Franklin Tennessee Your Best Nashville Getaway: Travel, Dining and Outdoor Guide

Nashville gets all the press, but I’m here to let you in on the “secret” that is Franklin, TN! You might see affiliate links in this post that help me earn a small commission when you make a purchase. I believe in transparency and only link to products I actually use and recommend. Thanks for your support!

Forget Nashville, if you’re looking for a getaway, a girl’s trip, or a fun weekend of great food, history, nature, and fun then you have to check out Franklin Tennessee. This charming town is located just 25 minutes south of Nashville and has the perfect mix of southern charm, excellent food, distilleries, and lots of ways to experience nature. I had a blast exploring Franklin and neighboring town Leipers Fork on a recent trip and have lots to share about all the great things you can do alone, with friends, or even with your kids in tow. 

Franklin may be a small town but it packs a big punch. Surrounded by pastures and forest, Franklin has a great mixture of farm and nature experiences. On the way in you will pass lots of alpaca farms, horses, cows and several great state parks and parts of National Scenic Trails along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Franklin and Leipers Fork both have their fair share of great art galleries, antique shops and great shops for everyone in the family. History buffs will enjoy learning all about the civil war history at Carnton Plantation, The Carter House and Lotz House, as well as the key position Franklin held in the war. The food scene is top-notch in Franklin but don’t fill up on Bonuts before you have tried a few of the local restaurants and spent the evening hours listening to live music at a few of the area music venues.

Explore Downtown Franklin

The first thing you will want to do in Franklin is explore downtown. Franklin is a historic town, and almost all of downtown was designated on the National Registry of historic places. The town was founded in 1799 and was the site of several battles in the Civil War. Many of the buildings in town were built in the early 1800s and have now been turned into shops, restaurants and museums. The town has done a great job at preserving its history, and those interested in early American Architecture will love it. Not to mention downtown is also full of great shops, restaurants and music venues.

Start by strolling down Main Street. A few places you have to stop are White’s Mercantile – which is a local favorite for its eclectic mix of clothing, home goods and gifts, and even has ties to Hank Williams Jr. The Franklin Theater is a must-see, which was opened in the 1930s as the town’s movie house, and is now considered one of the premier 300 seat music venues in the world. If you happen to be in Franklin when a concert is going on here, definitely stop by for a visit. The Franklin Theater is still currently only open to private rentals due to COVID 19 but will be reopening to the public soon. If you are an avid reader or just appreciate a good book, Landmark Booksellers houses 35,000 new, used, and hard-to-find rare books, with lots of signed first editions. Make sure you talk to the owners of the shop while you are there. These empty-nesters have been running the bookstore and living upstairs since 2005. Their story became the subject of a book and subjacent Hallmark movie in 2016.

For antique lovers, keep your eyes peeled as great antique shops are everywhere in Franklin and most have both new and used items, City Farmhouse has some great offerings in Franklin and you have to stop into Serenite Maison in Leipers Fork as well. Downtown Franklin is also part of the Better Cities for Pets program and all 90+ businesses are pet friendly, so don’t leave your furry pal at home on this fun trip. 

The Factory at Franklin

The Factory at Franklin is an indoor mall that houses all kinds of local shops, eateries, performance venues and businesses. Located just down the road from Downtown, the Factory at Franklin is a great place to visit. Once a former stove factory, this historic property is now a top destination for shopping artisan goods, trying culinary delights, and watching great live entertainment. You can even host your next event in one or more of the eight unique venues.  The converted space has a variety of galleries, clothing shops and restaurants with a large communal gathering space. You will want to come on an empty stomach so you can grab a lobster roll from Pinchy’s lobster Rolls, a taco from Mojo’s Tacos and a few donuts from Five Daughters Bakery, which also offers vegan and gluten-free options.

Dive into Franklin History

Wherever you go in Franklin you are sure to see some historic buildings, cannons, monuments, and historic placards talking about the civil war and other battles that happened throughout the Franklin area. Franklin was the battleground of two huge battles in 1862 and 1864, both dually named the battle of Franklin. The 1864 battle was a bloody one, where more than 10,000 troops lost their lives. Several homesites around town are now museums where you can explore the civil war history. Carnton  is the largest estate that is open for daily tours. This estate served as a field hospital in both battles and also houses the largest confederate cemetery in America. Closer to downtown you can also tour the Lotz House and the Carter House. The Lotz house suffered severe battle damage in the war, and visitors can still see where a cannonball came through the roof. The neighboring Carter House served as a refuge for some hiding townspeople during the battle and one of the main buildings is still riddled with bullet holes to this day. 

Native American History

Franklin has a deep history not just with the civil war. The area of middle Tennessee was populated with Native Americans before Europeans landed. While most evidence of them has disappeared, you can visit the Old Town Archeological site and burial mounds. It is here you can see some of the Mississippian culture and remains of their village. Some artifacts here have been found dating back to 900 AD.

Nature Parks & National Parks in Franklin

No visit to Franklin is complete without a drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway National Scenic Roadway. This is actually a National Park and the 8th most visited one in the US. The roadway is a 444-mile scenic road managed by the US park service. It goes through three states stretching from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi and follows the old Natchez Trace, which is a historic travel corridor used by the Kaintucks, Native Americans, slave traders, soldiers and European Settlers. Today people can explore it by car, motorcycle, foot, horseback or even bike. It is a beautiful parkway with flowering trees, winding curves and plenty of places to stop and walk or ride along the way. 

While on the Trace one of the things you won’t want to miss is driving across The Natchez Trace Parkway Double Arch Bridge. Great for photos or watching the sunset, this bridge was completed in 1994, and received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1995. The bridge can be viewed from two locations: just north of the bridge there is a parking lot with great views of not only the bridge but the valley below too. Just south of the bridge is an exit ramp down to Highway 96 and at the bottom is a parking lot with view of the bridge. 

After your drive on the Trace, you will want to stretch your legs in at least one of these great parks or trails. It is along these trails where you can also walk in history, as 60+ miles of the National Scenic Trail cuts through both Timberland Park and the Garrison Creek Trails. In 1983 the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail was established as a unit of the National Park System and the National Trails System. It runs parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the scenery and history of the Natchez Trace corridor. Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail consists of five separate sections, over 60 miles, developed for hiking and horseback riding. These scenic trails remember the historical significance of the travelers that came before us. The Kaintucks were boatmen that used these trail systems as they traveled north and south on trade routes from Louisiana and Mississippi up to the northern states and before them, the Native Americans used these forested trails to travel through their territories. Here are a few of the Nature Parks you should stop to stretch your legs, camp or hike along: 

Timberland Park. This park opened in the fall of 2014 and sits on 72 acres adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 437.2, less than a mile south of the Double Arch Bridge on the parkway. The park features 10 trails with a variety of levels and one that is ADA accessible as well. To see some of the best wildflowers, take a stroll down the Judy Hayes Trail. Many of the trails in this park are old logging trails too!

FUN FACT: This park was actually logged by hand in the early days of Williamson County. The logs were loaded onto wagons pulled by horses and mules, and used to build many of the homes and buildings in Franklin. 

Garrison Creek Trails. Also located along the Trace past the town of Leipers Fork this trail system was named for a nearby 1801-02 U.S. Army post. Garrison Creek is a trailhead for horseback riders and hikers on the Highland Rim Trail of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. For those looking for a short hike, you can head straight from the horse posts and up a short but steep section. Within .5 miles you will reach a beautiful vista that looks out over pastures and makes a great spot for a family photo. This section of the Natchez Trace scenic trail is 24 miles long, which is a great length for those looking to camp or backpack. Horseback riding is welcomed on the trail as well.  If you hike just beyond the loop, you will see the War of 1812 Memorial along the  Natchez Trace Parkway. I had many relatives that fought in this war. 

Owl’s Hill Nature Conservancy. While I did not get to visit this conservancy on my trip as heavy rain caused some damage to the park, it is a place I highly recommend. Owl’s Hill provides a protected home for the more than 2,000 species of local animals and vegetation in a 300-acre nature sanctuary. It is a great place to explore the great outdoors, learn about native wildlife and connect with nature. They offer a limited number of daily hiking Day Passes, school field trips, and a variety of events that are open to the public throughout the year. Day passes must be reserved online and cost $5 

Bowie Nature Park. This park is located about 25 minutes from Franklin but has more than 700 acres of land to hike, bike or horseback ride through. There are 17 miles of trails, a few lakes you can fish in and some playgrounds for the kids.

For more great hikes and places to get outside download your free Franklin Travel Guide at Visit Franklin.

Horseback riding is a big pastime in this part of the country and almost every park caters to travelers and locals bringing their trusty steed out for a ride. Check out the NPS for more information on where you can horseback ride or camp along the Natchez Trace.  If you want to saddle up and hit the trail while you are in town, you can go out for a trail ride with Natchez Trace Stables or one of the other nearby stables in Williamson County.

Distilleries in Franklin

If you like Whiskey then you have to stop by two of the best distilleries in middle Tennessee. H Clark Distillery is located in Thompson Station Tennessee, about 25 minutes from downtown Franklin. This small-batch distillery makes Whiskey, Bourbon, Rye and Gin. Tastings are $15 per person and tours are free. Their hand-crafted Bourbon, Rye, Gin and Black and Tan are made one batch at a time. Annette helped me with my tasting and was a real wealth of knowledge on the history and process of whiskey production in Tennessee. H Clark Distillery became the first legal distillery in Williamson County in over 100 years.

For those looking to try Whiskey from a slightly larger purveyor head on over to Leipers Fork Distillery in Leipers Fork. The distillery sits on the site of an old Moonshine sill and uses tradition to craft Whiskey, white whiskey and Rye. Tours including a tasting are $18 and are offered Tuesday through Sunday. This distillery has a fun approach and a more farm-style process. They even reuse or sell all the waste created in the distilling process, making them a very sustainable and low waste company.

Dining in Franklin & Leipers Fork

There are so many great restaurants in the Franklin area, and I got to visit quite a few on my trip to the area. Whether you are looking for some southern cuisine, barbecue or something farm to fork there is bound to be a place for you. Here are a few places you won’t want to miss:

Breakfast: 

Red Byrd Coffee Truck (Leipers Fork): This wonderful coffee shop is located in a tiny home right next to the market in Leipers Fork. They serve freshly made scones and a great selection of coffee drinks and teas. I recommend the huckleberry scones if they haven’t run out.

Frothy Monkey Cafe: Chain with great breakfasts, big tea selection, latte’s, salads, cookies and more. Located in downtown Franklin and open daily.

Biscuit Love: A MUST for the BONUTS – a mixture of a biscuit and a donut, this delicious little morsel is served over a fruit compote, which is to die for by itself too. You can’t go wrong with the East Nasty either- a buttermilk biscuit topped with chicken thigh, sausage gravy and cheddar.  Located in Downtown Franklin OPEN 7-3pm DAILY. 

Lunch: 

Pinchy’s Tacos at The Factory – I recommend the hot buttered lobster roll which comes on a warm brioche roll, and don’t forget the side of freshly made potato chips. For non-bread lovers, the cold lobster salad on a lettuce wrap is also great.

Mojo’s Tacos – One of the most popular lunch spots in town, this counter-service taco spot is the best in town. Definitely try “The Puffy” and the fried avocado tacos.

Dinner: 

Gray’s on Main: A Franklin Staple Grays on Main is housed in the old pharmacy and still has some of the old windows on display in the main entrance. It is both a gathering place for southern food and a home for live music. Come for dinner and stay late to watch some of the great bands that play upstairs. Make sure you order some of the Southern favorites like pimento cheese balls and goat cheese stuffed dates.

1892 in Leipers Fork: This intimate upscale restaurant focuses on farm to fork and serves up unique, fresh and delicious dishes with local ingredients. I got a stuffed squash when I dined there and finished off my night with a mixture of a decadent berry and chocolate cake and some peanut butter mouse. The menu changes daily and reservations are highly recommended for dinner. Located next to a gallery the outdoor space is also breathtaking, so dress up nice and come at golden hour for some awesome photos in the gazebo.

Exploring Leipers Fork

Leipers Fork is Franklin’s next-door neighbor, a very small town with a lot of charm. Don’t miss coming to this area while you are in Franklin. I was happy to have been staying at the Pot N Kettle Cottages Picker’s Cottage which was just steps away from the small downtown area of Leipers Fork. Leipers Fork is a moment’s drive from the Natchez Trace Parkway and the scenic Garrison Creek Trails. It is also home to the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the restaurant 1892, and a few wonderful art galleries like David Arms gallery and Leiper’s Creek Gallery.

The most famous place in Leiper’s Fork though has got to be Puckett’s of Leiper’s Fork. Puckett’s is a store, restaurant, and music venue all in one and has now expanded into Nashville, Franklin, Columbia and Chattanooga. What appears as a dive bar is a fun and lively place come Thursday night when they host their weekly open mic night. People from all over the state come to belt out their tunes and get their music heard from would-be musical ears. Music is a competitive pastime especially in these parts and the singer/songwriters and musicians you will hear are pretty darn good. Make a reservation to get a table or come in for standing room in the back.

Instruments to play at Serenite Maison in Leipers Fork

Franklin and Leipers Fork are wonderful places to visit and there is so much more to see and do. If you are looking into visiting the area make sure you check out the Visit Franklin page and download your free travel guide to the area. 

I was a media guest of Visit Franklin and received complimentary tickets, lodging and dining in exchange for writing about them. All thoughts, opinions and recommendations however are my own.  Photography assistance provided by Dailyn Matthews: https://dailynmatthews.com/ 

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