Story Ideas
Let us help you share an incredible story!
Need a little inspiration for your next story? Franklin and the unique communities across Williamson County have over 200 years-and nearly as many unique story angle options-to get the ideas flowing!
For more information to assist with any of these story ideas, please get in touch with us.
A Great American Main Street
Just 17 miles south of Nashville, Franklin’s Main Street is the heart of a 16-block historic district alive with charm, history, and sophistication where past and present intertwine. This vibrant stretch features boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a music scene that rivals its larger neighbor.
Music and the arts echo through Franklin’s storied streets, with venues like Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor offering intimate, late-night performances that feel like a house concert with friends. The Franklin Theatre, a 1937 gem restored to its former glory, draws guests in for live music and films and is renowned as one of the most intimate music venues in the South. Art galleries, such as Gallery 202, housed in a historic home, showcase local and regional talent, seamlessly blending modern creativity with Franklin’s heritage.
Guests can stay on Main Street at The Harpeth Hotel, a boutique luxury destination featuring the esteemed 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails, with nods to the area’s whiskey heritage to meet culinary creativity. A short walk away, The Factory at Franklin blends modern retail and dining with its industrial past—a transformation reminiscent of Chelsea Market in New York.
Franklin’s Main Street truly reflects the best of Southern charm and contemporary experiences.
Telling Franklin’s “Fuller Story”
Franklin’s Public Square is more than a charming centerpiece—it’s a space where the complexities of history are brought into focus. The Fuller Story initiative weaves together narratives of courage, resilience, and reckoning, shedding light on often-overlooked chapters of Franklin’s past. Five historical markers now detail pivotal moments, including the 1867 riot, the role of the square’s market in the sale of enslaved individuals, and the enlistment of U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War.
The origins of the Fuller Story are rooted in community and collaboration. In 2017, following the tragic events in Charlottesville, Virginia, Franklin-area pastors and leaders of all races came together for a prayer vigil on the Public Square. This moment sparked conversations about fully acknowledging Franklin’s complex history. Recognizing the stories that had been silenced or overlooked, these leaders worked together to create a more inclusive narrative. Rallying the community, they garnered support and raised funds to install the markers as a permanent reminder and educational resource for residents and visitors alike.
The March to Freedom statue is at the heart of this effort, a stirring tribute to the U.S. Colored Troops who enlisted inside the courthouse on this very square during the Civil War. One of only a few such statues and the first on public land in the nation, it stands as a testament to their bravery and resilience, inviting reflection and dialogue.
This initiative transforms the square into a living classroom, where the layers of Franklin’s history are acknowledged with honesty and care. The Fuller Story embodies the town’s commitment to truth, education, and healing, showing how communities can unite to honor the past while fostering a more inclusive future. Franklin’s approach is a powerful model for preserving and sharing history with dignity and purpose.
A Pet-Friendly Paradise
Franklin is a haven for pet lovers. As the pilot city for Franklin-based Mars Petcare’s Better Cities for Pets program, the town has embraced a pet-friendly philosophy that’s woven into its culture. More than 90 businesses along its historic Main Street welcome pets with water bowls, treats, and open arms, as do shops and sites throughout Franklin’s business and entertainment in the Cool Springs area.
Public spaces like The Park at Harlinsdale Farm and Pinkerton Park offer scenic, pet-friendly trails perfect for outdoor adventures. Signature events like the festivals on Main Street celebrate the bond between pets and their owners, making Franklin an ideal destination for those who want to explore with their furry companions by their side.
Lose the Suit, Show up in Boots: Leiper’s Fork
If it’s a little weird – or something to do just for the fun of it – they are into it in Leiper’s Fork. Nestled just 10 miles from Franklin, Leiper’s Fork is a tiny village with a big personality. With a population of just over 600, it’s a place where creativity flows, and you find the finest art galleries right next to BBQ spots where you eat on a paper plate. The antique stores have famed pickin’ corners, unrivaled scenic views are in every direction, and unbelievable music abounds.
The entire village – which is not much bigger than an average city block – is filled with a spirit of community. Each business has a front porch or fire pits with S’mores or swings out front, so people have a place to gather and have real interactions. The Lawnchair Theatre is a place where you show up with nothing but a lawn chair and hear incredible music or catch family movies on a summer night.
And then there is the music. At the heart of Leiper’s Fork is Fox & Locke, a legendary venue that’s as much a community gathering spot as it is a stage for world-class music. The open mic night on Thursdays is a must-experience event, where the lineup might include a local songwriter or a Grammy winner who calls the area home. It’s a space where neighbors mingle with music lovers, creating a spirit of connection that feels authentic and unrepeatable.
Beyond Fox & Locke, Leiper’s Fork invites exploration. Stop by charming shops like Patina Home & Garden, which offers curated vintage finds and a famed pickin’ corner of rare instuments, or pop into The Copper Fox Gallery to admire fine art from regional talents. Tucked away is the Tornado Room, a speakeasy that exudes intrigue and serves craft cocktails in a setting as distinctive as the village itself. Wines in the Fork offers wine tastings with a touch of magic, including dinners in the creek where guests sip and savor under the stars, as water trickles over their ankles, surrounded by the natural beauty of the countryside.
Leiper’s Fork invites you to slow down and savor life. Swing on a porch, warm yourself by a fire pit, or sit beneath the ancient oaks while enjoying the slower pace of this special place. Each business feels like a front porch gathering, where genuine conversations and Southern charm make everyone feel like part of the community. Whether it’s the music, the art, or the unforgettable atmosphere, Leiper’s Fork is more than a destination—it’s a way of life.
A Preservation Leader
Franklin is a Civil War town, home to the 1864 Battle of Franklin, one of the only Civil War battles to take place in a downtown setting. The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and nearly 150 years later, over 200 acres of the original battlefield have been reclaimed from the development that popped up over the years. Civil War sites on these preserved lands – Carnton, Carter House, Lotz House, & Rippa Villa – now serve as museums and offer in-depth tours to share their unique stories and roles during the battle.
Roughly 25 years ago, preservation of the battlefield was virtually non-existent as much of it had been commercially developed with strip malls, golf courses, etc. National Geographic visited to spotlight the worst preserved battlefields in America. It helped provoke a preservation effort that today has raised and spent over $28 million to reclaim over 200 acres of the previously developed battlefield and return it to its natural state from 1864.
It’s not just Civil War history that has been preserved, either. Franklin’s iconic Main Street and the Franklin Theatre are both examples of the hundreds of locations throughout Williamson County that have been preserved through the years by a concerted community effort and dedicated organizations like the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County.
Additionally, the village of Leiper’s Fork is full of charms that are hidden gems, and the area’s quaintness will forever be protected from growth because of the Land Trust of Tennessee. Beginning in 1999 in Leiper’s Fork, The Land Trust for Tennessee is a non-governmental organization that works with communities across the state to protect public and private lands that define the character of Tennessee. The initial conservation effort in Leiper’s Fork preserved roughly 200 acres on either side of the village, preventing future growth. The Land Trust has now expanded to protect over 123,000 acres across Tennessee.
World-Famous Music in Franklin
Franklin is home to some of the biggest names in music, so naturally, music permeates the city in almost everything it does. In Franklin’s historic 16-block downtown district alone, you’ll find over a dozen spots to catch live music! Ranging from restaurants like Gray’s on Main and Puckett’s, which have stages inside to serenade guests as they dine, to Kimbro’s Pickin Parlor, which is the best late-night house party you can ever find. World-class acts take the stage at the iconic 1930s-era Franklin Theatre, known as the best 300-seat music venue in the world, while songwriters and artists behind some of radio’s biggest hits can are found playing stages across Franklin.
Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork is known for its legendary Thursday open mic nights featuring new up-and-coming talent and local Grammy award winners. Many music careers have begun on the stage of Fox & Locke, and each Thursday, there are talent scouts in the crowd searching for the next big act to sign.
Franklin’s newest venue, the 7,500-seat First Bank Amphitheater, sits inside a former rock quarry (the only such venue in North America!) and welcomes world-class talent to its one-of-a-kind stage.
More than just venues, the WSM tower, which has broadcast the Grand Ole Opry to the world for 100 years, sits in Brentwood. Guests can book a stay at Dark Horse Recording Studio, where the likes of Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Jason Isbell, Tim McGraw, and more record.
Stay Where the Music Happens: Dark Horse Recording
For music lovers seeking an extraordinary overnight experience, Dark Horse Recording offers the chance to immerse yourself in the magic of a world-renowned studio. Nestled in the picturesque countryside of Franklin, this legendary recording haven has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Shawn Mendes, Jack Harlow, Alice in Chains, and many more. Now, guests have the rare opportunity to book an overnight stay and experience firsthand the place where iconic albums were brought to life.
The accommodations are as remarkable as the history. Guests can stay in a luxurious suite within the studio itself, surrounded by the same creative energy that has inspired chart-topping hits. A private tour of Dark Horse is included, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the studios where musical legends have recorded. Walk the halls that have echoed with melodies from Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Neil Diamond, and Sheryl Crow, and see the spaces where producers and artists shaped the sounds of a generation.
The studio’s setting, nestled on a secluded property with stunning natural views, adds to the allure. Guests can unwind in serene surroundings, knowing they’re sleeping where creativity has thrived for decades. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or simply someone seeking a stay unlike any other, Dark Horse Recording offers an unforgettable blend of luxury, history, and artistry.
This isn’t just a place to rest—it’s a chance to live within the heartbeat of music history. At Dark Horse Recording, you don’t just stay; you experience the soul of Franklin’s musical legacy.
Franklin’s Green Scene
Franklin became Tennessee’s first LEED Silver-certified city in 2018 and, as of the latest listing from the U.S. Green Building Council, remains one of only 10 Silver-certified cities worldwide. The city has continued to enhance its sustainability efforts through the years, and it has also become named a Platinum Community by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The historic Franklin Theatre on Main Street was Williamson County’s first LEED-certified historic restoration project back in 2011. Since, new construction projects like Harpeth Square – home to the luxe Harpeth Hotel – have followed suit by receiving LEED certification as the city continues to expand sustainability efforts.
Additionally, the newest luxury resort in Franklin, Southall Farm & Inn, was awarded one of Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards in 2022 for their efforts on the 325-acre property to blend heritage farming and regenerative practices into the resort’s daily operation and mission.
Making the Pilgrimage for Music
Franklin is home to the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival each September. Better than Ezra’s frontman (and Franklin resident), Kevin Griffin had the initial vision for the festival. In 2015, the first Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival debuted and acts like Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, and Steven Tyler kicked it off. In year one, Rolling Stone called Pilgrimage the best-curated festival in the country. Modeled in the New Orleans Jazz Festival vision, Pilgrimage mixes stages of great music with cultural areas, family fun, and great food and drink. Pilgrimage added new Franklin resident Justin Timberlake as a co-producer of the festival in 2016, and Timberlake headlined the festival in 2017. Over the years, names like Keith Urban, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Kacey Musgraves, The Killers, and many more have taken the Pilgrimage stage.
Top Place for a Sweet Tooth
Franklin is known for being a sweet lover’s paradise! In 2017, Travel Channel named it one of the Top 10 Cities for People With a Sweet Tooth based on the number of bakeries, pie shops, and specialty shops just for sweets you’ll find. The crowning piece for sweets lovers? Franklin is the home to the original Five Daughters Bakery and its famed 100-layer donut, just one of many sweet stops on the acclaimed Sweet Treats Trail that also winds throughout the county!
Franklin Is Tennessee’s Luxury Getaway
Those looking for the all finest options for a getaway can find just what they are looking for in Franklin, Tennessee. They can rest, pamper, and explore at luxe resorts like the plush 325-acre Southall Farm & Inn, where luxury lives in harmony with the land amongst Middle Tennessee’s rolling hills. Those wanting a downtown retreat will find the boutique Harpeth Hotel along Franklin’s iconic Main Street is a spot that wows in every sense.
From relaxing private tasting experiences at the Kix Brooks-owned Arrington Vineyards to unforgettable meals by world-class chefs, countless days at world-renowned spas, exclusive hot air balloon excursions, and luxury sports cars driving down the scenic two-lane Natchez Trace Parkway, there is no shortage of unforgettable luxury experiences in Franklin, Tennessee.
The Bookstore That Inspired a New York Times Bestseller
Landmark Booksellers, an independent bookstore in downtown Franklin celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2025, inspired author and Franklin resident Karen Kingsbury’s New York Times bestselling novel The Bridge. After moving to town, the renowned author was drawn to the bookstore, its owners, Joe and Carol Tomlin, and their unique love story.
Inspired, she penned the fictional novel with the Tomlins as the main characters. The book quickly soared to the top of the New York Times bestseller list and has since been turned into a holiday Hallmark movie of the same name. Today, visitors may still meet Joe and Carol at the shop and have the same experience that Kingsbury had when she first fell in love with the shop.
Guests at the neighboring Harpeth Hotel will also find a complimentary library inside the hotel curated by the Tomlins. On special evenings, the Tomlins will hold readings in the library, like on Christmas Eve when they’ll read to the children staying at the hotel.
Whiskey, Beer, Wine, Oh My!
While School House Rock’s Conjunction Junction famously hooks up words, clauses, and phrases, Franklin’s Masters & Makers Trail hooks up the area’s breweries, distilleries, and winery onto one fun-filled and delicious trail. Winding 70 miles throughout Williamson County, the trail takes you to breweries like Mill Creek Brewing Co. and Curio Brewing Co. for a taste of their unique brews. It then winds you into the countryside for visits to the area’s first [legal] distillery in 100 years, Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station, along with the beautiful Leiper’s Fork Distillery. Atop a beautiful hillside with views galore, country music legend Kix Brook’s acclaimed Arrington Vineyards awaits wine lovers.