“It’s just so green here!”
I hear this so often from visitors to Franklin that it makes me realize how much I take for granted the scenery here. Being a native of Middle Tennessee and seeing these beautiful rolling hills all my life makes sense, likely it’s why I’m so captivated by mountain views out west or ocean views when I travel. When I come back from travels, though, it’s those scenic hills and vast fields of green and blooming gardens that genuinely make me feel as though I’m home.
If you are looking for a few of those “wow spots” to get a glimpse of Franklin, Tennessee in full bloom, here are a few of my favorites.
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Carnton
Carnton is best known for the historic home that sits on the grounds there and served as a battlefield hospital during the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin. Adjacent to the house though is a nearly one-acre period garden that represents what the garden would have looked like at the time of the battle. Through photos and records of the time, the gardens have been recreated as closely as possible to what they were the day of the battle, and in the garden still stands “The Witness Tree,” which was there on the day of the battle.
Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a registered National Scenic Byway and National Park, so the federal law says it has to be beautiful! In all seriousness, the laws that made the historic 444-mile, two-lane road that connects Nashville to Natchez, Miss., require the views from the road to be free of “visual clutter.” That means you won’t be rolling through neighborhoods or city centers along the way, instead, you’ll find vast fields of wildflowers and scenic overlooks that’ll take your breath away. Here in Franklin, views from atop the parkway’s famed double arch bridge allow you to see for miles and stops at points like Timberland Park allow you explore walking trails through wooded areas filled with natural flowers and scenery.
Arrington Vineyards
Sipping a fine wine is always good in my book. Sipping a fine wine while sitting under a shade tree that overlooks rolling hills and acres upon acres of grapes growing on the vine, now that’s great! That’s precisely what you’ll find at Arrington Vineyards. On top of great views, the award-winning wine selections are pretty incredible and one of the co-owners, Kix Brooks of the country duo Brooks & Dunn, is known to throw a pretty good concert on the hillside each fall too!
Five Points
For a great scenic view head to the heart of downtown. That may sound a bit backward, but in Franklin it is true. Located right in the heart of Main Street at a five-way intersection affectionately known as “Five Points,” you’ll find a fountain surrounded by lavish bushes and flower gardens.
The fountain is a favorite for kids, as it’s often filled with rubber ducks, and the park benches are a regular lunchtime escape for those working downtown looking to relax and take in the views.
Have you visited Franklin recently? Where were some of the spots that took your breath away? Let us know in the comments below.
