Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Franklin, TN
Year Listed: 2009 Surrounded by rolling green hills and scenic landscapes, Franklin, Tennessee offers a rare blend of small-town southern hospitality and big-city amenities. The town, which is often described as "100 years" and a few miles south of Nashville, is packed with history including Civil War battlefields, historic house museums and a host of antebellum mansions. Recently listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See in the USA and Canada Before you Die, Franklin is a vibrant community and ideal destination for the whole family. Downtown Franklin, which is comprised of a 15-block historic district, boasts an eclectic mix of more than 70 trendy boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. With a history that dates back more than 200 years, it offers a dynamic American main street experience with commemorative brick sidewalks, Victorian architecture, lush landscaping and beautifully restored historic buildings. Franklin also boasts an impressive lineup of family-friendly festivals that take place throughout the year and attract more than 200,000 visitors annually. Franklin is perhaps best known as the site of the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin. Visitors can experience the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War by touring the Carter House, the Lotz House and the Historic Carnton Plantation, which includes the largest privately-owned Confederate cemetery in the nation. History buffs will not want to miss Franklin on Foot—a guided walking tour with fascinating stories of Franklin’s past—or the Tennessee Civil War Trail, which has the largest number of markers in the state. A few minutes from downtown Franklin is the working historic village of Leiper’s Fork. Protected by conservation easements, this charming rural community offers good country cooking, one-of-a-kind shops and examples of the late 19th century architecture that was once characteristic of villages throughout the county. Other local attractions include the outstanding Arrington Vineyards, and the Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Scenic Byway that invites hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.
Great American Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee
Credit: Williamson County Center and Visitors Bureau Main Street
Franklin Public Square and Courthouse in Franklin, Tennessee.
Credit: Williamson County Center and Visitors Bureau Civil War History & Sites
Around Town
Interested in visiting Franklin? Check out their Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Now it's your turn! Share your experiences or impressions of this Distinctive Destination: Unique restaurants, sights, family-friendly activities, hang outs, art galleries... tell visitors what they shouldn't miss!
Submitted by Karen at: August 21, 2009
I have made Peytonsville my home for nearly 25 years. A few weeks ago, for the very first time, my family and I toured The Carter House on 31. The majority of The Battle of Franklin (Civil War) was fought on the Carty family property. The tour was amazing. You can see the holes in the bricks of the house from gun shots. The family was hidden in the basement during the bloody battle. No one was injured inside the house. The living room was tranformed into a make-shift operating room where many amputations were performed over the next few weeks following the battle. Captain Todd Carter, who was one of the sons of this family was fighting in the Confederate Army and was shot 9 times and found on the property barely alive, and died in his own bed 2 days later. Amazing hisory and Heritage in Franklin, Tennesee. I am sorry I waited so long to take the tour.
Submitted by Leigh at: August 11, 2009
I grew up in Nashville and spent a lot of my time in Franklin and the surrounding area. Cool Springs would be a good place to stay as it is probably 5-10 miles from historic downtown Franklin and provides all kinds of hotels and recognizable chain restaurants. As far as the ambiance of Franklin goes, however, I would highly recommend a day of walking the historic town square, full of boutiques and wonderful restaurants. Meridee's is a local treasure for delicious baked goods and a perfect place to stop for lunch (the fruit tea is amazing and the people there are friendly), and there's a great small grocery store next to it. Around 1st street (east of the town square) is a collection of antique stores and little boutiques. I would also recommend driving west on scenic Highway 96 where you will pass under the Natchez Trace bridge, and eventually taking a right on Highway 100 to find the Loveless Cafe on the left. This was recently featured in Preservation Magazine and is well-worth the hype. An insider trick - call ahead to put your name on the waiting list as the lines are long. If you get there a little early, browse the stores housed around the restaurant in the former motor-lodge style motel rooms.
Submitted by Patricia at: February 17, 2009
Carnton and the Confederate Cemetery are an absolute must for History as well as Civil War Buffs. Take a tour of the house and grounds of the Carton House, and see the "Franklin Battlefield"...It will take you back to the past where Gen John Belle Hood, led the Army of Tennessee into one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. This place as well as the town of Franklin are rich in history. I took the tour and really enjoyed it, plan to go back soon.
Submitted by jeff at: February 2, 2009
looks great, could you send us a brochure?
Submitted by Jackie at: January 20, 2009
Downtown Franklin is a charming and vibrant place. There are many local restaurants right in the walkable downtown, and the core town is compact and well preserved. I recommend a visit!
Submitted by Dereck at: January 13, 2009
I have gone to Franklin a few of times for work. LOVE the staff at the Country Inn & Suites Cool Springs (although it's in Franklin)... and there is an Asian Bistro named BASIL (9040 Carothers Parkway per the business card) which I went to the first time I was there, and have gone back every time.