Discovering Franklin, Tennessee: Unveiling the Charms of Music, History & Southern Hospitality

Explore Historic Downtown Franklin: Take a stroll through historic downtown Franklin and explore its charming shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.

Visit the Carter House and Carnton: Learn about the Civil War history of Franklin by visiting the Carter House and Carnton. These historic homes offer guided tours and exhibits that provide insight into the Battle of Franklin and its impact on the community.

Attend a Performance at the Franklin Theatre: Experience live music, theater and film screenings at the historic Franklin Theatre. This beautifully restored venue hosts a variety of performances and events throughout the year.

Shop at the Factory at Franklin: Explore the Factory at Franklin, a historic factory complex that has been transformed into a vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment destination. Browse unique boutiques, artisan shops and antique stores, and enjoy dining at one of the on-site restaurants.

Take a guided ghost tour: Discover the haunted history of Franklin on a guided ghost tour. Explore the city's historic landmarks and hear spooky tales of ghostly encounters and paranormal activity.

Visit Harlinsdale Farm: Spend a day outdoors at Harlinsdale Farm, a historic 200-acre park featuring walking trails, picnic areas and equestrian facilities. Learn about the farm's history and enjoy the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and open meadows.

Explore Leiper's Fork: Take a scenic drive to nearby Leiper's Fork, a quaint village known for its art galleries, antique shops and country music heritage. Enjoy browsing local artwork, listening to live music and dining at one of the charming eateries.

Attend the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival: Experience the annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival, a multi-day event featuring live music performances, art installations, food vendors and family-friendly activities in Franklin's scenic parks.

Go Wine Tasting: Explore Franklin's burgeoning wine scene by visiting local wineries and tasting rooms, like Arrington Vineyards. Sample a variety of Tennessee wines and learn about the winemaking process while enjoying beautiful vineyard views.

Take a walking tour of historic homes through the Heritage Foundation: Discover the architectural heritage of Franklin by taking a self-guided walking tour of historic homes and landmarks. Learn about the city's rich history and admire the beautiful Victorian and Antebellum architecture.

Day trips

Nashville, Tennessee: Just a short drive north from Franklin, Nashville is known as the "Music City" and offers a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and Ryman Auditorium. Additionally, Nashville boasts excellent dining options, live music venues and historic sites like the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park.

Lynchburg, Tennessee: About an hour's drive south of Franklin, Lynchburg is home to the famous Jack Daniel's Distillery. Visitors can take a guided tour of the distillery to learn about the whiskey-making process and sample some of Jack Daniel's finest spirits. Additionally, Lynchburg offers charming small-town vibes, with historic buildings, local shops and eateries to explore.

Gray's on Main: Located in a historic building on Main Street, Gray's on Main offers Southern-inspired cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and house-made cocktails in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.

55 South: 55 South brings a taste of New Orleans to Franklin with its menu of Cajun- and Creole-inspired dishes. Enjoy po'boys, seafood gumbo and fresh oysters, as well as craft beers and cocktails in a lively, casual setting.

Red Pony Restaurant: Red Pony Restaurant is a local favorite known for its creative American cuisine and extensive wine list. Enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as specialty cocktails and an impressive selection of wines.

Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant: Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant offers Southern comfort food and live music in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy classics like barbecue ribs, fried catfish and homemade desserts, as well as live music performances on the weekends.

Cork & Cow: Cork & Cow is a fine dining restaurant specializing in premium steaks and wines. Enjoy dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood and gourmet burgers, as well as an extensive wine list featuring selections from around the world.

Merridee's Breadbasket: Merridee's Breadbasket is a beloved bakery and cafe known for its freshly baked breads, pastries and desserts. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or brunch in this cozy eatery located in downtown Franklin.

Frothy Monkey: Frothy Monkey is a popular cafe known for its specialty coffees, breakfast items and sandwiches. Enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner in this laid-back eatery located in the heart of downtown Franklin.

Biscuit Love: Originally a food truck sensation, Biscuit Love has expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in Franklin, serving up inventive takes on Southern breakfast and brunch classics, with a focus on – you guessed it – biscuits.

The Honeysuckle: This upscale Southern restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features elevated Southern classics and creative dishes crafted with precision.

Circa Grill: Offering a modern take on steakhouse classics, Circa Grill is known for its prime cuts of meat, fresh seafood and creative appetizers. The upscale yet welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for special occasions or a memorable dinner out.

Tupelo Honey: Bringing a taste of Southern hospitality to Franklin, Tupelo Honey offers a menu inspired by Southern classics with a modern twist. From fried chicken to shrimp and grits, their dishes celebrate the flavors of the South in a vibrant and inviting setting.