Around here, we live for fall all year long. Something about the misty, cool mornings, golden hour through amber-tinged leaves, hardwood smoke and the sound of high school marching bands in the air… this season just feels like home. Plus, it’s chock-full of fun events, happenings, and things to do that take full advantage of the autumnal spirit.
There’s no better time to get outside, and the options are limitless. With these pairings as a guide, you can make a full day of it.
The three miles of well-groomed trails at Timberland Park on the historic Natchez Trace Parkway offer stunning scenery and wildlife viewing, particularly in the fall. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic table in the shade, or head to Leiper’s Fork (one exit farther south down the Trace) for food, shopping, or a tour and tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
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If you’re in Brentwood, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary offers guided fall color hikes at 9:30 a.m. each Saturday in October, and The Perch on Franklin Road serves breakfast and brunch crepes, as well as Campfire lattes that have become legendary. Out in Fairview, tweak that plan to focus on Bowie Nature Park—with its 700 acres of forest and lakes, and 17 miles of trails—paired with lunch or dinner at Whiskey Fire BBQ, soon to be world-famous for its brisket bomb.
Just outside historic Nolensville, at the 800-tree Morning Glory Orchard, apple season is in full swing, with all the accoutrements. Afterward, check out the Amish country market at the Nolensville Feed Mill on Main Street, and then hit Mill Creek Brewing Co. for snacks and brews. While the official Oktoberfest celebration is being held on September 20, the vibes will persist through the season, and there’s plenty of room for the kids to run and play.
For a farm-themed adventure, head out toward Eagleville and check out Lucky Ladd Farms. With more petting zoos, playgrounds, and age-appropriate adventures than roller coasters and bumper cars, it’s a day well spent for family fun. The Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a pumpkin patch and corn maze, runs through Halloween. Just down 840, cap the day off with a visit to see Goose, the big John Deere tractor at Berry Farms, perfect for a photo op. Soulshine Pizza, Edley’s Bar-B-Cue, Tito’s Mexican Restaurant, and more are right there as well.\
Back in Franklin, catch a movie at The Franklin Theatre—Fear Fest features the classics day and night through October—then enjoy a caramel apple at Kilwins. Or, take a Haunted Franklin Tour with Franklin on Foot.
On Saturdays, the Franklin Farmers Market at The Factory at Franklin is full of pumpkin everything, and the shops and restaurants inside are incredible. Don’t miss a ride or three on the new Carousel of Dreams, with its hand-carved menagerie and open-air magic.
Sunday couldn’t be much better than brunch in the courtyard at The Harpeth Hotel—think creme brûlée donuts, breakfast pizza on a Big Green Egg, along with brunch standards and new expressions from Chef Thomas Tuggle. If you love history, stroll down to the Rest Haven and Old City Cemeteries, and listen to the City of Franklin’s audio tour featuring the stories of people who helped shape the community through two centuries.
Of course, if you ask any local what the two can’t miss fall events would be, they’d say Gentry’s Farm and PumpkinFest.
For over 100 years, Gentry’s Farm has played a pivotal role in Franklin. These days, it’s best known for its acres of fall fun for kids of all ages. From games to hay rides, animals, a corn maze, interactive history exhibits and more, this is a cherished Williamson County tradition. Just across the street in Westhaven, enjoy the grand lawn overlooking the lake, with several food options to choose from.
And in downtown Franklin on October 25, the 40th Annual PumpkinFest will take over Main Street, the Square and surrounding blocks with an incredible array of artisans, crafts (yes, pumpkin carving and painting), live music, and costume contests. Once the festival winds down, check out who’s playing at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor. You never know who you might see there.
Finally, if you’re here for Halloween, Fair Street and Main Street in the historic Hincheyville neighborhood are shut down, and the neighbors pull out all the stops. You’ve never seen trick-or-treating like this.
There’s no bad time to visit Franklin, but fall is tough to beat. Get outside and soak up the season.
