5 Ways To Pursue Your Hobbies In Williamson County: Art, Music, Recreation, & More
As we approach the dog days of summer, it can be hard to know how to fill up our free time in ways that are both fulfilling and enjoyable. In our boredom, it’s increasingly easy to turn to phones or the TV to fill up the time, habits that have the potential to leave us feeling restless and dissatisfied. If you’re looking for some better ways to spend your days here in Williamson County, Tennessee, there are an abundance of opportunities to explore your creativity and learn a new hobby. No matter your age or the season you find yourself in, you can find solace and excitement in trying your hand at honing an old skill or learning something new.
1. Get Creative
Art moves us, allowing us to pay special attention to beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or an amateur, creating visual art is an incredible outlet. Here in Williamson County, there are opportunities and resources for artists of all kinds. If you’re a creative at heart, here are some great ways to dive into the local art scene:
- Visit the renowned galleries located in Franklin, particularly in the Leiper’s Fork area, a known hub of Southern and Americana art. Local Franklin and Leiper’s Fork galleries include The Copper Fox Gallery, Gallery 202, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, Stonebridge Art Gallery, Southern Underground Gallery, and Ward Galleries. Staying in the loop with these locations is a fantastic way to collect local art and keep up with events that cater to the art community.
- Attend and get involved with Franklin’s Downtown Art Crawl, which features work from dozens of artists, displaying their work through the historic downtown district and the Factory at Franklin on the first Friday of each month. The event is free, and attending may help spark inspiration and make connections.
- Get involved with the Arts Council of Williamson County, the nonprofit whose goal is to expand local access to the arts, with the ultimate goal of establishing our county as a cultural destination for the arts.
- Take classes to help learn techniques in the visual art medium of your choosing. Some places that offer fun, community building classes include Pinot’s Palette Paint & Sip Studio, Wine & Design, and Third Coast Clay. Other instruction and studio opportunities can be found at Franklin’s Hawaii Fluid Art, Williamson County Parks and Recreation, and Firstlight Academy, an art academy that offers programs for kids, teens, and adults.
2. Make Music
Music is all around us here in Middle Tennessee, and you can be a part of the magic. Learning an instrument will always be a worthwhile pursuit, and writing songs or jamming with friends is tons of fun. With an incredible amount of resources for musicians of all levels and vocations, Williamson County is a great place for the musically inclined. Here are some opportunities to lean into your passion:
- You can purchase or rent instruments from local shops including Bluesman Vintage Guitars and Boomer’s Music in Spring Hill, EB Rooster Guitars in Fairview, Lane Music in Brentwood, Music & Arts in Cool Springs, and Shuff’s Music in Franklin. Many of these stores also offer repairs, tuning services, and lessons.
- If you are a singer/songwriter and want to showcase your talent, there are regular writer’s rounds hosted at iconic local venues such as Fox & Locke, The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, and Puckett’s Restaurant. For more performances, get the band back together! Live music is a hot commodity at most establishments and events, so there are abundant opportunities to perform at local venues, should you be interested.
- If you’re looking to take your pursuit of the arts to the next level, consider enrolling in Dark Horse Institute in Franklin, an affordable music education option with state-of-the-art facilities and instruction.
- If you consider yourself a musical collector of sorts, there are 3 fantastic, independently owned record stores in Williamson County where you can find new, used, and even rare records to add to your collection.
3. Get Outside
It’s amazing the wonders a breath of fresh air can do. Getting out and about is not hard to do in the Volunteer State, as we are blessed with temperate weather and natural wonders. Spending time in the elements is a great way to pursue a sense of peace and gratitude. Below are some specific ways to spark your sense of adventure and love for the great outdoors:
- Try your hand at a green thumb, with gardening resources to help your plant and care for local vegetation and flora. To take it a step further, if you’re curious about agriculture and want to learn more about farming in Williamson County, take advantage of local agritourism opportunities. Visiting local farmers markets is also a fantastic way to explore and support the community. If you’re a boutique farmer or artisan yourself, contributing to local markets could be a great next step.
- Visit places like Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary in Brentwood, Bowie Nature Park in Fairview, and Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville, which offer educational programs, guided hikes, and events perfect for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
- For a renewed sense of adventure, consider spending a weekend camping, visiting local nature preserves, enjoying outdoor recreation, and exploring Tennessee. Bonus: there are 10 incredible waterfalls located within 3 hours of Franklin.
- If you’re especially passionate about preserving the beauty and resources we enjoy, consider getting involved in environmental sustainability efforts locally.
4. Master The Art Of Hosting
Mastering a signature dish or learning how to make a superb cocktail is a surefire way to feel accomplished (and to impress at your next dinner party). Hosting is sometimes considered a lost art, but here in Williamson County you can reignite it, building community among friends and neighbors by hosting regular gatherings, if only for the sake of being together. Here are some local resources to help take your hosting game to the next level:
- Take a mixology class! There are opportunities to learn how to mix the perfect drink at Morning Glory Orchard’s mixology classes or at Collins & A Couple Cocktail Class, hosted every 2nd Saturday at Truman’s American Ace Rooftop Bar in Brentwood. You can also learn about spirits and flavor profiles at Stable Reserve’s Blend Your Own Bourbon experience in downtown Franklin. (If you’re more inclined to let someone else mix your drinks, check out the top happy hours in Franklin).
- Learn delicious new recipes by attending cooking classes at Franklin’s Italy from Scratch and Black Diamond Culinary or Brentwood’s Kitchen Social.
- For hosting ideas tailored to special events or seasons, check out local resources to help you throw the perfect cookout, picnic, or tea party with ease right here in Williamson County.
- Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible is a great way to support local businesses and encourage healthy habits. Plus, it’s always a nice touch when hosting! You can find gourmet items, whole foods, and local meat and dairy at specialty shops across the county.
5. Try New Workouts
With the support of local fitness destinations, it’s easier than ever to find your ideal workout of choice at Williamson County yoga studios, gyms, and recreational facilities. A great way to lean into the joy of being active is to join a community that will provide accountability and companionship, making the pursuit of wellness as enjoyable as it is beneficial. Here are some ways to go all in on your fitness journey:
- Williamson County is for runners! There are a variety of resources for runners locally, including running clubs, races, and ideal places to train. If you’re an avid fan of cardio, you can also check out resources for cyclists.
- If you miss playing sports, join a recreational team through Williamson County Parks and Recreation. Adult recreational sports options include basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, softball, tennis, kickball, table tennis, and pickleball.
- To mix up your fitness journey, consider trying something new, like EMS training at Franklin’s Body20, boxing, rock climbing, or infrared enhanced workouts. Trying a novel form of exercise is a great way to keep your routine interesting.
- Sometimes boredom is a blessing that gives us time to pause, rest, and reflect. If you find yourself in a pause, there are several ways to prioritize relaxation and rejuvenation locally, setting aside time to dive into self-care.
Health & Happiness in Williamson County
The resounding truth remains: how we spend our time is how we spend our lives. If you feel that your passion has been lacking, that may be a sign its time for a refresh. It is a life-giving joy to learn, and the pursuit of knowledge shouldn’t stop as we age. If you’re looking for some instruction in any of the above fields or beyond, there are an abundance of incredible classes for adults in Williamson County.
Serving others is a great way to get outside yourself and lean into community. When it comes to pursuing vocations and passions, there is sometimes a temptation to self-isolate. Recognizing where there are needs in the community, and lending a hand locally is a great way to give your time to something bigger than yourself, ultimately enriching your own life by helping others succeed.
Here in Williamson County, our communities offer the opportunity to pursue the life that you’re after, whatever that may look like. No matter what new adventure your decide to embark on, we hope that you find ways to implement small doses of joy into your daily life. Today’s the day; Try something new!
