I’ve visited Nashville at least five times in the past five years, and if there is one thing I always put on my itinerary during a trip to Nashville, it’s a day trip to Franklin, TN!
Franklin is a charming town located 20 miles south of Music City (about a 30-minute drive from Downtown Nashville) that completely epitomizes Southern charm. In my eyes, Franklin is picture-perfect, with stunning farmhouse properties featuring wrap-around porches, a charming main street filled with local boutiques and shops, fantastic restaurants and coffee shops, and plenty of fun things to do and see, including key historic sites from the Civil War (which is definitely a highlight of a trip to Franklin if you’re a history buff, like me!).
Although I love Nashville, the city has become more crowded and busy over the past several years, so I always find a day trip to Franklin to be the perfect way to escape the crowds and noise. After visiting Franklin at least five times, here are my top recommendations for what to do and see, and where to eat and stay during a trip to Franklin!
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What’s the History of Franklin, TN?
Franklin was founded and incorporated in 1799, and yes, if you are wondering, the city was indeed named after Benjamin Franklin!
Franklin was the center of the state’s plantation economy before the Civil War. Popular crops included tobacco, hemp, cotton, and corn. It was also a popular place for raising livestock. Franklin was a wealthy, prosperous city… until the war. The town was the site of the Battle of Franklin, and dozens of homes were converted into field hospitals. After the war, the city’s population shrank significantly.
It took decades for Franklin to “bounce back” after the Civil War. It wasn’t until Nashville’s rapid growth that Franklin became an attractive residential and business suburb. Franklin is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States! When you visit Franklin, you’ll have the opportunity to see buildings, parks, and battlegrounds that have been preserved and placed on the National Register of Historic Places to tell the story of the city’s rich history.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Franklin?
Franklin is beautiful at all times of the year, but I think this town shines in the spring (April and May) and fall (September through November).
In spring, the cold weather is finally lifting, and the entire city is lush and in bloom after the winter snow and rain. However, I think Franklin in the fall is my absolute favorite! The fall foliage, pumpkin decor, and crisp “sweater weather” are perfect for exploring the city (with a hot cup of coffee in hand, of course!).
How Long Should I Spend in Franklin?
Franklin makes a perfect day trip from Nashville! I’ve always visited Franklin as a day trip during my trips to Nashville, and I think it offers the ideal mix of activities to fill a morning, afternoon, and evening before heading back into the city and calling it a night.
However, I would definitely argue there is enough to do in Franklin to warrant a weekend trip. I suggest extending your stay in Franklin if you want to dive into the town’s Civil War history, or if you’d prefer to stay somewhere with a small-town atmosphere as opposed to the big-city energy you’ll find in Nashville. Similarly, you can also stay in Franklin and take “day trips” into Nashville if you like the idea of staying somewhere with fewer crowds and less noise. I am considering this during my next trip to Nashville!
Where Should I Stay in Franklin?
Many people choose to visit Franklin as a day trip from Nashville, and I think that is a great way to see the best of what the city has to offer. I’ve personally visited Franklin as a day trip from Nashville several times and had a wonderful time each time!
However, if you really want to dive into the city’s deep history, local shopping, and fantastic dining scene, you’ll need to stay in Franklin overnight. If you do plan to stay overnight in Franklin, I recommend The Harpeth Franklin Downtown, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton.
First off, The Harpeth is seriously gorgeous (the lobby is stunning and the rooms are equally as beautiful, with a timeless look and classic elegance that would be perfect for a romantic getaway or girls’ trip!), and the hotel has a restaurant and a coffee shop serving local coffee from Honest Coffee Roasters.
However, what sets this hotel apart from all the others in Franklin is its location. The Harpeth is located in the heart of Franklin, so it’s within walking distance of many of the best places to eat and shop downtown — it really couldn’t be in a better spot!
Best Things to Do + See in Franklin
Carnton
Did you know that Franklin played a huge role in the Civil War? The Battle of Franklin, fought on November 30th, 1864, was one of the bloodiest battles in the western theater of the war and one of the biggest debacles for the Confederate Army. They couldn’t prevent the Union Army from advancing to Nashville, which was the ultimate goal.
If you want to learn about Franklin’s Civil War history, I recommend paying a visit to Carnton and taking a guided tour during your trip to Franklin. Carnton was the largest temporary field hospital after the Battle of Franklin (apparently, you can still see bloodstains on the porch!). By the time we stopped by Carnton on our last trip to Franklin, we didn’t have time to join the tour, but I would love to take this tour next time — tickets cost $22 for adults.
Carter House
Although we didn’t have time to tour Carnton, we did have time to tour Carter House — another important Civil War site in Franklin — and I am so glad we did! This tour was so informative (our guide was amazing!) and I walked away with so much new knowledge about the Civil War.
The Battle of Franklin took place in the backyard of the Carter House while the family hid in the basement, and you can still see the bullet holes through the walls (see the photo below!). This property is actually the most battle-damaged building from the Civil War that is still standing.
Tours of Carter House are also $22 per adult. If you’d like to tour both Carnton and Carter House, consider joining the Civil War History Tour: The Battle of Franklin, which includes transportation to and from these two important historical sites, as well as a stop at Lotz House Museum, which I’ll share more about below. This tour is highly rated and a great value!
Lotz House Museum
After touring the Carter House, cross the street to visit the Lotz House to learn about how this home’s history is intertwined with the Carter House and the Civil War. In fact, many members of the Lotz Family were hiding in the basement at Carter House during the Battle of Franklin!
There are many ways to explore the antiques, art, and architecture at Lotz House, including a cellar tour, a battlefield tour, and a ghost tour. However, if you just want to get acquainted with the home and its history (and are short on time!) I recommend the one-hour guided tour, which focuses on each member of the Lotz Family and their experiences during the Civil War.
Tip by Brit:Can’t get enough of Franklin’s Civil War history? I don’t blame you — it’s fascinating! This popular Civil War History Tour: The Battle of Franklin includes transportation to and from the Carter, Carnton, and Lotz House with admissions costs covered and knowledgeable guides at each location to share the unique history of each historic spot with you!
Downtown Franklin
Walking up and down Main Street in Downtown Franklin is absolutely a must-do activity during a trip to Franklin. Main Street dates to 1799 (when the city was founded!), and it’s one of the most iconic spots to explore in Franklin, filled with restaurants, shops, and boutiques.
Some of my favorite places to shop on Main Street include Rooted from Yarrow Acres for plants, Tin Cottage for clothing and accessories (I got a hat here that I love!), White’s Mercantile (also one of my favorite places to shop in 12 South!), and Finnleys and Philanthropy for clothing. Savory Spice Shop is also a cool spot for spices, extracts, sauces, and other delicious ingredients (we got an amazing smoked paprika from here!).
The Franklin Theatre
When you’re walking around in Downtown Franklin, chances are, you’ll probably see The Franklin Theatre (it’s hard to miss!). This historic theater opened in 1937, closed in 2007, but reopened again in 2011. Now, you can watch movies, live events, and concerts in this historic theater’s 300-seat auditorium!
See what’s showing and book tickets to current and classic movies, as well as music performances by artists across all genres on the theater’s website.
Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards is one of the most popular vineyards in Tennessee, located 13 miles from Downtown Franklin. Arrington Vineyards is known as “Nashville’s Wine Country” and is beloved for its gorgeous vineyards, multiple tasting rooms, and shaded picnic areas. (And, fun fact, Arrington Vineyards is co-owned by Kix Brooks from Brooks & Dunn. 90s country music fans like me… remember that guy?).
I have yet to visit Arrington Vineyards (we always run out of time on our trips to Franklin!), but my sister spent an afternoon at this winery on her recent trip to Nashville and said the property was beautiful and a great place to visit during a trip to Franklin! Tasting flights are available daily for $16 each with no reservations required.
The Factory at Franklin
Do you love shopping, good food, and historic buildings? If so, you’ll love spending an afternoon exploring the recently renovated The Factory at Franklin!
Back in the 1920s, The Factory at Franklin was an actual stove factory… then an appliance outlet… then a bedding warehouse. Though it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997 to commemorate the space’s importance to the city’s history, The Factory at Franklin really didn’t take off until it became the retail and entertainment space that it is today!
The Factory at Franklin recently completed a huge renovation that added a ton of shopping, dining, and entertainment space to this one-of-a-kind historic shopping mall. I think they did a great job of capturing the space’s historic character while refreshing it with a modern look.
Many of my favorite places to eat in Franklin are inside The Factory (I’ll list them below!), but while you’re here, I recommend shopping at The Find for thrifted clothing, Fork of the South and Made in TN for home decor and souvenirs, and Nic & Maude to make custom cowboy hats (I think this would be such a fun activity for a bachelorette party!)
Franklin Farmers Market
If you happen to be in Franklin on a Saturday morning from 8 AM to 12 PM (in the summer) or 9 AM – 12 PM (in the winter), don’t miss the chance to stop by the Franklin Farmers Market. This market was previously held at The Factory at Franklin, but starting in 2026, the market will be moving to Franklin First United Methodist Church (just down the road from The Factory!).
Franklin is surrounded by family farms, so the market is filled with local vendors offering fresh produce, meat, cheeses, pasta, baked goods, and other delicious items. The vendor list also includes non-food items, like jewelry and ceramics. I’ve yet to visit this market, but the list of vendors looks amazing! I would love to check it out on my next trip to Franklin.
Fort Granger
Ready to explore more of Franklin’s Civil War History? If so, head to Fort Granger — a well-preserved fort that was built on a bluff overlooking the river by the Union Army in 1862 to protect the railroad and the town of Franklin from the Confederate Army. Impressive, right?
Today, you can explore Fort Granger (and admire the phenomenal views from the fort!) via walking trails that stem from Pinkerton Park in Franklin. The trails are gorgeous — when we visited in the summer, they were so lush and green, and the educational signs along the way were so informative and interesting. I’d definitely recommend exploring Fort Granger if you are looking for something “outdoorsy” to do in Franklin!
Franklin Antique Mall
On the other side of the railroad from Pinterton Park, you’ll find the Franklin Antique Mall, a haven for secondhand treasures in Franklin!
Franklin is home to many antique stores, but the Franklin Antique Mall is the largest, with 12,000 square feet filled with antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. Personally, I haven’t shopped at this antique mall yet, but I’d like to check it out on my next trip to Franklin!
Mockingbird Theater & Bar
Nashville might be known for its phenomenal live music, but Franklin is home to many talented musicians as well. If you’re looking for a night out on the town in Franklin, consider attending a performance at Mockingbird Theater & Bar, located at The Factory at Franklin!
This state-of-the-art live music venue showcases local bands and musicians of all genres, many of whom are rising talents! The venue is intimate and features a full bar serving beer, wine, spirits, and food, making it an excellent spot for a night out in Nashville.
Leiper’s Fork
Want to get outside of Franklin to explore more of Nashville’s beautiful countryside? If so, head to Leiper’s Fork — a small town filled with country estates and horse farms just outside of Nashville. It’s rumored that many country music stars, like Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, and Tim McGraw, live near Leiper’s Fork — so keep your eyes peeled for celebrities!
Some of the best things to do in Leiper’s Fork include touring the Leiper’s Fork Distillery to learn how Tennessee Whiskey is made (and sample some, of course!) and dining at local restaurants, like The Country Boy Restaurant and Fox & Locke. On the way to Leiper’s Fork from Franklin, stop at Noble Springs Dairy to take a tour and learn more about how goat cheese is made (you might even be able to cuddle a baby goat!).
Tip by Brit: Interested in seeing some celebrity homes during your trip to Nashville? Book this Nashville “Homes of the Stars” Tour to learn some country music history while admiring the past and present homes of famous people who have and currently call Nashville and Franklin home, including Taylor Swift, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton, and more!
Best Places to Eat + Drink in Franklin
Hank’s Coffee Station
In my opinion, there is no better place to start a day in Franklin than at Hank’s Coffee Station! This adorable coffee shop is my favorite place to get a coffee in Franklin (hands down!) and is definitely a contender for my favorite coffee shop in all of Nashville.
Hank’s has so many amazing coffee flavors that are all made-from-scratch, including the Salted Whipped Honey Latte, Salted Caramel Latte, and Cowboy Latte (with housemade brown sugar and whiskey syrup… does that sound Southern or what?). The seasonal drinks are also incredible. I really don’t think you can go wrong ordering anything at Hank’s — and be sure to stick around to soak up the cozy atmosphere for a little while!
Perenn
Perenn is another one of my top picks for coffee and breakfast in Franklin (I think you need to spend at least two days in Franklin just to hit all the coffee and brunch spots!).
This French-inspired bakery actually just opened in Franklin earlier this year (2025) and has been rapidly gaining popularity over the past several months. We stopped in for a sit-down breakfast on our last trip to Franklin, and the food was exceptional. The croissant sandwich with bacon jam and sausage was one of the best things I’ve ever tasted — yum! The pastry I got here was also seriously amazing. Definitely stop by Perenn during your trip to Franklin!
Tip by Brit: The sit-down dining room at Perenn has limited seating and is super popular, so I recommend getting reservations in advance, especially if you’ll be dining on the weekend! However, even if you can’t get reservations, you can still stop in for coffee and pastries to go and sit on the outdoor patio — it’s scenic and cute!
Biscuit Love
Biscuit Love is a staple while you’re in Tennessee and is definitely one of the best brunch spots in Nashville and Franklin. This local chain has a few locations in Nashville, and one right in the heart of Franklin. Their location in Franklin is adorable — it’s located in an old Victorian house, and it just fits the charming vibe of Franklin perfectly!
Biscuit Love serves Southern-style biscuit sandwiches. My favorites are the “East Nasty” and “Princess” — and they are big enough to share… trust me! However, the one thing you have to try at Biscuit Love is the “Bonuts” — donuts made from biscuit dough and served with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote. It’s like dessert for breakfast!
Puckett’s Restaurant
Puckett’s Restaurant is a Tennessee staple that dates back to the 1950s. Trust me — you can’t visit Nashville without coming to Puckett’s! Puckett’s serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have visited for both lunch and dinner, and the food was fantastic both times!
The menu at Puckett’s features Southern classics, including Pimento Cheese Bites, Fried Pickles, and Nashville Hot Chicken. This is one of my favorite places in Nashville and Franklin to get hot chicken (next to Hattie B’s!). After dinner, save room for dessert, because you’ll want to end your meal with the “Cobbler of the Day” — whatever it is, I guarantee it’ll be good!
Mojo’s Tacos
As an Arizona native, I’m kind of a snob when it comes to Mexican food anywhere besides the Southwest (if you lived in AZ… you would be too!). However, my sister-in-law recommended Mojo’s Tacos to me, and let me tell you — she did not steer me wrong. This place is amazing!
Located in The Factory at Franklin, Mojo’s Tacos serves tacos (obviously!) as well as delicious appetizers, such as chips & queso, and filling salads. The Jalapeño Cesar Salad was exceptional, and out of the tacos I tried, “The Puffy” was my favorite (although I would love to try the Birria Tacos next time… they look incredible!).
Tip by Brit: If you feel like $5+ per taco is a little steep, these tacos are much bigger than you’d expect. Two tacos (plus half a salad!) were the perfect meal for me!
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
If you’re looking for something quick, filling, and delicious during a trip to Franklin, be sure to stop by the new Edley’s Bar-B-Que location inside The Factory at Franklin!
The original Edley’s location (the home of Nashville-style BBQ!) opened in 12 South in 2011, and the local chain has since expanded rapidly across Nashville and Franklin, driven by its popularity for meats smoked “low and slow.” At Edley’s, my husband and I split a plate of brisket and pulled pork with beans and mac ‘n’ cheese, and it was delicious!
Enjoy Tennessee’s Southern Charm During Your Trip to Nashville with These Best Things to Do in Franklin
Visiting Franklin is always a highlight on my trips to Nashville! I love all that this town has to offer — from its Southern charm and Civil War history to its phenomenal restaurants and cute places to shop. Franklin should absolutely be on your list of places to explore during a trip to Nashville!
Does Franklin sound like somewhere you’d enjoy exploring? If so, I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect day trip or weekend trip to Franklin from Nashville. Have a great time!
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