Growing up in the small town of Bentonville, Arkansas, Buffie Baril fell in love with its history, downtown square, and gorgeous old homes. After moving to Nashville in 1993, Baril realized that Franklin has a lot of the same charming characteristics.
Buffie began her website, 'Lovely Franklin' as a love story to beloved Franklin with her son, Brandon. The Barils wanted to tell the backstories of the historic homes, interesting places, and fascinating people. Their blog LovelyFranklin.com began at the end of 2019 with their first stories featuring Williamson County Historian Rick Warwick, Joni Cole, owner of Gray’s on Main, and best-selling author of “Widow of the South,” Robert Hicks. Buffie and Brandon have had the honor of interviewing Ann Bodnar, who owns the Harris McEwen House, and Bill Powell who has restored over 75 homes and buildings in Franklin. Lovely Franklin’s YouTube channel launched earlier this year featuring even more exciting interviews with local Franklin residents and business owners.
Buffie’s dream is to one day see all of these enchanting historic homes restored to their former loveliness while honoring the past and present families who reside in them. The Barils feel an obligation to tell these stories so that their legacy is preserved for future generations. Buffie was even inspired to write a song, “Lovely Franklin” as a nod to Franklin’s nostalgia.
You can often find Buffie strolling Main Street and supporting all the local shops and restaurants. She loves admiring the historic homes on 3rd and 4th Avenue, West Main Street, Fair Street and Lewisburg Pike.
Visit LovelyFranklin.com and get your free Lovely Franklin Weekend Travel Guide. You can also get the “Lovely Franklin” song and download it to keep!
