Planning a Trip to Franklin, TN? Don’t Miss These 9 Charming Experiences

Franklin, Tennessee, offers a perfect blend of Southern charm, rich history, and modern attractions. Just a short drive from Nashville, this picturesque town welcomes visitors with its brick-lined streets and genuine hospitality. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, foodie, or nature lover, Franklin has something special waiting for you around every corner.

1. Stroll Along Main Street

Brick sidewalks lead you past colorful storefronts housing everything from artisanal chocolate shops to vintage clothing boutiques. The historic downtown area feels like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting, yet with all the modern amenities travelers crave.

Local shop owners greet you by name after just one visit, often sharing stories about the town’s 200-year history. Take your time exploring the antique stores where Civil War artifacts might sit alongside handcrafted jewelry.

For a true local experience, grab a coffee from Frothy Monkey and people-watch from one of the wrought-iron benches dotting the street.

2. Tour the Carnton Plantation

Blood stains still mark the wooden floors of this magnificent antebellum home where hundreds of wounded Confederate soldiers were treated during the Battle of Franklin. The guided tour brings Civil War history to vivid life through personal stories of the McGavock family who owned the property.

Outside, the meticulously maintained gardens provide a peaceful contrast to the home’s somber history. The tour culminates with a visit to the adjacent Confederate cemetery, final resting place for nearly 1,500 soldiers.

History whispers through every room of this preserved plantation, making it an essential stop for understanding Tennessee’s complex past.

3. Catch a Show at the Franklin Theatre

The neon marquee glows invitingly on Main Street, just as it has since 1937. After an extensive renovation, this beloved landmark reopened in 2011, combining vintage charm with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

The intimate 300-seat venue hosts everything from classic film screenings to live music performances featuring both emerging artists and established stars. Plush seating and exceptional acoustics make every show memorable, while the concession stand serves local treats alongside traditional movie fare.

Many visitors report feeling a special magic here that larger venues simply can’t capture. Book tickets in advance—popular shows sell out quickly!

4. Sip and Relax at Leiper’s Fork Distillery

Nestled among rolling Tennessee hills, this small-batch whiskey operation honors traditions dating back to the 1800s. Master Distiller Lee Kennedy crafts spirits using local grains and limestone-filtered water in copper pot stills, resulting in remarkably smooth bourbon and whiskey.

The tour begins in a rustic log cabin welcome center before moving to the production facility where you’ll learn about the distilling process from grain to glass. The highlight comes at the end: a guided tasting of their award-winning spirits.

The pastoral setting invites visitors to linger on the porch rockers, sipping whiskey while gazing across the countryside.

5. Explore Harlinsdale Farm

Once home to Midnight Sun, the famous Tennessee Walking Horse, this 200-acre property now serves as a public park preserving an important piece of equestrian heritage. The iconic red barn stands as a landmark visible throughout the property.

Walking trails wind through meadows and alongside a tranquil fishing pond. Families spread picnic blankets under shade trees while children explore the open spaces. The farm hosts events throughout the year, including the Pilgrimage Music Festival, which has featured artists like Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton.

Early mornings offer the most peaceful experience, with mist rising from the fields as the sun breaks over the eastern hills.

6. Taste Local Flavor at Gray’s on Main

Three stories of culinary delight await inside this restored 1876 Victorian-era pharmacy. The ground floor restaurant serves reimagined Southern classics using ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Try the hot chicken with house-made pickles or shrimp and grits with red-eye gravy.

The second-floor bar specializes in pre-Prohibition era cocktails, often featuring Tennessee whiskey and fresh herbs grown on-site. Original pharmacy cabinets and vintage advertisements decorate the walls, creating an atmosphere of nostalgic elegance.

Live music fills the third-floor listening room on weekends, showcasing local talent in an intimate setting that feels like a private concert just for you.

7. Visit the Lotz House Museum

Cannon ball damage still marks the floors of this meticulously preserved home that stood at the center of the Battle of Franklin. Built by German immigrant Johann Lotz, a master woodworker, the house showcases his extraordinary craftsmanship through intricate moldings and unique furniture pieces he created.

Ghost hunters take note: the Lotz House is reputed to be one of Tennessee’s most haunted locations. Visitors report unexplained footsteps and occasional sightings of Civil War soldiers.

The passionate guides bring history to life through vivid storytelling about the Lotz family’s harrowing experience during the battle when they sheltered in their basement as fighting raged above them.

8. Get Lost in the Franklin Farmers Market

Saturday mornings come alive at this year-round market where over 80 local farmers and artisans gather to sell their goods. The scent of fresh-baked bread mingles with the earthy aroma of just-harvested vegetables, creating an irresistible sensory experience.

Farmers proudly display heirloom tomatoes, crisp apples, and leafy greens harvested just hours earlier. Artisan cheese makers offer samples of their creations while bakers tempt with flaky pastries and rustic loaves.

Live bluegrass music provides the soundtrack as families wander from stall to stall. Don’t miss the food trucks serving breakfast specialties—the buttermilk biscuits with local honey are legendary among regulars.

9. Take a Scenic Drive Through Natchez Trace Parkway

Ancient footpaths once used by Native Americans and early settlers have transformed into one of America’s most beautiful drives. The 444-mile scenic route cuts through Tennessee, with Franklin offering one of the most convenient access points at milepost 444.

Pull over at Jackson Falls to hike the short trail to a stunning 200-foot cascade. The Double Arch Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning 1,648 feet across a valley, provides perfect photo opportunities especially during fall when surrounded by blazing autumn colors.

Wildlife abounds along the parkway—keep your eyes open for deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species that call this protected corridor home.