(Cover image credit: @mattumlandd)
Looking for a unique date night filled with local gems? How about a romantic staycation complete with hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, or local wineries with a view? Or, if you’re just looking for a getaway to relax with your date, how does soaking up some art at a gallery or soaking in an Epsom salt pool sound? You can find all of these and more just 30 minutes or less from our beloved Franklin, Tennessee!
The beauty of Franklin is in its versatility, and our charming city has something special to offer couples with all types of interests: nature, art, food and drinks, music, history, entertainment, you name it! Use this guide to get started creating the perfect date (or entire weekend) and reconnect with your partner in an unforgettable way.
For the Outdoorsy Couple
Great hikes and nature exploration are right here in our backyard. Drive down the famous Natchez Trace Parkway to take in miles of winding scenery and stop at Timberland Park, located on mile marker 437.2, less than a mile from the Double Arch Bridge and the beginning of the parkway. This 72-acre park has nine hiking trails of varying difficulties, ADA-accessible trails, a butterfly garden, overlooks, and plenty of opportunities for bird watching. Pack a lunch and eat at one of the picnic tables along the trails.
If you’re in the mood for a date that is more equine in nature, jump in the saddle at Creekside Riding Stables! They offer horseback riding trail rides and lessons year-round. Once you’ve worked up your appetite, head over to Herban Market, a one-of-a-kind, better-for-you business with an organic restaurant and market providing high quality food from scratch from one of the area’s top chefs.
For a more relaxing walk in the great outdoors, couples might enjoy strolling around the 200-acre Park at Harlinsdale Farm, complete with walking/hiking trails, a dog park, and a 3-acre pond approved for catch-and-release fishing. Grab an ethically-sourced coffee right across the street at Honest Coffee Roasters once you’re satisfied with the beauty of the farm.
If you’re willing to drive two hours, Rock Island State Park is a gorgeous 883-acre park located on the headwaters of Center Hill Lake where visitors can rent a kayak, swim in the lake, or hike one of the park’s nine trails and see magnificent views of the Great Falls Dam and the Twin Falls.
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For a place to stay in the area to satisfy your cabin-core needs, check out Whispering Waters Cabin by the Creek! This beautiful cabin in Fairview has a rural feel but is close to just about anything you might need, with easy access to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Be sure to check out Bowie Nature Park while you’re here!
For the Adventurous Ones
Make your next date hotter than ever with a hot-air balloon ride! Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures offers private balloon tours over less developed areas so you can take in all the natural beauty Middle Tennessee has to offer in a way you won’t be able to experience otherwise.
For a date that just cannot miss, try out Music City Archery. Take a private lesson or just book a lane and channel your inner Robin Hood with this unique experience the two of you won’t soon forget. Cupid won’t be the only one shooting arrows during this date!
Couples who are looking to get in a good workout while also channeling their inner child will love SOAR Adventure Tower. This aerial park has over 110 rope obstacle courses of varying difficulties packed into four levels of intense fun. Wind down your adventure with a round of mini gold while you’re there!
Try out a more free-spirited way to explore the city by renting an electric bike from Pedego and riding over to the 2-mile paved trail at Eastern Flank Battle Park (1349 Carnton Lane).
For lovers of the arts
The city of Franklin puts on a fantastic art crawl experience on the first Friday of every month, aptly named “First Friday Art Crawl.” Jump on a complimentary trolley and see dozens of local artists displaying their art all throughout downtown Franklin’s historic buildings. Many of the stops have live music and free refreshments, and all artwork is available for purchase! It’s a perfect date night for art enthusiasts or for casual art appreciators.
Or, if you’re in the mood for a little getaway, hop in the car and take a quick 20-minute drive to Leipers Fork for a cozy weekend. Grab breakfast and a good cup of handcrafted coffee at the Redbyrd coffee shop and then head over to the Copper Fox art gallery to see some great local art and meet its lovely owners, Talbott and John. “We visit almost all of our artists’ studios to see their processes and learn what inspires them, so we can give our visitors a better understanding of our unique offerings,” Talbott and John say. For dinner and live music from local artists, Leipers Fork’s famous Fox & Locke is a must-visit.
Finish your day by kicking up your feet and reading a good book on the back porch of this dreamy and cozy accommodation, Coda Cottage. Described as a “thoughtfully renovated 1930s cottage that seamlessly marries vintage charm with contemporary convenience”, this spot is the perfect vibe for your small-town, quiet weekend away from the busyness of the city.
For the History Buffs
Couples who love American History will have no shortage of excellent experiences for them in Franklin.
You can start your day off with Franklin’s famous bakery Merridee’s, a local made-from-scratch-every-morning bakery housed in a revamped harness shop and voted the “Best Bakery in Williamson County” three years in a row!
From there, it’s just a ten-minute drive to Carnton, a plantation home built in 1826 that played a significant role in the gruesome Battle of Franklin in 1864 during the American Civil War. Take a guided or self-guided tour of the house and plantation, or you can purchase combination tickets to visit other significant locations of the war such as the Carter House and Rippa Villa (fun fact: these tickets never expire!). Gray Line’s Civil War Tour is a sightseeing tour that takes visitors to two of these sites as well as the Lotz House, and includes admission to the sites. Learn about the history of the homes and grounds, the people who were enslaved at these places, and the Battle of Franklin itself in these unforgettable tours.
Another great way to get a glimpse of Franklin’s and America’s history is through the Historic Franklin Trolley Tour, a 90-minute trolley ride through areas detailing historic homes, cemeteries, a jail, and various important Civil War sites. Book tickets here.
Finish your day off with a delicious meal in a restaurant renovated from a pharmacy built in 1876, Gray’s on Main, and a drink at 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails, located in the historic Franklin hotel The Harpeth.
For the Entertainment Seekers
It’s no secret that Music City has a plethora of options for a good time. Tourists come from far and wide to immerse themselves in our rich entertainment scene. Impress your date with one of these fun options.
A trip to Williamson County is not complete without sipping delicious local wine with a view of the rolling hills of lush countryside while listening to live music at Country Music legend Kix Brooks’ Arrington Vineyards. Pack a picnic lunch or dinner, try a wine tasting flight, and settle in for a wonderful time with your partner at this picturesque backdrop of Middle Tennessee. Depending on the weekend, you might get down to some country jams, soak in the atmosphere with a jazz ballad, or if you’re lucky, hear Kix Brooks himself serenade the crowd. Make sure to bring your own blanket or chairs and buy a bottle to take home with you to remember this day!
For lovers of local theater, Franklin has two excellent options. Right in the heart of town on Main Street lives the historic Franklin Theatre. Known endearingly as the “home of first kisses”, the theater was built in 1937 and has undergone extensive renovations within the past decade. It’s a perfect spot to catch a classic movie, music performance, or stage show. But don’t skip the Pull-Tight Players, a small performing arts theater that has been entertaining Williamson County for 60 years now. These folks pull off 6 mainstage shows per season. After the show, walk on over to Puckett’s for even more live entertainment and amazing food from this iconic Franklin hot-spot.
For the Ones Who Just Want to Relax for Once
If all of these ideas sound too exhausting for you right now, no stress— we’ve got you covered.
For a cozy coffee shop away from the bustle of Main Street, check out Coffee House at Second and Bridge. Share a slice of strawberry loaf or dig into some gluten-free crêpes.
Experience serenity like never before at a float spa. Pure Sweat + Float Studio offers you a 40 or 60-minute session to float in Epsom salt-infused water and plunge deeply into the present moment for intense relaxation and mindfulness. However, if that doesn’t really float your boat, you can forego the floating and book a Swedish couple’s massage at A Moment’s Peace.
After an easy drive from the heart of Franklin to Nolensville, you and your partner can experience relaxation and numerous health benefits by taking in the salty atmosphere at Serenity Salt Cave. This place has numerous amenities to choose from, including the aforementioned salt cave experience, foot baths, sauna sessions, and more! Check out their monthly deals and book your backyard trip to the Himalayas.
Stay at the historic Harpeth Hotel for an idyllic courtyard that many of the rooms overlook and curl up with a good book in the cozy library lounge that includes a fireplace.
For the Indecisive Folks
Not sure what the vibe of your date needs to be? Maybe you’d like a one-stop shop for a variety of different date vibes? Check out Southall Farm & Inn, a working farm and drop-dead beautiful resort that hosts lots of activities! Here, you can take Pilates and yoga classes, go mountain biking and fly-fishing, climb through the trees on an aerial adventure course, try out archery and axe throwing, tour the orchard, take a falconry class, and more! Finish your jam-packed day with a trip to their speakeasy, Dottie’s. All experiences are open to anyone making an activity or dining reservation, as well as overnight guests.
As you can see, Franklin has something exciting to offer couples with every interest. Branch out and try something new this month, and maybe you’ll end up finding your own hidden gems in our wonderful little city.
