Less than thirty minutes down the interstate from the hustle and bustle of Nashville, visitors will find beautiful expansive green spaces, picturesque vistas, miles of walking trails, and all the small-town charm you could dream of in Franklin. Local health enthusiast and endurance coach Amanda Foland (@amandaf313 on Instagram) fell in love with the area and opened a personal training studio, Fit Studio, off of Highway 96. “As a midwestern home-grown girl, it was not hard to fall in love with Franklin,” she says. “The history, quaintness, and family-focused atmosphere was just what I wanted when choosing a forever home!”
For individuals and families who share Amanda’s passion for health and want to make the most of their Williamson County visit, here are several can’t-miss spots in the area for all levels of enthusiasts.
A Little Fresh Air
Start your day off with an early-morning hike. In Brentwood, enjoy the lookout at Marcella Vivrette Smith Park. In Fairview, mosey around 700 acres in peaceful Bowie Nature Park. In Thompson’s Station, explore an old battleground at Preservation Park. The options are endless! “Williamson County is full of places to hike, cycle, run, and just take time to be outdoors,” Amanda shares. “One of my favorite places to venture is The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Not only is there a new riding arena where you can see polo going on, but there are dog parks, vast fields where you can run a 5K, and a pond where you can pull out a fishing pole to take you back to the good old days.”
Healthy Fuel
After some morning exercise, grab a little breakfast across the street from Harlinsdale at Franklin Juice Company, located in The Factory at Franklin. Try an acaí bowl like the Big Island (granola, peanut butter, banana, hemp seeds, bee pollen, and honey) or a nutrient-packed smoothie like the Swell (pineapple, spinach, kale, ginger, lemon, coconut water, and apple juice).
Shop Local
The Factory is a great place to get some steps in, as it plays host to over a dozen little shops—eateries, Tennessee-made souvenirs, event spaces, galleries, and the Franklin Farmers’ Market. That’s where you’ll find Amanda. “If you’re looking to support local businesses, eat healthy food, and buy products made from the heart, Saturday mornings are the time to do it! The Franklin Farmers’ Market has a variety of locally grown produce, sweet treats, and—let’s not forget—food trucks. There’s nothing like being in a one-stop-shop that can please the entire family!”
Finding Relaxation
Take a few hours to indulge yourself in the holistic health experiences that our county has to offer. True Rest Float Spa in Cool Springs uses 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salts for zero-gravity float therapy that relieves pain and soothes the nervous system. Or, encourage your respiratory health with a 45-minute salt therapy session at Serenity Salt Cave in Nolensville. In addition to breathing the salt air—which is proven to clean the respiratory tract by killing bacteria—guests can try an ionic detox foot bath or an infrared sauna session, which can improve your immune system and increase blood circulation.
An Organic Bite To Eat
Herban Market is one of Franklin’s best-kept secrets. This combo restaurant-grocery store-olive oil tasting bar has an all-organic, local, scratch-made menu—and it’s absolutely delicious. Stop in for everything from kombucha on tap to Cajun Salmon Tacos to a fine steak dinner to Chimichurri Eggs Benedict. From brunch to drinks, they have you covered! It’s also a great spot for anyone with dietary or allergy restrictions, as Herban Market offers a Build-Your-Own Bar where guests can make custom salads, pizzas, calzones, or wraps. Finish off your lunch with a treat from their in-house bakery.
Exploring Fitness In Franklin
As a fitness lover, Amanda knows that it’s not always easy to get in a workout when you’re visiting a new place. However, she has a recommendation for guests passing through. “When it comes to fitness, Franklin offers small personal training studios and larger gyms—along with many places to take classes. Many places, including Fit Studio, offer options to train even if you are only visiting for a few days.” If you’re in the mood for a group class, practice your poses at locally-owned {r}elevé one, get your cardio in at Title Boxing, tone muscle at Row House, or pedal away stress at CycleBar. You may also be interested in a session of indoor rock climbing at The Crag, where you can rent all the equipment you need to climb—so there’s no need to bring your own.
A Farm-To-Table Meal You’ll Remember
Dinner options are around every corner, with upscale restaurants and mid-level eateries offering healthy plates and lighter Southern fare. Enjoy locally-sourced entrees like an Angus ribeye at The Honeysuckle with roasted heirloom carrots, Taco Tuesday with all kinds of rotating seasonal ingredients at 1892, or fresh salads at Circa with Tennessee goats’ cheese. For a little something sweet, polish off your meal with a dish of frozen yogurt piled high with fresh fruit—locals love Sweet Cece’s in downtown Franklin and newly-opened Sweethaven with dairy-free options.
An Evening On Foot
Explore Franklin’s history in an interactive and engaging way with Franklin On Foot. From ghost tours, crime tours, and Civil War tours to food tours and children’s tours, book 90 minutes of walking around town with the best storytellers in Tennessee. Tours happen weekly year-round and can be booked privately or in a group setting. You’ll experience an up-close-and-personal view of Franklin’s historic landmarks—whether you’re looking for ghosts in the windows of old brick homes on the Haunted Franklin Tour or uncovering the tombstone of Union sympathizer Fannie Courtney on the Grave Matters Tour.
From the greenways to the salt caves to the local farms that keep us connected to our roots, Franklin offers health-conscious guests a wide variety of options—things to see, do, eat, and experience. As Amanda puts it: “If you’re looking to live out loud and experience life to its fullest, Williamson County is the place to fall in love with.”
Abbi is an adopted Tennessean who has fallen in love with the South—especially its people, warmth, and incomparable food. When she’s not telling stories or experimenting with family recipes, Abbi loves to explore new places with her husband Zach and dog Groot.