One of the best parts of a trip is taking photos to remember your adventure and share! Franklin has no shortage of amazing photo opportunities, from incredible scenic views to memorable experiences you’ll want to relive for years to come.
Check out 15 of our favorite spots to take photos around Franklin below, and don’t forget to tag Visit Franklin (@visitfranklintn) on Instagram when you post your photos. Happy exploring!
1. Arrington Vineyards
One of Williamson County’s most visited spots, Arrington Vineyards features incredible views of the rolling Tennessee hills and amazing wine. Arrington Vineyards is co-owned by country music star Kix Brooks and regularly hosts live music on the weekends. Get a wine flight and a picnic to enjoy as you take photos of the views!
2. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway winds through Franklin to Natchez, Mississippi, following a historic 10,000-year-old travel route used by American Indians, European settlers, and soldiers.
Today this 444-mile scenic road is a popular drive for beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, historic sites, and more. Don’t miss snapping a photo at the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge located at milepost 438, just 15 minutes outside of downtown Franklin!
3. Williamson County Murals
Some of the most Insta-worthy spots in Williamson County are the amazing murals by local artists throughout the county! Each one has a special story that makes our community murals unique. Sign up for our free Murals Trail digital passport to easily find them all and earn a prize after checking in virtually at four or more locations.
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4. Main Street
Main Street is the heart of downtown Franklin’s beautiful 16-block historic district that features the town square surrounded by Victorian architecture.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Main Street is a hub of boutiques, local restaurants and bakeries, antique shops, live entertainment, and more. Downtown Franklin is truly picturesque all year round but especially festive around the holidays and annual festivals. Check out upcoming events here!
5. Carnton
On November 30, 1864, the Battle of Franklin changed this sleepy Southern town into a bloody Civil War battlefield overnight. The McGavock family lived at Carnton, a stately Federal-style 11-room home, which became a field hospital after the Battle of Franklin.
Take a tour of this incredible home to learn about the McGavocks and hear stories of that fateful day. Afterward, relax on the porch or explore the historical garden, cemetery, and enslaved quarters. Don’t miss the Witness Tree, a giant Osage Orange tree that predates the Battle of Franklin. On November 30 each year, the Battle of Franklin Trust commemorates the battle’s anniversary with hundreds of luminaries.
6. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
Originally a farm before it became a public park, the Harlinsdale Farm was the home of Midnight Sun, one of the most famous Tennessee Walking Horses. Today the Park at Harlinsdale Farm is a popular spot for walking, running, watching a polo match, and various events throughout the year, including the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival each September.
Particularly beautiful around golden hour, check out the gorgeous white and green barn, views of the rolling hills, and Midnight Sun’s headstone during your visit.
7. Festivals & Events
Franklin goes all out for its annual festivals and events! Make plans to visit in December to experience downtown Franklin’s transformation into a Victorian village for Dickens of a Christmas, or celebrate all things fall at the annual PumpkinFest in October.
If you want to see incredible performances, you’ll love Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival‘s world-class artists in September at The Park at Harlinsdale or the exciting acoustic entertainment at Bluegrass on the Harpeth each summer. Find upcoming events on our Events page here!
8. Leiper’s Fork
One of Franklin’s best-kept secrets is the idyllic village of Leiper’s Fork! Known as a creative hub for songwriting and art, there is no shortage of photo opportunities.
Stop by Puckett’s for live entertainment (and maybe spotting a major artist or two that calls Leiper’s Fork home, if you’re lucky!), browse incredible art galleries, shop curated boutiques, or eat a farm-to-table meal at 1892.
9. Carter House
Much like Carnton, the Carter House was forever changed by the Battle of Franklin. Take a guided tour of the house to learn about the Carter family, understand the impact of the Battle of Franklin, and hear incredible stories from that day.
Don’t miss the bullet-riddled farm office that still stands, the smokehouse, and other historic exterior buildings. Each year on November 30 (the anniversary of the battle), hundreds of luminaries are lit to commemorate one of the bloodiest days of the war.
10. Local Farms
Franklin’s roots as an agricultural town are evident as you drive just outside of downtown Franklin. Williamson County is home to amazing local farms, many of which you can visit! Cuddle baby goats and sample cheese at Noble Springs Dairy, meet the friendly alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, pick fall pumpkins at Gentry’s Farm, explore the orchard and farm store at Morning Glory Orchard, or pick lavender and sunflowers at Menkveld Farm. Be sure to tag Visit Franklin (IG: @visitfranklintn) when you post your farm photos!
11. Harpeth River
The peaceful Harpeth River winds through Franklin and is the perfect spot for taking photos. Some of the most picturesque spots are at Pinkerton Park above the bridge and the canoe access point at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. If you want to experience the Harpeth from another view, take a fly fishing excursion with Franklin Fly Fishing Co or rent kayaks from Paddle Dog Adventures!
12. The Factory at Franklin
The Factory at Franklin is an old stove factory turned multi-use facility featuring some of the best local tacos, sweets, coffee, and shopping! There are plenty of Insta-worthy shots at The Factory, including Rusty, the giant statue made of cogs and mechanical parts near Honest Coffee.
If you’re lucky, you can catch artist Ken Means carve wooden carousel animals or watch the bakers at Five Daughters Donuts make their legendary 100 layer donuts.
13. Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Tucked away in the rolling hills just outside of Franklin is Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Proprietor and distiller Lee Kennedy was instrumental in bringing back the lost art of creating small-batch whiskey to Williamson County. Made from local ingredients and pure limestone-filtered water, Leiper’s Fork Distillery offers various bourbon and whiskey to try.
Sign up for a tour to learn about whiskey production, see the process, sample locally made whiskey, and purchase a few bottles to enjoy at home. Between the gorgeous surroundings and distillery tour, you’ll want to take tons of photos of Leiper’s Fork Distillery to remember your experience!
14. The Franklin Theatre
Home of First Kisses, the Franklin Theatre opened to the public in 1937. Renovated and restored in 2011 to the art deco style of the 1930s, the theater is the centerpiece of downtown Franklin.
As soon as you walk in to catch a classic movie or a world-class artist performance, you’ll feel transported to a simpler time. Get a great shot of the iconic Franklin Theatre when the marquee is lit at night!
15. Live Music
While many major artists and songwriters call Franklin home, you’ll find the music scene here to be more laid-back than Music City. Local spots like Kimbro’s, Gray’s on Main, and the Mockingbird Theater are great places to hear rising talent. Puckett’s open mic nights in Leiper’s Fork are known for attracting a stellar roster of up-and-coming singer-songwriters, along with an occasional surprise appearance by a major artist!
Live music is also a big part of Franklin’s annual festivals, including the popular Bluegrass Along the Harpeth. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival every September is one of our favorite live music events to snap memorable photos!
