My family is the definition of multi-generational Franklin. My grandmother, Melba Walton, founded a business on Main Street that remains today. My parents, Jack and Patsy, raised me on a little piece of land just down the road. And today, I remain firmly planted in my favorite little not-so-small town, regularly joining my mom and maternal grandmother, Marie, for shopping trips and coffee runs (and the occasional happy hour).
Franklin offers a charming blend of history and modern fun suitable for all ages. Here are our favorite ways to experience Franklin together.
The Factory at Franklin
If there’s one place to drop off any generation and keep all parties content, it’s The Factory. As its name suggests, it’s a former stove-manufacturing facility that has been converted into a playground for anyone from toddlers to grandparents. There are shops galore—from flower carts to boutiques, a pottery studio, and the brand-new Franklin Visitor Center, all interspersed with dining options that range from ramen to tacos and tricked-out hot dogs.
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We love visiting Fork of the South, a large Southern-inspired boutique with a secret in its back corner: the Southern Tea Room. My mom, grandmother, and I have enjoyed a pinkies-out afternoon catching up over teacups and finger sandwiches, and my grandmother even brought some of her siblings when they were in town (she’s one of 11!).
The Turner Theater onsite, home to Studio Tenn, regularly puts on plays and musicals—my mom and I just saw Boeing Boeing after a delightful dinner at Saffire.
Antiques & Markets
A stroll down Main Street may seem like an obvious way to spend time with kids, parents, and grandparents, and while I’d certainly encourage it, there are many other shopping options around Williamson County we’d put on our favorites list. We’re antique aficionados, and this town keeps us busy. The Franklin Antique Mall and The Village Antiques in Nolensville are excellent for finding unique, heirloom gifts, and Winchester Antique Mall has centuries-old pieces for when we need a showstopper.
We also love shopping at outdoor markets. The Franklin Farmers Market and Nolensville Farmers Market both take place on Saturdays, but you can also find us at Reed’s Produce & Garden Center just about any day of the week.
Dining & Drinks
The hard part here is narrowing down all your options for dining and drinks in Franklin. For coffee, The Coffee House at Second & Bridge sits in a historic home with multiple rooms and seating options for groups or pairs. Perenn is a European-inspired café known for its espresso and perfectly flaky croissants, with abundant outdoor seating along the Harpeth River. The Good Cup in Downtown Grassland (my little neck of the woods) is regularly teeming with neighbors catching up and families sipping coffee.
For lunch, Meridee’s Breadbasket and the Franklin Mercantile dish up the best chicken salad and soup combos. And dinners? Your options are endless. Serrato’s Steakhouse is our family’s go-to spot for special occasions, and there are plenty of great choices downtown as well—from casual favorites like Puckett’s (BBQ) and Mellow Mushroom (pizza) to more upscale spots such as Culaccino (Italian) and Cork & Cow (steakhouse).
As for drinks, Arrington Vineyards is a wide-open space for folks of all ages to sip in the sunshine (you can bring non-alcoholic drinks and food on the property). When bands are on stage, kids regularly take over the grassy dance floor while their multi-generational chaperones sip excellent wine. While the main barn is perched on quite a hill and may be difficult for accessibility, there’s a side barn on a flat piece of land and golf cart shuttles take patrons to all of the above.
R&R
There’s no better way to bond with mom than an afternoon of self-care. Franklin has a number of spa options ranging from quick-service and casual to a full-blown retreat. Let’s start there: Southall Farm & Inn is a haven for relaxation, beginning with its rural setting rooted in nature and ending with a world-class day spa. Drawing inspiration from the surrounding grounds, treatments here include massages and steam rooms, a mineral pool, and a medicinal herb garden for meditation.
Down the street in Leiper’s Fork Village is The Spa at Leiper’s Fork. This charming historic home has been transformed into an oasis offering services like nails and waxing to body treatments, facials, and massage.
