In Franklin, love is always in the air.
Our town, full of old charm and new trends, is the perfect destination for couples wanting to reconnect with one another on a romantic getaway. There is truly something for every interest in the area—art, wine, adventure, music, history, architecture—so couples can spend the weekend exploring, relaxing, eating, and just being together. You’d be hard-pressed to find more romantic getaways throughout Tennessee.
Here are some suggestions on where to start based on your shared passions.
For couples that love nature:
The beauty of Franklin is in its versatility. If you’re looking to explore together in the great outdoors, you’ll find romance a short drive away from our bustling downtown. Stay amidst the rolling hills in a one-of-a-kind guest home: a renovated church. This Airbnb offers plenty of space (it’s on a six-acre property) and an incredible view, not to mention dreamy high ceilings.
Start your morning off with fresh energy from the Juice Bar, which serves up immune-boosting juice blends and smoothies. Then, jump in the saddle for horseback riding at Creekside Riding Stables. They offer trail rides and lessons year-round—the perfect activity for couples looking to make memories literally off the beaten path. After riding, grab a bite to eat at Herban Market, a better-for-you small business with local, organic products and a must-have Grilled Pesto & Cheese. If you’re ready to lace up your hiking boots, take a trip to Timberland Park and explore the beauty of the Natchez Trace at milepost 437.2.
Couples who recharge in nature may also enjoy a peaceful walk around the 200-acre Park at Harlinsdale Farm followed by an ethically-sourced latte from Honest Coffee Roasters across the street.
Related Posts
For couples that love art
You’ll find something around every corner of our county to pique your interest, but you’ll be especially impressed with the creativity and color packed into the tiny village of Leiper’s Fork. Stay in a dreamy cottage, like the 1930s Coda Cottage, in the heart of town. You’ll love the quirky patterns, textures, and angles—the dining area is asymmetrical!
When you’re ready to explore the creativity of Leiper’s Fork, there are several fine art galleries to browse. A personal favorite is The Copper Fox, owned by Talbott and John Grimm. Their gallery represents over 90 artisans from the Southeast and is housed in a restored 1880s home.
As you browse, you’ll be treated to the stories behind the artwork. “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. When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat together, 1892 offers an elegant, romantic dinner with artistic styling of their own—creative dishes like fig ravioli with bleu cheese.
A few other favorites for art lovers include the first Friday art crawl in Franklin, the whimsical lattes at Frothy Monkey, intricate petit-fours at Triple Crown Bakery, and paint-your-own-pottery at Third Coast Clay.
For couples that love entertaining
Don’t miss any of the action when you stay in the heart of downtown. This cozy loft is just a block away from all the shops, or enjoy plenty of space in a mid-century modern bungalow with a gorgeous interior that’ll inspire all of your future parties. Kick-off your weekend of romance with wine tasting at the stunning Arrington Vineyards.
Try the Premier Experience, where an Estate Hostess walks you through several of Arrington’s award-winning wines paired with small bites and a scenic view of rolling Tennessee hills. It is a semi-private activity, says Tasting Experience Manager Katie Jones, “but we tend to find that everyone becomes friends after the experience.” The grounds also offer plenty of space for an alfresco picnic, perfectly complemented by Arrington’s wine.
Follow your wine tasting with an elegant dinner at Red Pony and a nightcap at nearby Cork & Cow—their raspberry-infused Stop & Frisk cocktail was a Valentine’s favorite so popular that they added it to the menu permanently.
Once you’ve rested up, add a bucket list favorite to your agenda: taking in a show at the historic Franklin Theatre on Main Street. Known as “the home of first kisses” since opening in 1937, the Franklin Theatre has undergone an extensive renovation in the last 10 years and now draws visitors in to see movies, musical performances, and live theater acts. After the show, mosey over to JJ’s Wine Bar for some post-performance tapas.
Couples who love to entertain (and, be entertained) may also enjoy a trip to Pull-Tight Players, a small performing arts theater that’s been around for 50 years, followed by soft-serve frozen yogurt with endless topping combinations at Sweet Cece’s.
For couples that love adventure
A new memory is just around the corner. Stay at an unconventional Airbnb: a barn. But, don’t let the outside fool you—the interior is a warm, unique representation of life in Franklin and is accompanied by a fire pit for roasting marshmallows together. Start your adventure with a sky-high view of middle Tennessee in a private hot air balloon tour. It’s an unforgettable experience complete with a champagne toast upon arrival. This is a trip you won’t regret.
With your feet back under you, pick up some authentic NY-style pizza at Brooklyn Brothers, a local favorite with options for every mood. Finish your meal with out-of-the-box ice cream flavors at Jeni’s in The Factory. You’ll find choices like Brambleberry Crisp, Gooey Butter Cake, Frosé, and Goat Cheese with Red Cherries to whet your palate.
If you’re ready to keep exploring, try a tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery. You’ll be able to visit the stillhouse and taste small-batch whiskeys that are cultivated with extraordinary detail and care using locally-sourced ingredients and limestone-filtered water.
Couples that love to feed their adventurous spirit may also enjoy renting electric bikes to take a self-guided tour of our town (maybe a few hours after the whiskey tasting!), crafting a gourmet burger at O Be Joyful, or stopping by the Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop for an oh-so-sweet souvenir.
For couples that love history
Franklin is a history buff’s dream—so if you and your partner enjoy exploring the past, you’ll be enchanted with a stay at Seward Hall, an 1854 antebellum mansion on 22 acres. A stately winding staircase, sweeping porches, and a cheery kitchen will make it hard to leave. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, try this 1890s Airbnb with charming antiques in the heart of Franklin.
Start with breakfast at Merridee’s, a local bakery housed in a revamped harness shop. They make everything from scratch, including their incomparable cinnamon-raisin bread. Once you’ve fueled up, take a short drive towards Carnton, one of the many Civil War landmarks Franklin holds. Carnton was built in 1826 and served as the area’s largest field hospital for Confederate soldiers during the war.
Couples can tour the home, which is now a beautifully preserved museum, and the surrounding grounds and gardens. History lovers may also want to check out the Lotz House and the Carter House—two other famous Civil War sites just minutes from downtown. One of the easiest ways to get a snapshot of Franklin’s past is through a trolley tour. The Historic Franklin Trolley Tour gives guests a 90-minute drive past historic homes, cemeteries, Civil War sites, and even an old jail.
Once your tour wraps, enjoy a night of live music and southern fare at Puckett’s, a local hotspot that laid its roots in Leiper’s Fork back in the 50s. Finish off the night with a drink at Gray’s on Main, an 1876 pharmacy-turned-restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel at home. And, if you happen to walk away with a container of their legendary banana pudding, we won’t fault you.
For couples that just want to relax
We get it—sometimes, you just need to getaway. Reconnect with your loved one in the idyllic Harpeth Hotel away from the busyness. This restful space features a gorgeous courtyard that many of the rooms overlook, not to mention a cozy library lounging area perfect for relaxing by the fire together.
Make your first stop the Coffee House at Second and Bridge for a coffee date away from Main Street that provides privacy in a cozy atmosphere. Share a slice of their homemade strawberry loaf, a blueberry scone, or gluten-free crêpes.
If you’re looking to splurge, treat yourselves to a Swedish couple’s massage at A Moments Peace—60 or 90 minutes of uninterrupted bliss. Or, experience the silence (and numerous health benefits) that a float spa, like Pure Sweat + Float Studio, has to offer.
Float in Epsom salt-infused water (a 30% saline solution) for your very own mini trip to the Dead Sea. When you both feel rejuvenated, go for fresh New Mexican cuisine at Sopapillas. Try their charred pineapple guacamole, blue corn chicken enchiladas, local dry-aged steak fajitas, and traditional sopapillas for an authentic, delicious meal in a low-key environment.
Couples looking to relax in Franklin may also enjoy unwinding in a salt cave in Nolensville, having dinner with a personal chef, taking a yoga class together, or strolling through Bicentennial Park.
Feeling inspired? There’s never a bad time to whisk your sweetheart away on a romantic getaway to Franklin.
