Situated south of Nashville, Franklin is one of the most-visited cities in Tennessee. Carrying its name after Benjamin Franklin, the town played a crucial role in the American Civil War. Some of the buildings that have seen bloody war scenes have been well preserved and are now museums that speak of Franklin’s historical times. Beyond its interesting history, the city is home to entertainment venues, local shops, art galleries, and farmer’s markets, all offering visitors a deep dive into Franklin’s legacy. There’s always something new to discover or revisit from a different angle in Franklin. Hence, no matter if it’s your first or third visit, check out our list of the best things to do in Franklin, Tennessee.
1. Go back in time at Lotz House Museum
Lotz House Museum is located in the heart of Franklin, Tennessee. It is an 1858 two-story house that played a significant role in the American Civil War. Throughout the Battle of Franklin, the building witnessed many cruel happenings and blood being shed. Today, the house has been turned into a museum, and it’s considered the “second most terrifying place in America,” according to Travel Channel. The house is believed to be the epicenter of numerous strange events, such as a little girl staring out the window, a woman crying for a loved one, or different items moving from their place.
Lotz House Museum
Address: 1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Lotz House Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm
Price: 12 USD
2. Appreciate several art collections at Gallery 202
Housed in a red-brick building in Franklin’s Art and Antiques District, Gallery 202 is one of the first art galleries in the city. Supporting local artists and offering art lovers and collectors a place to explore, the art gallery features sculpture and pottery, paintings, antiques, and jewelry. The list of artists inside the gallery is extensive, including names such as Melvin Toledo, Carol Evans, and Theresa Dyer.
Gallery 202
Address: 202 2nd Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Gallery 202
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
3. Remember America's dark history at Carnton Plantation
Carnton is one of Franklin’s historic homes turned museum and a place where part of its history was written. The house and surrounding farm played a significant role in the Battle of Franklin during the American Civil War. Today, the museum hosts various tours, telling the tales of America’s darkest times and offering a better understanding of some of the most significant events in history. Carnton Plantation offers tours of Carter House and Carnton and more extensive battlefield and behind-the-scenes tours.
Carnton Plantation
Address: 1345 Eastern Flank Cir, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Carnton Plantation
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: From 18 USD
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4. Watch various movies at Franklin Theater
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With an excellent location on Franklin’s Main Street, Franklin Theater has been completely restored from a historic building into a modern-looking movie theater with a full bar. Its history started back in 1937, but after 70 years of activity, it finally closed its doors in 2007. After a complex rehabilitation that took three years, the theater opened its doors again looking better than ever yet keeping some of its traditions and heritage alive. Today, Franklin Theater plays various movies and hosts different entertainment and artistic events.
Franklin Theater
Address: 419 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Franklin Theater
5. Explore the historic Downtown (from USD 84.0)
Franklin is an interesting mix of history, sophistication, and Southern charm. The best place to witness all these elements and the perfect starting point for your Tennessee experience is downtown Franklin. Here, you will find eclectic shops, pubs, and restaurants but also various historical attractions and other iconic landmarks. Since there’s a lot of ground to cover, you can always opt for a Segway tour instead of walking your way through downtown Franklin. Make sure you explore the city’s downtown streets with their small-town shops, cafes, and art galleries, pass by Lotz House Museum, admire the Victorian architecture, and check out the fully renovated Franklin Theater.
Guided Segway Tour of Downtown Franklin
Duration: 2 hours
6. Meet friendly artists in Leiper's Fork
Part of Williamson County in Tennessee and less than a 20-minute drive from Franklin, Leiper’s Fork is the most charming small village you will ever get to visit. When we say small, we mean small – less than 1,000 residents. People living in the tiny village are incredibly friendly, a true testament to the iconic Southern charm everyone talks about. If you think there’s nothing to do in such a small village, you will be surprised. You can explore art galleries and meet the artists, dine with the locals, look for souvenirs and vinyl records at Finds in the Fork, or take a tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery where Tennessee bourbon is made.
7. Shop for antiques at the Franklin Antique Mall
Whether you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring friends and family or something for yourself to remind you of Franklin’s Southern charm and hospitality, you have to check out Franklin Antique Mall. Here, you will find unique pieces from local artists, including home furniture and decor, but also an impressive collection of accessories. Don’t be surprised to stumble across all kinds of collectibles, Coca-Cola memorabilia, estate jewelry, and fine china.
Franklin Antique Mall
Address: 251 2nd Ave S STE 100, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Franklin Antique Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
8. Hike around Timberland Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Timberland Park is one of Franklin’s many green outdoor areas. Located in Natchez Trace Parkway, it boasts a spectacular and diverse wildlife habitat and a plethora of trails excellent for hikers. There is a paved trail that leads to a butterfly garden and lots of more remote trails that will give you the chance to explore all corners of the park. Visitors can even bring their pet along; just make sure it’s on a leash at all times.
Timberland Park
Address: Mile Marker, 437.2 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Timberland Park
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
9. Catch an outdoor movie at Pinkerton Park
Another lovely outdoor space in Franklin is Pinkerton Park. Spreading over 34 acres (14 hectares), the park boasts a playground with exercise equipment, several walking trails, and picnic pavilions, making it the perfect spot for a family day spent outdoors. If you’re visiting Franklin during the summer months, the park also hosts free movie nights, so don’t forget to bring chairs or a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the experience.
Pinkerton Park
Address: 405 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Pinkerton Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
10. Shop for farm fresh at Franklin Farmers Market
If you’d like to taste some of the local goods while in Franklin, there’s no better place to go than Franklin Farmers Market where local farmers gather to sell their finest produce. You will find fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, jams, meat and dairy products, and pretty much everything that’s in season. A visit to the market is always a different experience since the goods vary depending on the season.
Franklin Farmers Market
Address: 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Franklin Farmers Market
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
11. Pick strawberries at Gentry's Farm
A piece of Tennessee history has been written at Gentry’s Farm. In fact, this seventh-generation family farm has a history of over 165 years. Beyond being a working farm, it’s also a place where people can educate themselves on what farming and healthy living mean. They also organize different events such as pick-your-own pumpkin in the fall or picking strawberries in the summer, so it will definitely be a unique and fun experience for the whole family.
Gentry's Farm
Address: 1974 New Hwy 96 W, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: Gentry’s Farm
12. Browse through contemporary artwork at David Arms Gallery
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
David Arms Gallery is, without a doubt, not your usual art gallery. Set in a barn in Leiper’s Fork, it pays tribute to the artist’s work and showcases paintings and a full line of products, including books, bookmarks, ties, coasters, journals, and tea towels. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, you will love browsing through contemporary artwork and various lifestyle items at David Arms Gallery.
David Arms Gallery
Address: 4136 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: David Arms Gallery
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
13. Visit the beautiful and serene St Paul's Episcopal Church
Paying tribute to Gothic Revival architecture, St Paul’s Episcopal Church is a historic church in Franklin. Since it was completed in 1834, this church has been welcoming anyone no matter the age, religion, education, and other factors. It can definitely be an interesting spiritual experience, whether you visit it during one of the six weekly services or not.
St Paul's Episcopal Church
Address: 510 W Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: St Paul’s Episcopal Church
14. Go on a shopping spree at The Factory
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, make sure to check out The Factory, a former stove factory turned shopping and event venue. The Factory can host different events in its eight venues, and it’s also home to a variety of shops and restaurants. You can check out Mojo’s Tacos or have your morning fix at the Honest Coffee Roaster, and then explore what local artisans have on sale.
The Factory
Address: 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
Website: The Factory
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 8am - 6pm
15. Experience a hot-air balloon ride with Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures
Gaze at beautiful Franklin from up above while enjoying a unique experience from a different perspective. Family-owned Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures offers hot-air balloon experiences above Franklin, Nashville, and the surrounding areas. It’s a great alternative to sightseeing on foot, especially since the company promises tours that will take you above some of Tennessee’s hidden gems, such as lakes, hollows, and rolling hills.
Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures
Website: Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 250 USD
16. Pamper your tastebuds with authentic New Orleans cuisine at Yats
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With a laid-back atmosphere and a passion for authentic Creole cuisine, Yats is a New Orleans-style spot. Customers order at the counter from a rotating menu of stews and sauces. The menu changes every day and includes between 7 to 10 items, all served with a slice of Cajun butter baguette and rice. If you’re visiting their Franklin location, try their jambalaya or the curry chicken and mushroom etouffee. They also serve vegan and vegetarian options.
Yats
Address: 2000 Mallory Ln #615, Franklin, TN 37067
Website: Yats
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
17. Make the most of the night at Whiskey Room Live
Whiskey Room is a live music bar and entertainment venue that is well-known for its karaoke and live band nights. The 120-seat venue has excellent sound and lighting features, turning music nights into an unforgettable experience. Although dining in is not available, they serve the finest bourbon and whiskey.
Whiskey Room Live
Address: 1910 Galleria Blvd, Franklin, TN 37067
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am
Make the most of your Tennessee experience in Franklin
Franklin is one of the most iconic cities in Tennessee. The city has played a great role in the country’s history, especially in the American Civil War. Still, Franklin is so much more than that and boasts beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, art galleries, farmers markets selling fresh local produce, and entertainment venues. To plan a great vacation here, check out our list of the best things to do in Franklin, Tennessee.
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