Outdoor-events season starts with mix of music, wine and nature
Besides cleaning, springtime trumpets a wave of events in Williamson County. Arrington Vineyards will kick off spring with its free fourth annual spring break party 4-8 p.m. Saturday.
“We like to steam it up and welcome the wonderful weather with a spring break party,” said Christel Foley, vice president of the vineyard. “We’re the most affordable good time in Tennessee.”
Calypso band Deep Grooves will play for about 2,000 expected visitors to the vineyards, which were founded in 2005 by country music star Kix Brooks, businessman Fred Mindermann and winemaker Kip Summers.
Music will start at 4 p.m., but partygoers can come as soon as the vineyard opens at 11 a.m. to set up blankets and picnics. The vineyard sells cheese and crackers. The only things participants may not bring to Arrington Vineyards are pets or their own alcohol.
“It’s become such a wonderful thing for people in these economic times, whether you like wine or not,” Foley said. “It’s free. And it’s about the rolling hills, the music, being in a totally different environment.”
SPRING BREAK PARTY
What: Live music with Calypso band Deep Grooves. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs.
When: 4-8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington
Why: It’s spring!
Cost: Free
More details: 615-395-0102 or www.arringtonvineyards.com
MUSIC IN THE VINES AT ARRINGTON VINEYARDS
What: The concerts feature jazz musicians (no vocals). Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and chairs. Simply Living Life caterers will sell food for those who don’t bring supplies but still want to eat.
When: Saturdays in April and
Fridays-Sundays in May through November. The vineyard will stay open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays.
Where: Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Road, Arrington
Why: To showcase bands and the wine of Arrington Vineyards
Cost: Free
More details: 615-395-0102 or www.arringtonvineyards.com
MAIN STREET FESTIVAL
What: 200 artisans and crafters, four stages, two carnivals and two food courts will fill downtown Franklin.
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
April 30-May 1
Why: The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County and its division, the Downtown Franklin Association, produce the festival, which draws about 100,000 people. Proceeds are used to preserve the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County and to promote downtown businesses.
Cost: Free
More details: 615-591-8500 or www.historicfranklin.com
BLOOM ‘N’ GARDEN EXPO
What: Shop among 120 vendors, learn from professionals and ogle 10 big show gardens.
When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 8-9 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 10
Where: Ag Expo Park, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin
Why: Inspiration and instruction for casual and serious gardeners.
Cost: $8, free for ages 11 and younger
What’s new: New at the eighth annual garden and outdoor expo, which is organized by volunteers from the Williamson County Master Gardeners Association, will be “potting parties.” For a $25 fee, participants will get all the materials and guidance to make a container garden to take home.
More details:
http://bloomngarden.com
A VINTAGE AFFAIR
What: Four wine-centered events that, during the course of three days, raise money for local nonprofit organizations that support the well-being of women and children in Williamson County.
The events: The casual Vintage Champagne & Vintage Country Music event will be 6-9 p.m. April 13 at Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork. The black-tie optional Meet the Vintner event will be 6-9 p.m. April 14 at Boxwood Bistro. The Sommelier Preview Party is set for 5:30-7 p.m. April 15 at Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin. The Main Event, also business casual, will immediately follow the preview party and run until 10:30 p.m.
When: The four events will be April 13-15.
Where: Events are in Green’s Grocery, Leiper’s Fork; Boxwood Bistro in Franklin and Jamison Hall at The Factory at Franklin
Why: Beneficiaries this year include the neonatal intensive care unit at Williamson Medical Center, to which A Vintage Affair has given $500,000 during its 11 years. It also will give to Mercy Children’s Clinic, My Friend’s House and the Williamson County Library Foundation. Also two O’More College of Design students who help with A Vintage Affair will earn half-tuition scholarships.
More details: http://avintageaffair.org
