Rain is a word no one wants to hear on vacation, but here in Franklin, we actually look forward to rainy days! There’s something incredibly romantic about huddling under an umbrella with the person you love and ambling along historic Main Street, popping in and out of its many unique shops, cafés, and restaurants. It feels like you’ve stumbled onto a small-town movie set where charm and friendly faces abound, and the coffee is always hot.
Downtown is a natural starting point, but Franklin’s rainy-day appeal goes well beyond a stroll in the drizzle. From fun-filled indoor spots to experiences that feel tailor-made for a stormy afternoon, here are a few places worth adding to your list.
Experience Old Hollywood, Rain or Shine
Some entertainment venues manage to set a mood before the show even begins. The Franklin Theatre is one of them. Opened in 1937 and lovingly restored to its original Art Deco glory, this Main Street landmark brings a touch of old Hollywood glamor to even the grayest of afternoons. The calendar here is always wonderfully varied: classic films mingle with live music, comedy acts, dance performances, and local theater. Be sure to secure tickets before you go so that you don’t have to skip the next sell-out performance.
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Sip Your Way Through an Overcast Afternoon
A rainy afternoon and a tasting flight are a natural pairing, and Williamson County gives you plenty of excellent options. Curio Brewing Company in Franklin is a one-of-a-kind spot that brews both coffee and craft beer under the same roof, so it works whether it’s ten in the morning or four in the afternoon. Out in Thompson’s Station, Company Distilling is the first legal distillery in Williamson County in over 100 years and crafts handmade spirits in a historic old granary, with tours, tastings, a full cocktail bar, and live music in season. Leiper’s Fork Distillery offers behind-the-scenes tours of its production facilities, as well as a tasting room housed in a 1829 restored log home. In Brentwood, The Raven Book Lounge offers an inviting spot to browse thoughtfully curated books, sip on a cocktail, and settle in alone or with friends while the rain falls outside. Mill Creek Brewing Co. in Nolensville keeps things relaxed with a solid lineup of craft beers and a family-friendly taproom that’s easy to settle into for the afternoon. And for something a little different, Arrington Vineyards produces 22 award-winning wines on a gorgeous 95-acre property, with indoor tasting rooms offering vineyard views that somehow look even better under a moody, overcast sky.
Visit The Factory at Franklin
Originally built as a stove factory in 1928, The Factory at Franklin has become one of the town’s most reliably wonderful places to spend a few hours, and it’s an ideal rainy day destination. The locally-owned shops alone are worth the wander: rare vinyl, handmade jewelry, fine art, vintage clothing, and Southern home goods make for great browsing even if you don’t buy a thing. When hunger sets in, there’s no need to worry. Two Hands, Five Daughters Bakery, The White Alligator, etch, Hattie B’s, and a handful of other local favorites are all under one roof, and all very good.
Still have time to fill? The Factory delivers. Paint your own pottery at Third Coast Clay Ceramic Studio, take a spin on the hand-carved Carousel of Dreams, step inside The Experience Lab by charity: water for a surprisingly moving look at the global water crisis, or catch a play or live performance at one of the building’s two state-of-the-art theaters. It’s the rare kind of place where you can arrive with no particular plan and still have a great afternoon.
Hunt for One-of-a-Kind Antiques
If browsing for hidden treasures sounds like your idea of a perfect rainy afternoon, Franklin and its surrounding communities have plenty of options. Franklin Antique Mall has been a downtown institution for decades, with 12,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles spread across more than 65 booths, all situated inside what was once the town’s ice house. Winchester Antique Mall is worth a stop for serious collectors, with high-quality European and Americana pieces, as well as staff who can speak knowledgeably about what they’re selling. Out in Leiper’s Fork, Props Antiques mixes reclaimed furniture, vintage finds, and locally made gifts in a charming, easy-to-browse shop. And Spring Hill Antique Mall is one of the county’s best-kept secrets, with more than 40 booths located within a repurposed school gymnasium.
Tour One (or All!) of Franklin’s Historic Homes
The Battle of Franklin left a permanent mark on this town, and the historic homes that survived it are remarkable places to spend a rainy afternoon. Several are open for guided tours, and together they paint a fuller picture of what life looked like during one of the Civil War’s most devastating episodes.
Carnton served as the battle’s largest temporary field hospital. Carter House still carries more than a thousand bullet holes in its south-side walls. The Lotz House tells the story of one family’s experience as the fighting unfolded right outside their front door. The McLemore House brings an essential and often overlooked perspective to the story, chronicling the lives, contributions, and resilience of African Americans in Franklin during this era and beyond. And just a short drive south in Spring Hill, Rippa Villa was an estate at the center of the Battle of Spring Hill, which unfolded across the property the night before the Battle of Franklin. Tours are available most days, including a deeply moving 90-minute tour focused specifically on the enslaved people who lived and worked on the property.
Any of these tours is worth your time. All contain stories you won’t forget.
Cozy Up with Coffee and a Novel
Franklin has a genuinely impressive coffee scene, and a rainy afternoon is the perfect excuse to take advantage of it. The Coffeehouse at Second and Bridge in Franklin occupies a cozy historic home, with a menu of coffee drinks, crepes, and baked goods, plus enough nooks and corners to make you want to stay for hours. In Nolensville, Monamie Coffee brings a little European flair to the county — a charming café with premium coffee, fresh pastries, and breakfast and lunch options in a space that reviewers consistently describe as one of the most inviting in the area. And if you’re willing to venture out to Thompson’s Station, 1819 Coffee is tucked inside Homestead Manor, a stunning antebellum estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, you can settle in with a signature latte and enjoy the sounds of the rain pattering outside.
Pair your café experience with a good book from Landmark Booksellers, housed in a structure dating back to 1808 that was once a gathering place for Andrew Jackson, Davy Crockett, and Sam Houston. For a more curated, contemporary feel, Bound Booksellers in the Westhaven neighborhood has a lovely selection of books, games, and gifts.
Burn Off Some Energy Indoors
If you love the outdoors, but the weather isn’t cooperating, The Crag offers a satisfying alternative. Indoor rock climbing is more accessible than most people think, and the instructors here are good at meeting participants wherever they are, whether they’re first-timers or seasoned climbers. It’s a solid workout, a genuine challenge, and a surprisingly fun way to spend a couple of rainy hours.
When the kids have energy to burn, and the rain isn’t letting up, Sky Zone is the answer. This indoor trampoline park brings the chaos in the best possible way, offering wall-to-wall trampolines, extreme dodgeball, and enough high-flying fun to tire out even the most restless crew. Loud? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
The truth is, some of our favorite Franklin memories end up happening on days when the forecast isn’t optimal. A rainy day has a way of slowing things down just enough to let you linger over a second cup of coffee, take the longer tour, or stay for one more tasting. So next time the clouds roll in, don’t cancel your plans. Just make different ones.intermediate or advanced, they can accommodate you! All equipment is provided, or you can bring your own gear.
