Williamson County’s historical roots run deep, and the tangible reminders of times past have long attracted visitors in search of treasures.
Seventy five years ago, on the site of Franklin’s current City Hall, folks would come from the far corners of our agricultural community for Colonel Fulton Beasley’s Saturday morning auctions. Ever since, Franklin and its surrounding villages have been known for some of the best antique hunting in the South.
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These days in Franklin, you could spend a day perusing an eclectic selection of shops within a short walk of the square. Winchester Antique Mall on Second Avenue North — just across from The Harpeth Hotel — boasts traditional 19th century English and early American furniture, fine silver, Persian rugs, and more, and T. Nesbitt & Co. features an ever-changing assortment of items from indoor furnishings to outdoor iron furniture. On the other side of Main, Franklin Antique Mall in the old ice house on Second Avenue South blends all of that with an even broader selection of antiques and collectibles from 60+ dealers.
Around the corner at Carpe Diem on North Margin, you can find funky vintage items including clothing, memorabilia, and vinyl. Head back toward Main Street to discover City Farmhouse on Third Avenue North, curated by bestselling author and stylemaker Kim Leggett and her picker husband David. Back on Main Street, across from The Franklin Theatre, don’t miss Rare Prints Gallery for antique maps and lithographs or Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry for an impressive collection of estate pieces.
Once in the car, head toward the Southall community en route to Leiper’s Fork. If you’re lucky, West Main Antiques by Scarlett Scales will be open for its weekend pop-ups. Out in the Fork, take your time perusing the boutiques and galleries, but seek out the Pick-It Fence and Props for industrial items, farmhouse style, old advertising pieces, interesting memorabilia, and more.
If you’re feeling adventurous — and we highly recommend it — then point your compass back east and work your way toward Arrington for a stop at Three French Hens, the shabby chic shop full of unique finds, period-inspired decor, and fun gift items. Continue down 96 East to Triune, take a left, and you’ll find yourself in Nolensville.
Here, among a slice of Americana that includes quirky boutiques, Amish-made furniture, restaurants, even a brewery and distillery, is nestled The Village Antiques & Gifts. Known for antique flatware, china patterns, crystal, and other finery for the table, there’s also architectural salvage items, traditional furniture, and other fun finds — think yesteryear’s cookbooks, trading cards, and boardgames.
These are but a few highlights of a destination tailor-made for antique hunters and lovers of vintage items. Spend a weekend exploring Williamson County, and you’re guaranteed to find a whole lot more!
