On a gorgeous Sunday afternoon, a friend and I decided to take a drive out to Arrington Vineyards. 

Just a short 15 minutes from I-65 at the Hwy 96 exit, Arrington Vineyards is a beautiful place situated on a hillside, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of busy Franklin life. 

Located in Arrington, which is an unincorporated town with a Franklin address, the vineyards opened just over a year ago. Arrington Vineyards is owned by several wine connoisseurs, including Country Music artist Kix Brooks (of Brooks & Dunn). 

Since the vineyards are not even a 2 years old yet, there aren’t enough grapes to make all of the wine they offer at this time.  So,  for now, they import grapes from California’s wine country to make most of their selections.  However, all of the wine is made right there, in a separate building behind the wine-tasting lodge.  Among the choices are a number of award-winning wines which are a must-taste.

Well, last weekend was the Franklin Rodeo.  My son and I, along with several friends, loaded up the car and headed on over to the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Center last Friday night. 

I’m no cowgirl, but I did put my hair up in two pony tails and wore jeans… it was the best I knew how to do. 

At least a half-dozen times a week I pass Aspen Grove Park.  You know, that park near the corner of Aspen Grove and Seabord Lane... across from Parkside townhomes at Aspen Grove??? 

Yeah, it's there and it's absolutely worth stopping!  

I’m so excited about the Franklin Rodeo! 

Every year I miss going, but I’m determined to be there this go-around.  My 7-½ year old son (Will) is looking forward to it, and his good friend from preschool is coming along as well.  He is a cowboy fanatic and has been since I can remember.  Will, on the other hand, not so much the cowboy… more like a Star Wars trooper and athlete. 

Anyway, festivities will begin this Friday, May 9th, with a party and auction at the Franklin Factory. 

Art from all mediums and genres will be displayed on March 20, 2008 from 6 - 10pm at the Factory in Franklin as part of An Ear For The Arts.

V102.5's Ace will host the evening with music by Serenatta the romantic Latin ensemble.

A special performance by the African Cultural Arts Center Drum and Dance Troup is also on the schedule.

I can't tell you how many times we've passed through downtown Franklin only to find some big event going on that we didn't even have a clue about.

It's kind of our own fault, because we don't subscribe to the local newspaper. And that "free paper" that arrives... on occasion... well, we don't usually get around to reading it until a week or so later. By then, any events advertised have already taken place.

But I'm still surprised that there isn't more advertising and signage in the weeks leading up to events around here -- especially the bigger ones. We've lived here (just a hop, skip & a jump away from historic downtown Franklin) for 6 years now, and I don't think we've ever received a flier in the mail or a postcard reminder about events taking place in Franklin.

I realize it's a small town, and word of mouth is probably what this town is used to in terms of getting the word out about major events. But in every other community we've lived in, we got postcards & fliers in the mail to remind us of major events. You know... the kind that of notices that you can then stick on the fridge, so you don't forget!

Tis the season for checking out Franklin, Tennessee's holiday light displays.

One interesting way to see all of the Christmas lights is to hop on the Franklin Trolley and let them chauffeur you through the town to gaze at all of the glittering decorations.