We headed to Franklin, TN for a few days of relaxation and a much needed break from our jobs and renovation work at home. It was a perfect late October road trip to one of our favorite historical towns in the South. Our only agenda? Enjoy nature on hikes in the autumn air, sleep in, shop for antiques and vintage, and visit the Giannetti’s new shop in Leiper’s Fork. Last time we were in town, we rented Storybook Cottage, and this time around, we booked a space in a lovely home near downtown. Let’s peek at our trip and chat about something vulnerable at the end in Autumn in Franklin, Tennessee.
Falling for Autumn in Franklin, Tennessee
Southern Cottage in Franklin
We stayed in this newer home which boasts a gorgeous front porch with swings/beds at either end. It’s just a few minutes from downtown where you’ll find charming shops and historic homes.
My husband snapped this of me on our first morning and then disappeared before I could get a selfie with him! I’m wearing a Giannetti linen skirt and long sleeve tee I bought online when Patina Farm’s shop was open.
Until the Giannettis re-open their online shop (with new Patina Meadow branding), you can find a few pieces in their brick and mortar shop in Leiper’s Fork.
Patina Home & Garden in Leiper’s Fork
We loved PATINA HOME & GARDEN, and we were able to introduce ourselves and chat with Brooke, Steve, and Leila, who are busy with the launch and building their new home. I’ll share photos I snapped inside the shop in another post.
Can we discuss the haint soft blue porch ceiling below? Haints are ghosts in Gullah folklore who were thought to be repelled by water; thus, you’ll often see the color used on porches and trim in the South.
My own front porch has a ceiling reaching two stories, so the blue might go unnoticed, but I’d love to use it on a ceiling inside. This porch wasn’t decorated for fall, but I can imagine the possibilities.
There’s a busy street in front, but on the other side there are cows grazing!
I think the owners are adding touches as they go, and I would opt for gas lanterns at the front door, yes?
Scenic Drives & An Alpaca Farm
On a scenic drive near Leiper’s Fork, we discovered this beautiful meadow.
Rolling terrain, utterly peaceful, and when two friendly alpacas came running toward me when we pulled alongside…
Of course I had to greet them and tell them how pretty they were (I may have said ‘mama loves you’ a dozen times…it’s who I am).
Then they seemed to fight over me a little, with one wanting all of my attention. They are hilarious.
This place is called High Meadow Alpacas, and next time, I would love to schedule a visit and learn more about the enterprise of raising alpacas. It’s such gorgeous land!
I didn’t want to leave my sweet furry friend.
We loved exploring along country roads and imagining ourselves living in one of the rural properties.
City Farmhouse in Downtown Franklin
I love shopping in Franklin because there are plenty of charming little shops, but not so many where it is overwhelming. On our visit this time, we were able to pop into City Farmhouse, where I was able to chat with the wonderful owner, Kim Leggett.
Kim is the one who designed the interior of Storybook Cottage where we vacationed last time we were here. Oh the treasures inside! If it gives you a clue, City Farmhouse is one of Joanna & Chip’s sources for beautiful vintage and antiques. You can buy Kim’s book HERE.
City Farmhouse (117 3rd Ave. N) is in a historic 1815 house called the Knight Mosley House. Don’t you love it when you can tour an old house and shop at the same time?
I told Kim that her crystal chandeliers were so fine they put my own vintage ones at home to shame! She corrected me, insisting “ALL chandeliers are pretty.”
After we left the shop, I realized that I forgot to ask about the best BBQ in the area.
When I returned, Kim was with a customer, but I was able to chat with her husband and another kind soul about their opinions about the best BBQ. This escalated into serious discourse, and I listened intently to every word! One of their suggestions was Martin’s so we traveled there for dinner. To be honest, after eating the best BBQ across Texas on a road trip, I am probably spoiled forever. The vinegar-based house BBQ sauce is not something to which we’re accustomed, but I liked the wings with green beans and macaroni and cheese on the side. How in the world do Southerners make green beans taste so heavenly?!!!?
Eat at Biscuit Love!
If you only make one stop in Franklin to eat, go directly to this holy of holies for a Southern breakfast: BISCUIT LOVE.
Good heavens, I have never had a better biscuit or breakfast. As if anything could compete with the beautifully tender, light as air biscuit, the cheesy grits and perfectly cooked bacon and eggs were outstanding.
I told my husband my cup was full and overflowing, and that’s when a server dressed as a kittycat swooped in with a B-Roll. What is a B-Roll?
Only the best pastry I have EVER consumed in my 56 years. Before this pecan sticky bun sauced cinnamon roll stole my heart, the best were the kouign-amann enjoyed each morning for breakfast at the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome. Move over, Paris. BISCUIT LOVE butters my biscuit now!!!!
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Hiking may not sound relaxing to you, but it is what I love to do on vacation. We headed to the National Scenic Trail at Natchez Trace, and my autumn WAS MADE.
We were alone on the trail, and the colors, light, earthy air, and quiet filled me with deep gratitude and warmth.
When the earth is blanketed so lushly with fallen leaves, and mature trees stretch tall into blue skies, I can breathe deeply and return to my center.
There’s richness glancing up, glancing down at moss and berries.
At the lookout, you can catch your breath and enjoy a different perspective of this hilly landscape.
The Gift of Octobers & Autumn in Franklin
It’s exactly what my body and soul needed, and I kept expressing thanks to my husband for journeying here with me.
My work and our renovation projects at home have demanded much of me over the last year. It has largely forced me indoors and inside my head.
Shortly after we returned from Tennessee, I found a lump near my breast. It’s upsetting because as you may know, I have BRCA2 genetic mutation and had a bilateral mastectomy.
It could be a cyst. I’ll meet with my breast surgeon in a few days and keep you posted. Whether it is cancer or not, all will be well. I know this because I have seen dark days when all of the colorful leaves of my life fell.
I’m not special. Not immune to suffering or protected from harm. In fact, my genetic mutation harms my ability to suppress tumor growth. I’m more vulnerable to harm which may come. But just look at the light finding its way through the tangled curly connections below.
Look at your girl dressed in the silvery grey of the moon, sitting with joy under a cover of protective soft blue, held in the gaze of her beloved.
Look at the fleecy messenger with four feet rushing to remind her to whom she belongs.
It is well with my soul, and mama loves you.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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hello.
i’ve never commented before but i do come by these parts, via the design indulgence blog, from time to time and always thoroughly enjoy your posts.
this one…well…this one is just special.
i just wanted to say that i will be praying for you through this new valley.
may the light continue to shine through.
and may it continue to be well with your soul.
God bless you!
Author
Awwww. Such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for every visit via Sherry’s place (I love her!) and for taking the time to comment – it’s so rare these days for blogs! Thank you for the prayers. All I can do is keep daily surrendering these cares and seeking the grace to muddle through. Peace to you.
You are Beautiful and I hope you get good news from Doctor!! I enjoy franklin soooo much!! Sincerely,Karen
Author
Thanks so much for the wishes – I’ll be sure to let you all know what’s happening. So many fans of Franklin – no wonder the prices have skyrocketed! 🙂
Isn’t life mercurial?! Hope your time in Franklin boosted you as you take the next step. As a former resident there, I plan to make it my home again. Many times I stopped to chat with the alpacas in the area… they are silly sweet creatures, aren’t they? So glad you found Biscuit Love too… and had some peace in our Tennessee!
Author
How fun that you know exactly where I’m coming from, Nan! Hahaha – those alpacas are so wonderful. There’s a farm near my home here with them, and now I am more motivated than ever to visit and buy their knitted pretty things. Oh Biscuit Love! I had to take two days to nibble away on that roll since my diet is restricted, but I finished that bad boy! Thanks for the wishes, Nan. Peace to you.
I’ve read every post of yours for years. It’s like a visit with a friend. Please know that the Lord goes before you. Your visit to Franklin gave you rest and peace. Now you are ready to encounter these next steps. I’ve had breast cancer and tumors throughout too. I understand the trauma. But God! He is our healer and will provide whatever You need. You found this early. Great news. One step at a time and we will pray you through this and will pray He will quiet your anxious heart. He sees you my friend. Do not fear.
Author
Thank you for this assurance from a place of deep faith and experience. I appreciate your support and wisdom. I feel like the trauma I initially felt has turned to annoyance – like get that thing out! I’m listening to God and trusting. xox
Have read so much about Franklin and your beautiful photos are quite enticing. Will have to take a trip there and enjoy the sights. You asked how do Southerners make green beans taste so good? It’s fat. Lots and lots of it and we’re unapologetic about it. Usually, it’s in the form of pork fat or my personal favorite, smoked turkey wings added to the cooking broth. It’s the hallmark of an epic biscuit and also what makes them taste so divine. Finally, and most important, am sorry to hear about the lump and any worry that it’s causing you. Will keep you in my prayers. Make sure you’re eating as many alkaline foods as your body can tolerate. Fresh ginger and lemon tea is very good for the body. Take care and keep us posted <3
Author
My mouth is watering, Kim! I have always been crazy about green beans, and although almost all of my relatives are Southerners, I was never in the kitchen to see the process of cooking them deliciously. Smoked turkey wings sound amazing, and I would never have guessed that pairing. Ginger and lemon are so good for my digestion issues, and this is a great reminder, thank you!
What a nice distraction from all the remodeling you are doing. I will have to plan a visit to Franklin soon. I’ll keep you in my prayers for the best of news from your surgeon. May peace be with you as well.
Author
Such a needed distraction, yes! I am grateful for prayer and believe they are heard. Thank you so much for the peace.
So glad you and your hubs were able to get away and have a change of scenery from all your remodeling! Franklin is such a fun & quaint place…I love it too! But have never had a B-roll…boy have I been missing out! Haha! Will definitely be praying the lump you found is nothing serious…and that you will receive a very encouraging report from your dr. I agree with all the others, you are a bright light in this world and your faith is sure & strong & such an encouragement to us! Sending love & continued prayers, sweet friend!
Author
B-roll is serious pastry, and I will be dreaming about it until I return. Good gracious, I would never have ordered one with my restrictions so the fact it was offered, and I was forced to only have tastes! If you can tolerate fat, have one for me! Thank you for your prayers, Amy. I am just ready to know what I’m dealing with and am thinking positive. xox
Michelle as always you take my breath away. Your courage and grace are remarkable. Franklin is so special as was this post. We visited Franklin much too briefly a year ago and I can’t wait to get back there next summer. Hopefully with my kids. Antiquing is some of the best I’ve seen in years. Close your eyes point and shoot and be thrilled with whatever you see. You are in my prayers often and thank you for sharing not only your journey and vulnerability but also your tremendous faith and resilience.
Author
We loved the antique shopping too – you’re so right. I hope you are able to return. I can’t wait to get back there. Thanks for your prayers and support – so many times I feel like airing my personal health journey is not helpful to others who want to be uplifted here, but we’re all battling stuff, and I hope to join others in their own struggles.
Enjoyed reading about your trip to Franklin. Such a beautiful place, no wonder Patina Farms moved.
Prayers and good wishes to you. Have enjoyed your blog for years and your words of hope and encouragement.
Author
Thanks for reading and all of the support through the years – so happy to have you here.
I live in Franklin and felt so much joy how you expressed the wonder of this place. It truly is magical! At times, I blindly walk through the day and forget to just open my eyes and SEE. I love that your heart is open to beauty and HIS creation. I will say a prayer for your peace, comfort and healing. It is truly well with our soul!
Author
I love hearing from you! Thank you for the prayer and adding to the beauty here with your kind Franklin self.
P.S. I love your fuzzy headed alpaca friends & am not surprised how much they loved you! I could just hear you saying “Mama loves you!” to them.😂 And you look so lovely in your silvery blue Gianetti skirt & shirt!! Perfect color for you!! 🤗🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Author
Hahaha. They are just the cutest creatures with so much personality! Maybe you need them on your “farm?” Thanks, Amy. 🙂
I love your blog and have subscribed to it for years. I have followed your brave and courageous health journey as well and admire you very much!I have been wanting to visit Franklin and after seeing this post, I am ready to make reservations there. Can you tell me the name of the southern cottage you stayed at in downtown Franklin? It will be nice to have a recommendation of where to stay…. Thank so much!
Author
I’ll email you. Thanks so much for your loyal readership.