Flowers and decorations add color to the garden at Pleasant View Farm in Franklin in spring 2023. The farm will be open to the public for Whimsy & Blooms, a two-day event on June 14 and 15 featuring vendors, garden tours, entertainment, food and more.
DAILY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO
One of Johnson County’s most magical gardens is opening up to the community — for one weekend only.
Pleasant View Farm, a historic homestead in Franklin, is again hosting its Whimsy & Blooms event for the fifth year. The weekend features more than 60 vendors, live music, and food and other treats, all while people bask in the beauty of the farm gardens.
People can get a sneak peak during a special VIP evening from 4 to 8 p.m. June 14, or take part in the full festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15.
Organized by Connie McAlpin, who lives on the farm with her husband, Glenn, and Jennifer McAlpin-Shireman, her daughter and owner of Vintage Whimsy in Franklin, the family sees it as a celebration of their history and community.
Pleasant View Farm is a working grain farm has been in the family since 1830, with McAlpin and her husband moving into the old Victorian-era farmhouse in 1992. The home and gardens have been featured in a number of local publications, including Old House Journal, Farm Indiana and Homes & Lifestyles of South-Central Indiana. They have been a stop on Franklin Heritage’s Historic Home Tour.
But McAlpin and McAlpin-Shireman decided a few years ago they wanted a chance to show off the property to the community in person. Whimsy & Blooms we was born.
At the heart of the event is the vendor fair that fills the farm’s spacious grass lawn. More than 60 vendors are scheduled to have booths, selling everything from vintage items and antiques to plants and garden decor.
Food trucks offer snacks and treats, while entertainment is planned throughout the day.
The event is located at 5301 E. CR 200 N., Franklin. Pre-sale tickets, available until Sunday, are $15 for the VIP garden party June 14 and $8 for the event June 15. After Sunday, the cost is $20 at the gate for June 14 and $10 at the gate for June 15.
IF YOU GO
Whimsy and Blooms
What: A public event featuring garden tours, entertainment, food trucks and more than 60 vendors spread out across a historic Franklin farm.
When: 4 to 8 p.m. June 14 (VIP event), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 15
Where: Pleasant View Farm, 5301 E. CR 200 N., Franklin
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at gate for June 14; $8 in advance, $10 at gate for June 15.
Information and tickets: vintagewhimsyhome.com
