By Lauren Sloan

FRANKLIN

Call up all your out -of-town people: We’ve got an incredible day of events in your backyard on Saturday, April 27! The last Saturday of the month is jam-packed with events that will sure to interest locals and visitors alike. The Historic Garden Week in Virginia is showcasing their yearly event in Franklin, the Franklin Cruise-In kicks off their event season, and the Southampton Renaissance Faire comes to the county fairgrounds.

The Historic Garden Week in Virginia is the oldest and largest statewide house and garden tour event in the nation. The annual week-long event rotates throughout select cities and counties, and this year Franklin will showcase both gorgeous homes and incredible floral arrangements! The tour runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with headquarters at Franklin Baptist Church. Stroll through six of the city’s most elegant homes, while learning structural history and experience local hospitality. Tickets are $30 per person, available either online at www.virginiagardenweek.org, or at the following local businesses: Aesthetics by Naomi, The Cat’s Meow, Fred’s and the Peanut Patch.

The Franklin Cruise-In is back, ready to ‘wow’ visitors with a slew of historic and classic cars, as well as entertainment for the whole family. Starting at 8 a.m., hundreds of vehicles will line the streets of Downtown Franklin, proving to be an amazing sight and photo-op. In addition to the incredible car collection, an Automotive Swap Meet and the inaugural Vintage Festival will be happening throughout the day as well. Round out your time in Downtown by checking out Franklin’s Market on Main for various produce and sweet treat options.

The 11th Annual Southampton Renaissance Faire is a wonderful free event fit for children and adults alike. The applaudable mission of the event is to educate and entertain the public by offering a unique look into a chapter of human history that is not often discussed. Running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, visitors have access to over 30 merchant shops and three stages for performances. You will be able to experience a rich historical event by bringing the Middle Ages and European Renaissance period to life.

We invite you to visit Franklin and Southampton and “Escape to Tradition” at these three wonderful community events. Want to be in the ‘tourism know’ all year long? Follow ‘Visit Franklin Southampton VA’ on Facebook and Instagram.

LAUREN SLOAN is the Business Development Manager for the Franklin Business Center. Contact her at 562-1958 or lsloan@franklinsouthamptonva.com.