Williamson County, TN, Entrepreneurs Showcase Ag Traditions

Williamson County, TN’s, agricultural traditions sprout success for entrepreneurs.

By Renee Elder on November 15, 2023

Goat Yoga Nashville

Pastoral beauty and fertile land helped make Williamson County, TN, a magnet for America’s early pioneers, with tobacco, cotton and wheat established as successful cash crops.

Fast forward a couple of centuries, and newcomers today are more likely to be seeking out the area’s quaint small towns, friendly neighborhoods, excellent shopping and dining, or plethora of well-regarded public and private schools.

Yet, some savvy business owners have found a way to link the rural past to the present-day economy by launching successful tourism, education and special event attractions that showcase agrarian traditions.

For example, there’s Goat Yoga.

“It’s a combination of exercise, laughter and animal therapy,” says Melody Nash, owner of the 6-year-old business. “They are all three good for the soul, but you rarely encounter them together at once.”

While striking poses on the ground and being poked about by goats might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it resonates wildly with visitors to the region – especially those looking have a peek at rural Tennessee before heading off to a night of fun in a neighboring urban district.

“We benefit from the tourists who are coming to Nashville,” Nash says. “We get a lot of groups attending bachelorette parties or birthday celebrations down on Broadway. It’s a natural extension of the Nashville experience to get out in the country with some animals.”

Even celebrities such as Trisha Yearwood and Tim Tebow have been known to share the mat with a goat or two at Nash’s farm, located southeast of Brentwood in Nolensville.

Nathan Lambrecht

Sprouting New Traditions in Williamson County, TN

At Southall Farm and Inn, visitors are promised a slow and mindful vacation experience on 325 acres, with the benefit of a quick commute to the bright lights and entertainment options of Nashville, says General Manager Shane Pappas.

“With the rolling hills, historic farms and small-town charm, Franklin feels like you’ve escaped to a different world while still being a short ride from the hustle of the city,” Pappas says.

Going deeper into the agricultural experience, inquisitive Southall guests can tour the orchard and orangerie, study hydroponics, perfect their seed-saving techniques or learn the basics of beekeeping.

“We’ve found our pollination program to be a huge draw to the property,” Pappas says. “The Native Bee Experience is a class where guests see, touch, and taste the hives up close and personal – while safely fully suited – to gain an understanding of how bees impact the life of a farm and how they can help pollinators in their own gardens.”

Evin Krehbiel

Opportunities at Every Turn in Williamson County, TN

Katie Brit, owner of Sweethaven sweet shops in downtown Franklin and the Westhaven neighborhood, says she enjoys serving locally made goodies, including farm-fresh frozen yogurt, to her customers.

“Our baked goods come from Sugar Drop Bakery and Tiny Little Donuts,” Britt says. “I love the small-business community here. There’s always a personal touch.”

At the Amish Country Market at the Nolensville Feed Mill, visitors can experience a taste of a 120-year-old community while shopping for furniture, crafts and a variety of specialty groceries. Many locals visit the Nolensville site regularly just to enjoy their famous chicken salad on Amish bread with homegrown tomatoes.

Other not-to-miss experiences from the Williamson County countryside:

Stoney Creek Farm delivers a “Dirt Rich Education” for those who want to learn to grow their own healthy food using sustainable practices.

Arrington Vineyards is a 5-acre property with vineyards, tasting rooms and scenic vistas galore owned by music celebrity Kix Brooks.

Farmer’s markets in Franklin, Nolensville, Westhaven and Thompson’s Station are open regularly throughout the growing season with straight-from-the-farm vegetables, fruits and baked goods – plus much more.

Countryside weddings and other special events take place year-round at The Barn at Sycamore Farms in Arrington. The owners promise a combination of luxury and Southern charm on the 28-acre farm – either on its well-manicured grounds or inside the spacious rustic barn.

Katzu’s Flowers offers a fresh-cut flower experience by creating floral arrangements and teaching others how to master the craft at team-building workshops.