{"id":99949200,"date":"2025-10-01T09:24:42","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T15:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/?p=99949200"},"modified":"2026-06-09T15:09:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-09T20:09:23","slug":"how-williamson-countys-farms-draw-in-visitors-and-keep-history-alive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitfranklin.com\/blog\/how-williamson-countys-farms-draw-in-visitors-and-keep-history-alive\/","title":{"rendered":"How Williamson County\u2019s Farms Draw in Visitors and Keep History Alive"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On June 1, 2019, a serene patch of grass on Franklin\u2019s 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 \u201cI do\u201d beneath a bright blue Tennessee sky, joining together two of Williamson County\u2019s oldest and most notable farming families. For generations, the Gentrys and Hatchers have tilled Williamson County\u2019s soil, shaped its land, and helped define its agricultural roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Just outside downtown Franklin, Gentry’s Farm<\/strong><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A few miles away, the Hatcher Family Dairy<\/strong><\/a> 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\u2019s most respected small farms, known for its dedication to sustainable practices and old-fashioned hospitality, as well as the endearing National Geographic<\/em> TV series, Hatcher Family Dairy<\/em>, now streaming on Disney+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Given their families\u2019 parallel histories, it\u2019s no surprise that when Mary Morgan Gentry met Charles Hatcher, the two felt an instant connection. \u201cIt was like we\u2019d known each other our whole lives when we first met and started talking,\u201d she remembers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the couple became engaged, they realized much of Williamson County would expect an invitation\u2014but they opted instead for a small, intimate ceremony, keeping the guest list to immediate family. After all, life on a farm doesn\u2019t pause for a wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe day of our wedding, Charles worked the Franklin Farmers Market that morning,\u201d Mary laughs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd I milked cows the next morning, so there was no honeymoon,\u201d Charles adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Over the past century, Williamson County\u2019s farming families have had to adapt to survive. As development has increased, many small farms have turned to agritourism\u2014inviting the public to experience farm life firsthand while helping sustain family operations for the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAgritourism has become a major component for the farms that are left here,\u201d Mary Morgan explains. \u201cMost 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Williamson County offers an incredible variety of farm experiences that blend history, education, and fun for the whole family: <\/p>\n\n\n\n