Top 10 Things to Do in Franklin
TIP: 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.
Main Street
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.
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.
Civil War Sites
Step into history with guided tours at Carnton, Carter House, Lotz House, and Rippa Villa to better understand how the 1864 Battle of Franklin unfolded. Downtown, visit the March to Freedom statue, which honors “the fuller story” of the U.S. Colored Troops. Download the Civil War Trail digital passport to ensure you don’t miss a stop.
Farm Experiences
Explore working farms, where more than 200 years of agricultural heritage come to life through tours, tastings, and hands-on experiences. From Hatcher Family Dairy and Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm to the luxurious Southall Farm & Inn and more, there’s no shortage of farmland to discover. Explore them all with the Farms & Fields: An Agritourism Trail digital passport.
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. Also, veterans ride for free!
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.
Live Music
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:
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.
Outdoor Adventures
Franklin offers year-round outdoor fun, from hiking at Bowie Nature Park and biking at Harlinsdale Farm to fishing with Franklin Fly Fishing Co. and kayaking or tubing the Harpeth River. With dozens of parks, trails, and wildlife areas, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.
The Factory at Franklin
A former stove factory turned multi-use destination with unique shops, restaurants, live entertainment, a paint-your-own-pottery studio, a hand-carved Carousel of Dreams, and more.