January in Middle Tennessee is a season of cozy layers, quiet moments, and dreaming about what’s to come. While winter still has its grip, it’s also the perfect time to look ahead and start marking your calendar for the joyful, sun-soaked experiences waiting just around the corner. One event worth planning for now is the Feel Good Fest at Ruby’s Happy Farm—a celebration of community, culture, and connection you’ll be glad you didn’t miss.

Nestled in the quiet countryside of Cross Plains, Ruby’s Happy Farm is a fourth-generation micro farm with deep roots in family and faith. The name honors Ruby, Ashley Brooks’ grandmother, whose love for the land and for people continues to inspire everything growing there today. Ashley now runs the farm with that same spirit of connection and purpose, building on her family’s legacy while adding her own creative touch through meaningful community events.

Ruby’s Happy Farm focuses on growing a variety of pesticide-free flowers while using regenerative practices that care for both the soil and the soul. What truly makes this place special, though, is the way Ashley opens the farm to others—creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and celebrate life together.

Each summer, that mission comes to life during the Feel Good Fest. The event blends live performances, music, great food, and family fun into one uplifting weekend experience. Guests enjoy the rhythm of the drumline, the smell of barbecue drifting through the air, and the beautiful view of sunflowers swaying in the fields. More than a festival, Feel Good Fest is a celebration of African-American culture, unity, and joy—right in the heart of Robertson County.

Ashley’s passion shines through every part of the farm. She pours her heart into each detail, from planting to planning, and is often supported by a dedicated group of interns who help bring her ideas to life. These young learners gain hands-on experience in agriculture and event planning while developing a deeper understanding of land stewardship and community service. It’s just one of the many ways Ashley invests in the next generation.

Beyond the festival, Ruby’s Happy Farm hosts a variety of special gatherings throughout the year, including the Bountiful Blessings Dinner, an annual anniversary event. Guests are invited to a beautiful farm-to-table meal served outdoors under the glow of the setting sun, surrounded by blooming flowers. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for another year of growth.

The farm’s impact also reaches beyond its fields through Ruby’s Happy Farm Foundation, which provides hands-on learning opportunities for aspiring farmers and encourages women to explore careers in agriculture. Through mentorship, workshops, and community outreach, the foundation is helping cultivate a new generation of growers who value both the land and each other.

Ruby’s Happy Farm is more than a destination—it’s a place to relax, learn, and simply feel good. Whether you visit for a festival, a dinner, or a quiet walk among the flowers, you’ll leave reminded of how beautiful community can be.

To learn more, follow Ruby’s Happy Farm on Facebook or visit Ruby's Happy Farm to see upcoming events and ways to be part of the joy growing in Cross Plains.