TOP 10 THINGS

To do in Franklin, Tennessee

Franklin is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay a while. From a nationally recognized historic downtown and nationally known Civil War landmarks to vineyards, live music, farms, and scenic outdoor escapes, this list is a perfect starting point for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of Williamson County. Use it to plan a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay built around Franklin’s mix of history, culture, and wide-open Tennessee charm.

Explore Main Street in Downtown Franklin

Anchored by Public Square, this walkable 16-block district is rich with quaint architecture, historic landmarks, boutique shopping, local restaurants, and more. Enhance your stroll with a guided experience from Franklin on Foot, Franklin Walking Tours, or with the Great American Main Street digital passport.

400 Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064

Taste Award-Winning Wines at Arrington Vineyards

Picnic and find photo-worthy landscapes at Williamson County’s esteemed winery. Sample 22 award-winning blends while enjoying the live music or gathering around a fire pit. It’s one of the best ways to experience Arrington, a rural community known for its peaceful setting and wine-country charm just minutes from Franklin.

6211 Patton Road
Arrington, TN 37014
(615) 395-0102

Study the Past at Civil War Sites

Franklin’s Civil War sites offer one of the most powerful history experiences in Tennessee. And don’t forget to stop downtown to see the March to Freedom statue, which honors the fuller story of the U.S. Colored Troops. The Civil War Trail digital passport as a way to connect all the stops.

Carnton

Carnton offers guided tours of the historic home and grounds, with tours lasting about an hour and leaving every 30 to 40 minutes. It is one of the essential stops for understanding how the Battle of Franklin shaped the area.

Carter House

Built in 1830, Carter House became one of the most important eyewitness sites of the Battle of Franklin. More than 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured, or listed as missing in the battle, and this house was turned into headquarters for Union Brigadier General Jacob D. Cox.

Lotz House

Lotz House, built in 1858, is one of three downtown Franklin homes open to interpret the Civil War from the family’s point of view. The story of the Lotz family’s experience gives visitors a personal entry point into the history of the Battle of Franklin.

Rippa Villa

Located in nearby Spring Hill, Rippa Villa is a Greek Revival home built in the mid-1850s by Nat Cheairs. The property saw the Battle of Spring Hill in 1864, making it an important prelude to the Battle of Franklin the following day.

A bronze statue of a soldier standing before a historic brick building in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A historic white two-story house with a porch and green shutters behind a fence in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A historic brick house with a red roof behind a white picket fence in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A historic white house with large columns and a cannon on the front lawn in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A grand brick mansion with white columns and black shutters under a clear sky in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Experience Life at Working Farms

Franklin’s farm experiences bring local heritage to life through food, animals, and hands-on visits. From dairy products and picnic stops to alpacas and luxury working-farm stays, these stops show how agriculture still shapes the region. Check them out with the Farms & Fields: An Agritourism Trail digital passport.

A brown cow eating hay from a metal feeder in a field in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Hatcher Family Dairy

Just outside Franklin in College Grove, Hatcher Family Dairy has been farmed by six generations since 1831. Today, visitors can stop by the farm store for milk, ice cream, eggs, butter, meat, coffee drinks, and other local goods.

Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm

Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm offers a playful, family-friendly visit where guests can meet gentle alpacas, learn about them from the owner, and feed them their favorite treats. It’s a memorable stop for travelers looking for something a little different.

A luxurious bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, forest mural, and modern furniture in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Southall Farm & Inn

Southall spans 325 acres of pastoral farmland in rural Franklin and blends luxury hospitality with a working farm, spa, and wellness retreat. It gives visitors a polished, immersive way to experience the agricultural side of Williamson County.

A blue and light blue Gray Line tour trolley parked on a gravel lot in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Stop at Popular Attractions on the Franklin Hop Tour

See more in less time on this 45-minute narrated tour! Ride the vintage trolley, hop off at your favorite stops, and hear the stories behind more than 50 points of interest. It’s one of the easiest ways to see downtown Franklin and nearby favorites without rushing.

Take a Day Trip to Nearby Leiper’s Fork

Escape to this quirky, picture-perfect village known for its open mic nights, hearty comfort food, antique pickin’, curated art galleries, and sweeping countryside views. The best places to hit are included in the Leiper’s Fork Village Trail digital passport.

Discover Our One-Day Leiper’s Fork Itinerary

Experience Live Music Like a Local

From open-mic nights to national acts, you’ll always find live entertainment here. One-of-a-kind venues range from restaurants and bars to rock quarries and nearly century-old theatres, including:

FirstBank Amphitheater

FirstBank Amphitheater sits in a former limestone quarry in Thompson’s Station and is one of Middle Tennessee’s most unique outdoor concert venues. Its dramatic setting makes the live-music experience feel especially memorable.

Fox & Locke

Fox & Locke serves Southern breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside live music in Leiper’s Fork, with regular shows on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and open mic night on Thursday. It is one of the village’s most iconic gathering places.

Kimbro’s

Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor is an intimate live-music venue and restaurant in a historic house just two blocks east of Main Street. Its relaxed, communal feel makes it a favorite for local musicians and music lovers alike.

Studio Tenn

Studio Tenn is Franklin’s professional theatre company, bringing in talent from Nashville and Broadway for world-class productions. It adds a strong performing-arts option to the city’s entertainment lineup.

The Franklin Theatre

The Franklin Theatre continues the Main Street tradition of movies while also hosting live music and stage performances. In total, it now stages about 500 performances a year, making it a cornerstone of downtown entertainment.

A band performs on a dimly lit stage decorated with hanging string lights in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A country singer in a cowboy hat performs on stage before a lit crowd in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Two women perform music on stage in front of an American flag in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A man playing guitar and a woman singing on stage at a cafe in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A musical performance featuring four men in tuxedos and two women in red dresses in Williamson County, Tennessee.

An empty theater with rows of seats facing a stage with purple curtains in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Explore Event Calendar

Drive The Natchez Trace Parkway

Drive a portion of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway, an ancient travel corridor with roots stretching back thousands of years, as it winds through Franklin. Pause for photos at the iconic double-arch bridge and explore nearby nature spots, including Timberland Park and Garrison Creek.

Explore Our Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway

Get Active with Outdoor Adventures

Franklin offers year-round outdoor fun! With dozens of parks, trails, and wildlife areas, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

Bowie Nature Park

Bowie Nature Park in Fairview spans more than 700 acres and 17 miles of mostly flat trails, making it a strong pick for hiking, casual walking, and family outings. Its mix of forests, wetlands, and open areas gives the park a lot of variety.

Harlinsdale Farm

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is a 200-acre park with walking and hiking trails, a dog park, a catch-and-release pond, a 5K soft turf track, and equestrian trails. It’s also a favorite for biking and active outings in the middle of town.

Franklin Fly Fishing Co.

Franklin Fly Fishing Co. offers guided fishing and wading trips, one-on-one fly fishing lessons, and relaxing floats on the Harpeth River. No experience is required, and equipment is provided, which makes it an easy entry point for beginners.

The Harpeth River

The Harpeth River is one of Franklin’s signature outdoor features, with opportunities to fish, kayak, or tube depending on how you want to spend the day. It’s a natural anchor for the area’s slower, more scenic side.

A man and woman kayaking on a sunny day on a calm lake in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A calm lake surrounded by lush green trees under a clear blue sky in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A paved driveway leads toward a white barn framed by white fences and trees in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Three people fly fishing together on a sunny riverbank in Williamson County, Tennessee.

A man and a woman kayaking on a sunny lake under a blue sky in Williamson County, Tennessee.

10.

Browse The Factory at Franklin

The Factory at Franklin is a historic 1929 stove factory turned multi-use destination with artisan shops, restaurants, live entertainment, working makers, and family-friendly activities. It’s a strong stop for visitors who want shopping, dining, and character all in one place.

230 Franklin Road
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 791‑1777

Continue Exploring Williamson County Through Curated Trails

Discover Franklin on your schedule with Visit Franklin’s digital passports. These themed, self-guided trails lead you to local shops, restaurants, attractions, and experiences—often with exclusive deals and discounts you can redeem during your stay. They are a natural fit for visitors who want to turn a trip into a more curated experience.

The official seal of Williamson County, Franklin, featuring a cannon and three stars in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Explore all Passes

Franklin, Tennessee's official 2026 vacation guide features patriotic imagery and highlights 250 years of American stories in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Free Vacation Guide

Plan your visit with our FREE 2025 Vacation Guide! Consider it the ultimate road map to Franklin with our top recommendations for where to stay, eat, shop, and explore.

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