There’s nothing like a girls trip to fuel your soul: slow mornings sipping hot coffee, linked-arm laughing down a charming side street, a touch of retail therapy, and, of course, plenty of happy hour toasts to lifelong friendship.
Few settings make for a more perfect girls’ getaway than Franklin, thanks to its abounding beauty and plethora of charming things to do. Whether your weekend away looks like old-fashioned R&R or letting your hair down (or a little bit of both), we’ve rounded up some top recommendations to ensure your girls’ getaway is one to remember.
Brunch
We all know by now that it’s not a true girls’ getaway without a good brunch. Be sure to include these top brunch spots on your itinerary!
Ruby Sunshine
This New Orleans-inspired brunch spot has a perfect location just off the square in Downtown Franklin. But even more impressive than its location is the menu at Ruby Sunshine: kick off your meal with candy-glazed bacon bites and seasonal beignets before moving on to a massive order of Eggs Benedict, topped with the works. Wash it all down with a sparkling flight of flavored mimosas.
The Honeysuckle
I am all about brunch, but I am also all about a good Bloody Mary. The Honeysuckle has one of the best Bloody Mary bars around and offers a brunch menu chock-full of delectable favorites. Try the biscuit board complete with hot & fresh biscuits, house-made jams, and local honey.
55 South
Craving comfort food? Well, 55 South specializes in it. Try the biscuits & gravy, breakfast tacos, or the French toast that’s literally also a cinnamon roll (I’m drooling just thinking about it).
Shopping
Most of my girls’ trips include a little shopping. Franklin has tons of unique shops that will fit every style and every budget.
White’s Mercantile
Modeled after an old-time general store, White’s Mercantile is the place to shop for stylish home décor and gift items. Owner Holly Williams curates the entire store and shows off her exquisite taste, displaying many favorite items she’s found while spending much of her life on the road playing music to her adoring fans.
Jondie
This women’s clothing and accessories boutique always has the latest styles and high-quality apparel. Jondie has been a staple on Main Street for years, and after stepping one foot into her incredible shop, it’ll quickly become a staple of your closet, too!
Savory Spice
You may not need a spice, but you’ll leave with one! This specialty spice shop lets you “try before you buy,” and let me warn you, it can very quickly become addicting. Buy one of their Franklin specialty blends creatively mixed by owner Hollie Rollins, or be the mastermind behind a completely new flavor and create your very own!
Spring Hill Antique Mall
Antique shopping is a perfect way to commemorate a special trip, and the massive gymnasium-style Spring Hill Antique Mall is a one-stop shop for all things antique jewelry, decor, furniture, and more.
Imbibing
Typically, when my girlfriends are around, a glass of wine is never far behind. Here are a few recommendations from yours truly where you can sip and savor some of the best local libations.
Arrington Vineyards
Offering some of the best views of the countryside here in Williamson County, Arrington Vineyards is a 75-acre winery owned by legendary country singer Kix Brooks. Pack a picnic and head to Arrington to sip award-winning wines while you take in the beauty of the area, or take in the Premiere Experience and let them take you through a tasting and pairing journey or wines, along with local chocolates and seasonal foods.
JJ’s Wine Bar
The ultimate in wine tasting – and tapas! Grab a glass as soon as you walk in the door at JJ’s Wine Bar and pick your poison from the vending machine-style setup. The converted historic home gives you several unique rooms with their own vibes, helping set the mood to catch up with your girlfriends, or you can set up shop outside on one of downtown Franklin’s best porches.
Mill Creek Brewery
Craft beer lovers and frosé fans alike will be well taken care of at Nolensville’s Mill Creek Brewery. The massive warehouse is filled with cozy seating areas perfect for gathering around with your girl gang. On nice days, you can also tuck into the pet-friendly outdoor patio.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
You’re in Tennessee, after all, so a whiskey tasting is a must-do. Leiper’s Fork Distillery is housed in a charming log cabin near the village of Leiper’s Fork (which makes for a perfect afternoon browsing shops and galleries), and offers tastings and tours for groups.
Adventure and Sightseeing
Be sure to plan an adventure or two while you’re in Franklin. Here are a few I recommend for a more adventurous squad.
Ghost Tour
These creepy tours are sure to give you goosebumps. Franklin on Foot offers evening ghost tours, giving you the inside scoop on the ghosts and ghouls that are rumored to haunt this historic town.
Harpeth River Tour
Gather your girls for fun on Westhaven’s lake! Paddle Dog Adventures offers stand-up paddleboard, canoe, and kayak rentals by the hour, allowing you and your squad to opt either for an intense core workout on SUPs or a relaxing float on the water.
Leiper’s Fork Electric Bike Tour
Pedego Electric Bikes offers an incredible ride out to the village of Leiper’s Fork, taking you on a tour of the countryside — or you can peddle through a history tour, architecture tour, or just whenever the mood takes you. Not a pro cyclist? Don’t worry! These bikes have built-in peddle assist, so you won’t even break a sweat.
Treat Yo’self
For the girls looking to indulge, here are a few places you don’t want to miss.
Five Daughters Bakery
100 Layer Donuts! Do I really need to say more? The original location of Five Daughters Bakery, which has seemingly become the unofficial donut of the South, got its start right here at The Factory at Franklin. You’ll find a few staple flavors on the menu every day, but the seasonal lineup of deliciousness changes each month. So, even if this isn’t your first girls’ trip to Franklin, Tennessee, you’ll definitely want to stop by FDB again!
The Spa at Southall
The new crown jewel near Leiper’s Fork is Southall Farm & Inn, an immersive luxury farm resort in a stunning hillside setting. The onsite spa is the perfect location for an ultra-luxe afternoon with the girls, offering treatments like massages, salon services, and facials.
Serenity Salt Cave
Who doesn’t love a little self-care? Grab your girls and head to Nolensville’s Serenity Salt Cave, a Himalayan salt-covered oasis that targets concerns ranging from acne to sleep disorders and allergies. Book a 45-minute session for the whole group!
So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed weekend, we’ve got you and your girls covered. We’ll see you here in Franklin, Tennessee soon, right?
