Tucked into a corner of Bell Buckle just a few miles from the cusp of Rutherford County, Kingdom Acres CBD and Hemp sits on 56 acres of idyllic farm land, the scene of grazing animals and beautifully rustic living spaces, from owners Ron and Malinda Tuggles' own impressive wood and stone home to the Airbnb cabins on the property.
I chat with Malinda whom I've known since I was nearly my daughter's age. Our families were among Rutherford County's fledgling homeschool community some 30 years ago, and we share a laugh over where time has taken her — now growing one of the largest hemp harvests in the county.
With her typical energy and warm spirit, Malinda is quick to point out that she's the one who's the most surprised — and convinced — that hemp farming has much to offer families, and she's excited to share her passion with the community.
The kids and I had so much fun seeing all that Kingdom Acres has for families to learn and do. Check out my three reasons to visit.
1. A Hemp Education
Over the past four years, the Tuggles and their grown children have researched and uncovered — along with the entire hemp movement — the many benefits CBD offers individuals of all ages. Working with and learning from seasoned hemp growers, the Tuggles strive to grow the highest quality organic CBD hemp plants for the products they create, and it's an education they plan to continue and feel obligated to share.
"I just feel that God has given us this plant for our health," Malinda says, "and we want to share that with others."
As described on the Kingdom Acres website, CBD (Cannabidol) is one of the 80 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. CBD is a non-psychoactive, non-addictive cannabinoid that promotes the body's natural ability to regulate sleep, pain, appetite, mood, memory, immune function and more. This means it doesn't create a high or mind-altering effects while providing health benefits.
2. A Higher Authority
The Tuggles' organic growing methods mean that their wares come with even less worry— zero toxins and all-natural ingredients. To make their vast array of products, including tinctures, soap, oil roll-ons, pet treats, and gummies, Malinda also grows most of the herbs she pairs with the hemp oil.
"I create a really good, clean product," says Malinda, pointing out that she maintains a shelf life for her products well under six months, while many CBD brands in stores can sit in a store for a year or more, which can diminish their effectiveness.
"People are surprised that our products work as well as they do," she added. "It's different from many brands you might see in store."
3. Field Days
When we arrived for our visit, my kids were automatically at home on the farm's wide open spaces, playing with the family's friendly Great Pyrenees Joey, a couple of young Golden Retriever pups, and amiable Beep, the bottle-fed lamb on the farm who wants to make friends with everyone. They followed us from the fields to the barns and back to the house, and my children couldn't have been more delighted.
This is part of the experience the Tuggles want to give families at Kingdom Acres. While they strive to make great products that helps others, they also seek ways for families to experience and learn about farm life together.
Their open farm days, like their Spring on the Farm Celebration coming up April 23-24, is a chance to do just that. The free events feature the Tuggles' products, demonstrations, and tours of the farm, along with guest vendors selling foods, artisan crafts, and other goods. It's also a great opportunity for outdoor fun with a petting zoo, fishing at the pond, relaxation on the farm's many gathering areas, games, and strolling through the fields.
For those wanting to learn more about hemp, wellness, and holistic lifestyles, the Tuggles also offer their summer Unplug! Relax! Renew! workshops for week-long or day-by-day reservations with a focus on healthy food, fitness, natural medicine, relaxation techniques, and life on the farm. These are a purposeful and restful way to re-center and find new healthful habits for life. Find the schedule at kingdomacrescbdhemp.com/upcomingevents.
Ready to go? Kingdom Acres CBD and Hemp is located at 1705 Kingdom Acre Rd. in Bell Buckle. Shop hours are 1-4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays. See their website for a full listing of products and upcoming events at kingdomacrescbdhemp.com.
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.
