Gone are the days of jam-packed itineraries in a bustling city, staying out until the wee hours of the morning in the name of doing it all. Instead, many travelers are opting to use their coveted vacation days to earn some much-needed R&R, bringing the “slow travel” trend to the forefront in recent years.
Hotels and destinations have answered the call, incorporating more wellness-focused amenities like in-room yoga mats, late checkout (so guests can get alllll the beauty sleep), and activities centered around self-care.
Franklin has long felt like a respite for travelers and locals alike, thanks to its wide open spaces and laid-back style of life. But, plenty of experiences have cropped up around town to double down on the relaxation. We’ve rounded up seven spots built for slowing down and resting up.
The Spa at Southall
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When you’re looking to treat yourself, a luxury spa is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And boy, does Franklin deliver. Tucked in the rolling hills of Leiper’s Fork is Southall Farm & Inn, a bucolic retreat created for relaxation. While a stroll around the property will likely do the trick, a visit to the onsite spa only ups the ante on rejuvenation. As with all things at Southall, the land lends itself to the guest experience – at the spa, this means organic ingredients, homegrown loofahs, a mineral pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, and much more.
Salt Cave
You may think you’re passing a roadside home when driving down Nolensville Road, but a second look will reveal a pretty pink secret: Serenity Salt Cave is covered with Himalayan salt and a halo generator that breaks it down into fine particles in the air. This therapy helps with things like acne, allergies, skin conditions, stress, and a wealth of other conditions. In addition to the cave, you’ll find detox options, an infrared sauna, and natural products available for sale.
Herban Market
How you feel starts with what you eat, and at Herban Market, the team is committed to sourcing the highest-quality local ingredients to turn food into feel-good fuel. From salads and wraps to pizzas and sandwiches, stop in for a lunchtime pick-me-up or grab something from the grocery section to whip up later. Either way, Herban Market is a worthwhile destination to slow down and fuel up on your visit to town.
The Manor at Dark Horse Recording Estate
It’s no secret Williamson County is nestled just beneath Music City itself, and we’ll let you in on a little secret: our town can compete with the legendary artists, venues, and stories hailing from Nashville. A new experience lets visitors step right into the action: The Manor at Dark Horse Recording is a musical estate with an on-site recording studio that’s been used by names like Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendez, and many more over the years. Still an active recording studio, the onsite home can be booked via Airbnb for a maximum of 18 guests. Built as a place for artists to escape, there’s no better place to slow down in town than Dark Horse.
Hiking Trails
Williamson County’s rolling hills and storied parks are a perfect way to slow down and reset. In Franklin, walk along the Harpeth River at Harlinsdale Farm, send the kiddos to play at the Pinkerton Park playground, or wander through Civil War history at the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park. Around the county, visit Thompson’s Station’s Preservation Park, catch a little game at Nolensville Park, or get your hike going at Brentwood’s Smith Park.
Bowie Park & Nature Center
Fairview houses a massive park and nature center boasting 700 acres of forest, lakes, and trails. At its center is a stunning pond that reflects the park’s natural beauty. Here, get your heart rate up with a walk, a bike ride (free bicycles are available to rent), or a horseback stroll, or kick back and cast a line instead. In inclement weather, enjoy a visit to the Modern Nature Center to browse exhibits and art installations.
Head Spa
This is perhaps my favorite wellness trend to emerge in recent years – a visit to Sage Head Spa is a delightful treat focused solely on the scalp. During an hour-long (or more!) service, enjoy a cleanse, scalp scrub, moisturizers, and massage techniques that rival even the world’s best body massage. Facials are also available, as well as other add-ons like hair masks, hot stones and LED light therapy.
