franklin tennessee tours

~ Rob Story

"Franklin Walking Tours is THE BEST walking tour in Franklin today! Alicia King Marshall will guide you through the very best of downtown Franklin. Her passion and knowledge of Franklin history is vast. She will share the backstories of Franklin’s most fascinating people. You will enjoy this incredibly fun 2-hour Franklin Charm walking tour. Perfect for couples and families or a great girlfriend getaway. I recommend it to vacationers and Franklin locals. You will learn so much you didn’t know about our beloved town. Meet at the historic Landmark Booksellers and your final stop will end with a sweet treat from one of Franklin’s best bakeries! Book your tour today!!🍪❤️"

~ Buffie Baril

"Alicia is the BEST! Not only is her story telling wonderful and animated, she provides accurate historical facts about the town of Franklin. Every ghost story is sure to give you goosebumps and you’ll be ready to learn more after every tour. She shows everyone pictures captured by walking tour guests in the past that will have your whole friend group or family talking about it for days. I’ve attended multiple walking tours hosted by her and I have loved all of them. It’s a must when I have people visit me! Best walking tour in Franklin! Book with Franklin Walking Tours. You won’t be disappointed!"

~ Carson Hill

"I had a wonderful tour with Alicia King Marshall today. She is extremely personable and passionate about Franklin. Her knowledge of Franklin is deep and varied having an excellent grasp of history, art, worship and the people who live here. I found myself not only excited but curious to learn more. She is a remarkable tour guide."

~ Beth Baldwin

“The Ghost Tour was a blast! I'm a local but I learned a ton about the "darker" history of the city. Super informative and a great time for kids as well.”

~ John Peterson

“Beautiful city and a very informative tour! Highly recommend to anyone visiting or for a local looking to learn a whole lot more about this charming city. ”

~ Sarah Walters

"We took the Charming Tour and it was fantastic. Alicia was our guide and she is the best tour guide. She knows Franklin better than anyone and shares her knowledge of the rich historical background of the city. Alicia also shared lots of tidbits of the long ago residents. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you will learn so much and have fun along the way."

~ Carol Gray

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FRANKLIN TENNESSEE TOURS

Tour of Franklin

Your 90-minute driving tour starts and ends in Historic Downtown Franklin with an adventure into the countryside. Narrative on the Battle of Franklin, Architectural Historic Homes, Leiper's Fork Village, Native American History, Century Farms, Whiskey Makin', The Wild West, Music History, African-American History, Cemeteries, Local shops and Restaurants....and more.      

$40 per person

Extras to add on to your tour of Franklin There are 3 historic homes in Franklin that offer guided tours.

These homes were field hospitals during

The Battle of Franklin in 1864.

Tours are 1 hour each .

Hours are Mon-Sat 9-4   Sun 11-4 $40 per home  per person  

Come Hear The Stories.....

Franklin Driving Tours

Fall in love with franklin, tennessee with our private tours and chauffeur service.

Fall in Love with Franklin with Us!

Experience Franklin, Tennessee and its historic and charms from a local's perspective.

We'll pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb and give you the tour of a lifetime.

Driving Tours

Choose your favorite Franklin tour. Rates are $100/hour for up to six people in your group. Tours begin at 9 or 10AM and last between 2-4 hours depending on your tour selection. Experience the charm of Franklin and see why everyone calls it a "Hallmark town."

Chauffeur Service

We offer private transportation around Franklin and the Nashville area. Nashville International Airport pick up and drop rates are $75 one-way or $140 round trip.  We can drive you to your hotel, Airbnb, and other Franklin or Nashville destinations. Call 615-881-4145 to reserve our signature service.

Travel Planning

Let us plan your Franklin vacation for you. We will help you find the perfect hotel or Airbnb for your needs. Whether you love history, adventure, antiquing, or countryside drives, we will design an incredible Franklin trip. After your stay, you may never want to leave!

Book your Franklin Driving Tours Experience!

Chuck Baril is a Franklin local and the most fun Tennessee tour guide and chauffeur ever! He is also Nashville's most popular Elvis impersonator. Singing is optional!

Your tour is fully customizable for sightseeing Franklin's very best historic sites, shopping and dining. Downtown Franklin has been named America’s Favorite Main Street .  You can also visit The Factory, Leiper's Fork, Arrington Vineyards, Nashville, and more. 

Our Franklin destination tours are $100/hour for the entire group, up to 6 people. Attraction tickets, meals or shopping are extra. We are fully insured. You will ride in our 6-passenger Chrysler Pacifica van.

For the month of December, you can enjoy The Christmas Lights of Franklin Tour which includes seeing downtown Franklin all decked out for the holidays. See the beautiful Christmas tree in the Public Square and drive by the downtown businesses with their festive store window displays. You will also see some of our favorite historic homes in lights along with one of Franklin’s most decorated neighborhoods, Westhaven! The tour ends with a drive through Franktown’s Festival of Lights with over 200 displays synchronized to Christmas classics you can listen to on the radio along the mile and a half long route. This tour is $150/hour for up to 6 people with a 2-hour minimum. Pricing includes Franktown tickets. 

Another great holiday tour is A Merry Little Downtown Franklin Christmas Shopping Tour . Chuck will take you to some of our favorite downtown retailers for Christmas shopping including Hester & Cook, Zula & Mac, Riverside Antiques, Tin Cottage, City Farmhouse, Avec Moi, Deann Art Gallery, Landmark Booksellers, and more! This tour is $100/hour for up to 6 people with a 2-hour minimum and is fully customizable. Lunch or dinner at Gray’s on Main is optional.

Chuck will show you the very best of Franklin, Tennessee! He has the inside scoop to help you plan your Franklin getaway.

Slide title

Visit the most charming historic city in America!

We have several tour packages and we offer an exclusive Chauffeur Service! We offer private transportation around Franklin and the Nashville area. Nashville International Airport pick up and drop rates are $75 one-way or $140 round trip. Our signature service will take you to your hotel, Airbnb, or other Franklin and Nashville destinations. 

You can trust us to be on time, and get you where you’re going safely and professionally. Plus, we’ll make sure you have fun along the way! Southern hospitality if our speciality.

Our Tours include:

• Lovely Franklin Tour
• Historic Franklin Tour
• Art & Antiques Tour
• Girlfriend's Getaway
• Gentleman's Getaway
• Wine & Whiskey Tour
• Tour Nashville with "Elvis"
• Fall in Love with Franklin
• The Christmas Lights of Franklin Tour
• A Merry Little Downtown Franklin Christmas Shopping Tour 

Travel Planning Service

Let us plan your Franklin vacation for you! We will help you find the perfect hotel or Airbnb for your needs. Take the guesswork out of knowing where to go and what to do. We’ll customize your preferences. 

We understand planning the perfect vacation can be overwhelming! You don't want to miss the popular attractions, AND you want to uncover the hidden gems only the locals know without worrying about how to organize how get from here to there.

Whether you love history, adventure, antique or boutique shopping, or countryside drives, we will design an incredible Franklin experience you will love. We know all the foodie spots from fine dining and Southern fare to super fun wine and whiskey tours and incredible local faves for chocolate and coffee lovers. 

And if you are a music lover, we can show you the legendary places that put Franklin in the forefront of the Americana Music Triangle. 

Get our “ Fall in Love with Franklin ” travel package for $150 per couple or family. We will book your hotel or Airbnb, Franklin Driving Tour(s), up to four attractions, two nights of dinner reservations, and coordinate transportation, if needed. Call 615-881-4119 and let us help you plan the Franklin vacation of your dreams.

Booking a Franklin Driving Tour is Easy!

Franklin Driving Tours is honored to be voted the most charming driving tour experience in town. From Main Street to Leiper's Fork, and all the beauty in between - we'll show you a lovely, good time. Learn the history behind Franklin's 1799 founding to its notorious 1864 battle, and why we are now considered the most flourishing and fascinating Southern town in America.

Step 1: Give Us a Call

Reach out directly by calling 615-881-4145 or book your tour with our online form using the button below.

Step 2: Choose Your Tour

Let us know which date and Franklin driving tour you would like to book and we'll get your group on our calendar.

Step 3: Enjoy the Ride

We'll pick you up on your tour date and scheduled time. All you have to do is buckle up and let Franklin Driving Tours charm your socks off!

Let's chat. We love to talk!

We'd love to help you plan your Franklin Vacation or Staycation Experience! Drop us a line with any questions you may have in the message box below or give us a ring or a text at 615-881-4119.

Or if email is your preference, you can reach Chuck directly at [email protected].

Follow us on Instagram @FranklinDrivingTours and be sure to take us for a chance to be featured at #franklindrivingtours.

Chuck will pick you to at hotel, Airbnb, or designated Franklin location!

All Rights Reserved | Franklin Driving Tours | Privacy Policies | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Photography by Trenton Lee Photography & Lifestyle By LeBlanc | Designed and Hosted by The Carlyle Creative

25 Fun Things To Do in Franklin, TN

I ’ve spent most of my life living just an hour and a half away from Franklin, Tennessee. And yet I never new how much fun this little Southern city could be. It’s got shopping, history, outdoor adventure — pretty much everything you could want for fun getaway! So here’s are some of the best things to do in Franklin, TN!

Thanks to Visit Franklin for sponsoring this post! All opinions are of course my own .

Quick Guide to Franklin, TN

Best Things To Do in Franklin

• Downtown Shopping
• Live Music at Puckett’s

Carter House

• Drive the Natchez Trace Parkway

Explore Leiper’s Fork

Where To Stay in Franklin

• The Harpeth Hotel

Where to Eat in Franklin

• Puckett’s Restaurant
• Gray’s on Main
• Biscuit Love

Where is Franklin, TN?

Franklin, Tennessee is located in middle Tennessee, just over 20 miles south of downtown Nashville.

This means you can get to Franklin easily if you are flying into Nashville International Airport. But I definitely recommend renting a car to explore Franklin if you are flying in. While the (super cute) downtown is totally walkable, there are sights around town you might want to see that it will be best to have a car for (like driving the Natchez Trace.)

Best Things To Do in Franklin, TN

Explore downtown franklin.

Truly the single best thing to do in Franklin is explore their extremely adorable downtown! It’s walkable and full of boutique shops and fantastic restaurants restaurants. It’s also a pet-friendly downtown, and you’ll notice that many of the stores have signs welcoming in your pets and water bowls outside.

There are lots of shops in downtown Franklin , but some of my favorites are:

• Rock Paper Scissors — This shop is just full of color and joy and dedicated to stationery and paper products.
• White’s Mercantile — A fun gift shops owned by Hank William Jr.’s daughter, Holly Williams. They had some of the best stuff in here and it’s a perfect place to buy local souvenirs.
• Landmark Booksellers — You know we love a bookstore around here! And this one is like a rabbit warren of good books. They sell new, used, and rare books. And the store has a community vibe, as locals come in and take a seat and have a chat.

Civil War History on the Square

Another thing you’ll want to see downtown is the Civil War history. Yes, this is a Southern city and yes, they have a confederate monument that hasn’t been taken down. BUT before you leave me here, HOLD ON.

Apparently, because their confederate monument is just a general monument and not a monument to a particular person, taking it down was legally too tricky. So instead, Franklin decided to tell the “fuller story” and around the square you’ll find historical markers telling the story of the Franklin slave markets, race riots, the US Colored Troop division, and more, along with a “March to Freedom” statue.

So take some time to walk around the square and learn about Franklin’s deeper history!

Franklin Hop Tour

Want to get an overview of Franklin in one go? Then the Franklin Hop Tour is probably perfect for you. This hop-on-hop-off trolley tour takes you around Franklin and gives you a live narration as you see 50 points of interest in Franklin.

There are 5 stops around town where you can hop off, explore, and then hop back on the next trolley:

• Downtown/Franklin Visitor’s Center

The Factory at Franklin

• The Carter House/Lotz House
• Village of Leiper’s Fork

The Franklin Hop Tour is available Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last tour departing the Visitor’s Center at 4:00 p.m. Buy tickets here.

Franklin On Foot

Another great way to get an understanding of the history of Franklin is to take a walking tour. These tours walk you through the story of Franklin and there are a bunch of different options that you may like depending on your interests. Franklin on Foot has a Civil War Tour, a Haunted Franklin Tour, a Food Tour, and more.

Another option is to tour Franklin with Franklin Walking Tours . They have some slightly different options like a Franklin’s Fierce Females Tour and a Franklin Charm Tour.

Trails & Scavenger Hunts

One fun way to get to know Franklin and the surrounding Williamson County is to gamify it with a scavenger hunt or trail.

Whether you want to learn more about the history of Franklin or experience some of culinary specialties of the area, there are some great options. You can download guides to most of these self-guided tours on your phone for free through the Visit Franklin site . Then, if you complete the tour, you can get a small prize at the Franklin Visitor’s Center!

History & Architecture Trails

• Great American Main Street — This is a self-guided tour that shares the history of Franklin’s Main Street and some architectural highlights of the historic buildings.
• Historic Homes of Hincheyville — Hincheyville is a historic neighborhood in Franklin just a few blocks from downtown. This tour helps you walk through the neighborhood and learn about the history and architecture of the homes.
• Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt — This is a fun one if you are traveling with kids! This scavenger hunt gives you clues for places where you can find statues of a famous Tennessee Walking Horse named Midnight Sun.
• Haunts & Headstones — Learn about the haunted areas and buildings of Franklin, where it is said some ghosts may roam.
• Murals of Williamson County — Explore Franklin and Williamson murals with this art trail! Check in at 3 of the murals to claim your prize. (Fun fact: My favorite might be the “This Girl Can” mural by Kim Radford, who also happened to paint one of my favorite murals in Huntsville !)

Food & Drink Trails

• Masters & Makers — This trail takes you to the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries in Williamson County, including Arrington Vineyards, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, and more. If you check in at 4 of the stops, you can get a special t-shirt at the Franklin Visitor Center.
• Craft Coffee Trail — Franklin has so many options for specialty coffees! Check in at 5 of these stops to get your prize.
• Sweet Treat Trails — This is my kind of trail because I am always a dessert first person! Some of my favorites here include Jeni’s Ice Cream, Sweethaven, and Triple Crown Bakery. But there are even more I hope I get to try in the future! Check in at 5 of these stops to claim your pin at the Franklin Visitor Center.

Pedego Electric Bike Guided Tour

Another way to see the city of Franklin is on a bike! You can rent an electric bike on your own from Pedego or explore the city with a guided tour. There are several to choose from:

• The Fun Franklin History Tour — This tour takes you through Franklin’s historic district.
• Historic Homes Tour — Focus on the historic residential neighborhoods of Franklin with this tour.
• Leiper’s Fork — Take backroads to the small village of Leiper’s Fork.
• Natchez Trace — Take this tour to ride your bike on the Natchez Trace, including over the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge.

You don’t have to be a super experienced cyclist to enjoy these tours, but you do need to be comfortable on a bike and riding a bike with other traffic on the road.

The Factory at Franklin is a repurposed stove factory that has since become a dining and entertainment venue. This is a perfect place for some shopping if you, like me, are in Franklin on a hot day! There are cute boutique shops plus some unique spots like Luna Record Shop and Amelia’s Flowers.

The Factory is also home to the original Five Daughters Bakery, which is an amazing donut shop! They are known for their tall 100-layer donuts which are truly just incredible.

Currently, The Factory is going through a major facelift. So the amount of space that is open to the public is smaller than normal. But already some new spaces, like The Skylight, a beautiful new bar space, have begun opening. And more is coming soon!

Franklin Farmer’s Market

If you are visiting on a Saturday, spend your morning at the Franklin Farmer’s Market ! Honestly, this is a great Saturday morning activity because so many of the other attractions and shops in Franklin won’t be open as early at the Farmer’s Market!

The Franklin Farmer’s Market has a variety of local farmers who sell everything from produce to dairy to honey to meat. They also have a handful of baked goods vendors and artisans.

You’ll find the Franklin Farmer’s Market right behind The Factory at Franklin. And it’s open every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Listen to Live Music

Because Franklin is located so close to Nashville, there is a lot of live music in Franklin! Franklin is actually home to a lot of big name stars who love the area for its low-key vibes. But up-and-coming musicians play on stages in Franklin all the time!

Here are a few places where you can catch live music in Franklin:

• Puckett’s Grocery — This restaurant in downtown Franklin is well-known for its live music scene, and there are many artists who credit this stage as the place where they were “discovered.”
• Fox & Locke — This restaurant is located in the nearby town of Leiper’s Fork. They have live music every night Wednesday-Saturday. And they are especially known for their Open Mic night every Thursday, where you never know who is going to get up on stage. You need tickets for their evening shows, and you can buy them here .
• Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor — Kimbro’s is a house turned music venue near downtown. It’s a unique venue that has live music every night and has “patio music” on the porch every weekend before the evening show.

I never would have guessed that one of my favorite things to do in Franklin, TN would be to learn about their Civil War history. But here we are.

Carter House is located just a couple blocks from downtown, and the basic story here is that the gory Battle of Franklin took place in this house’s backyard while the family hid in the basement.

But there is SO much more to it than just that. I’m sure your mileage may vary based on your tour guide, but we had an incredible tour guide who really focused on the story of the family at the house, the enslaved people, and the history and politics of the Battle of Franklin and the Civil War.

If I’m being honest, I’ve personally been a little hesitant to visit Civil War sites in the South. But I am here to tell you that this tour was excellent, and really laid out the humanity of everything in the Civil War, from the practice of slavery to this particular battle to the impact it had on the family who lived at this house.

There are several different tour options here, including:

• Classic House Tour
• Battlefield Tour
• Slavery & the Enslaved Tour
• Extended Tour
• Reconstruction & the Aftermath of War Tour

Some of these tours are offered daily, but some tours (like the Slavery & the Enslaved Tour) are only offered certain days of the week and require advanced ticket purchase.

Lotz House Museum

The Lotz House Museum is right across the street from the Carter House. In fact, because the Lotz House is wooden and the Carter House is brick, the Lotz family decided they would be safer across the street during the Battle of Franklin. So the family hid in the cellar across the street at the Carter House.

During the battle, the Lotz House suffered damage, including a cannonball that crashed through the roof. After the battle, the Lotz House became a hospital for soldiers. But the Lotz family couldn’t recover after the war, and eventually moved on to Memphis and then California.

There are several different tours you can take at the Lotz House, including:

• General Guided Tour
• Battlefield Tour with famed historian Thomas Y. Cartwright
• Women’s History Tour

Reservations for the specialty tours are required.

Carnton is another Civil War house to visit in Franklin. And while you definitely get one perspective by visiting the Carter House and the Lotz House, Carnton gives you a completely different perspective!

Carnton is a few miles away from downtown Franklin and was home to the McGavock family. So while this house was slightly removed from the fighting of the Battle of Franklin, it still played a key role.

After the battle, it became the field hospital for wounded confederate soldiers. And this really such a fascinating story. Because you can imagine a battle happening nearby and then having HUNDREDS of wounded soldiers show up at your door and you have no choice but to take care of them?

It’s an amazing story and there’s still evidence in the house of the terrors that went on that night (like bloodstains on the floor).

But besides the amazing tour, Carnton is also just a beautiful place. It’s a stately house that opens up to the wide open space of the Franklin Battlefield. It also has a small garden and a slave house open to look into.

The Carter House and Carnton are both run by the Battle of Franklin Trust, so you’ll find similar tours here.

• Behind the Scenes Tour
• Carnton Battlefield Tour
• The Amazing Grace Tour

Classic House Tours are offered daily. Other tours require advanced reservation and are only offered on certain days.

McGavock Confederate Cemetery

Next to Carnton, you’ll find the McGavock Confederate Cemetery. You can access it either from Carnton or from the Franklin Battlefield next to Carnton.

This cemetery is the largest privately owned confederate cemetery and the story is so interesting.

SO many men were killed in the Battle of Franklin, and eventually this became a problem, because there were graves just everywhere. Eventually, the city of Franklin raised funds and the McGavock family donated land for the remains to be exhumed and re-interred in a single cemetery.

Here’s the thing about this place. I totally get that it is easy to dismiss the suffering of the confederates. But what I found so fascinating here was really how seriously the McGavock family took their responsibility to care for this cemetery.

They didn’t ask to be overrun by hundreds of casualties and have men dying in the yard. But when it happened they did everything they could to give the families who lost their love ones some peace by caring for this cemetery and for many soldiers who remained in their care for months after the battle was over.

So this confederate cemetery is definitely worth stopping by, and I recommend seeing it in conjunction with a tour at Carnton so you can get the full story.

McLemore House

The McLemore House sits just west of downtown in an area of Franklin called Hard Bargain. After the Civil War, Hard Bargain grew into a community of African Americans. The McLemore House was owned by Harvey McLemore, who was once enslaved and went on to manage local land and earn enough money to buy this section of land.

Harvey McLemore’s family lived here for over 100 years. The property was then acquired by the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County, and it’s now a house museum where you can learn about the history and accomplishments of Franklin and Williamson County’s African Americans.

An important note: The McLemore house is ONLY open for tours on Saturdays. You can purchase your tickets online ahead of time for tours at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 12:30 p.m.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a recreational road that spans 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi. And since it starts near Franklin, definitely make time to drive this scenic and historic road.

It’s a beautiful drive, and I loved winding through the roads and over the bridges.

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge is located in Franklin. It’s a huge, double-arch bridge that spans across Birdsong Hollow in Franklin. You can drive over it and also see it from below, and it’s really such a majestic sight!

If you want to see it from above, stop at the Birdsong Hollow overlook just north of the bridge and walk down the concrete path for the view.

Timberland Park

Just south of the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, you’ll find Timberland Park at milepost 437.2. It’s a recreational area with some great hiking trails. There are picnic tables, an ADA accessible trail option, and an Interpretive Center where you can learn more about the park and borrow a handmade hiking stick.

I really enjoyed my short hike on the Still Hollow and West Perimeter Trails. But I just explored a small corner of it. The park sits on 72 acres, so there are several more trails you can hike!

Garrison Creek Trails

Garrison Creek is another great hiking area along the Natchez Trace Parkway. There’s a loop trail here that’s about 3 miles in length, but if you don’t want to take the whole thing you can just do a section of it. If you want to though, you could hike all the way to the War of 1812 Memorial, which is another nearby stop on the Natchez Trace.

The big draw here is that a lot of the trail runs along the Garrison Creek, providing a nice spot where you (or your dogs) can cool off. This is also a trail that’s open to horseback riders. And there’s a big picnic shelter here if you want to stop with your lunch.

Fly Fish on the Harpeth River

The Harpeth River flows through the heart of Franklin (you’ll notice our recommended hotel is named after it), and if you want a unique outdoor adventure, you can go fly fishing on the river with Franklin Fly Fishing Co.

The Harpeth River can be fished all year long. You can catch trout in the winter and bass in the spring, summer, and fall. And if you don’t feel comfortable wading in the river to fish, you can also book a fishing tour in a drift boat.

Leiper’s Fork is a small village about 15 minutes away from downtown Franklin. Like, really. It’s tiny. The population is about 650 people. (Since it’s out of the way, it’s actually become home to several celebrities who like the seclusion.)

The main area to see in Leiper’s Fork is right along the highway, where cars slow down in the middle of a small shopping and dining area.

Leiper’s Fork is a perfect place to spend an afternoon. You can cool down by the creek that runs behind the shops. You can browse stores that carry clothes, antiques, and high-end décor items. Or you can wonder through a couple of different art galleries.

And it’s home to Fox & Locke (which we mentioned in the live music section earlier), where you can get some Southern food and enjoy some live music.

I loved poking around this little village. It really has a relaxed feel to it and lets you take in a deep breath of country air.

Wines in the Fork

One of the most unique things to do in Leiper’s Fork is to go to a wine tasting at Wines in the Fork . They offer tasting of Tennessee-made wine in their tasting room. But what makes them really special is their use of the creek behind the wine shop.

They are known for their tasting experiences that actually take place IN THE CREEK. The creek is super shallow all the time here, so they put tables and chairs out for you to enjoy wine tastings and charcuterie. You do need to make reservations for tastings. But you can also stop in for a glass a wine or a wine flight inside without a reservation.

Leiper’s Fork Distillery

Tennessee is known for its whiskeys, and the small town of Leiper’s Fork has its own distillery you can visit. They made their first barrel of whiskey in 2016, and since then have become known for their small batches of unique whiskey.

It’s a small distillery with a family feel. And it’s in a beautiful setting, just a bit down the road from the main Leiper’s Fork area.

You can book a tour and tasting here or just do a tasting. You’ll definitely want to check it out if you are a whiskey fan.

Visit a Local Farm

Franklin is located is such a beautiful area of Tennessee, with rolling hills and lots of farmland. And Williamson County has several farms you can visit where you can interact with farm animals and maybe even pick up some farm goodies.

Remember that these places are farms, so they are subject to the whims of the weather. Be sure to check hours and weather policies before you go.

• Noble Springs Dairy — This farm is a goat dairy. You can tour the farm, see the goats, and learn how their artisanal goat cheese is made. Then take some goat cheese home to enjoy!
• Mistletoe Farm — Mistletoe Farm is an alpaca farm! You can visit the alpacas and even take a class to learn how to use alpaca fibers.
• Lucky Ladd Farms — This is where you want to go if you are traveling to Franklin with kids! Lucky Ladd Farms has playgrounds, pony rides, animal encounters, nature trails, and even a splash pad!

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards is a favorite for wine lovers! This Tennessee vineyard is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon or evening. They offer wine tastings daily and live music on the weekends. But honestly this is a great place to just hang out!

There are picnic tables where you can enjoy your wine and they offer charcuterie and picnic items for purchase. And they have gorgeous vineyard views, so you can just sit back and relax with your wine.

Note that outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed, but you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pets are also not allowed.

SOAR Adventure Tower

I have driven by SOAR Adventure Tower on I-65 countless times and didn’t realize what it was until recently! And what is it? A huge adventure park with ropes course challenges and mini golf.

And while it may seem intimidating, it actually has challenges for all ages and levels. They have a ground level ropes course that is perfect for kids ages 3-8. Then, there are three levels of larger ropes course elements, whether you want to stick to simpler challenges closer to the ground or really push yourself 45 feet above ground level.

Franklin Festivals

Depending on when you are visiting Franklin, there might be a local festival for you to enjoy! These are going to be full of music, food, vendors and the community spirit that Franklin is known for.

• Main Street Festival — Fourth full weekend in April. This festival takes place on Main Street with arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, live music, and kid’s activities.
• Bluegrass Along the Harpeth — Fourth weekend in July. A downtown festival all things Bluegrass music, plus crafts and food.
• Pilgrimage Music Festival — Late September. Pilgrimage Music Festival takes place at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and features three stages with headliner musicians.
• Dickens of a Christmas — Second weekend in December. Downtown Franklin transforms into a Victorian Christmas setting, with vendors, musicians, and characters.

Where To Stay in Franklin, TN

The best place to stay in Franklin, TN is The Harpeth . It’s part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, and it’s right in downtown Franklin, so you can enjoy walking to all the shops and restaurants of downtown.

I LOVED my stay here. The rooms were clean and luxurious feeling. And each room has it’s own balcony looking out either into Franklin or into the hotel’s courtyard. To be honest, even though I loved my time in Franklin and doing all the things there are to do in Franklin, I was also always looking forward to heading back and relaxing in my hotel room at The Harpeth.

If you’re looking for other hotel or vacation rental options in the Franklin, TN area, you can explore the map below.

Where to Eat in Franklin, TN

There are some truly fantastic restaurants in Franklin, TN . Here are some of my favorites:

• Biscuit Love — Housed in a historic downtown house, Biscuit Love offers incredibly flaky biscuits and all kinds of breakfast items. They are especially known for their “bonuts” which are like a biscuit version of a donut.
• Five Daughters Bakery — If you really want donuts, head to Five Daughters Bakery in The Factory, where they have 100 layer donuts and all kinds of flavors.
• Burger Dandy — A perfect place for a quick burger! This is a retro restaurant that offers burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
• 55 South — Upscale Southern food. I had a chicken sandwich and cheese grits here and they were both incredible.
• Grays on Main — This is where to go for date night! It’s housed in a historic downtown pharmacy, and they offer modern, upscale Southern dishes and are also known for their cocktails.
• Puckett’s Grocery — A casual Southern restaurant that is one of the most popular places to go for live music in Franklin.

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The post 25 Fun Things To Do in Franklin, TN appeared first on Flying Off The Bookshelf .

The Legendary Homes of the Stars Tour

See a mix of past & present celebrity homes.

Homes of the stars Tour Information

2 Hour Tour

Over 30 Celebrity Homes

Wheelchair  Vehicle Available By Request*

 6/28-7/7 Departs From Bob’s SteakHouse 

 Visitor Favorite 

Select your tour date below to get started.  

Narrated Nashville Celebrity Homes Tour

See over 30 Nashville celebrity homes* with an expert tour guide on this two-hour tour.

Celebrity Homes Included On The Tour:

• Taylor Swift
• Kellie Pickler
• Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts
• Little Big Town
• Martina McBride
• Reese Witherspoon
• Dierks Bentley
• & Many More

*Accessibility:

ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

Things To Do

Family-Friendly

Arts & Culture

Outdoor Adventures

Farm Experiences

Get the FREE 2024 Vacation Guide!

Explore Things To Do

Add these to your itinerary, and get ready to enjoy all that Franklin has to offer!

Great American Main Street

The Franklin Hop Trolley Tour

The Factory at Franklin

Natchez Trace Parkway

Twine Graphics Retail

Carter House

Rippa Villa

Arrington Vineyards

Leiper’s Fork Distillery

Mill Creek Brewing Co.

Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station

Curio Brewing Company

Patina Home & Garden

Gallery 202

Studio Tenn

The Franklin Theatre

Franklin On Foot Tours

Franklin Walking Tours

Leiper’s Creek Gallery

Kings Dining & Entertainment

FirstBank Amphitheater

Spring Hill Welcome Center

Spring Hill Antique Mall

We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym

Soar Adventure Tower

Mistletoe Farm

Bowie Park & Nature Center

Third Coast Clay Ceramic Studio

Noble Springs Dairy

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary

Pedego Franklin

Morning Glory Orchard

Wheeler’s Raid Distillery

Have questions.

If you have questions prior to booking your trip or want personalized recommendations, call the Visitor Center at 615-591-8514 or click below to send us a message!

Free Vacation Guide

Plan your visit with our FREE 2023 Vacation Guide! Consider it the ultimate road map to Franklin with our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore.

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Zach Bryan to preview new album at a bar near you: Where to hear 'The Great American Bar Scene'

Zach Bryan is debuting selected cuts from his new album at bars across the country, including Tennessee, starting next week.

Selected songs from Bryan's upcoming album "The Great American Bar Scene" will be played at 23 bars across U.S. starting June 24. The album will be released on July 4.

One of the bars selected is Fox & Locke in Franklin, Tennessee. The previews will also reach 14 other states and Ontario, Canada.

In a post on X/Twitter , Bryan wrote, "As much as I'd kill to play all of these timeless bars, it won't be possible. I will be visiting a few off the list to have a drink with y'all."

So far, Bryan has released one song from the upcoming LP, "Pink Skies." He has also been previewing the title track on his "Quittin' Time Tour."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Bars hosting Zach Bryan's listening tour for 'The Great American Bar Scene'

• Brillobox in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Egan & Sons in Montclair, New Jersey
• Barnacle Bill's in Rumson, New Jersey
• Blarney Stone Pub in Seattle, Washington
• Charlotte's Room in Toronto, Ontario
• Dobbies Bar in Dewey, Oklahoma
• Fox & Locke in Franklin, Tennessee
• Iron Horse Saloon in Oologah, Oklahoma
• Larry's All American Cafe in Covington, Kentucky
• McGlinchey's in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Mercury Lounge in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming
• Old Mountain Tavern in Marlington, West Virginia
• Polish Village in Berea, Ohio
• Rooster's Sports Bar & Grill in Owasso, Oklahoma
• Sandy Hut in Portland, Oregon
• Saratoga Lanes in St. Louis, Missouri
• The Gold Mine Restaurant and Saloon in Idaho City, Idaho
• The San Fernando in Glendale, California
• The Water Tank in Austin, Texas
• Shannon Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts

( Jason Davis/Getty Images; Realtor.com )

Country Charmer: Kristin Cavallari Lists Her Dreamy Tennessee Estate for $11M

Reality TV star Kristin Cavallari is looking to offload her pretty property near Nashville, TN .

This four-bedroom, 4.5-bath, 6,788-square-foot home sits on nearly 29 acres of woods and lawn in Franklin, TN . The spread just landed on the market for an impressive $11 million.

Private and verdant, Cavallari’s compound includes a main house, guest cottage, and barn.

Custom built-ins and a fireplace in the main residence grace the living area. Shiny, light-wood floors flow throughout the home—including in the kitchen, which handsomely outfitted with an island, a tile backsplash, double ovens, a walk-in pantry, and a spacious dining area with windows.

(Realtor.com)

The primary suite is conveniently situated on the main floor and boasts lots of natural light, a spa-inspired bath with a slipper tub, and a big closet. In addition to the other en suite bedrooms, there’s a rec room with custom bunk beds, a game room, home gym, and a sauna.

Outside, a pool, fire pit, screened patio, and greenhouse await. And the guest quarters on the property are substantial—it’s a 3,000-foot dwelling. Lastly, there’s parking for nine cars—a handy amenity for hosting large gatherings.

Cavallari, who’s also an author and fashion designer, was a part of MTV’s ‘Laguna Beach’ spinoff, “The Hills.” Per the listing history, the chic home was last sold in 2020 for just over $3 million. So Cavallari stands to pocket a nice profit if she snags anywhere near her asking price.

• Homes for sale in Franklin, TN
• Learn more about Franklin, TN

Jennifer Kelly Geddes creates content for WhatToExpect.com, American Airlines Vacations, Oxo, Livestrong, and Parade.

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Southall Farm & Inn

Review Highlights

“ Had the most lovely experience celebrating my birthday at Sojourner restaurant located at Southall Farm and Inn. ” in 6 reviews

“ The mountain bike trails were well kept with a wonderful tour guide, Tyler , and the views of the property were beautiful. ” in 2 reviews

“ We walked around the lake after breakfast m which was beautiful. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

2200 Osage Lp

Franklin, TN 37064

Other Hotels Nearby

Conrad Nashville

Terria S. said "This hotel is wonderful and beautiful but there's a few things missing from giving it 5 stars. Let's start with the pros. When I first walked in the bellhop guy ( I think his name is Brent, not sure but he's bald) took my suitcase…" read more

Best Western Franklin Inn

5.6 miles away from Southall Farm & Inn

Bela F. said "First look from the road was misleading, I thought it looked run down. But once we drove up it's nice enough. Behind it is a Walgreens and publix. Lots of places to eat and shop. Has a small fridge and microwave in the room. I'm…" read more

Homewood Suites by Hilton Nashville Franklin Cool Springs

6.9 miles away from Southall Farm & Inn

Randee S. said "My husband and I stayed here for three nights over the past weekend. We had a very pleasant stay. All of the staff here were very friendly and welcoming, the room was clean and the bed was very comfortable. The breakfast was not our…" read more

About the Business

We are a farm-based resort project nestled between Franklin and Leipers Fork in Middle Tennessee. …

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• 4 star rating Good
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Overall rating

They did an amazing job with our small hilltop wedding. Highly recommend. They worked out every detail and were very professional!!!

See all photos from Cynthia M. for Southall Farm & Inn

I had the most incredible stay at Southall this weekend and I'm still on cloud nine. My friend and I came her for our annual girls trip and were blown away by this place. It was luxurious, the staff was lovely and helpful, the property was stunning and every inch of the resort exuded relaxation. There was quite a lot to do on site from the hiking trails, electric bikes, beautiful pool and spa (there is much more but that's about all we had time for). The food was perfection - everything from our morning coffee to our afternoon smoothies to our relaxing dinners was top notch. I can't say enough great things about Southall - it's even better in person so don't hesitate booking!

See all photos from Sydney H. for Southall Farm & Inn

The team that designed Southall well deserves a solid 5 gold star award. Everywhere, from the overall property, to the common areas, to the rooms, is brilliantly designed and just gorgeous. It really does pull in the outside nature of the central Tennessee hills in the design elements. That said, Southall then becomes very challenging to review, because the execution is so slipshod. Some positives; the cumberland rooms are spacious. Large bathrooms, nice shower, comfortable couch and table/chairs, plenty of storage space, good sized mini fridge, room darkening shades, comfortable bed. Gas fireplace is a nice addition. You're going to hemorrhage money at Southall, so you might as well spring for the extra to get a fireplace. Made me wish there were more hotels with fireplaces in the rooms. Staff is friendly and well intentioned. I was really expecting that a new luxury resort would have state of the art technology. Nope. Guest wifi wasn't working. No follow up or resolution, just no wifi. I learned later that the problem was on the inn's side. No streaming services on the tv, just basic live channels and a few movies on demand. Theoretically there was a chromecast feature, but you had to be on the hotel's wifi to connect, so that's not working. The room's A/C was not working. A tech did come up quickly, and thought they'd resolved the problem, but no, we had to just leave the windows open all night, and fortunately the outside temperature was moderate enough to make that comfortable. There was an ice bucket in the room, so we made a reasonable assumption that there was an ice maker nearby. But no. Called and they said they'd bring up ice. Had to call back over a half hour later to request again. We asked about late checkout, thinking it'd be nice to sleep in, as we weren't in a rush the next morning. Apparently you have to call in the morning to ask for late checkout, they will not accommodate you in advance. That's for the hotel's convenience, they had some reason about not knowing if it could be available until that morning. So if you want to sleep in the morning you are checking out, you have to get up and call them to ask if you can sleep in. Silly and inconvenient. Had breakfast room service, and it was brought up quickly and was nicely done. Though as you could expect, it was expensive, and they added an automatic 25% gratuity on the order. That's a lot of disappointment for a beautiful new luxury resort that you're paying a huge premium to stay in. We'll be watching as yelpers review future stays and hope to see some consistency in execution develop in the future. Until then we'd not consider returning. Though once they turn service around, Southall could really be a world class dream resort. 5 stars for a gorgeous property, 2 stars at best for executing a luxury stay.

Fireplace and view of grounds from a cumberland room

We have stayed here and had a good time. Been for dinner a few times in between and it was okay. Went for dinner tonight. Awful. Things have changed a in a year. Sad

My husband and I are postponing our honeymoon to 2024, so we wanted to do a special daycation after our wedding. We booked a couples massage & reservations at Southall's restaurant, Sojourner, for a day visit. When we got to the property, there is a staff member at the gate and when you give your name they will be expecting you. The valet is included and the staff were all so attentive. From the lobby, we were led to the spa area and given a short tour of the space. With any wellness visit, you also have access to their sauna, steam room, shower/locker area and heated mineral pool. It was an absolutely gorgeous day so we knew we wanted to take advantage of the mineral pool. Our couples massage was so nice and relaxing and the pool was a great spot to lounge for a bit. We showered and changed for lunch and we really enjoyed the food at Sojourner. We ordered the burger, the grilled pimento cheese, the smoked trout dip appetizer and I got a cocktail. The portions were so big, I ended up taking home half of my sandwich. Service was also great in the restaurant and loved the whole atmosphere. The grounds are also worth walking around and they have many trails. What a beautiful spot so close to Nashville!

The mineral pool

Grilled pimento cheese

Business owner information

Business Manager

Dec 1, 2023

Maddie, thank you for the kind words and taking the time to share a review. Congratulations on your marriage and thank you for choosing to celebrate at Southall!! We hope to welcome you back soon.

Environment: beautiful, charming, cozy. Food: outstanding. Drinks: mediocre; more milk than matcha in my matcha latte. Customer service: questionable. I booked a reservation for my birthday. We got there and waited around for a few minutes until a server finally noticed us and decided to seat us. By that time we were close to the brunch cutoff, so she rushed us through ordering, making us feel like we were a nuisance, when she took a while to even realize we were waiting to be seated. I noted in my reservation that it was my birthday. Simultaneously, the same server brought out a birthday croissant to the table next to us. When we were wrapping up our meal, nothing was said or done, and she seemed intent to have us pay and leave. I was really disappointed by the lack of attention and care. Overall, I would love to go back and try another meal - the grounds are beautiful and the food was great. Service was just a bummer!

Jan 3, 2024

Megan, thank you for taking to the time to write a review. These pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for sharing them with us. We are sorry to hear about your dining experience. Your feedback has been received by the team and we will look into this further, so we can improve our service in the future.

Absolutely amazing. If you're looking for privacy, nature and a memorable experience, you've come to the right place. Everything from the food to the grounds was perfect. Southall goes above and beyond. The employees are well trained and so friendly from the front entrance to the bee tour. Plenty of property to explore and so many things to do. We'll be coming back!!

I've been here twice (first time hubby booked, second time bestie booked) and and I've loved my experience both times. I'm already looking forward to bringing some girlfriends out here for my sister's relaxing bachelorette (far away from the stereotypical/honky tonk of Nashville and so much more special!!!) I do love this place for the accommodations. The spa here has not replaced my go-to spot for facials unfortunately and I've tried twice (lead esthetician is a total snob) but it's where I'll always want to go for a "staycation" when hubby asks where we want to escape for the weekend. I'm so glad Southall opened and I recommend walking the grounds, exploring and squeezing in everything you can afford ~they offer it all.~

See all photos from Meredith M. for Southall Farm & Inn

Business Customer Service

Sep 14, 2023

Meredith, These pictures are so beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to share them with us and for your kind review! We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us (again) and hope to see you again soon.

I've visited twice this week. Once for dinner and this morning for breakfast. The ambiance is great. Very cool relaxed vibes. They asked if we wanted to get drinks at the bar before sitting at our table and we said yes. When we walked in, Reba MacEntire was sitting there! I love her but didn't want to bother her so we took our seats and ordered our drinks. I got the peach blossom which was fantastic! We stayed in the bar area for a little while and then asked to go to our table. It's a very small seating area but it's cozy. Cool wallpaper and lighting. We ordered beef tar tar and the southall salad. The tar tar was amazing! I usually don't like it but my boyfriend does and he had me try his. It was so tasty! I liked my salad but it was just greens and seeds. It was the same taste throughout. It would have been nice to have a few more ingredients to give it more flavor variety. We ordered the flank steak and it took a while to come out so they gave us some of their bread. It was delicious! We both liked our steaks. My boyfriend liked his more than I liked mine but it was okay. I wouldn't order it again but that's just me. For dessert we ordered the apple sorbet sundae. It was amazing! In the end, the drinks, beef tar tar, bread, and dessert were really good so I'd recommend them. And seeing Reba was cool too. For breakfast today I got the works with bacon and potatoes. It was good. My boyfriend got the biscuit sandwich and strawberries. He liked his too. We walked around the lake after breakfast m which was beautiful. Overall, it's a cool place to be. The food wasn't the best I've had but it wasn't bad and the menu is limited. Maybe if they open the menu up a little more it would get 5 stars from me.

See all photos from Sarah B. for Southall Farm & Inn

May 3, 2023

Thank you for your kind review, Sarah! We appreciate your feedback.

We are loving our stay. The land is something special and it's obvious it's well taken care of. Our room is perfect for traveling with a toddler. There is a pac and play sized nook our daughter to sleep in. The staff has been incredibly helpful. They helped arrange a babysitter for a few hours this evening, so mom and dad can have an adult dinner. The food is definitely a highlight. We have no complaints and each dish has been delicious. Stand outs - roast chicken, tomato peach salad, mango smoothie, French fries and all breakfast items. Going back again for dinner. The spa is beautiful. My massage was ok, not sure it was worth the price but the lovely staff and amenities made up for it. Really appreciated our time here and hope to visit again one day.

Jul 25, 2023

Jessica, thank you for your kind words and the beautiful photos! We hope to see you again soon.

2 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Hampton Inn & Suites Franklin Berry Farms

5.2 miles away from Southall Farm & Inn

Nicole P. said "My husband and I recently stayed here and we were very pleased with the hotel. The staff was very friendly and it's in a really cute part of town. We will be staying there again when we visit next year." read more

Comfort Inn Franklin Highway 96

5.9 miles away from Southall Farm & Inn

Russell K. said "This is a comfortable hotel at a decent price. It is far enough from Nashville to allow you to drive into the city to play tourist and yet far enough away to avoid the insanity of it. The hotel is clean and modern and breakfast,…" read more

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Willie Nelson cancels another tour date amid health concerns

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Gray News) - Willie Nelson will not be performing Wednesday night at the Outlaw Music Festival in Virginia Beach.

According to a social media post , the 91-year-old country music legend will miss Wednesday’s scheduled performance at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater.

The statement didn’t say why Nelson would not be performing but the announcement comes days after he had to cancel last week’s appearance with the Outlaw Music Festival in Georgia due to the singer “not feeling well.”

The country music star’s team said doctors informed him that he needed to rest for a few days.

Nelson is one of the main headliners for the Outlaw Music Festival.

Lukas Nelson, Willie Nelson’s son, and the family band along with other special guests are now scheduled to play in place of Willie Nelson, according to his representatives.

Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, and John Mellencamp are expected to take the stage as scheduled.

Representatives for Willie Nelson said he is expected to rejoin the Outlaw Music Festival Tour shortly.

The tour’s next scheduled stop is Friday in Syracuse, New York.

Copyright 2024 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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