Robertson County, TN, Offers the Perfect Blend of Rural Charm and Community Connection
For some people, it’s the peace of the countryside. For others, it’s the convenience and friendliness of life in a small town. But no matter whether they’re up early to plant crops or start their commute, Robertson County residents agree that this family-friendly community is the right place to call home.
Living in the Heart of the Country
For the Head family, a backyard pumpkin patch has bloomed into a farm, two successful small businesses and a talent for drag racing. Yep, drag racing.
It all started when Maddie Head was a little one, and her grandfather planted 2 unplanned acres of pumpkins one year.
“I thought, ‘What are we ever going to do with 2 acres of pumpkins?’ but to my surprise we sold every last one,” says Miranda Head, Maddie’s mother.
“Then, because we wanted to show Maddie where her food came from, we planted a vegetable garden and had so much left over that I started taking it to local farmers markets, so it was not wasted.”
It was her passion for strawberries that finally sealed Miranda’s gardening fate, turning a few plants into a three-season farm and store.
The farm raises and sells 3 acres of strawberries, tomatoes, sweet corn and pumpkins, among other goods. The Head’s Farm retail store features baked goods, plants and seeds, homegrown meats, milk, cheese, flowers, vegetables and more from other local farmers.
Farm life can be hectic – long after the Cedar Hill farm store closes in December, there are fledgling strawberries to be nurtured in preparation for spring. Miranda treasures her rural life for its basics.
“We have 58 acres right behind us, and I can go back there and get my peace and sanity anytime,” she says.
Meanwhile, Maddie Head has moved on, but not too far. Now 17, she manages her own retail shop inside her mother’s store. Named Turn and Burn Trends, it features cool casual clothing, gifts and household items. The name comes from her devotion to drag racing, a sport she has been involved in since she was 8.
“I tell my customers, who are my friends, I do this for your children now,” Miranda says. “When you see a little one come in smiling, sticky with strawberry juice, that’s what warms my heart. I love what I do. And not many people can say that.”
From Big City to Small Town
Jennifer Gaydon and husband, Lew, loved their life in Chicago as a young married couple. Then came the kids – first a daughter, then 19 months later, twins. While they still loved Chicago’s exciting pace of life and its limitless cultural and entertainment options, life suddenly became more challenging.
“When we started our family, we knew we wanted to make Tennessee our permanent home so our children could have the childhoods we wanted for them,” Gaydon says. “When we moved to Robertson County in August 2020, it just felt so right. It felt like home. Living in a large city like Chicago really made me value Springfield in a new way. Sometimes you have to leave a place to truly appreciate it.”
For Gaydon, Robertson County actually had been home. Growing up in Coopertown, she graduated from Springfield High School and went on to attend college in Knoxville. She is now an associate attorney with law firm Batson Nolan.
Her childhood shaped her vision of the childhood she wanted for her own children.
“It was a great childhood. A simple, sweet childhood, with lots of good memories,” Gaydon says. “We wanted our kids to be able to play outside, run around the neighborhood. And being close to family was a big consideration too.”
Settled in a home they love, with a big yard and friendly neighbors in White House, they enjoy an active life with their kids, now 7 and 5, who are involved in arts, school, music and more.
“Robertson County is an idyllic place to raise a family. There are beautiful greenways that my children enjoy in all seasons. We always end up detouring to the creeks beside the greenways to look for crawdads,” Gaydon says.
“There is a vibrancy in the community that did not exist when I was a child, and the downtown area has transformed in a remarkable way. Springfield has changed in many ways since I was born here, but the loving community has remained the same. Robertson County is a special place, and I’m happy we made our way back.”
Get to Know Robertson County, TN
Want to learn more about living and working in Robertson County, TN? Check out the latest edition of Livability Experience Robertson County, Tennessee.