The following is a collection of the best places to visit, eat, shop, drink, and more. It is designed to inspire you to explore this fantastic city and to show you just how fun it can be to live here. So, whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just a nice quiet spot to sit and read a book, check out our list of the best in Franklin, TN.
Franklin is located on the eastern edge of Nashville, which makes it a great option if you prefer to be close to the action. Plenty of museums, galleries, parks, festivals, and restaurants will help you get the most out of your time in town.
National Civil Rights Museum
For example, there’s the National Civil Rights Museum, where you can learn about historical civil rights movements.
The National Civil Rights Museum in Franklin, Tennessee, is a must-see for anyone interested in American history. The museum tells the civil rights movement story through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays from its early days. Visitors can learn about the key events and people who shaped the civil rights movement and see how the struggle for equality has affected the lives of all Americans. The museum is also home to the National Civil Rights Library, which houses a collection of documents and artifacts related to the civil rights movement.
Main St in Franklin
Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee, is a historic and vibrant street in the city’s heart. The road is lined with beautiful old buildings, home to businesses and shops. Main Street is also home to the Franklin Theatre. This historic movie theatre has been restored and is now a popular live music venue. There is always something happening on Main Street, and it is the perfect place to experience the charm and character of Franklin.
Dortch Stove Works Building.
You’ll find the old Dortch Stove Works building just past the square and less than a mile down East Main Street.
Dortch Stove Works is a historic building in Franklin, Tennessee. The building was constructed in 1892 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The building is significant for its architecture and association with Tennessee’s stove industry. The Dortch Stove Works was one of the largest stove manufacturers in the state during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company produced a variety of stoves, including wood-burning, coal-burning, and gas-burning models. The building is currently home to a law firm.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive that winds through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama. It is one of the most popular scenic drives in the country, and for a good reason. The Parkway offers breathtaking views of the countryside, as well as a chance to experience a variety of different ecosystems.
A huge, soaring double-arched bridge spans the Tennessee River at the parkway’s terminus near Nashville, and visitors can enjoy views of the rolling hills below and from the top of the bridge itself. The weather is best at dawn when rose-hue, cotton candy clouds frame the sky and the people and animals that are roaming the parkway.
In Franklin, TN, the Parkway winds its way through the city’s historic downtown. Franklin is home to several different historical sites, and the Parkway offers a great way to experience them. The Parkway also provides access to other hiking and biking trails, making it a great place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Visit Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is a small village in Franklin, Tennessee. The town is located in the scenic rolling hills of Williamson County. It is home to various businesses, including art galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. The village is also home to many historical buildings, including the Leiper’s Fork Inn, which was built in 1806. The town is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is known for its charming atmosphere and friendly residents.
Visit Fox and Locke Restaurant, serving delicious food and good company since 1951. Live music is always an opportunity for performers from all over the country to wow the friendly and enthusiastic crowd every Thursday. You just never know which famous person will be on the stage.
If you want a table near the front, you’d better get there early! These musicians are so talented you’ll be licking your fingers after devouring some delicious BBQ for the next few hours. Each act is only allowed to play two songs, so you’ll get to see a wide variety of musicians. Some are even hoping to get discovered by a record label!
You might also find yourself sitting alongside a patient of Dr Frank Marghella, the renowned chiropractor. His clinic attracts many visitors to the Franklin area.
The lost history of small-batch whiskey has been brought back to Tennessee by the Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Visit the beautiful Tennessee countryside and sample local spirits.
When you visit Leipers Fork, keep your eyes open for Justin Timberlake, who lives there. You might also bump into Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, who used to live there.
Historic Civil War Buildings
The Battle of Franklin was a turning point in the Civil War, with over 10,000 casualties. The human stories of tragedy and triumph that happened right here in Franklin are robust and have shaped the future of our nation.
At the Carter House, you can get a sense of the intensity of the battle that was waged all around the family hunkered down in their basement. By touring the museum, the house, and the bullet-riddled outbuildings, you can begin to understand the significance of what happened here over 150 years ago.
Also, visit Carnton, which served as a hospital for many months after the battle. The beautiful, well-kept gardens and home are like a window into another era. Still, bloodstains on the wooden floors and a graveyard full of unknown soldiers tell a sad story.
Stay at a Cool Recording studio.
The Dark Horse recording studio in Franklin is found on a nondescript road outside the city. This location is the perfect place for artists to hide away, with a spacious 10-acre hideaway.
Some bands stay in the rooms under the studio, while the likes of Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Rob Thomas prefer to stay in a more luxurious spot next door called The Cottage.
This stunning three-bedroom home is available for rent. It includes a gourmet kitchen, sitting room, free reign of the property, and a pool. A great place to indulge your pop stardom fantasies.
Try the Local Whisky
No trip to Franklin is complete without chugging some world-famous Tennessee whiskey. And some of the state’s top distilleries are just a short drive away from town along the Masters & Makers Trail.
Start your journey at Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station, founded by a lawyer who successfully lobbied the state senate to allow his distillery to operate legally in Williamson County. The distillery’s tasting room is located in the same building as the lawyer’s former office, making it the perfect place to begin your exploration of this historic area.
