Plan Your Trip
Planning your trip to Franklin is easy with our comprehensive travel resources. Whether you’re looking for historical tours, scenic parks, or local dining, we have everything you need to make the most of your visit. You’ll find plenty of other resources below to help uncover hidden gems in Williamson County. From family-friendly activities to romantic getaways, the Franklin area offers the perfect mix of charm and adventure for every traveler.
Start with our Visitor Center
No Williamson County vacation is complete without a stop at our Visitor Center. Located in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, the Visitor Center is the perfect place to connect with our welcoming staff for local information and tips to make the most of your trip. Also, enjoy access to comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and pet-friendly amenities. And best of all? You’ll also find our gift shop which is stocked with one-of-a-kind and local Tennessee gifts.
And as you plan your next visit, also be sure to check out our free digital passports, blog, event calendar, and lodging guide, plus request a free Vacation Guide to tailor your stay to your interests.
Williamson County Communities
Williamson County is home to eight diverse communities, each offering unique experiences beyond Franklin. Explore Leiper’s Fork, a charming village with art galleries, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, and scenic views along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Brentwood offers plenty of things to do near Nashville with upscale shopping, parks, and trendy eateries. Nolensville offers small-town charm with antiques, bookstores, and boutiques. For a tranquil escape, Arrington is known for its vineyards and countryside views. Fairview offers outdoor recreation at Bowie Nature Park, a 700-acre preserve. Just south of Franklin, Spring Hill and Thompson’s Station offer wonderful food and shopping opportunities and are rich in history and natural beauty.
Getting Around
Access to Williamson County is a breeze. Located just south of Nashville International Airport (BNA), Franklin is only a quick 30-minute drive away. From the airport, you have several transportation options, including rental cars, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, or shuttle services that can take you directly to Franklin, Brentwood, or other nearby towns. Major highways like I-65 make driving straightforward, and for a more scenic route, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers a beautiful drive through rolling hills and historic sites. Bike rentals and walking tours are also great ways to explore the local charm at a leisurely pace. If you’re looking for a guided yet flexible tour, check out the Franklin Hop, a hop-on hop-off trolley tour with a 45-minute loop of the downtown district.
Places to Stay in Franklin
Franklin’s accommodations offer a range of unique and welcoming options for every traveler. Stay at a luxury resort like Southall or opt for a boutique hotel like The Harpeth in the heart of it all downtown. Whether you’re seeking a vacation rental near America’s Favorite Main Street or a family-friendly stay with plenty of amenities, Franklin’s lodging options reflect the town’s warmth and character. Many accommodations are pet-friendly as well so your furry friends can be part of the adventure, too! Visitors will find everything from elegant bed-and-breakfasts to contemporary hotels, each designed to complement the area’s rich history and natural beauty and conveniently located near fantastic eateries and attractions.
Annual & Upcoming Events in Franklin, TN
Franklin is home to a variety of signature events that draw visitors year-round. Main Street Festival showcases live music, artisan crafts, and local food each spring. In July, experience Bluegrass Along the Harpeth, a fiddler’s jamboree and celebration of Franklin’s rich musical heritage. You’ll love PumpkinFest, Middle Tennessee’s largest fall festival, during the last weekend of October. For weekend visitors, you never know what you’ll find in the way of events this weekend. There’s always something happening, from farmers markets to art walks, history tours to live music. Franklin’s vibrant event calendar is sure to add extra excitement to your trip!
Free Digital Passports & Guides
Franklin offers a variety of free, mobile-exclusive digital passports to enhance your visit. These passports guide you through local attractions, offering access to special deals, discounts, and even prizes! Whether you’re interested in exploring Franklin’s craft breweries or coffee shops, historic sites and homes, sweet treats, or murals, there’s a passport for you. There’s even a scavenger hunt! Simply sign up, and you’ll unlock exclusive offers as you visit featured spots around the area. Participating in these digital passports is the perfect way to discover Franklin’s hidden gems and make the most of your trip.
Franklin Vacation Guides and Blog
For the best Franklin vacation planning tips and insider info, look no further than the Franklin blog and official visitor guides. These resources help ensure you don’t miss a thing during your stay in Franklin and Williamson County, making your trip both seamless and memorable. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, these tools make exploring the area easier and more rewarding.
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Explore More
Request a free guide annual or seasonal guide for exclusive recommendations on dining, attractions, and lodging.
RESOURCES
Get Inspired
The blog offers can’t-miss trip inspiration and highlights of all the new and best things to do in Franklin from our team of local writers.
“A historic city [that] has blossomed beyond its small-town roots [but hasn’t] outgrown its iconic Southern charm.”
– Southern Living
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It
Franklin is worth a visit, and the world is taking notice! Here are just a few of our most recent spotlights in the media:
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the best aspects of working at the Visitor Center is the chance to meet and talk with visitors from across the country and around the world. Our staff learns something new every day through these conversations. To assist you, we’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions. Have a question of your own? Don’t hesitate to reach out! If we don’t have the answer, we’ll find someone who does.
Can you visit actual Civil War battlefields in Williamson County?
Yes, you can visit several historic Civil War sites, including Eastern Flank Battlefield, Spring Hill Battlefield, Fort Granger, Winstead Hill, and many more. But that’s not all! There’s no shortage of American history to explore in Williamson County.
Does Franklin have a good music scene?
Absolutely, we do! In Williamson County, it’s not uncommon to see country music legends making surprise performances on Franklin’s iconic stages, with many artists like Walker Hayes and Thomas Rhett starting their careers here. As part of the Americana Music Triangle, Franklin celebrates its deep musical roots with events like the annual Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and live performances at beloved venues like Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, Puckett’s Restaurant, and the historic Franklin Theatre.
What is the Natchez Trace Parkway?
The Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic 444-mile route that passes through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, holds a special connection to Williamson County. Originally an ancient trail traveled by Native Americans and early settlers, the parkway now provides a peaceful escape for hiking, cycling, and exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Find Inspiration for Your Next Trip
Check out all the exciting things that await you throughout Williamson County!
See Franklin for Yourself
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Have Questions?
If you have questions prior to booking your trip or want personalized recommendations, call the Visitor Center at (615) 591-8514 or click below to send us a message!
RESOURCES
Free Vacation Guide
Plan your visit with our FREE 2024 Vacation Guide! Consider it the ultimate road map to Franklin with our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore.