Every day, people from all around the world come to Franklin, each with their own purpose, interests, and perspective. You never know whom you will meet or what questions you’ll be asked. That’s one of my favorite things about working at the Visitor Center.
Being the information hub of the area means we get questions that run the gamut. I decided to answer some of our most commonly asked questions, since you might be wondering them, too!
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“So…what is there to do here?”
Where to begin? One of the most iconic parts of Franklin is its Great American Main Street, filled with history, charm, and local shops and restaurants.
An essential experience in Franklin is strolling down Main Street, finding unique treasures in the one-of-a-kind stores and antique shops, and following the delicious aromas wafting out of the restaurants and bakeries.
Take the experience to the next level by picking up a free Self-Guided Walking Tour from the Visitor Center, and immerse yourself in the long history of Franklin and of each building you see.
For more history, you can take a guided tour of our historic homes, which were standing on the day of the Battle of Franklin in November of 1864.
The Carter House, the Lotz House, and the Carnton Plantation will tell you about the battle, and its role in the Civil War. They’ll also provide incredible insight into different styles of living in Franklin during the 1800s.
Take a guided walking tour with Franklin on Foot to delve deeper into the history and stories of Franklin. A favorite of visitors’ is the Ghost Tour, which is most popular in October around Halloween, but runs year-round.
The spring and summer are the perfect time to head out to Arrington Vineyards, where fantastic views, wine tasting, and live music all come together for the perfect evening out.
For anyone who loves the outdoors, there are also plenty of scenic hiking trails, from Marcella Vivrette Smith Park to Garrison Creek and everywhere in between.
For a full list of shopping, restaurants, attractions, and annual events, be sure to pick up a Visitor Guide at the Visitor Center, or request and download one for free online.
“Where can I see live music?”
In this part of the country, three things are abundant: fried food, friendly people, and good music. You will find live music around Franklin every day of the week. Every Wednesday night at The Factory is Music City Roots, a live radio show that features the best of Americana music.
You will always find live music at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, and many of the restaurants in the downtown area feature live music around dinner most nights of the week.
And for the music event of the year, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival takes place every September just down the road at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.
“Is there a list of the events happening while I’m in town?”
There is! For a list of the live music and all the events going around Franklin and Williamson County, check out “The Local Scene” on our blog, or sign up to receive it in your inbox every Monday!
You can also download the free Visit Franklin mobile app to stay as up-to-date as possible on all the goings-on.
“Where’s the best place to eat breakfast/lunch/dinner?”
I always say you can walk into any restaurant in Franklin and know you’re about to have a good meal. While this makes choosing “the best” impossible, there are a few spots that have become my go-to’s over the years.
To start, Merridee’s and Puffy Muffin know a good breakfast for sure and have baked goods that will make your head spin (in all the best ways). For lunch, I crave the charred Brussels from Gray’s on Main, a hearty Redneck Burrito from Puckett’s, or the Tomato-Basil Soup from the Franklin Mercantile Deli.
When dinner rolls around, you can usually find me at McCreary’s Irish Pub working on my fish and chips or at 55 South sipping on a South Creek Tea.
“When is the best time to see the fall colors?”
This question is asked all the time, but it’s somewhat tricky to answer. The timing of the color change all depends on the weather that year, so it’s different for each year.
If you’re planning your visit around the glorious reds and oranges that landed Franklin on Travel + Leisure’s “America’s Best Towns for Fall Colors” list, then your best bet is the last week of October through the beginning of November.
“If we only have a few hours in Franklin, what should we do?”
With as much as there is to do in Franklin, it can’t all be done in a day. So if you have a short time to spend, I recommend picking up the Self-Guided Walking Tour Map from the Visitor Center and walking along Main Street.
You’ll be able to experience the shops, enjoy a fantastic lunch, and learn about the history of Franklin. If you can spare an hour and a half, I recommend visiting one of the historic homes. Any home you choose will be great and well worth your time!
“Where are the public restrooms?”
Without exaggeration, this is the most common question I get asked. If you’re walking around downtown Franklin after enjoying a nice tall drink at lunch, you’ll quickly notice that public restrooms are a little tricky to find. I’m here to help.
The Visitor Center at 4th Ave and Main Street has one, as does the Williamson County Archives and Museum located at the Five Points intersection.
And a bonus – visiting the Museum is free, so take a look around while you’re there!
That about covers my most frequently asked questions, but if you still find yourself in need of answers, you know where to find me!