Falling into Fall

 Here’s a little of what I’ve been up to lately. Who else is sooo ready for the seasons change!? Autumn is my favorite time of year for so many reasons. These things make me so happy! Feeling inspired to get cracking on the decorating, baking, crafts, weekend getaways, and so much more. Tomorrow it’s Fall Folklife Festival at the Atlanta History Center. Looking forward to enjoying the festivities and seeing some friends old and new. Jane will be there too! Can you tell she loves fall also? See you there!


Have a bright day!
Bright Girl

A Day in Franklin,Tennessee--Carnton Plantation, Carter House, Puckett’s Grocery, Merridee’s Breadbasket & More!

After our relaxing stay at Shaker Village in Mt. Pleasant, Kentucky we hopped back in the car and continued our road trip south to Franklin, Tennessee. I’ve heard great things about Franklin so we were both looking forward to our first visit. Funnily enough right after our trip we came home to several publications with articles about visiting Franklin. Check out how to spend your day in Franklin from Southern Living Magazine and learn more about the resurrection and preservation of the gardens at historic Carnton Plantation from Garden & Gun Magazine.

While on our visit to Franklin we were able to do quite a bit, even after a tiring drive from Kentucky. Just give me a place to sit, something to sip, and something to savor.

 

 

After checking in to our B&B we headed out in search of food and drink. Found myself a rummy drink to celebrate National Rum Day plus some yummy Cobb salad & gumbo @55 South. Yummy Rummy!

 

 

Our delicious breakfast at Magnolia House B&B. Jane approves!

 

 

This history lover definitely wanted to visit Carnton Plantation first thing and once there we decided to go on the triangle tour and visit all three historic homes. It was a beautiful day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While strolling through the gardens we spotted this lovely and interesting plant which no one seemed to be able to name. In the recent Garden & Gun article about Carnton’s gardens and master gardener Justin Stelter low and behold the mystery was solved! It is native grape honeysuckle, Lonicera prolifera. Who knew?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a party going down! What a beautiful place to get married!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pathways lined with flowering chives. Beautiful!

 

 

 

One of my all time favorite pictures from the garden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see the outline of the later addition of an attached kitchen which later burned.
 

 

 

 

 

 

Family cemetery & Civil War cemetery on the Carnton Plantation grounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What I do thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter.”

 

 

 

 

 

Love the Carnton colors!

 

 

After our visit to Carnton we headed over to Carter House. The Carter House was essentially where the Battle of Franklin took place. The buildings on site are some of the most heavily damaged, still standing sites from the Civil War.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After touring the Carter House we also visited the Lotz House which was also very interesting. The Lotz family had quite the experience living in Franklin. What an interesting family! I highly recommend visiting this house! For more information about any of these historic homes be sure to visit The Battle of Franklin Trust website.

We were exhausted, hungry, thirsty, and semi-badly sunburned(me! oh this fair skin, it can’t stand up to the sun at all). So we followed our noses to Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant for some delicious Southern fixin’s. My mouth is watering all over again!

 

 

 

Fried Green Beans

Smoked Chicken~Smashed Sweet Potatoes~Squash Casserole

 

 

Taking a stroll around downtown Franklin after dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The perfect way to end the night! A little café and music at Merridee’s Breadbasket.

 

 

 

Every one of these artists was amazing! You guys rocked!

Amy Estrada, Rock Marcello, Kimberly Shifflett, Shawna Kirk, Kyle Hopkins, Jeremy Dean. Check them out.

 

 

On the way out Jane comforted this skittish bear. No worries! We come in peace!

 

 

Our delish breakfast on the last morning of our vacation. Thank you for being such great hosts Magnolia House!

 

 

After many hours in the car we finally made it back to the peach state. I’m ready for another vacation already! Must start planning the next one soon.

Anyone have suggestions on where to go next?

Have a bright day!
Bright Girl