mile twinkling trail featuring more than a million lights. But there’s more: you can also warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal libations and roast s’mores by a fire, then explore the Holiday Marketplace or tour the Historic Mansion, festively decorated by former Chief White House Florist Laura Dowling. Nightly through Jan. 4, 2026, from 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Learn more and reserve tickets.

6. ZOOLUMINATION FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Image: Nashville Zoo

Visit the Nashville Zoo for the country’s largest lantern festival, featuring magical scenes of more than 1,000 custom-made silk lanterns—some of them 100 feet long and 50 feet high! Plus, you can say “Hi” to any animals who like to stay up late, then go on to enjoy live entertainment, visit North Pole Village and see Scrooge 4D: A Christmas Carol in the Chick-fil-A Adventure 4D Theater. You can even go ice skating at the Smashville Ice Rink. (Note: some activities require separate tickets.) Nightly from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM through Jan. 4, then Thursday-Sunday Jan. 8-Feb. 8, 2026. Secure your spot.

7. A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND

When the weather outside is frightful or delightful, Gaylord Opryland offers So Much Christmas that we can’t begin to list it all here. You can see 2 million pounds of ice handcrafted into scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” or take in POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance, a new musical, magic and cirque holiday show for the entire family. Plus, there’s holiday shopping, seasonal food and beverages, and much more. Now through Jan. 3, 2026. Come for the day or book an overnight stay. Explore your options.

Whether you get out and about this holiday season or enjoy the comforts of staying home, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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FALL FESTIVAL: PUMPKIN PATCH & CORN MAZE, OCT. 2-31

Image: Patrick Fore, Unsplash

Voted middle Tennessee’s “BEST – Fall Festival” in 2024—and named the “#1 Pumpkin Patch” in the state,” by the Travel Channel—Lucky Ladd’s Pumpkin Festival is the ‘don’t miss’ event of the season. Pick your perfect pumpkin from the thousands available, get lost in the 4-acre corn maze, and explore acres full of fun family entertainment. Oct. 2-31 at Lucky Ladd Farms.

Tip: Buy tickets online to save as rates at the gate can be up to 60% higher and this popular event may sell out.

FALL FAMILY FIELD TRIP

Image: Morning Glory Orchard

Go on an adventure through Morning Glory Orchard’s apple orchard! Learn about tree life cycles, pollinators and the different animals you might see in an orchard and more. These guided tours include a guided tour through the apple orchard, samples of honey, apple cider and apples (yum!), a cider press demonstration, goody bags and parking. Dates and tickets.

Tip: Adult members of the family might also enjoy some of Morning Glory’s other events, including guided cider tastings, mixology classes and personalized “Sunsets & Cider” experiences for small groups.

TWO FALL-TASTIC PLAYS

Image:  Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels

A night of pure suspense: Dracula, Oct. 9-26

What better way to celebrate the Halloween season than an action-packed, blood-soaked classic tale of horror featuring the Transylvanian Terror: Dracula! Based on Bram Stoker’s classic novel, this gripping stage adaptation tells the story of Count Dracula’s arrival in England—and the trail of terror he leaves in his wake. Learn more and get tickets.

Or something a little lighter: Lucky Stiff, Oct. 3-18

Mistaken identities, $6 million in diamonds, and a dearly departed uncle in a wheelchair—who goes on vacation to Monte Carlo! What? Why? Find out in this offbeat, hilarious murder-mystery farce based on the novel The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo by Michael Butterworth. Tickets and info.

BONE FROG HEROES BENEFIT, OCT. 25

Image: Uncommon Grit Foundation

A night of entertainment, connection, and community with live music by the Davisson Brothers Band and comedy with Chris Porter. Meet Navy SEALS, special operations veterans, and VIPs. Enjoy Southern cuisine, beer, and wine. Experience a K-9 dog demonstration and more

This event is designed to create meaningful experiences that fund real-world solutions: mental health treatment, food insecurity, K-9 support, and more. Part of the proceeds from the benefit will benefit Baden K-9 Kares, an organization that understands the transformative power of the human-animal bond for military and first responders, and Operation Song, a nonprofit using the power of music to heal.

Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Moore-Morris History and Culture Center. Sponsorships and tickets.

FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET, EVERY SATURDAY

Image: FranklinIs.com

Bring the farm-to-table experience home with Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers at the Franklin Farmers Market. From produce, fruit and dairy to baked goods and meats, it’s all local, fresh and delicious. Don’t miss the local crafters and their unique and beautiful goods. It’s all waiting for you, every Saturday morning at the Franklin Farmers Market.

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BROKEN WHEEL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

Image: Round UP for Nolensville

This Saturday (Sep 6, 2025), head to Nolensville, TN from 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM for a fun night out filled with live music, artisan vendors, food & drinks, and more. Take the kids to the Family Fun Zone then drop them off at Summit Gymnastics (just across the street!) to enjoy a peaceful evening with friends while your offspring enjoys themselves in a safe environment.

Your ticket to this festival isn’t just an entry pass — it’s a direct way to impact your neighbors in need. Proceeds benefit Round Up for Nolensville, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to Nolensville area residents and public servants in times of need. The festival is held at the Mill Creek Brewing Co., 2008 B, Johnson Industrial Blvd, Nolensville, TN. Learn more.

WESTHAVEN PORCHFEST

Image: Westhaven Porchfest

From noon to 5 pm on September 20, the hills of Franklin, TN will be alive with the sound of music played from 26 porches in the Westhaven neighborhood. Visitors are encouraged to walk, bike or ride a golf cart (available to rent) from porch to porch and enjoy free concerts! You’ll need a ticket for the 7pm concert with Monsters of Yacht—America’s premier tribute to Yacht Rock—and The Deltaz with special guest Ben Calhoun. Buy tickets.

PILGRIMAGE MUSIC & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Image: Facebook

A Tennessee version of New Orleans’ Jazz Festival, Pilgrimage offers a diverse yet renowned lineup of rock and roll, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel and more—all within walking distance of the heart of downtown Franklin. Labeled “one of the finest boutique festivals in the country,” this year’s Pilgrimage include music by John Mayer, Kings of Leon, Turnpike Troubadours and many more. September 27-28 at The Park at Harlinsdale. Get tickets.

LIBERTY SQUARE – A LESTER FLATT CELEBRATION

Image: Facebook

Celebrate the rich bluegrass heritage of the area at the City of Sparta’s annual community event. Held the second Saturday in October, this free event brings in national and international touring bluegrass artists for a full day of music on the main stage in front of the historic Oldham Theater.

Along with the music, 100+ artisan and food booths will serve up the best in arts, crafts and tasty treats on and around the town square. Bring the family, your lawn chairs, and your love for bluegrass! Learn more.

GOATS, MUSIC & MORE FESTIVAL

Image: Facebook

We know you were wondering, “Music is great, but wouldn’t it be better with goats?” This is your chance to find out. The annual Goats, Music and More Festival honors goats, but don’t worry—they’re not the ones making music. You’ll find a full slate of human performers playing acoustic, bluegrass, country and rock and roll music fun plus an arts & crafts show, food vendors, children’s activities and more. On Saturday night, 90’s Country legend Aaron Tippin will take the stage to close out the fair. Saturday, October 10th and 11th, 2025 at Rock Creek Park in Lewisburg, TN. See the full schedule.

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FOR THE DAD WHO LOVES CLASSIC CARS

Image: Cheekwood

Drive on over to Cheekwood and wander through 100+ classic cars and vintage motorcycles (from the early to mid-20th century) at Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars at Cheekwood. While there, dad—and anyone else who tags along—can enjoy music, drinks tasty bites, and more. Kids can do hands-on activities for kids and explore Enchanted Castles, too. June 14-15, 2025 at Cheekwood in Nashville, TN.

Get the details.

FOR THE FOODIE DAD

Send him to the Bacon Lover’s Man Crate Picnic. Think of it as a picnic “Carnivore style.” Think of it as a chance to enjoy tasty treats in the great outdoors surrounded by apple and peach trees. Heck, just think of it as bacon! Dad’s “Man Crate” includes Bacon Cheddar Deviled Eggs, Brown Sugar Bacon Rose skewers, Bourbon Bacon Jam over Brie and so much more! Crates are available for 2-6 people (or one very hungry dad). Saturday, 6/14/2025 at 6 PM at Morning Glory Orchard in Nolensville, TN.

Book the Bacon.

FOR THE DAD WHO WANTS TO PLAY DETECTIVE

Image: Tumis on Pixabay

Rockabilly Clue Murder Mystery Dinner at Gratidude Ranch in Franklin, TN. It’s going to be a rockin’ and a rollin’ good time in the good ole hills of Tennessee! As events unfold during a three-course meal, participants meet, interrogate, and possibly help(!) suspects. Will dad solve the mystery? Only one way to find out! This event is for ages 18+ due to ‘adult content’ so the Ranch says to “leave those ankle biters at home!“ Saturday, 06/14/2025, at Gratidude Ranch in Leiper’s Fork, TN.

Start the investigation.

FOR THE DAD WHO APPRECIATES BOURBON  

Image: Stable Reserve Distillery

What could be better than his very own signature blend? What about an “exclusive and immersive” tasting experience that ends with a bottle created specifically to appeal to his individual palate? If that sounds like something the dad in your life would enjoy, send them to Stable Reserve Spirits in Historic Downtown Franklin for one of their “blend your own bottle” experiences.

Reserve an experience.

FOR THE ADVENTUROUS DAD

Image: Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Family Geocaching Day at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood, TN, is a treasure hunt the whole family can enjoy! There are both a kid-friendly course and more challenging caches for intrepid explorers. Geocaches are hidden in containers that can be found using a GPS or smartphone. Whether dad leads the family on a team expedition or you split up to enjoy a little competition, it’s a fun adventure. Saturday, 06/14/2025. Check in between 9:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Trails are open for geocaching until 3 pm.

Plan the adventure.

All of us at ProTek would like to wish all fathers (and those who serve in that role, regardless of official ‘fatherhood’ status) the happiest of Father’s Days this year. We appreciate you!

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YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Image: Tim Dusenberry, Pexels

How many spring flowers do you see from your front door? Or on your way to pick up groceries? Or on the school run? Or…anywhere you find yourself this month. If you need help, check out this Guide to identifying spring flowers in middle Tennessee from Fox17. You can even turn flower-spotting into a game the whole family can play and see who wins Spring Flower Bingo.

TENNESSEE TULIP FESTIVAL

Image: Jill Wellington, Pixabay

Experience the beauty of 1 MILLION tulips, showcasing over 100 different varieties. Lucky Ladd Farms is the largest pick-your-own tulip farm in Tennessee and even the entire Southeastern United States. Tiptoe (or stroll) through the tulips then hand-pick and assemble your very own personalized bouquet of tulips to take home. Each guest aged two and older will need to purchase an admission ticket. This ticket grants access to tulip fields plus Lucky Ladd Farms Fun Park and Zoo. April 5-6 at Lucky Ladd Farms.

Can’t make it this weekend? Tulip picking will still be available through April 13 and Tulip Bulb Dig Days are April 17-19 (picking and digging dates are estimates and depend on the weather). Learn more.

TENNESSEE STATE PARKS

Image: Unsplash

Go on a Spring Wildflower Scavenger Hunt! Tennessee State Parks put together a list of 14 wildflowers and flowering shrubs that you can find in the parks this time of year. They also listed which parks these flowers have been spotted in before to help guide your search.

Download the free iNaturalist app before you go, then take a picture of your finds and it will tell you the name, image, and description of the species it thinks you’ve found. Record the park location and share to help the naturalists at Tennessee State Parks keep track of the living things in the parks. You might even have your recording deemed research-grade!

CHEEKWOOD

Image: Cheekwood

Enjoy a stunning view of blooming tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths as 250,000 blooms come to life during Cheekwood in Bloom: Love is in the Air. Whiley you’re there, take a photo with artist Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE sculpture. It’s the second work of Cheekwood’s Masterpiece Art Series, continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing high-quality, world-renowned masterworks to Nashville.

Go on a weekend to enjoy music in the Beer Garden or go anytime to marvel in the beauty all around us. March 8, 2025 – April 13, 2025 (though the beautiful gardens at Cheekwood are worth a visit anytime). Plan your visit.

WCMGA SPRING GARDEN FESTIVAL & PLANT SALE

Image: WCMGA

If you’re inspired to plant a garden of your own, check out the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale. Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm on the grounds of Williamson County Ag Expo Park at West Side 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064 (rain or shine).

You’ll find beautiful perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, and more. Even if you’re not a gardener, come to enjoy the crafts, food trucks, and “Garden Shed” area featuring new and gently used items for your home and garden. It’s a fun day out that raises money for a worthy cause. Learn more.

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1. GO ON A HIGH(ISH) ALTITUDE ADVENTURE

Image: Facebook

This should take care of any cabin fever: SOAR Adventure Tower in Franklin offers fun physical challenges for kids and adults alike. Little ones (starting at age 3) can tackle 19 elements on the ground level. Older adventurers can choose from three more levels ranging from 15 to more than 45 feet above ground. Mini golf is also available for anyone who might want to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground. How high will you go?

2. TAKE THE KIDS TO THE OPERA—FREE

Image: Anthony Popolo for Nashville Opera, 2025

When it comes to children’s entertainment, opera may not be the first thing that springs to mind. But wait until you see this one: Goldie B. Locks & the Three Singing Bears is a fun, kid-friendly retelling of the classic fairy tale from Nashville Opera. This musical adventure teaches children the true meaning of friendship and the importance of honesty. It’s only 40 minutes long and sung in English (music by Mozart and Offenbach). Plus, it’s free and no reservations are required. See it at the Tennessee State Museum, March 22, 2025 @ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.

3. HUNT FOR GHOSTS

Image: Ghost Hunt Weekends Facebook

Leave the little ones at home for this one and—if you dare—stay overnight in the hotel CNN calls the Number #2 Most Haunted Location in the United States: The Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs, TN. Your host, Paranormal Researcher and Author Chad “The Ghost Hunter” Morin and crew will serve as your guides for what could be the most terrifying experience of your life. Lodging, meals, fully guided tours of the property, ghost hunting training by Ghost Hunt Weekend and a full night of ghost hunting are all included. Mark your calendar for either March 21 or 22 and make your reservation now. Happy hunting!

4. CUDDLE A BABY GOAT

Image: Harmony Lane Farms

For something a little less terrifying and more family-friendly, head out to Harmony Lane Farms in Smithville, TN. You can get up close and personal with a baby goat, donkeys and horses (both in ‘regular’ and miniature sizes) and other farm critters. They offer a full ATV farm tour, goat cheese and fudge sampling (yum!), and more. Come on Wed-Sat for lunch at The Grill and be sure to pick up some of the great goat products as a memento of your trip. Reservations required for goat cuddling and farm tours; make yours here.

5. LIVE LIKE A HOBBIT FOR A FEW DAYS

Image: Forest Gully Farms

This isn’t a hobbit-on-an-adventure experience as much as a hobbit-chilling-in-the-Shire kind of thing. Your secluded getaway includes 3 huts and sleeps 8, so you can bring other would-be hobbits along. Your quest may include hunting for eggs from the resident chickens, hiking to the creek and waterfalls, telling tales around the fire pit or just enjoying your hobbit hole. Second breakfasts are optional. Forest Gully Farms is about an hour south of Nashville in Santa Fe, TN.

There are many more adventures to be had in Middle Tennessee. Don’t let them go to waste! Open your mind to the possibilities and, like Bilbo Baggins, you might find yourself “doing and saying things altogether unexpected.”

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WRITE

Image: Pixabay

Is this the year to finally write that novel or nurture your poetic side? Check out Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online from Art and Soul Nashville, a nonprofit arts studio dedicated to supporting individual creativity, personal growth, and artistic development. You’re invited to join their circle to tickle your muse’s fancy, connect on a deep level, and explore your inner creative every Monday while safe and cozy from home. Make sure you have a pen and journal or notebook available.

Sacred and Sassy: Poetry & Prose Online Mondays at 7 PM, online. Ages 17 and up. Sign up.

COOK

Image: Black Diamond Culinary

Calling all foodies and foodie wannabes! Learn to cook with confidence in small group setting at Black Diamond Culinary. Try your hand at making Italian pasta, French cuisine, seafood and more or take a more hands-off approach and watch a mouth-watering meal being prepared before your eyes. (Then eat it. Yum.)

Black Diamond Culinary is at 6050 Maysbrook Lane Franklin, TN, 37064. Book a class.

IMPROVISE

Image: Pexels

Laugh while you learn at improv classes and build confidence at the same time. Love music? Third Coast Comedy’s Musical Improv track teaches students of all musical backgrounds everything they need to know to improvise full musicals! Maybe you’ve always secretly wanted to be a stand-up comedian…there’s a class for that, too. Make ‘em laugh!

Third Coast Comedy is at 1310 Clinton St, Ste 121, Nashville, TN 37203. Start your journey.

GARDEN

Image: WCMGA

Take your love of plants to the next level and become a Master Gardener. Master Gardeners develop and manage community programs related to horticulture, landscape improvements, therapeutic horticulture projects demonstration and more. The course is organized around weekly lectures, with some workshops, field trips and projects and takes place over 15 weeks beginning in January of each year.

If that sounds like a bit too much of a commitment, check out horticultural events, resources, recipes and more from the Williamson County Master Gardener Association.

CREATE

Image: Hawaii Fluid Art

Let your inner artist out to play with a fluid art class at Hawaii Fluid Art. No artistic experience necessary! You can also opt to make a resin tumbler, paint on glass, or design a one-of-a-kind hat at their Patch Party Hat Bar. There’s something for everyone, so the whole family can join in the fun. All their products are non-toxic, water-based and easy to use.

Hawaii Fluid Art is at 3252 Aspen Grove Dr #10, Franklin, TN 37067.  Pick your project.

ROCK OUT

Image: School of Rock Franklin

It’s never too late to indulge your rock ‘n roll dreams. Anyone from age 6 on up can learn to be a rock star at School of Rock Franklin. Adult students attend a weekly private lesson and a weekly group rehearsal (you’ll be placed in a band and assigned songs). The payoff? Your band will take the stage at a live show at a real rock venue in Franklin! All skill levels welcome.

School of Rock Franklin is at 615 Bakers Bridge Avenue Suite 100, Franklin, TN 37067.  Rock on!

BUILD

Image: Woodcraft of Nashville

Admit it, you’ve watched those celebrity carpenters on renovation shows and thought, “Wonder if I could do that.” Well, with some training from the experts at Woodcraft of Nashville, you probably can. They offer classes for all levels of woodworking expertise, so even if the only jigsaw you’re familiar with is a puzzle (hint: it’s also an actual saw), they can help you start throwing sawdust around with the best of them. They also offer free monthly demos and Date Night projects.

Woodcraft of Nashville is at 209 South Royal Oaks Blvd STE #164, Franklin, TN 37064. Choose a project.

No matter what you’re interested in, there’s probably a workshop, website or course nearby. You don’t have to become an expert or change your career (although you can if you want to). Sometimes it’s just good to give your brain a break from the everyday and try something new.

Happy learning!

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1. WATCH A PARADE

Image: Pixabay

Santa and his helpers will be parading all over Middle Tennessee this month, alongside marching bands, floats and more fun than you can wave at in a single day. Check out this handy list from Nashville Parent to find a parade near you.

2. SEE THE LIGHTS

Image: Nashville Parent

There’s something about colorful holiday lights that brings out the child in all of us. Give your inner child (and maybe an actual child or two, as well) a treat with a visit to one or more of the many spectacular light shows in the area. Options include FrankTown Festival of Lights in Franklin (pictured above), Christmas on the Cumberland and Clarksville Speedway’s Drive-Thru Christmas Lights in Clarksville, Dancing Lights of Christmas in Lebanon and Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens. 

3. MEET SCROOGE & TINY TIM

Image: The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

Bring the whole family to meet the Cratchit family and friends at the 39th Annual Dickens of a Christmas in historic Downtown Franklin. Stroll through the Victorian Village with holiday dancers, characters and carolers, shop arts & crafts vendors, watch live entertainment on the Main Street Festival Main Stage and Acoustic Stage, shop throughout the historic district, visit the whiskey lounge, beer garden, and more! December 14-15, 2024 in Franklin. Learn more.

4. SNAP HOLIDAY PHOTOS

Image: TNVacations.com

Middle Tennessee is always photogenic, but at Christmas it looks even more magical than usual. There are photo ops almost everywhere you look, but if you need ideas, TNVacations.com compiled a list of the Picturesque Holiday Card Photoshoot Locations in TN. Smile!

5. SHOP AT A MARKET

Image: Sam Headland on Unsplash

Does every Hallmark Christmas movie include a scene at a charming holiday market? It sure seems like it. Whether you’re on the hunt for presents or just there to soak up the atmosphere along with your hot cocoa, it’s a festive and fun outing. Fortunately, there are plenty of area markets to choose from. See Christmas Market Guides for a list of Tennessee Holiday, Winter & Christmas Markets.

6. FIND A TREE

Image: Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers

Sure, pre-lit artificial trees are beautiful and convenient, but there’s nothing quite like a fresh, farm-grown tree—and they don’t get fresher than the one you choose and cut yourself (or have cut for you). Besides, how often do you have the opportunity to stroll through a forest of Christmas trees? The Tennessee Christmas Tree Growers will help you find a tree farm near you.

7. SIP THE SPIRITS OF THE SEASON

Image: Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Leave the kids at home (but not Home Alone, because we all know how that turned out) and head out to Carols & Barrels, a seasonal trail of holiday pop-ups with unique stops across Middle Tennessee filled with cheer, delicious drinks, and holiday magic! Collect digital stamps by “checking in” at each unique stop to complete your passport and get a prize. Participants must be 21 or older to join in the TN Whiskey Trail Passport festivities. Nov 11, 2024-Jan 5, 2025. Learn more.

However you choose to celebrate this season, we wish you the happiest of holidays!

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PUMPKIN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

Image: Pexels

Of course, you could go to a well-known coffee chain for your Pumpkin Spice Latte, but The Fainting Goat (Spring Hill & Franklin) makes their version with real pumpkin and no syrups. Can you taste the difference? Try it and see! How about pairing it with croissant-style Pumpkin Spice Latte-flavored Hundred Layer Donuts, hand-crafted fresh every day at Five Daughters Bakery (multiple locations). Then head on over to Sweethaven (Franklin) for their award-winning combination of pumpkin ice cream and ginger snap cookies. If you prefer your pumpkin in pie form, bake your own with Loveless Café’s Pumpkin Butter Pie recipe or head over to their Nashville location and see if you can get a piece before it sells out. Hungry yet?

PUMPKINFEST

Image: Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, TN

It’s a full day of celebration featuring fall-flavored food and drinks, live music, costume contests (for people and pets), fabulous wares from artisans and craftspeople, fun activities and so much more. Come to Franklin’s Main Street and join in the fun on Saturday, October 26 from 10 AM – 6 PM. Details here.

PUMPKIN PATCHES

Image: Pixabay

There’s nothing like heading to a pumpkin patch to choose the perfect pumpkin. It’s fun for kids and adults alike, especially when locations include activities and snacks. Pumpkin patches abound, so it helps that our friends at TennesseeFamilyVacation.com made a list of the Top 10 MIDDLE Tennessee Pumpkin Farms & Corn Mazes. Happy hunting!

PUMPKIN KING ON THE BIG SCREEN

Image: The Franklin Theatre

Remember Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s pumpkin king, who discovered Christmastown and hatched a plan to take over Christmas? Re-live the fun at A Movie Gang Halloween Party: The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Franklin Theatre on October 27 (showings at 4 PM and 7 PM). Tickets and info here.

PUMPKIN DÉCOR

Image: Olga Simonova

Pumpkins are kind of like potato chips: you can’t have just one. Well, you can, but why stop at one when there are so many beautiful varieties and so many ways to use them? Around these parts it seems that nobody knows how to decorate better than Southern Living, so it’s handy that they rounded up the 36 Best Pumpkin Decor Ideas To Try This Fall. Happy decorating!

However you choose to celebrate pumpkins, we wish you all the best this season. Happy Fall, y’all!

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