Back in 1987, Franklin was just a rural outpost of Nashville. Then plans for the CoolSprings Galleria were announced.
Nearly forty years later, it’s an icon for the development of Middle Tennessee into one of the nation’s top destinations for employers, relocating residents and visitors from around the world.
What started with a shopping mall has evolved into a mixed-use side of town that bridges the cities of Franklin and Brentwood geographically and features dozens of highly desirable restaurants, trendy shops, and unique experiences. Whereas much of Williamson County represents natural beauty, rich history, and stunning architecture, Cool Springs adds a cosmopolitan vibe to the mix.
A number of well-defined districts have sprung from the original core around the mall, becoming indoor-outdoor venues that bring people together in the live-work-play sense. For visitors, they’re the kinds of places where you might be able to listen to live music, shop and stroll, have a great meal, and then find something fun to do afterward.
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The CoolSprings Galleria itself has long been recognized as one of the best shopping malls in the region. You’ve got the anchors—Macy’s, JCPenney, Primark—but also H&M, American Girl, and Sephora, an Apple Store, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn, an L.L.Bean and an Altar’d State. It’s the kind of mall that people travel to visit.
In terms of restaurants beyond the food court, the mall area is home to a number of top-rated independent and small chain restaurants. The Brooklyn-Italian eatery Pelato and longtime staple Brewhouse South are more casual, and newcomer Truce has attracted rave reviews with its scratch-made, organic menu. More upscale options include the landmark J. Alexander’s and Connors Steak & Seafood, both of which have established reputations for exceptional service and fare.
If you’re looking for things to do, Kings Dining and Entertainment offers 16 bowling lanes, billiards, a full arcade, giant Jenga, and a whiskey room featuring live music, along with 50 TVs upon which to catch a game. Then there’s SOAR Adventure Tower, an aerial adventure tower with over 110 rope-course obstacles that will challenge kids and adults of all ages. Also in the vicinity, from one end of the spectrum to another: Sticks & Stones Axe Company and Digital Worlds VR. Axe throwing and virtual reality gaming can be had in the same afternoon.
Over at Meridian Cool Springs, the 60-acre district that has matured from a pioneering office park to a legit mixed-use community, you can dine, play, stay, relax, and rejuvenate without ever leaving the neighborhood.
With a dozen restaurants ranging from breakfast and bagels to ethnic options, juice, sandwiches, and late-night cocktails, Meridian has attracted top brands, including Little Hats Italian Market, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Ugly Bagels in recent years, and those three overlook a public green with oversized furniture, lawn games, and periodic events. The district is also home to New Moon Yoga, BodyBar Pilates, Hotworx, nail and hair salons, a spa, and more. Three on-site hotels are great options for overnight visitors.
Newest to the community is Canteen on Carothers, a 10-acre lifestyle development that has attracted restaurants including Char, PennePazze, Gelato Paz, and Dog Haus Biergarten, plus barre3 fitness and more to come.
McEwen Northside has set the standard, though, bringing an elevated urban flair to Cool Springs and a number of celebrated offerings. Thoughtfully designed to be walkable and social with prominent public spaces, the tenant mix here reads like a who’s who. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, North Italia, and Culinary Dropout are notables, with Hawker’s and Paris Baguette opening soon.
But there’s also Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Condado Tacos, and Radish Kitchen as well as Vintage Vine 100 and Neighbors Franklin. Swing by Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for something sweet. Shoppers love brands like Fink’s Jewelers, Gorjana, H. Audrey, Oak Hall, and Vuori. Music on the Lawn and seasonal pop-up events help ensure a vibrant scene inside and out, making it feel more like a big city at any given time than a private development.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for peace and quiet in the heart of Cool Springs, Aspen Grove Park is the place to be. The 14-acre pocket park includes an eighth-mile paved walking trail alongside Spencer Creek, which the kids can splash in before hitting the playground. There’s a covered pavilion and secluded corners for picnics, and it’s all right there within a short drive of everything Cool Springs has to offer. The drive to downtown Franklin takes just 10 minutes.
Whatever you’re craving, Cool Springs is the perfect complement to your Franklin vacation.
