Meet Frankie Willis | Chief Village Idiot


We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie Willis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Frankie, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
The Village at Indian Springs is an oasis in the middle of a big crazy world where people can find peace and hear a lot of laughter. We designed this blank nature-covered canvas so people experience, “accidental education” while meandering through the whimsical 7-continental gardens, the 1823 museum, the 22 restored structures of the 19th century; unique shoppes and luxurious cottages for lodging. All of this next to Indian Springs State Park, the oldest in Georgia a d Dauset Trails with 40 miles of biking and hiking trails and 50 animal sanctuary. We turned a blighted, drug town into an off-the-beaten path destination and have always operated that everyone should feel welcome and happy. We involved and employed the locals, started kids’ empowerment programs and now are a melting pot of all races and economic genres. Come see for yourself.

What should our readers know about your business?
My other job is Trucking company owner. My hobby job is Historic and Tourist Developer.
Both are based on respecting people. And overcoming hurt of other people here and there but finding the best in each situation and just moving forward.
At The Village at Indian Springs, everyone is welcome and respected. There is just so much pure nature and US history here, it’s really awe inspiring.
You would have to experience this gem to understand.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Stay at Holloway Cottages from1852, they each have a unique historic feel yet all the modern luxuries and electronics.
Yahola Creek for dinner ir lunch or SpringSide Cafe for breakfast or lunch. Fresh menus each week. Fun and lively vibe.
The shops each have their own personality from their owners, their history and their unique finds.
Bike, hike, or just hang out in the free whimsical garden. Get back to nature and back to yourself.
The Indian Spring Hotel Museum (circa 1823) has seen 204 years of formative years. Chief William McIntosh formed the entire southeast with a strike of a pen by signing the treaty selling the remained 5 million acres of land to the government and to cost him his life. The Civil war walked thru here taking over the hotel as a hospital for the northern troops. Ten big resorts and gambling let to an arsonist fire during prohibition! So much history dating back 10,000 years when Woolley Mammoth wandered these hills and dales. And just look at us now … people
Connor a taste of history and a taste of the famous water at Indian Spring.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My late mom, Helen Belt, who just kept on keeping on. A professor of Finance at App State, Harry Davis, who taught an uneducated kid who to study after I almost flunked out on Accadwmic probation to earn all A’s in my last three years. The book is “Wish Craft” by Barbara Sher – the Wish is writing your goals/wishes and the Craft is how to get them. I’ve used it for 40 years and have given it away at least a thousand times.
I’d like to thank my Dad for the fortitude and humor found in daily life. And the Lord for strength and wisdom. And for making me forgive when I didn’t really feel like it.
And at this age, myself, for just getting up tomorrow again…. And finding the positives —- of which there are many. So many.
Website: https://TheVillageAtIndianSprings.com
Instagram: TheVillageAtIndianSprings
Facebook: The Village At Indian Springs
Image Credits
My image as owner
