A walk through Franklin, in Nashville, Tennessee (photo heavy)

Last September when I attended Bella Rustica near Nashville, Tennessee, I had the extreme pleasure of taking in a little Franklin touring with a local friend.

Wikipedia reference of Franklin, Tennessee HERE.

Wikipedia reference of Nashville, Tennessee HERE.

I met Sandy Leeper at Bella when we were both preparing the barns for the show. We struck up a conversation, found out she followed my blog, and asked if I had been to Franklin yet....

Well, I couldn't let that slide! No I hadn't, and yes I wanted to go!

Guys, when you are travelling, do tag along with a local. This gal knew where the country singers lived AND used to live. It was an amazing, story filled tour I will never forget! So... let's cruise through the adorable town of Franklin, Tennessee and surrounding areas.

Warning: Only proceed if you don't get the travel bug easily... because you will ADORE this area.

Travelling in this area was dream like material. I've long wanted to tour the Nashville area, and when this opportunity opened up, there's no way I could keep my camera tucked away.

This is The Factory, that's been restored to house a mall indoors. It was gorgeous.

Nashville is known for their fabulous vintage and junk shops. This was one of many. If you come via driving, bring a BIG empty truck.

The town was so beautifully kept up. There wasn't a thing out of place. Smart awnings, flowers in full bloom, roads spotless. It reminded me of a trip to Disney, vintage style. Quaint, quiet, and delightful with every turn.



I fell for the deep red brick buildings and tall stately lamp posts lining the streets. It truly was like walking back in time.



The old original Franklin Theatre... lovely. If I had stayed longer, I would have loved to take in a film. Just goes to show, these travel experiences should never be rushed to fully appreciate.

I didn't document any of the names of the stores this round, so my apologies. This was just about eye candy. However, locals will recognize them for certain. When I walked into this one, I gasped.

I wanted to take every single one of these pillows home with me. The page ones are so adorable!

The ceiling height and sunlight brightness to this store was storybook amazing.

And so whimsical. An oversized book with pencil is staged on a delectable coffee table cart. The sofa was covered in a gorgeous linen slipcover.

These creative lights were created out of DISHES. The branch detailing along the ceiling was such a unique touch.

This amazing branch mirror was gasp worthy... I love how the texture plays with the light.

A crate full of vintage bingo cards for only $1 each... you can bet I loaded a few of these into my suitcase.

This little cafe was so adorable. We purchased some freshly ground organic coffee from there, but I couldn't resist capturing a little of their quaint decor.

And here's my very favourite store I fell head over heels in love with. I believe this one is back in Franklin. The musical instruments made the room.

Coolest store ever, inviting you to sit for a spell and try out an instrument or three.

And so the locals did. This gent sounded amazing. That's Nashville for you, music and talent surround you with every step.

I imagine there were lots of reproductions in this store, but trust me when I say, most everything looked authentic.

Welcome to Leiper's Fork, home of one of the American Pickers. Sandy, I didn't see their places so I must come back!

Wikipedia: The show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel primarily around the greater Midwestern United States in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, buying antiques and collectables ("picking").

Wikipedia reference to Leiper's Fork

The telltale signs of Tennessee and Kentucky are these landmarked rows of pristine black fencing. I read they were treated that way due to the humidity, but the locals couldn't verify that. Does anyone know for sure?

Leiper's Fork is a small, artistic community. There are art galleries and musicians strumming everywhere you look.

There was this amazing library in a heritage home with priceless historical books for sale.

Even the residential areas were just as beautiful. 

What a lovely tour! Thanks again Sandy, I had the best time with you!

Cool news: this Franklin photo shoot originally seen at FOLK has gained some attention by the vendors of Franklin, referring their clients to it, as well as Franklin's FB page. Very cool indeed!

If you would like a similar photoshoot in your given area or lodging retreat for a review or website purposes, please contact me at donna@funkyjunkinteriors.net for more info.