Explore Franklin
Franklin Visitor Center
Stop by the visitor center to pick up your points of interest map, brochures, and souvenirs. Inside the Visitor Center is a free public restroom and a water filling station.
Franklin Farmers Market (Saturday a.m. only)
A true Tennessee farmer's market with seasonal, fresh produce, delicious food and drinks, gifts, and music. It's the perfect way to start a Saturday morning. Afterwards, browse through the shops at The Factory, which hosts the farmer's market in its parking lot.
The Factory at Franklin - shopping & dining
Built in 1929, The Factory was once the Dortch Stove Works, Magic Chef and later the Jamison Bedding Company. This historic property is now a top destination for shopping artisan goods, vintage vinyl and clothing, trying culinary delights, and watching great live entertainment. Five Daughters Bakery's doughnuts began right here in Franklin, TN and their pastries are life-changing. Luna Records is owned by 4th generation Franklinites and sisters Brenna & Calvert.
Carter House - History
Whether you're a history buff or not, the Carter House takes visitors on an enthralling tour of a farming residence turned battleground. The home became the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War on November 30, 1864. Other noteworthy historic tours are The Lotz House (across from Carter House) and The Carnton Plantation which became the largest field hospital during the Battle of Franklin. Honestly, Stacey can never decide which tour is the best.
Shopping - White's Mercantile
There's an endless list of shops along Main Street, and one of our favorites is White's Mercantile. There's something for everyone at this modern day general store owned by Holly Williams (granddaughter of country crooner Hank Williams). Other favorite stores are Tin Cottage and Hester & Cook for gifts and entertaining, Twine Graphics for Franklin souvenirs, Landmark Booksellers, and Rebel Rebel for quirky finds. But really, there are too many great places to name...
Carpe Diem - Vintage and Vinyl
Carpe Diem is a vintage & vinyl store owned by Franklin native Will Jordan (who also owns Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor next door). Don't let the small, funky façade fool you into thinking it's not a big deal...this is where Taylor Swift found her seagull sweater for the cover of her 2014 album "1989." And just two doors down from Carpe Diem is The Franklin Antique Mall (the town's old ice house) filled with over 60 dealers and bursting with old treasures.
Merridee's - breakfast/lunch
Meridee's is a Franklin must. Even through mobs of tourists you'll still find locals meeting up for coffee and lunch. The scratch-made everything, fruit tea, and chicken salad have kept us coming back for decades. As you're enjoying mouth-watering pastries inside Meridee's, imagine what it was like when this was the town's old hardware store.
O' Be Joyful - Burger & Bourbon
Oh-Be-Joyful (or O.B's as we call it) is primarily a bourbon joint, but we've found they have the BEST burger on Main Street...maybe in the whole town. This spot is Rich's playground as the shot-gun style bar is filled to the brim with world class bourbons. A close second to the OB burger would be Bunganut Pig (an underground pub that Stacey grew up frequenting) down Columbia Ave. But if you're in the mood for a St. Patty's day pub, look no further than Main Street's McCreary's.
Frothy Monkey - Coffee house/breakfast/lunch
Frothy is another Franklin staple, owned by locals Ryan and Kelly Pruitt. They're a coffee roaster, and also one of our favorite places for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Scenery & Trails
The parks and trails sprinkled throughout Franklin are one of its best-kept secrets. Our favs are: 1. >>Aspen Grove Park (Cool Springs) - One of our first dates was here and we've shared many memorable walks since, as it's just a few minutes from our home. The paved trail follows a section of the Harpeth River and is beautiful in every season. (3200 Aspen Grove Drive Franklin, TN 37067) 2. >>Bicentennial Park (Downtown Franklin) - nestled between Downtown and the Harpeth River, the park features a greenway that starts at the end of Margin & 2nd and travels through town. The river overlook makes this a great location for enjoying nature. (400 5th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064) 3. >>The Park at Harlinsdale Farm (Downtown Franklin) - This 200 acre property was established in 1933, and most champion Walking Horses trace their lineage to the farm's prized stallion Midnight Sun. Paved trails and primitive trails are available. (239 Franklin Road Franklin, TN 37064)
Hot Chicken
Hot Chicken? Yes. It's a type of savory, spicy fried chicken specific to Nashville, and you can get some of the best right here in Franklin. Bishop's Meat & Three (3065 Mallory Lane, Franklin - bishopsmeat3.com) serves mouth-watering home cookin', including Hattie B's famous hot chicken. There's also Big Shake's Hot Chicken & Fish, which also offers the simple fish sandwich and unique shrimp burgers. Creator Shawn "Big Shake" Davis appeared on Shark Tank in 2011, and two years later opened Big Shake's flagship restaurant right here in Franklin. (1203 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin - bigshakeshotchicken.com)
Indoor Adventure
Need a little adventure, but don't want to sight-see outdoors? Here are a few places that offer indoor fun: >>Sticks & Stones Axe Throwing (sticksandstonesaxeco.com) 615 Bakers Bridge Ave >>Third Coast Clay pottery painting (thirdcoastclay.com) The Factory 230 Franklin Rd. >>Extreme Escape Games (extremeescapegames.net) 1735 Galleria Blvd Ste #1015 >>Kings Bowl & Arcade (kings-de.com) 1910 Galleria Blvd Suite 120, Franklin