Things To Do
Downtown Franklin
While you’re in town, don’t miss the Art Crawl on Friday, June 5th, from 6–9 PM along Main Street! There are also great places to eat, shop, and explore. Some of our top picks: Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant – perfect for a date night and often hosts live events Mellow Mushroom – great pizza spot Sweet Cece's – delicious frozen yogurt Frothy Monkey – yummy breakfast and coffee Merridee’s Breadbasket – amazing baked goods Pinkerton Park – just a little outside of Franklin, perfect place to take a pretty walk, with a couple different playgrounds for kiddos too! There’s plenty to do both throughout the day in Franklin, and it just so happens that our wedding venue, Franklin First United Methodist Church, is right in the heart of downtown, so you’ll be close to everything!
Einstein Bros Bagels (Franklin)
If you have the chance, you've got to stop by Einstein's! This is a Colby's go-to-breakfast spot whenever he comes to Franklin to visit. He is obsessed with their Chocolate Shake and Farmhouse Bagel. I personally love to get the iced Caramel Macchiato or Vanilla Cold Brew here and at the Einstein's on UAB's campus!
The Factory at Franklin
Discover The Factory, a historic treasure dating back to 1929. Originally home to the Dortch Stove Works, Magic Chef, and later the Jamison Bedding Company, The Factory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, The Factory at Franklin boasts 83+ tenants, offering an array of superior retail and dining experiences. The Factory is alive with coffee and restaurant options, shopping boutiques, art galleries, antiques -- all under one roof. Make sure to visit The Factory while you are here. The Factory at Franklin is a fun, easy stop with a mix of boutiques, coffee shops, casual dining, ice cream, and live music! It’s family-friendly with something for both kids and adults, making it a great spot to browse, grab a bite, and enjoy a bit of Franklin’s historic charm!
The Good Cup Coffee Shop (Franklin)
The Good Cup is my favorite spot for good coffee and catching up with friends! If you love coffee, this is definitely a must-stop while you’re in town! The Good Cup is located on Hillsboro Road, between Franklin and Nashville.
Edwin and Percy Warner Parks (Nashville)
Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are the bride’s top recommendation while you’re in town for our wedding! These parks have always held such a special place in my heart — some of my favorite childhood memories happened here, from picnics with my grandparents to trail walks and hikes with my mom and long talks with my best friend. If you’re looking to enjoy beautiful scenery and a peaceful setting, this is the perfect spot. There are scenic drives, horse trails, hiking routes, and paved walking paths to explore! If you want a good spot for photos, I recommend "The Steps" at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard or at "Steeplechase" located near the intersection of Old Hickory Boulevard and Vaughn Road. There is even a public golf course if you’d like to fit in a round!
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant (Franklin)
Yum! Buca is a unique Italian Restaurant for a fun meal. I would definitely recommend stopping here for dinner!
Elliston Place Soda Shop (Nashville)
This old-timey sweet little spot holds some of my favorite childhood memories. I grew up going here with my grandfather, Pop, on milkshake dates and afternoon sweet runs. I always ordered an Oreo milkshake, and Pop got chocolate milkshakes (sometimes two!). Before we left, we would grab a slice of coconut pie to go. If you’re looking for something nostalgic, classic, and perfect for all ages, this is a great stop.
The Well Coffeehouse (Nashville)
This is one of Margaret's favorite places to get coffee when she was in high school. The Well is located right across the street from Lipscomb Academy, where she graduated from high school.
CoolSprings Galleria (Franklin)
Margaret's favorite mall. (Good luck, Colby! Love, Margaret's Mom)
Baja Burrito (Nashville)
If you are a burrito lover, you have to go to Baja Burrito! The burritos are so yummy, and their queso is top tier. It is a casual, family owned restaurant that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Puffy Muffin Bakery & Restaurant (Brentwood)
Such a wonderful place to get a fun brunch or lunch! By the way, our wedding cake is from Puffy Muffin.
Cheekwood Estates - Botanical Gardens & House Tours (Nashville)
Cheekwood is a 1930's estate set in a beautiful part of Nashville by Edwin Warner Park. Tour the mansion and 55 scenic acres of botanical gardens, arboretum, and museum.
The Gulch Nashville
The Gulch is a popular area in downtown Nashville, known for its walk-ability, eateries and night clubs.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery (Nashville)
Belle Meade Mansion allows guests to venture back in time to the pre-Civil War era where the Harding Family lived on their massive 5,400 acre plantation raising thoroughbred racing horses.
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Visit President Andrew Jackson's home in Hermitage, TN, an eastern suburb of Nashville. Jackson was the 7th president of the United States from 1829-1837. The Hermitage was a 1,000+ acre cotton plantation and is on the National Historical Register.
Tennessee State Capitol
The Tennessee State Capitol is one of the oldest working state capitol buildings in the country. It was finished in 1859 and is located on the highest hill in downtown Nashville. You can drive around it or take a tour - your preference!
Lower Broadway - Downtown Nashville
Popular with Nashville tourists for its country music scene, Lower Broad has all of the bars and honky tonks you could dream up! Wear your cowboy boots or tennis shoes, you will see it all on Lower Broad.
Green Hills Mall (Nashville)
For an upscale shopping experience, visit Green Hills Mall. With stores including Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Free People, Gucci, Gus Mayer, Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Restoration Hardware, Saint Laurent Paris, Tag Heuer and more, there is something for everyone.
Vanderbilt University (Nashville)
Founded in 1873, Vanderbilt University is a renowned private research university with a pretty, gothic campus. It's worth a drive-by if you're touring Nashville.