Twenty miles south of Nashville, Tennessee, the smaller city of Franklin invites you to soak up her colorful history, music scene, and Southern hospitality. 

Franklin’s cobblestone walkways, green landscape, early American architecture, comfort food, and vibrant arts offer the perfect escape from the chaos of daily life. Rich in heritage, culinary delights, and live entertainment, Franklin echoes big Music City vibes with a small town twist. It’s no surprise that Franklin is the 14th fastest growing city in the United States. Read on to see why you may want to plan your visit around a special Thursday night (weekly) experience after an easy flight into Nashville and just a thirty-minute drive down to Franklin. 

Hanging Your Hat

Conveniently located in the heart of Franklin, The Harpeth Franklin Downtown lodging (by Hilton’s Curio Collection) radiates local charm and luxury while very walkable to the ample collection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment at Factory at Franklin, Franklin square, or to the even the Annual Pilgrimage Music Festival held each September in The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. This holds the key to your travel happiness by avoiding rideshare surges and long waits for post-event buses. Beyond the ideal location, other reasons to stay at the Harpeth are its dog friendly nature, peaceful tree-lined courtyard, expansive lobby often featuring live music on select evenings, and exceptional onsite dining. Fuel up for your Franklin adventures at McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions where you can sit down to a full breakfast or a tasty pastry. Prepare to slay the day with ethically sourced, locally roasted coffee from Honest Coffee Roasters served at McGavock’s. Fun fact: McGavock’s is named after the family who lived at the nearby Carnton plantation at the time of the Battle of Franklin. 

Day 1: Walking Through American History

Strolling down Main Street, you will find a collection of local boutiques, antiques shops, and art galleries. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Lotz House, an impeccably preserved Civil War-era home for a glimpse into the past. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through rooms filled with period furnishings while sharing stories of the family residing in the home during the Battle of Franklin.

Kick off your historical exploration with a visit to the Carnton, an antebellum mansion that witnessed the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. Begin with a guided tour through the meticulously preserved interiors, where knowledgeable guides share poignant stories of the McGavock family whose personal home was converted into a field hospital for wounded soldiers. Explore the beautifully landscaped grounds where time seems to stand still at the relocated graves of over 1000 fallen soldiers in the Confederate Cemetery. 

Connected to Carnton and only a mile-and-half away, the Carter House presents another perspective on the Battle of Franklin. Step back in time as you wander through the home that served as a refuge for the Carter family during the war. The bullet-riddled walls and the poignant contrast between wartime hardships and the family’s domestic life provide a powerful insight into the impact of the Civil War on Franklin’s residents.

After walking through history, stop by the Factory at Franklin for dinner at one of the many restaurants including Mojo’s Tacos, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, or Etch. Formerly home to The Depression era’s Allen Manufacturing Co, this series of red brick structures from the industrial revolution is under creative renovation into a community center where residents and visitors can attend a live theater production, host a celebration, support local shop owners, grab a bite to eat, or simply hang out at the Skylight Bar. The Factory at Franklin will also house a unique working carousel featuring hand-carved carousel animals by artist Ken Means. This nostalgic attraction will surely appeal to both smaller children and those young at heart.

Day 2: Dip Down into Leiper’s Fork

Begin your day with a substantial breakfast at the third location (following the first two in Nashville) of Biscuit Love, situated in a grand old Franklin home that will take you back to the joy of your favorite Grandma’s house complete with an expansive front porch, old wooden floors, and nods to queen of country, Dolly Parton. After savoring some of the city’s best shrimp and grits and house-made buttery biscuits, take a brief 8-mile drive to Leiper’s Fork, a quaint village with a 200 year-old history and a bohemian atmosphere. Browse through the art galleries and unique shops that showcase the work of local artists. The Leiper’s Creek Gallery showcases a diverse range of artwork ranging from paintings to sculptures created by local artists. Take your time browsing through the quaint shops and galleries while appreciating the rich character of this creative community.

After spending time shopping in Leiper’s Fork, end the day with some deep-fried comfort food and a live show at the Fox & Locke, where their Thursday Open Mic Night transforms this charming Tennessee village and original 1940’s era grocery store into a musical Mecca. Locals and visitors unite for an intimate evening of diverse performances for a typically sold-out crowd. Filled with soulful ballads and tunes, the atmosphere resonates with authenticity to create an unforgettable and harmonious experience at this rustic retreat. Many bands and artists gracing the stage at Fox & Locke have launched out of this little venue at the top of the Americana Music Triangle into Franklin’s annual Pilgrimage Festival while gaining more notoriety.  

Throughout the year Franklin’s numerous events can weave right into your weekend visit. April 27-28, 2024, brings the family-friendly Main Street Festival where over 150 arts and crafts vendors sell their unique creations, talented area musicians showcase their talent, and culinary artists serve up their best cuisine. The fall season in Franklin is known for cooler, pleasant weather and The annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival where over sixty artists from multiple genres will perform on at least six stages spread across 230 acres at the Park at Harlinsdale. This year the festival will celebrate its tenth anniversary (September 21-22), so check the website for tickets and what is sure to be a line-up to remember in 2024. 

Bidding farewell to Franklin, you will find yourself enlightened by vivid accounts of the Civil War, energized by the creativity of Leiper’s Fork, and filled with the warmth that defines this gem of a Nashville neighbor. This Franklin itinerary weaves together a tapestry of essential travel experiences capturing the true essence of this darling Tennessee town that feels like “home sweet home” in Nashville’s backyard. 

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Cover Photo Brian Maass

Dana Maass is a regular TLM contributing writer, occupational therapist at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, and LSU graduate. She lives with her husband and rescue dog Chester in Round Rock, TX. When not  working, traveling, hosting AirBnB guests, or learning new things, Dana loves spending time with loved ones while  supporting her favorite local non-profit organizations. She is happiest when the sun is shining and the (LSU) Tigers are winning. Follow her on Instagram at dana_maass_adventures.