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🐝 Nashville Tops the Rankings

🐝 Nashville Tops the Rankings

New Restaurant Opening & More

August 27, 2025

Your guide to staying connected in Franklin, TN

Well, here we are… the last week of August. Somehow, we’re through summer and staring down September. Labor Day weekend is upon us which also means one thing: college football is back. The long, cold offseason has finally thawed, and Saturdays are whole again.

In other news of “things being made right in the world” — Cracker Barrel decided to switch back to its classic logo. A good reminder that sometimes the original just works.

Highlights
🐝 Nashville Tops the Charts
🐝 New Restaurant at McEwen Northside

Let’s get to it.

- Beau

Nashville ties for 1st - Most Desirable Cities in the U.S.
In a recent survey, 1,000 Americans were asked where they’d prefer to live. Americans say the most desirable of the 50 most-populous metros are:

Nashville, TN, and Tampa, FL (tied for No. 1)
Seattle, WA
San Diego, CA
Denver, CO
Charlotte, NC
Boston, MA
Orlando, FL
Raleigh, NC
New York, NY

Nashville also ranked first in the “nicest residents” category (tied with Charlotte). I suppose when you give away enough “bless your hearts” people start to notice. If you’re new to town, just know that ‘bless your heart’ can mean anything from ‘you’re the sweetest’ to ‘oh honey, you really tried.’

Conversely, the least desirable metros are:

Washington, D.C.
New York, NY
Chicago, IL
San Francisco, CA
Detroit, MI
Los Angeles, CA
Birmingham, AL
Baltimore, MD
Tampa, FL
Atlanta, GA

Just 69% of Americans are happy with where they live, down from 73% in 2024. Nearly three-quarters (73%) would consider moving to a new state, and half (50%) are open to relocating to another country.

You can read the full report here.

New Restaurant Opening
Hawkers Asian Street Food is coming to the McEwen Northside Development in early 2026. Inspired by the open-air markets of Asia, Hawkers brings bold flavors and shareable small plates to the table with staples like Korean twice-fried wings, five-spice green beans, and roti canai served with rich curry dipping sauce. Hawkers opened its first Tennessee location in East Nashville in 2020 and quickly became a go-to spot for craft cocktails and sake alongside its pan-Asian menu.

“We’re incredibly excited about the momentum surrounding the newest block in the district,” said Mark Traylor. “We’ve already welcomed office tenants to the upper floors, with more on the way; and soon, the ground level will be home to these beloved restaurants, further establishing McEwen Northside as a place where memories are made, especially over a great meal.”

As we’ve previously shared, Culinary Dropout is another business in the McEwen Northside Development that will be opening in two weeks (September 10th). Joining Culinary Dropout and Hawkers on the ground floor is newly opened Oak Hall, a popular upscale clothier.

Since 2024, McEwen Northside has expanded its mix of retailers, welcoming popular brands like Vuori, gorjana, Oak Hall, Warby Parker, Fink's Jewelers/Rolex, Skin Laundry as well as Blue Sushi Sake Grill — each thoughtfully chosen to fit the community’s lifestyle and needs.

To stay in the know about grand opening dates and all the exciting things happening at McEwen Northside, follow along on Instagram or visit mcewennorthside.com.

✅Ready to Fall Back in Love with Your Closet?

Meet Jessi Sheehan — Franklin-based (Chicago-born) style expert and founder of Evolve By Jessi, a personalized wardrobe refresh that helps you get dressed with ease and confidence.

Jessi’s approach isn’t about starting from scratch — it’s about making what you already own work harder for you. Through a quick color and shape analysis, plus a chat about your style vibe, Jessi helps you clear out what no longer serves you and highlight the pieces that do. The result? A wardrobe that fits your life, your body, and your goals.

Want ongoing support? Jessi’s exclusive Text-A-Stylist membership gives you instant access to tailored advice — just text a question, a photo of an outfit or potential purchase, and she’ll reply with expert feedback, styling tips, and even links to better options. It’s like having a Personal Stylist in your pocket.

Whether you're prepping for a new season, a career shift, or just want to feel great in your clothes again, Jessi’s warm, expert guidance makes the process simple and transformative.

Perfect for:

✅ Closet refresh
✅ Style confidence boost
✅ Seasonal wardrobe update
✅ Career transition
✅ Everyday ease

🗓️ Ready to get started? Book a free call HERE

Wednesday August 27th

Westhaven Farmers Market | 4 - 7pm | 1006 Westhaven Blvd
The Weekly Farmers Market will take place on Wednesdays from May through October.

Ballistic Bingo | 5 - 7pm | The Factory
A spiced up version of bingo with spontaneous activities like bar limbo, trash-can basketball, dart throwing, scavenger hunts, and more

Mahjong Wednesdays | 5 - 7pm | Fork of the South
Mahjong open play every Wednesday from 5–7 PM with drinks, treats, and midweek fun.

Nashville Sounds vs Charlotte Knights | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

Thursday August 28th

Nashville Sounds vs Charlotte Knights | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

Oddity Improv | 7pm | The Franklin Theatre

Friday August 29th

The Farm Stand at Berry Farms | 4 - 7pm | Town Center Park in Berry Farms
Produce, seasonal vegetables/fruits, beautiful florals, jarred goods, and quality meats.

Nashville Sounds vs Charlotte Knights | 6:35pm | First Horizon Park

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live | 7:30 | Bridgestone Arena
This show returns to Bridgestone Arena Aug. 29–31 with its new Glow-N-Fire theme, adding a fiery twist to the fan-favorite show. Additional shows on Saturday (12:30pm and 7:30pm)

The Red Wheel Songwriters Night - CJ Solar, Rick Huckaby, Filmore | 7pm | Bridgestone Arena

Saturday August 30th

The Franklin Farmers Market | 8am - 12pm | The Factory
Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers every Saturday morning

Tennessee Jigsaw Puzzle Tournament | 9:30am - 1:30pm |WILCO Public Library
Tennessee farm fresh food from real farmers every Saturday morning

The Red Wheel Songwriters Night - Rob Snyder, James Otto, Channing Wilson | 6pm | Bridgestone Arena

Laurel Canyon Band – A Tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young | 6 - 9pm | WILCO PAC @ Academy Park

Nashville Sounds vs Charlotte Knights | 6:30pm | First Horizon Park

Kings of Queen: A Queen Tribute Band | 8pm | The Franklin Theatre

The Red Wheel Songwriters Night - Rhett Akins, Jessi Alexander, the Warren Brothers | 8:30pm | Bridgestone Arena

Sunday August 31st

Lakeside Labor Day Party in Franklin | 6pm | Southall Farm & Inn
Southall celebrates Labor Day with a Lakeside Party (6–9PM) of food, games, and yacht rock, followed by a Poolside Neon After Party (9–midnight) with DJ Tyrus, glowing vibes, and nonstop dancing.

Nashville Sounds vs Charlotte Knights | 6:05pm | First Horizon Park

🚧 Franklin’s Lewisburg Pike, downtown area stormwater project nears completion (WKRN)

🍦 One Generation Away partners with Kilwins Franklin to feed local families in need (Williamson Herald)

🏠 City of Franklin asks residents to share their thoughts on Historic Preservation Plan at Open House (WKRN)

3385 Bailey Rd | 4 Beds, 5 Baths | 5,035 Sq Ft

Price: $19,750,000

Days on Market: 2

Details:

🏠 40-Acre Luxury Estate Farm – Surrounded by protected Tennessee Land Trust land near Leiper’s Fork Village, offering sweeping hilltop views, stocked ponds, grazing pastures, gardens, and ultimate privacy.

🏠 Elegant Main Residence – Features a wraparound porch for sunrise and sunset views, a chef’s kitchen, great room, multiple fireplaces, guest apartment, and timeless craftsmanship throughout.

🏠 The “77” Entertainment Barn – A 5,300 sq. ft. Eric Stengel–designed masterpiece with soaring ceilings, imported bar, game room, gym, recording studio, and private suites—perfect for unforgettable gatherings.

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Make it a great week!

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