From handsome Victorian architecture to American Civil War sites, Franklin is brimming with history, culture and Southern charm. Spend your days shopping on Main Street, visiting historic houses and devouring fresh produce from the Franklin Farmers Market.
Things to do in Franklin
Lined with beautifully restored Victorian buildings, Franklin is regularly voted "America's Favourite Main Street". The shopfronts house a collection of homewares boutiques, antique stores and independent art galleries. You'll also find a selection of cafes, restaurants and bistros catering to every palate.
History buffs should visit a pair of American Civil War sites commemorating the 1864 Battle of Franklin. At Carter House, you can peer into the basement where local families took refuge when the Confederate Army of Tennessee stormed the town. At nearby Carnton Plantation, you can tour the main house and stroll around the McGavock Confederate Cemetery.
The Lotz House Museum celebrates the legacy of Johann Albert Lotz, a master woodworker who immigrated to America from Germany in the mid-1800s. Today it's filled with hand-carved furniture, grand pianos and other treasures.
Held every Saturday, the Franklin Farmers Market showcases fresh produce from across Tennessee. It's brimming with stalls selling everything from organic fruit and heirloom vegetables to artisan cheese, baked goods and free-range eggs. You'll also find handmade pottery, furniture and jewellery.
Getting around Franklin
Downtown Franklin is easy to get around on foot, while the town is also serviced by a network of local buses. Rental cars are a fast and flexible way to explore Franklin and the Williamson County region. From Nashville, the drive to Franklin takes around 30 minutes.