In a community that values its history and likes its hills and hamlets just as they are, we’ve come to realize that new restaurants, boutiques, cultural offerings, and places to stay only enhance the small-town charm, stunning architecture, and vast landscapes. We love our timeless favorites, and we’re always adding to the list!
Over the past year, Franklin and Williamson County have gained some impressive merchants offering fabulous things to see, shop, eat, drink, and do.
In downtown Franklin, the hits keep coming: Saint Goose, for instance, brought high-end (but affordable) retail wine and spirit sales to town in a big way. What’s better, they’re on a mission to educate: Wine + Whiskey + Wisdom equals pop-ups, tastings with makers, and fun workshops, and the space is located in a beautiful historic home on Second Avenue North. The east side of Main Street has experienced a renaissance with the addition of the Harpeth Hotel. Within that development are Olivia Olive Oil & Vinegar, with its gourmet grocery feel; the boutique CTGrace right next door; and The NOW Massage and skoah facials just around the corner on First Avenue.
On the corner, the venerated Americana Taphouse restaurant had such success with their Burger Dandy “ghost kitchen” concept during the pandemic that they’ve split the space and made it a permanent addition. Inside the walls of the former filling station or on its outdoor patio, travel back in time for smash burgers, Kool-Aid pickles, hand-spun milkshakes, and vintage sodas.
On the Public Square, the home interiors studio Onyx & Alabaster has added an espresso lounge with light bites and a cute corner of outdoor bistro tables that make a perfect place to stop while shopping Main Street. Working west into the heart of the historic retail district, you’ll find a handful of new spots to enjoy among the long-time favorites: the new salon Parker House on Main with its timely events (think braid bar for bridal parties) and Saturday morning yoga classes; the Wilder boutique on Fourth Avenue South; and Awaken TN at Five Points, the sleep shop you’ve always dreamed of.
It’s always worth popping into the Visitor’s Center to find out what’s happening—they’ll fill you in on all the local highlights, such as the new Murals of Franklin and Williamson County digital passport tour. As you head off into the sun searching Insta backdrops, check out the latest offerings beyond downtown Franklin.
In Westhaven, on the way to the Natchez Trace Bridge, Coal Town Public House and Amendment XVII Cocktail Club—a laid-back restaurant and tavern and an elevated, anti-Prohibition lounge, respectively—have been earning rave reviews.
Out in Leiper’s Fork, Fox & Locke (formerly Puckett’s of Leiper’s Fork) has gone back to its roots, with slow-smoked barbecue, Southern sides, and live music every night of the week. End up here as the sun sets and grab a seat around the fire pit… In the home county of countless musicians you’d more often see playing arenas, you never know who might show up and grab a guitar.
And on Carters Creek Pike, something special has been growing for the past five years—the 400+ acre Southall is set to open this summer as a luxury farm-based resort and spa, marrying the best of agriculture, culinary, and wellness pursuits while honoring the circle of life on a truly spectacular property.
Explore all that Franklin and Williamson County have to offer, from what was established 200 years ago to what’s new in 2022. We think you’ll love every bit of it.
