On June 1, 2019, a serene patch of grass on Franklin’s Gentry’s Farm became the setting for a love story that was more than a century in the making. Mary Morgan Gentry and Charles Hatcher said “I do” beneath a bright blue Tennessee sky, joining together two of Williamson County’s oldest and most notable farming families. For generations, the Gentrys and Hatchers have tilled Williamson County’s soil, shaped its land, and helped define its agricultural roots.
Just outside downtown Franklin, Gentry’s Farm has been part of the community since 1849, when it was established by Samuel Fielding Glass, Jr. Passed down through seven generations, it remains a working farm and still features several historic structures built before the Civil War. In recent years, the Gentry family has welcomed the public each fall for seasonal traditions like a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and hayrides, creating memories for thousands of local families while honoring their agricultural heritage.
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A few miles away, the Hatcher Family Dairy in College Grove has its own proud heritage. Established in 1847, the Hatchers have spent six generations raising cattle and producing dairy products that have become staples across Middle Tennessee. The Hatcher Family Dairy continues to be one of the region’s most respected small farms, known for its dedication to sustainable practices and old-fashioned hospitality, as well as the endearing National Geographic TV series, Hatcher Family Dairy, now streaming on Disney+.
Given their families’ parallel histories, it’s no surprise that when Mary Morgan Gentry met Charles Hatcher, the two felt an instant connection. “It was like we’d known each other our whole lives when we first met and started talking,” she remembers.
When the couple became engaged, they realized much of Williamson County would expect an invitation—but they opted instead for a small, intimate ceremony, keeping the guest list to immediate family. After all, life on a farm doesn’t pause for a wedding.
“The day of our wedding, Charles worked the Franklin Farmers Market that morning,” Mary laughs.
“And I milked cows the next morning, so there was no honeymoon,” Charles adds.
Over the past century, Williamson County’s farming families have had to adapt to survive. As development has increased, many small farms have turned to agritourism—inviting the public to experience farm life firsthand while helping sustain family operations for the next generation.
“Agritourism has become a major component for the farms that are left here,” Mary Morgan explains. “Most farms are going to have to figure out another avenue to bring in some extra income and agritourism is a great way to do that.”
From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to farm tours and pick-your-own produce, these experiences invite visitors to connect with the land, learn about local farming traditions, and support the families who have worked this soil for generations.
Williamson County offers an incredible variety of farm experiences that blend history, education, and fun for the whole family:
- Lucky Ladd Farms – Tennessee’s largest petting zoo, complete with hands-on animal encounters, seasonal activities, and acres of family-friendly attractions.
- Noble Springs Dairy – Learn how goat cheese is made, watch live milking demonstrations, and cuddle baby goats.
- Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm – Meet and feed these gentle, fuzzy animals with your family, or book an alpaca yoga session with your friends.
- Morning Glory Orchard – Enjoy tastings and tours, sip cider slushies, and shop for local foods at this second-generation apple and peach orchard in Nolensville.
Beyond the farms themselves, local festivals and markets celebrate the area’s agricultural bounty. The Franklin Farmers Market at The Factory brings together dozens of local growers and artisans every Saturday, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, and live music. Each fall, events like PumpkinFest highlight the county’s seasonal harvests while supporting local farms and businesses.
Whether you’re wandering through a pumpkin patch, sampling farm-fresh cheese, or soaking up the countryside’s beauty, Williamson County’s agritourism experiences connect visitors to the land and the people who’ve cared for it for generations. Even as the county grows and changes, its farming heritage remains at the heart of the community.
“We’re just stewards of the land,” Mary Morgan reflects. “We’re here for a generation, for a time, to take care of the land, take care of the animals that live on the land, and preserve it for the next generation. It’s an honor to be able to keep it going.”
Ready to embark on your own agricultural adventure? Check out the free Farms & Fields Digital Passport to explore more activities around Williamson County.
