Just a quick drive from Franklin, you’ll find Thompson’s Station, a small town steeped in history and surrounded by Williamson County’s gorgeous pastoral countryside. Settled in the 1780s, the town was the site of the Civil War’s dramatic Battle of Thompson’s Station. Later, farmers drove their cattle, sheep, and pigs to the town’s bustling train depot to send them off to market.
Today, the town’s proximity to Franklin, Spring Hill, and Nashville make it a popular spot for those seeking a place near the city where they can slow down and savor the moment. Thompson’s Station has some really special attractions you won’t find anywhere else in Tennessee – Here are a few of our favorites.
Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station
In August 2014, H Clark Distillery became Williamson County’s first legal distillery in over 100 years. The distillery officially became Company Distilling in 2020, crafting Tennessee whiskey, maple aged bourbon, straight rye whiskey, and other fine spirits in the same Thompson’s Station building farmers used generations ago to store grains before loading them on the railroad for sale. Company Distilling includes a production area, a bottle/retail shop, and a bar with portfolio tastings and a signature cocktail menu.
Bear Creek Farm Store
You might have noticed that the steaks at many of Nashville’s best restaurants come from a place called Bear Creek Farm. What you probably didn’t know was that the farm is located in Thompson’s Station and has a store that’s open each Wednesday from 2-5pm. Customers rave about the burger patties, sausage, and bacon here, and they say the steaks are unparalleled. Bear Creek Farm ships most of its meat directly to fine dining establishments across the nation, so this is a great opportunity to get top-quality beef directly from the source!
Preservation Park
Even most locals don’t realize Thompson’s Station is home to one of the most scenic and unique parks in the state! Preservation Park is a new, 200-acre park that once was part of the Battle of Thompson’s Station. The park’s trail takes hikers up to the top of a grassy hill offering panoramic views of Williamson County’s countryside, then dips down into a forest before looping around the hill back to the park’s entrance. A spur trail connects to the nearby Nutro Dog Park. Preservation Park also includes battlefield trail markers, playing fields, a large pavilion, and restrooms.
Circa Grill
You’ll find Circa Grill inside a former general store, in front of over 100 acres of preserved land and Thompson’s Station’s red caboose. It doesn’t get any more picturesque than this, friends! Founded in 2013 by partners Robynne Napier and Jason Ritzen, its menu is curated by Jeff Pignato, a local chef with a passion for Southern fusion. Circa Grill offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday as well as weekend brunch. Choose from menu options like crawfish beignets, lobster gnocchi, smoked pork breakfast tacos, and much more, as well as a full menu of inventive cocktails.
FirstBank Amphitheater
Did you know Middle Tennessee’s newest and most unique outdoor concert venue can be found in Thompson’s Station? FirstBank Amphitheater is adjacent to Graystone Quarry, nestled in a rustic setting at the back of 140 acres of woodland is a world-class boutique venue with a state-of-the-art sound system and large screen amplification. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes when you go since you’ll be taking a ¼-mile paved walk into the quarry, and do note that FirstBank Amphitheater is a cashless venue with only small clutch bags and clear bags allowed.
1819 Coffee at Homestead Manor
Inside an 1819 manor house that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll find 1819 Coffee, a cozy coffee shop specializing in classic lattes, High Garden teas, specialty drinks, and more. The café’s owners say they want everyone who enters to feel at home, welcomed, and at peace, and I’d say they’ve succeeded!
In addition to the café, Homestead Manor also has an event barn, a schoolhouse built in 1814, a 6,000-square-foot manor with nine rooms on three stories. It’s available for corporate, community, and private events.
Mojo’s Tacos at Tollgate Village
This Franklin staple now has a location in Thompson’s Station as well! Featuring creative taco flavors like Korean Cauliflower, Hot Chicken, and Fried Avocado in addition to more standard fare, Mojo’s Tacos also offers a kids menu and a full cocktail and signature margarita menu.
