There really is no other way to describe Franklin, a small Tennessee town just south of Nashville, as anything other than charming. Today, I’m rounding up 10 things to see & do in this town I’ve come to love. Find out why and get ready to plan your trip below!
But let me tell you really quickly how this love story started. In high school, I played lacrosse. A new and novel sport in Memphis at the time. So much so, our team was one of only two in the city. I would cram into mom’s minivan with my teammates (still my best friends today) every other weekend to drive up to Franklin to compete against the local high schools.
I remember rolling hills, quaint country-cooking, shopping on Main Street and daydreaming what it must be like to live someplace so charming. Little did I know I would meet a boy from Franklin my sophomore year of college and marry him one day. Franklin stole my heart in more ways than one!
We visit extended family here every so often but rarely do we get to play tourist ourselves in what some publications call the “friendliest,” “prettiest,” “most charming,” and “most romantic” town in the USA. This spring, we said “let’s go on vacation” and spent a long weekend exploring Franklin just for fun. I’m rounding up our top 10 family friendly finds – from where to rest your head, activities to entertain all ages, restaurants we all loved and more … below!
1. Shop & Stroll Downtown Franklin & Historic Main Street
It’s called “America’s Favorite Main Street” for good reason. Amidst an array of Victorian buildings and old-school architecture over 16-blocks – sits cafes, flower shops, bookstores, fine dining and even a classic movie theater. A main street so quaint, many of the shops spoil their four-legged friends with white water bowls out front too.
While you can’t go wrong popping into any of the boutiques, make sure not to miss White’s Mercantile. This eclectic shop sells everything from flower vases to fancy felt cowboy hats. Fitting, when you find out the shop is owned by the daughter of Hank Williams, don’t you think?
2. Stay in Style at The Harpeth Hotel
This 119-room “boutique” luxury hotel is one of the first hotels in Downtown Franklin and walking distance from Main Street. The Harpeth Hotel, a Curio by Hilton property, boasts two on-site restaurants – 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails and McGavock’s Coffee Bar and Provisions. You’ll find Southern locally sourced cuisine and legendary whiskey cocktails in one … and breakfast pastries, coffees and more in the other.
Having dining options (& a swanky cocktail bar) down the elevator makes traveling with little ones all the more relaxing. Speaking of relaxing! I truly can not gush enough over how comfortable the guest room beds were. 100/10. Trust me.
3. Try Wine Tasting at Arrington Vineyards
If I had to recommend one must do activity in Franklin, it would be to visit Arrington! The second largest vineyard in Tennessee is a scenic and popular spot with locals and visitors alike. For good reason! The hillside gives ample space for gathering, children roaming, and soaking in the view.
I recommend packing a picnic, a few toys and games for the children and bringing your own wine glasses too. You can always purchase picnic supplies, glasses and everything else you’d need on-site as well. Tables are first come first serve so having a blanket handy on a Saturday is a good idea too.
Fun fact: Arrington is owned by the famous Brooks & Dunn brothers and the vineyard produces 21 different varieties. My favorite is the Red Fox Red!
4. Catch a Flick at the Franklin Theater
This historic cinema has been entertaining Tennesseans for over 70 years. You can catch old classic films on the regular like Walk the Line, Wizard of Oz and more. The Franklin Theater highlights all genres of live music performers and local stage productions too. This summer you can see Bohemian Rhapsody, a Chicago stage production, a Tom Petty tribute band and many more to be found here.
5. Picnic on the River in Nearby Nolensville
A nearby neighborhood, Nolensville is growing rapidly with young families migrating to merry in its charms! We took the short (and scenic) drive from Franklin to grab lunch at Nolensville Feed Mill Amish Market. This spot has been a gathering place for neighbors and farmers for over 120 years!
You’ll find baked goods, delicious deli sandwiches and their oh-so-famous chicken salad. This grab and go spot offers picnic tables and Adirondack chair seating outside its back door along Mill Creek. Our children loved splashing around and spotting fish right on the water after lunch. This sweet eatery and shop truly feels like a hidden gem!
For a nearby afternoon activity, check out Mill Creek Brewery. It has a relaxing family-friendly atmosphere while serving up seltzers, craft beers and their award winner Smashville Burger.
7. Take a Scenic Drive & Stroll Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is the sweetest little village just a short drive southwest of Franklin. And I truly can’t put into words how adorable this small town treasure is! From galleries (housed inside former gas stations) to curated boutique shopping and quintessential Southern cuisine – you can make a day out of exploring this Tennessee gem.
Don’t miss: Fox & Locke for live music, lunch or dinner. Leiper’s Creek Gallery. Coffee at The RedByrd. Shopping at Patina Home & Garden.
Tip: shops usually open between 10 – 11 am.
8. Peruse the Shelves at Landmark Booksellers
Housed in a historic building built in 1808, Landmark Booksellers calls itself a “book lover’s paradise.” And this self-proclaimed book worm completely agrees! Their curated collection of books are displayed in an intimate and inviting way – encouraging shoppers to peruse something new. I felt like I was in a Nora Ephram film, flitting about the shop. Big-name stars often frequently shop this celebrated spot too.
But I think the most “novel” thing about Landmark Booksellers is the quaint little children’s reading room nestled towards the back. Colorful covers line every inch and it even comes complete with a big comfy arm chair fit for story telling. This spot captured our children’s attention for over an hour and made for a great break in the day. Oh and fabulous “souvenir” shopping too!
Open Monday – Sunday 9am – 7pm.
9. Sit Down to Southern Cuisine
Come on, I wasn’t going to leave y’all hungry! Traveling with small children can often make mealtimes hit or miss. We made a point to pick family friendly spots to please our whole crowd.
Breakfast: The Coffee House – sweet and savory crepes. Ruby Sunshine – a stand out traditional brunch. (Great spot to grab a Mimosa, sit on the patio and people watch too!)
Lunch: Mojo’s Tacos – tacos with a Tennessee twist (think slow-smoked brisket tacos) inside The Factory. Fox and Locke – in the heart of Leiper’s Fork. Enjoy fried chicken and classic Southern sides to pair with live music daily. Puckett’s – think small town country grocery store meets curated Southern classic cuisine. Add live music and you’ve got Puckett’s!
Dinner: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – the original restaurant now infamous for their “whole hog BBQ.” Gray’s on Main – a rustic-chic spot right in the middle of downtown & the Fried Pimento Cheeseballs are 10/10. Coal Town Pizza – we met up with friends here for dinner, it’s a local spot loved by families in the Westhaven neighborhood. A green space sits just next door making the perfect place for little legs to run and stretch before dining.
10. Further Afield: Check out Cheekwood & the Nashville Zoo
Take the scenic drive from Franklin to Cheekwood, a 55-acre botanic garden in the heart of Nashville. You’ll find wooded sculpture trails, a children’s garden, tiny train tracks toddlers will adore and a historic mansion and museum. We went and when I say there truly was something for everyone here, I mean it. Trains for Bennett, slate art easels for Annie, historic home furnishings for me and long winding nature trails for Patrick.
Cheekwood is open Tues. – Sunday from 9am – 5pm.
Nashville Zoo
A trip with little ones to Franklin or Nashville is not complete with a visit to the Nashville Zoo. The zoo is the 9th largest in the country by landmass and one of the top attractions in the state. Make a day out of it – marvel at monkeys, cavort with kangaroos or soar like an eagle on the zip line.
Of note, a larger than life playground appropriately named “Jungle Gym” opened last year. It’s a highlight of a visit here for sure with over 66,000 square feet of adventure. Adjacent is Promise Park, a section designed for children with all abilities and disabilities to play side by side.
Opens at 9:00 am. Advanced tickets & a timed entry reservation is currently required for all visitors. Tickets start at $19 for children and $23 for adults with an $8 parking fee.
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This post was sponsored by Tennessee Vacation and in partnership with Visit Franklin and Visit Music City. An absolute dream collaboration and as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for following along!
