If you’re looking for a cute, historic town to visit from Nashville, then put Franklin on the top of your list.
We’d had fun in the bars on Honky Tonk Row, we’d toured the Country Music Hall of Fame and done the Studio B Tour (a must-do add-on), and the Grand Ole Opry was as good as it ever is, but now we wanted a change of pace.
You can read my picks for the best things to do in Nashville here >
Just 20 miles south of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee is a short drive to the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Music City.
This charming town has a harrowing and rich history, as the site of the Battle of Franklin (yes named after Benjamin Franklin) in 1864 left more than 10,000 American soldier casualties and changed the town forever. History buffs will love this town. There are three historic homes open to the public providing insights into the Battle of Franklin, including Lotz House.
But vintage and boutique shoppers, and those after genuine Southern charm, cuisine, or live music and a whiskey, will also love Franklin.
Franklin’s award-winning Main Street, designated as a “Great American Main Street,” blends this Civil War history, with Southern hospitality into a wonderful day trip.
Franklin’s Historic Downtown Main Street
Begin in the town’s crown jewel, its 16-block downtown district. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this picturesque thoroughfare is lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings dating back to 1799. Stroll the brick-lined streets, with each block revealing new treasures.
Start at Public Square, at E Main Street and 3rd Ave, where you can learn about Franklin’s complex history through the “Fuller Story” project, which provides context about the area’s past, including its role in the Civil War.
From there, wander down Main Street, taking in the stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere of this historic district and getting your eye in for shopping. But first, coffee.
Best Places to Eat in Franklin
Breakfast, Brunch and Coffee
- Frothy Monkey: Start your day at this excellent coffee spot and enjoy people-watching on their spacious porch, located inside the former manse of the Historic Franklin Presbyterian Church, steps from the main square
- The Coffee House at Second and Bridge: A local favorite coffee shop with a beautiful front porch swing and rustic interior, located one block off Main Street
- Merridee’s Breadbasket: Famous for homemade baked goods, their legendary chicken salad and awards. Enjoy the beer garden when the weather beckons too
- Triple Crown Bakery: Perfect for sweet treats and artisanal pastries at cozy tables inside, the large covered porch and tables on the lawn
Lunch and Dinner
All of these are local restaurants, and some have a few other locations in the surrounding Nashville area.
- Gray’s on Main: Housed in a former historic pharmacy from 1876, you’ll find electric and traditional Southern-inspired cuisine with modern twists and live music. Don’t miss their Anthym Spirit cocktail, voted best whiskey cocktail in the South.
- 55 South: Down home, Southern comfort food from local chef Jason McConnell. The focus is tastes along Interstate 55 stretching across middle Tennessee from Nashville to Memphis and New Orleans.
- Cork & Cow: Located on Main Street, this upscale steakhouse, also by chef Jason McConnell, offers sophisticated dining with seasonal menus and extensive wine selection
- Culaccino: Local gem for Italian food, housemade pastas, woodfired pizzas and family recipes of executive chef and owner Frank Pullara.
- Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant: Classic Southern comfort food in an historic building with live music. I also like Pucketts in downtown Nashville for brunch
- 1799 Kitchen & Cocktails: Located in The Harpeth Hotel, this restaurant is a treat, featuring locally sourced ingredients and stunning, innovative Southern cuisine. They have 250+ whiskeys and bourbons.
Only got time for a Quick Bite?
- Waldo’s Chicken and Beer: Customizable hot fried chicken (perfect for those who can’t handle spice!), washed down with a beer, or two.
- Five Daughters Bakery: Located in The Factory, famous for their donuts and pastries. This family business has several outlets in Nashville too.
Shopping in Franklin
Must-Visit Boutiques
- White’s Mercantile: Holly Williams’ (Hank Williams Jr’s daughter and gal pal of Gwyneth Paltrow) store is “a general store for the modern tastemaker” featuring curated Southern goods. Don’t miss it. There are five locations, including three in the Nashville area.
- Gallery 202: Local art gallery showcasing regional artists across many mediums including: paintings, antiques, glass, jewelry, pottery and sculpture.
- Landmark Booksellers: Independent bookstore in an historic 19th-century building, specializing in new, old, rare and collectible books. They also run author events.
- JONDIE: Eclectic mix of women’s clothing, jewelery and accessories.
- Society: Owned and operated by local stylist Andrea Hanna, to help fit women of all sizes in contemporary designs.
The Factory at Franklin
This beautifully restored historic building (dating back to 1929) is a shopping destination in itself.
Originally home to the Dortch Stove Works and Magic Chef, The Factory now houses local stores, restaurants, and hosts the Franklin Farmers Market on Saturdays from 8am-noon. Parking is free.
Antiques and Unique Finds
- Ameraucana Blue: Locally made items and unique treasures inside The Factory.
- Franklin Antique Mall: is a treasure trove of 12,000 feet of antiques, vintage and collectibles. It’s the largest of its kind anywhere in Franklin, Nashville and surrounds.
- Various antique stores throughout downtown offering everything from primitives to vintage linens
Sip Your Way through Franklin’s Wineries and Distilleries
Enjoy a drive out of Franklin, past historic houses to surrounding vineyards and distilleries where live music and tastings await.
Arrington Vineyards
Located 35 minutes south of Nashville and about 20 minutes east of downtown Franklin, this 95-acre property co-owned by country music legend Kix Brooks is a live music venue and offers:
- Award-winning wines with tastings in five different tasting rooms
- Spectacular vineyard views and rolling hills
- Live music weekends (April-November) during “Music in the Vines”
- Picnic areas and food trucks on Fridays in summer months (May-October)
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 12pm-8pm
If you don’t have a car, or don’t want to drive, take this luxury round-trip shuttle service from Nashville.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. That means if you make a purchase, I may make a commission at no extra cost to you.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Located in nearby Leiper’s Fork, this small-batch whiskey distillery offers:
- Tours and tastings in a beautifully restored 1829 log cabin
- Eat at picnic tables on site
- Award-winning Tennessee whiskey and bourbon
- Knowledgeable guides sharing local moonshine history
- Hours: Closed Mondays, Tuesdays. Open Wednesday-Thursday 10:30am-5pm, Friday-Sunday 10:30am-6pm
Additional Distillery Options in Franklin
- Stable Reserve Distillery: Located on Main Street, you can blend your own bourbon in their tasting room. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday.
- O’ Be Joyful: Downtown Whiskey bar with over 200 different whiskies and upscale bar food.
Best Time of Year to Visit Franklin
May through October is the best weather for exploring Franklin!
- Spring (April-May): Pleasant temperatures (65-78°F), blooming flowers, and fewer crowds. Perfect time of year for walking tours and outdoor dining
- Summer (June-August): Warm weather (80-90°F) perfect for outdoor activities, special events, music, longer daylight hours, though this is peak tourist season
- Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures (70-80°F), beautiful autumn foliage along the Natchez Trace Parkway, and harvest season at wineries
- Winter (December-February): Yes it can snow in Franklin! Winter temps hover (32-52°F), fewer crowds and potentially lower accommodation costs, though some outdoor activities may be limited. Here are some winter ideas for Franklin.
Venture Beyond the Basics
Historic Sites
- Carnton Plantation: Civil War historic site built in 1826 and former field hospital treating some of the 9,500 soldiers killed or wounded or captured.
- Carter House: Another significant Civil War location, one of the premier farms in mid Tennessee and home to families who found themselves in the middle of the war.
- Franklin Theatre: Beautifully restored historic venue featuring live shows and movies
Outdoor Adventures
- Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge: 15 minutes from downtown, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities
- Float Franklin: Tube down the Harpeth River (2-hour float with transportation back)
- Natchez Trace Parkway: Scenic drive with hiking opportunities and historic sites
Nearby Towns to browse in
- Leiper’s Fork: Charming village known for antiques and galleries (15 minutes away)
- Bell Buckle: Small town famous for antique shops and murals (50 minutes away)
Planning your Day Trip to Franklin, TN
Sample Itinerary
- 9:00am: Arrive and head for coffee and breakfast at Frothy Monkey or The Coffee House
- 10:00am: Now you’re fortified, shop along downtown Main Street and visit historic sites
- 12:00pm: Grab lunch at Gray’s on Main or 55 South
- 1:30pm: Head to The Factory for more shopping, or keep browsing downtown boutiques
- 3:00pm: Visit Arrington Vineyards for wine tasting and some live music (seasonal)
- 5:00pm: Tour Leiper’s Fork Distillery
- 7:00pm: Dinner at Cork & Cow or return to downtown Franklin
Getting There
- From Nashville: 25-30 minute drive south on I-65
- Parking: Ample free parking available throughout downtown and at attractions
- Transportation: Car is recommended for visiting wineries and distilleries outside downtown, or if it’s just wineries and distilleries take a tour so you don’t need to drive
Need longer?
Consider staying overnight at the award-winning The Harpeth Franklin Downtown hotel to fully immerse yourself in the experience and avoid driving after wine and whiskey tastings!
What to read next?
If history is your thing, you should experience the living museum town that is Colonial Williamsburg over in Virginia.
And these day trips from Washington DC include several historic and quaint towns too.
