For many visitors, The Factory at Franklin is where it all begins. Before they’ve walked the idyllic Main Street or settled into a dinner reservation, they’ve wandered the halls, coffee in hand, taking it all in. It’s the second most visited destination in Williamson County, but for plenty of people, it feels like the first chapter.

And lately, it’s not just visitors. With its ongoing revitalization by Holladay Properties, The Factory at Franklin has once again become an everyday gathering place for locals. It’s where meetings turn into meals, errands turn into afternoons, and just stopping by rarely stays that simple. The energy there is steady and familiar, built on equal parts routine and discovery.

That’s exactly what makes the Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory feel like such a natural fit. Created in partnership between Visit Franklin and The Factory, the visitor center doesn’t interrupt that rhythm; it joins it. Tucked into the flow and sitting just across from Honest Coffee Roasters in the Factory, it offers something deceptively simple: a place to pause, get your bearings, and maybe see the day a little differently.

Inside, the experience unfolds gently. A Plan Your Trip wall offers a visual starting place, mapping out everything from Franklin and Williamson County’s well-known anchors to the kinds of under-the-radar spots that tend to become favorites. It’s the kind of feature that invites you to linger for a minute, and then somehow keeps you there longer.

But what makes this space particularly interesting is who it’s for. Yes, it’s a gateway for visitors. But just as much, it’s a resource for locals — especially those moments when you’re looking for something just beyond your usual routine.

Maybe it’s a last-minute gift that feels thoughtful, not generic. The shelves here lean local: Franklin and Factory-branded keepsakes, small-batch goods, and pieces that carry a sense of place. It’s the kind of retail that saves you from defaulting to the predictable and instead gives you something with a story attached.

Or maybe it’s that familiar question from a friend in town for the weekend, “What should we do?” Instead of scrambling through mental lists or recent recommendations, you can step into the visitor center and get a clear, curated answer. Not overwhelming. Not overly polished. Just helpful.

There’s also something quietly useful about having a pulse on what’s happening right now. Events, experiences, tickets, it’s all within reach there. What might have been a loosely planned afternoon can quickly turn into something more intentional, whether that’s catching live music, exploring a nearby community, or finally trying that spot you’ve been meaning to visit. In that way, the visitor center becomes less about planning a trip and more about shaping a day.

And then there’s the story element — because in Franklin, there’s always a story. A vintage stove display anchors part of the space, a subtle but meaningful nod to the Factory’s past as a working manufacturing facility. A wall display introduces you to the menagerie of animals that were hand-carved over the last 30 years to make up the nearby Carousel of Dreams. These touches don’t demand attention, but they reward it. It’s a reminder that even in a place that feels current and evolving, history is never far off. It’s layered in, often where you least expect it.

That sense of layering, past and present, visitor and local, spontaneous and planned, is what the visitor center does best. It doesn’t separate those experiences. It blends them for first-time guests, which might look like building an itinerary from scratch. For locals, it might mean rediscovering a place you thought you already knew.

Because the truth is, Franklin doesn’t stay still. New restaurants open. Events rotate with the seasons. Small businesses evolve. Even the familiar starts to feel different when you look at it from a new angle. The Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory simply makes it easier to keep up — and maybe even stay a step ahead.

It’s not about handing you a checklist. It’s about offering just enough direction to spark something. A conversation. A plan. A small detour that turns into the highlight of your day. So the next time you find yourself at the Factory, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, step inside. You might come in looking for information, but more often than not, you’ll leave with an idea.

For additional information on the Franklin Visitor Center at The Factory, visit their website at visitfranklin.com. Follow them on social media @visitfranklintn.

MATTHEW MAXEY is the Senior Director of Public Relations for Visit Franklin, where he connects the many unique stories in the community with great journalists and storytellers worldwide. Maxey also serves on the Executive Board for the Public Relations Society of America Travel + Tourism section.

The post More Than a First Stop — Inside the Visitor Center at The Factory appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Why Folds of Honor, you may ask? I am passionate about our military and first responders, and I chose Folds of Honor to recognize and honor their sacrifices. Folds of Honor provides life-changing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. The call is powerful, and the mission is simple: HONOR THEIR SACRIFICE. EDUCATE THEIR LEGACY. UNITE AMERICANS AROUND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE.

It began with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. As an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform has fallen or been disabled while protecting our great country. When the flight landed, he witnessed the remains of an American hero being returned to his family. Lt. Col. Rooney watched as the Corporal’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-draped casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son.

Since that moment, Lt. Col. Rooney has been committed to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through Folds of Honor, ensuring those who protect our freedoms and families will know they are not forgotten. By providing educational scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have fallen or been disabled while serving our country, FOH helps ensure that families facing unimaginable loss are given the opportunity for a brighter future through education without having the financial burdens.

Now you know why I am so passionate about Folds of Honor’s mission and why I wanted to give back to this worthy charity. So what’s in store for the open house? The open house is scheduled for Thursday, August 27, 2026, time TBD. Home tour attendees will be greeted with appetizers, drinks, swag bags (limited number), and a chance to register to win a FREE European river cruise, along with other items to be given away. To conclude the event, Music City Publications, Inc. will present Folds of Honor with a check representing funds raised through donations and ticket sales profits.

During the home preview, guests will be able to tour and explore the house at their leisure, get decorating inspiration, and see firsthand the quality work of Carbine & Associates and other contractors involved. And upon finding the mystery room, attendees can enjoy a special whiskey tasting.

The two-story modern European farmhouse home is currently under construction in Williamson County. Amy Montgomery, our recently appointed lifestyle editor, is working diligently throughout the build process to ensure the house is perfectly appointed and the event runs smoothly. B.F. Myers Furniture is also a major contributor, as they will be staging and decorating the home.  

The objective going forward is for our lifestyle editor to share the building process, from start to finish, and everything in between, for the next 12 months. Sharing tips learned along the way, decorating ideas, and how to make a house a home, while highlighting some of the special projects that played a part in making the house a home. Nashville Murphy Beds, OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings, and Atlantic Pools & Spas are a few that are currently working on special projects. It takes an army to put together an event, no pun intended. Still, the intent is to highlight the amazing businesses in Middle Tennessee that helped bring this home to fruition while also giving back to Folds of Honor to recognize the sacrifices made by our military and first responders. Hope to see you at the open house in August!

The post Opening the Doors for a Cause appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Dad is the foundation. The steady presence. The one everyone counts on. He shows up for grandkids’ games, helps with home repairs, plans family vacations, and is always there when someone needs him. But here’s what often gets overlooked: Dad rarely prioritizes himself.

While he’s busy taking care of everyone else, his own health might quietly slip down the priority list. And the irony is this — when Dad is strong, energized, and healthy, everyone benefits. He’s more present, more engaged, and able to show up fully for the people he loves. The good news? It’s never too late for Dad to reclaim his strength and vitality.

Why Men Don’t Prioritize Their Health

Men are great at taking care of responsibilities — jobs, families, and homes, but when it comes to their own health, not so much. They ignore the aching knee. They skip the annual checkup. They say “I’m fine” even when they’re exhausted, stiff, and running on fumes. It’s not that they don’t care — they’re just wired to push through and keep going no matter what.

After 60, the body plays by different rules.

Men lose 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade if they’re not actively working to maintain it. Testosterone declines. Recovery time slows. Chronic inflammation quietly builds, driving fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, and brain fog.

Men who were strong and active in their 60s can find themselves struggling in their 70s — not because decline is inevitable, but because they didn’t know what their bodies needed.

What Healthy Aging Really Looks Like

Aging well isn’t about slowing down or accepting limitations. It’s about staying strong and capable so Dad can keep doing the things he loves — traveling, playing with grandkids, working on projects, and feeling good in his own body. That means getting up from the floor without help, climbing stairs without getting winded, carrying groceries with ease, sleeping well, waking with energy, and staying sharp and engaged. This kind of vitality requires a proactive approach.

A Practical Plan for Men Over 60

Research shows men in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s can rebuild strength, reduce inflammation, and dramatically improve how they feel. Here’s what works:

Build functional strength. Resistance training 2-3 times per week — using bodyweight, resistance bands, or weights — rebuilds muscle, strengthens bones, and protects independence. Focus on basic moves like squats, lunges, push-ups, rows, and planks that build real-world strength.

Eat to support the body. Men over 60 need more protein than younger men. Aim for 30-35 grams per meal, along with healthy fats, fiber, and whole foods. Cut back on processed foods and sugar.

Prioritize recovery. Sleep is when the body repairs itself. Poor sleep disrupts hormones and increases inflammation. Dim the lights an hour before bed, turn off the TV, and put down the phone — screens interfere with the body’s natural sleep signals. Make sleep a non-negotiable.

Manage stress proactively. Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which drives muscle loss and fatigue. Walking, breathing exercises, or time outdoors help keep stress in check.

Support gut health. The gut drives immunity, energy, and mood. Eating fiber-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains—reducing processed ingredients, and staying hydrated keep the body functioning well.

Move consistently. Daily movement—walking, stretching, light activity—keeps joints healthy, circulation strong, and energy stable. Dad’s body is still capable of incredible things. It just needs the right fuel, movement, and recovery.

How Families Can Support Dad.

Supporting Dad doesn’t mean nagging. It means making healthy choices easy and enjoyable. Partner with him. “Let’s take a walk together” beats “You should exercise more.” Make it about what he gains. Frame it as “staying strong for the grandkids” or “having energy to travel.” Celebrate small wins. Acknowledge every workout, every healthy meal, every good choice. Create the environment. Stock the fridge with whole foods. Make movement part of family time.

Dad has spent years being the foundation for everyone else. Now it’s time to make sure that foundation stays strong. Decline isn’t inevitable. With the right approach, Dad can stay strong, energized, and fully engaged in life for decades to come.

Strong fathers build strong families. And it’s never too late to start!

LORI ZABKA is the founder of Hearth & Health, a wellness practice serving adults 60+ in Middle Tennessee. Her book, The Inflammaging Fix: Six Steps to Reverse Chronic Inflammation and Age with Power, launched in April 2026. For more information, visit hearthandhealth.org or book a free connection call at (434) 227-8141.

The post STRONG FATHERS, STRONG FAMILIES appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Set along the sweeping bends of Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River, Island Bend Farms is a rare and remarkable 1,100±-acre legacy property in southwestern Middle Tennessee that redefines what it means to own land with purpose, scale, and possibility. With more than four miles of river frontage, a private FAA-charted airfield, 114±-acre private island, and a diverse mix of pasture, hardwoods, and water features, this extraordinary farm offers an opportunity seldom seen in today’s market.

At its core, Island Bend Farms is a property of options. Whether envisioned as a private family retreat, an elite outdoorsman’s reserve, a hilltop estate with panoramic river views, or a thoughtfully planned development for marinas, resorts, or riverfront living, the land lends itself effortlessly to multiple futures—each as compelling as the last.

Approximately 1,000± acres of property lie on the mainland, where open pasture and mature hardwoods create a classic Southern landscape. The fertile bottomland has a long agricultural history and is currently improved pasture, producing hay from a blend of ryegrass, fescue, orchard grass, and clover. Roughly 300± acres of open ground support agricultural use, while wooded areas provide privacy, beauty, and abundant wildlife habitat. Adding to the ecological richness, approximately 130± acres are enrolled in a Wetlands Reserve Program easement, offering protected wetlands that attract waterfowl and enhance the property’s natural character.

Water is a defining feature of Island Bend Farms. Two inlets from the Tennessee River weave through the property, forming a private 38±-acre lake and flooded cypress sloughs that feel both wild and serene. The river itself opens the door to boating, fishing, and cruising adventures — supporting travel south to the Gulf of Mexico or north toward the Great Lakes for those pursuing the famed Great Loop.

Accessibility sets this property apart. The private, FAA-charted Island Bend Farms Airport (Identifier: 4TN9) features a freshly graded 3,000±-foot grass runway, with the potential for expansion to 6,000 feet. With Nashville and Memphis nearby, flights are only about 25 minutes away, blending rural seclusion with exceptional connectivity. On the ground, more than 13 miles of improved interior roads make the property easily navigable by truck, ATV, horseback, or utility vehicle.

Elevated wooded hilltops throughout the farm provide ideal building sites for a 5+ bedroom estate, family compound, or boutique resort. These vantage points offer sweeping views of the river and surrounding countryside from one of the highest points in Decatur County. Existing improvements include two half-acre river lots on Scenic Lane, a modern tiny home on stilts overlooking the river and inlet, and a substantial 148′ x 96′ pole barn suited for equipment, storage, or operational needs.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Island Bend Farms is nothing short of exceptional. The land supports year-round recreation, including whitetail deer, turkey, duck, geese, dove, boating, fishing, trail riding, and equestrian use. Deer stands and blinds are already in place, and the mix of open fields, hardwoods, wetlands, and water creates a premier habitat for both game and wildlife viewing.

Despite its privacy and scale, the property is conveniently located near I-40, making travel to Nashville and Memphis by car easy. Nearby attractions include Ross Creek Landing Golf Course, Clifton and Riverstone Marinas, and the Bath Springs Farmers Market—adding lifestyle appeal beyond the gates.

Island Bend Farms may be purchased in its entirety or divided into thoughtfully planned parcels, with options beginning at $4,750 per acre. Available tracts include Conservation, Scenic Lane, Island, Marine, Airfield, Primary, Development, and Residential parcels, allowing buyers to tailor their ownership to their vision.

In a world where truly irreplaceable land is increasingly scarce, Island Bend Farms stands apart. It is not just acreage — it is a legacy, a destination, and an open canvas for those ready to create something extraordinary along one of the South’s most storied waterways.

Island Bends Farm is just an hour and a half away from Columbia and two hours from Franklin and is listed with Baker Group Realty in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. For questions and inquiries about this unique property, reach out to Jacob Haddad (C) 615-390-0229 (C) or Katie Baker 901-351-7235 (C).

KATIE BAKER is a local REALTOR and the owner of Baker Group, Maury County’s boutique brokerage. Baker Group specializes in Fine Properties, Historic Homes, Vacation Homes, and Commercial Real Estate in Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee River. Call (931) 548-2010 to schedule an appointment and follow them on social media @bakergrouprealty.

The post From Runway to Riverbank appeared first on Williamson County Living.

When Florian Kober arrived in America last July as an exchange student with EF High School Exchange, the scale of everything struck him immediately — everything felt massive. Coming from the quiet countryside of his Austrian hometown, a peaceful farming village of just around 3,000 people, he was used to a life centered on orchards, sprawling fields, livestock, and simple routines rather than blazing stadium lights, cheering crowds, and excited teenagers screaming from the stands. On his family’s farm in Markt Hartmannsdorf, located 30 minutes due east of Austria’s second-largest city, Graz, they produced pears, apples, wheat, pumpkins, and tomatoes, and Kober even helped care for nearly 200 chickens. It was a world of early mornings, honest labor, and the comforting predictability of rural life. Yet one ambition burned brightly in Kober: he was determined to play American football.

Travel had never been a big part of Kober’s life. He had only flown once before, so flying from Vienna to Nashville’s International Airport felt like stepping into another universe. Waiting for him at BNA was his host family, ready to welcome him into a new chapter filled with unfamiliar customs, new friendships, and unexpected opportunities. Without much time to rest or recover from jet lag, Kober was taken straight from the airport to football practice.

There, he met nearly 90 players all at once. It was a whirlwind introduction to American high school sports, and he was immediately thrown into the deep end. Practices were fast-paced and intense, filled with terminology he had never heard before. Yet the team quickly embraced him, offering encouragement, friendship, and patience as he learned. Many of those teammates soon became close friends, helping Kober feel at home in a place thousands of miles from his family in Austria.

Kober had never played American football before, but it had always been a dream to try. His background in soccer gave him a strong foundation in footwork, balance, and precision, skills that naturally translated into kicking. Coaches recognized his potential almost immediately, and #45 began training as a kicker for Battle Creek High School in Spring Hill, led by head coach Justin Burum. With determination and countless hours of practice, he sharpened his technique and built confidence week after week.

Friday nights soon became magical. Riding the school bus to games with teammates, hearing the crowd under the stadium lights, and feeling the team’s shared energy created memories that felt straight out of a movie. Kober was embraced not only by the coaches and players but also by the school community and host family, who supported him through every milestone. What began as a leap of faith quickly became one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

As the season progressed, Kober’s growth was impossible to ignore. He developed consistency, accuracy, and composure under pressure, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. He became one of the most liked and respected players on the roster, admired not only for his athletic performance but also for his positive attitude and humility. His journey from a quiet Austrian farm to a competitive American football field captured the community’s attention.

Recognition soon followed. Kober was awarded by Battle Creek High School as Special Teams Player of the Year and earned All-Region Second Team Kicker honors. He also received Big Bad Breakfast Player of the Week and multiple team awards with the Battle Creek Grizzlies. His accomplishments even led to an appearance on a local radio show, where listeners learned about the international student who had embraced American football with passion and grit.

What makes #45s story especially remarkable is the speed of his transformation. In a single season, he went from having no football experience to becoming an award-winning athlete competing at a high level. His international background, farm upbringing, and willingness to step into unfamiliar territory created a story that feels uniquely American in spirit, even though it began halfway across the world.

Kober’s journey reflects courage, adaptability, and the power of opportunity. “Playing high school football in the United States was a dream come true and an unforgettable time in my life,” he said. “I formed lifelong friendships and gained experiences that will forever stay with me.” From tending chickens and harvesting pumpkins to celebrating victories under Friday night lights, he proved that dreams could grow in the most unexpected places.

In a few months, at the end of May, Kober will return to Austria. As his exchange time comes to an end, his experience serves as a reminder that sometimes the bravest step is simply saying yes to something unknown, trusting that hard work and heart will carry the rest of the way.

Kober’s exchange year was hosted by EF High School Exchange, which has been promoting global awareness through student exchange for over 45 years. For information on hosting an exchange student, contact Ryan Gustin at ryan.gustin@efexchangeyear.org or visit efexchangeyear.org.

The post How Football Made America Feel Like Home For #45 Florian Kober appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder — and at Gallery 48 in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, beauty unfolds in layers of color, texture, and story. The gallery showcases a vibrant mix of local and international artists, each offering a unique perspective on the world around them. Among those artists is Columbia-based painter Mary Lehner, whose original art captures still lifes, seascapes, and landscapes.

Art has been part of Lehner’s life for as long as she can remember. Raised in a creative household, she was surrounded by visual thinking and design from an early age, as her father worked in construction and drafting. Her passion for art followed her through high school and into college, where she earned a degree in illustration. Painting became a deeper passion after the birth of her oldest daughter, when a watercolor workshop sparked a lasting love for painting outdoors while living in Hawaii.

Primarily working in watercolor, with oils and acrylics splashed into the mix, Lehner describes her style as interpretive realism. While her work is grounded in realism, it is guided by intuition and emotion rather than strict representation. Color plays a central role in her paintings — bold, expressive, and unapologetic. Trends toward monochromatic palettes have never tempted her. “If it doesn’t have color, it feels lifeless to me,” she stated.

Her goal is simple yet profound: to show beauty and allow others to experience it the way she does. “There is a sensation in experiencing God’s creation that I infuse into my pieces by painting from life and also reinterpreting those pieces in my studio. Psalm 19:1-4 continues to be my inspiration. ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.’  What an amazing reason to paint!”

Lehner took a scenic route to Columbia in 2021, with her life’s journey taking her through Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, and even Canada before finally landing in the South. Much of that movement followed family, as she and her husband prioritized staying close to their children and grandchildren.

Along the way, Lehner became involved in the art communities where she lived. She first taught watercolor classes in Spokane in 2005 and, after a 7-year hiatus, returned to teaching in Portland in 2018. Teaching challenged her to slow down and articulate what had long been instinctive. Watching students discover their own artistic styles became one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I love seeing students come into their own and watch them develop their own style.”

Watercolor, Lehner admits, can be an unforgiving medium — especially for beginners. She encourages her students to give themselves grace, reminding them that growth comes through both successes and failures. That same lesson has stayed with her personally, especially during recent seasons of life marked by profound change and loss.

Lehner took a scenic route to Columbia in 2021, with her life’s journey taking her through Hawaii, California, Washington, Oregon, and even Canada before finally landing in the South. Much of that movement followed family, as she and her husband prioritized staying close to their children and grandchildren.

Along the way, Lehner became involved in the art communities where she lived. She first taught watercolor classes in Spokane in 2005 and, after a 7-year hiatus, returned to teaching in Portland in 2018. Teaching challenged her to slow down and articulate what had long been instinctive. Watching students discover their own artistic styles became one of the most rewarding parts of her career. “I love seeing students come into their own and watch them develop their own style.”

Watercolor, Lehner admits, can be an unforgiving medium — especially for beginners. She encourages her students to give themselves grace, reminding them that growth comes through both successes and failures. That same lesson has stayed with her personally, especially during recent seasons of life marked by profound change and loss.

Lehner’s work will be featured at Gallery 48 throughout April, with a meet and greet at the Opening Reception on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Lehner will also be in gallery on Friday, April 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. as part of Columbia’s First Friday festivities. Wine and small bites will be served, and visitors are invited to experience her work up close — color, story, and all.

Gallery 48 is located at 107 West 7^th Street, Columbia, Tennessee. For additional information on featured artists such as Mary Lehner, visit gallery48.art. Follow on social media @gallery48.art.

The post Seeing Beauty Through Art — Gallery 48 appeared first on Williamson County Living.