Entertainment icon Dolly Parton… Suffragette Anne Dallas Dudley… Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph… Astronaut Dr. Margaret Rhea Seddon… Basketball pioneer Pat Head Summitt… what do all of these wildly accomplished and historic women have in common? They call(ed) Tennessee home.
The year 2020 marks 100 years since the ratification of the 19th amendment to the Constitution, officially granting women the right to vote. In celebration of Tennessee’s decisive role, where it became the 36th state to ratify the amendment and solidify the required three-fourths majority, the incredible impact of women business owners, activists, decision-makers, and so much more are being celebrated across the state.
It is no different in Franklin and across all of Williamson County. As you visit the area you will find incredible women-owned businesses thriving as they welcome you, women leading in government and the community, and women across the county making their mark on not just the community, but also the nation and world.
In the latest video series to debut on Visit Franklin Films, we highlight three local female-owned businesses that exude the welcoming, successful, charming, and in some cases delicious experience you’ll find on your next visit to Franklin, Tennessee.
Morning Glory Orchard
A husband and wife duo’s dreams to own a Christmas tree farm morphed into an apple orchard and after an unexpected passing, Morning Glory Orchard in historic Nolensville is now run by an inspirational trio of women, led by mother Christina Wideman and her two daughters Alyson Wideman-Terrel, Andrea Wideman-Williams. As they share their story, you can see the love they put into each day at the orchard, and when you visit in person that love and care shine through even more.
Triple Crown Bakery
Inspired by her grandmothers, and her mother, Alena Vaughn is making Franklin, Tennessee quite a bit ‘sweeter,’ one cake, pastry, and cookie at a time. Owner of Triple Crown Bakery, the French-driven upscale bakery in downtown Franklin, has taken her treats from the home and farmer’s market operation it began as to one of the area’s most coveted treats.
Alena and her staff of incredible female pastry artists are not only showcasing why Franklin was named one of the top 10 places in the world for people with a sweet tooth a few years ago but why that will continue to be true for years to come!
Franklin on Foot
A visionary who made the transition from practicing law to guiding guests throughout Franklin on walking tours, Margie Thessin is the owner of Franklin on Foot.
From what began as helping a friend during school field trips in the early 2000s, Thessin who has a degree in history focused on the Civil War, slavery, and reconstruction, has built Franklin on Foot into the gold standard of walking tour experiences around Franklin.
While she knows the historic facts and shares those with guests on the tours, she also knows there has to be a fun and interesting story as well.
Without a doubt, there is no shortage of those on any of the Franklin on Foot tours! With its popularity, they have expanded over the years to also include food tours, ghost tours, and more throughout Franklin.
Matt is the guy who is always ready to share a story with you.
With a passion for new experiences, taking the back roads, and seeing everything possible, Matt serves as Visit Franklin's Senior Director of Public Relations connecting the many unique stories in the Franklin community with great journalists and storytellers worldwide. When not pitching a story idea to travel writers, you’ll likely find him working as a photographer on the sidelines of college and professional sports events across the Southeast.