7 Essential Autumn Adventures in Franklin: The Visit Franklin Staff Share Their Favorites

While every season in Franklin has its allure, there’s something special when fall is in the air. With so many quintessential fall experiences featuring an extra dash of Southern charm, everyone can find a new seasonal tradition in this special town. Let the locals be your guide if you’re unsure where to start! Read on for top recommendations from members of the Visit Franklin team, who have the inside scoop on how to make the most of your next Williamson County trip.

A great fall getaway starts with a great place to stay. Residence Inn by Marriott Berry Farms offers spacious, pet-friendly accommodations with a full kitchen and separate living area, centrally located right off Interstate 65 and just minutes from downtown Franklin! You can also stop by the Town Center Bar on site to enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday. Traveling with a crew in tow? Contact the Residence Inn at Berry Farms at 615-716-1810 to discuss special group rates for 10 or more visitors. When you’re ready to book your stay, click here!

Lauren Ward, VP of Marketing & Communications

My favorite fall activity in Williamson County is visiting the pumpkin patch with my family. Gentry’s Farm is a local favorite and provides fun, kid-friendly activities to enjoy before we decide on our favorite pumpkins to take home.

Kiki Kixmiller, Creative Services Manager

A walking tour by Franklin on Foot is one of my favorite ways to get into the spooky season spirit, and I always walk away having heard a new, exciting story or two about Franklin’s past. My friends and I like to head downtown a little early to grab hot chocolate from Kilwins to take with us on the tour.

Jenna Townsend, Sales & Service Manager

I like to start my fall morning in Franklin by strolling over to The Coffee House at Second & Bridge to sip on one of their specialty fall drinks. Lunch at Merridee’s is a must-do, as well as picking through the amazing antique stores dotting the downtown area. For gorgeous scenic views, head to Arrington Vineyards for an apple spice frosé accompanied by live music on the weekends!

Heather Doleshel, Stakeholder Engagement Manager

I love enjoying the crisp fall weather anywhere with a fire pit! I want to be cozy outside, sipping something warm, hearing the fire crack and leaves crunch! Arrington Vineyards, downtown Leiper’s Fork, and Leiper’s Fork Distillery all have great firepit options.

Deborah Corey, Administrative Assistant

In the fall, I love taking my dog Nash for a drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway to see the colorful foliage and take some photos. With the cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to take a walk down Main Street and visit all of the dog-friendly storefronts. And we never miss going to PumpkinFest, which is the ultimate fall festival!

Matthew Maxey, Director of Public Relations

Cooler weather means it is time for whiskey and whiskey cocktails! It’s hard to pick just one spot, so make plans to stop by several. At Leiper’s Fork Distillery, the setting is what dreams of fall look like! Take a tour if you like, or just settle in by the firepits to sip one of their signature cocktails, or try a little bourbon neat! If you are a cigar fan, go on a Friday when they have someone rolling cigars on site! A visit to Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station is a must. The building is quaint, but the experience is anything but. Relax on the porch with their newest release and “gather around” with good company for a perfect fall afternoon.