Shopping at The Factory Franklin
Written: August 2018 from old blog with updates added
Franklin is a great place to spend a few hours shopping, and a new kid on the block just made it better.
Fork of the South General Store will open tomorrow (Saturday, August 31st) at 9 am to the public, but I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek, and let me tell you, this is gonna be great!
Location
You'll find it located in The Factory at Franklin, in what was once the Antique Mall on the Westernmost side of the Factory.
Time
They will open at 9 am tomorrow, just in time for the Farmer's Market and you might be able to catch them still open before the showing of Mamma Mia at Studio Tenn.
Website
(You can also book a stay at their two charming cottages here)
What
They carry kitchenware, fine food products, candy and snacks, apparel, jewelry, purses, stationary, unique books, outdoor furniture, linens, body products for men and women, antiques, furniture, home goods, gifts and so much more!
The Story
What used to be the Antique Mall is now a revamped space for about 11 vendors, the spaces are designed like barn horse stalls and it is so charming. Fork of the South is the first of these vendors to open their doors to the public.
You are going to love Stef and her store! She's a tried and true Tennessee fan if you couldn't tell.
Stef and her husband decided to open a store after guests to their two Airbnb cottages in Leiper's Fork repeatedly kept asked to purchase their decorations and suggested that she open a store. Stef has a keen eye for decor, and is also a handy at making a few of her own items. Stef took the plunge and this is the first year she hasn't worked as an elementary school teacher for Hunter's Bend Elementary in ten years.
Upon meeting with Stef, that bright elementary school teacher energy was at work full steam. She is a dye-hard Tennessee fan and definitely loves where she lives and this is joyfully reflected in the goods and displays in their store. Stef whole-heartedly believes in supporting maker-made goods and local Southern products, and she is passionately connected to the stories and the makers of each item she carries. Even the display tables have a story!
Fork of the South absolutely has something for everyone...even the guys, big and small. Brides, moms, kids, foodies, dads, bakers and more will all find something interesting. This is prime gift-giving shopping...although you'll want to keep everything for yourself!
The favorite part of my insider's tour was the book nook. Stef is passionate about children's literacy, so not only are the cool books she sells teacher approved and for a range of children's ages, but the nook allows children to pick out a free book regardless whether their parents purchased anything. She also encourages children to donate any unread books, because as she said, "Nothing is sadder than a book unread." --How very true.
There is no exaggeration when I say that I wanted to buy one of everything in the store...I know exactly where I'll be doing my Christmas shopping this year.
So, stop by Fork of the South General Store and say "Congrats on your opening!" and be ready to shop till your heart's content.
2020 Updates!
Stef and Fork of the South are still open! Go and start shopping for the holidays!
They are even shipping gifts.
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday, 8am - 7pm
Thursday - Saturday, 8am - 8pm
Sunday, 8am - 6pm
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