Retro Summer Your Road Map to the Ultimate Southern Summer
VISIT FRANKLIN | SUMMER 2022
Hit the Road
Franklin PD’s 1963 Ford Galaxie in Leiper’s Fork
What’s more quintessentially summer than a road trip? Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip, a romantic weekend, or a quaint departure from your Nashville vacation, Franklin is the perfect Southern road trip destination. Venture out to some of our favorite areas throughout Williamson County and savor all we have to offer this season.
Downtown Franklin Downtown Franklin’s Great American Main Street is lined with 16 blocks of historic buildings housing unique shops, restaurants, and more. History, live music, and
BOOK YOUR STAY Click here to explore Williamson County’s accommodations and book the perfect stay!
culture come together to create a distinctly Southern experience only Franklin can provide. This summer is
Suggested: Explore history with a Franklin on Foot walking
Thompson’s Station & Spring Hill
tour, browse arts & antiques along 2nd Avenue, sip cocktails
Just south of Franklin lie the towns of Thompson’s
at Gray’s on Main.
Station and Spring Hill — two significant battle sites
the perfect time to grab a treat and go exploring!
of the Civil War and rapidly growing Williamson County
Leiper’s Fork
communities. Take a drive down Highway 31 or Carters Creek Pike and take in the rustic Tennessee countryside,
Take the gorgeous, federally protected Natchez Trace
historic homes, and nature trails alongside a variety of
Parkway to Leiper’s Fork; it’s truly one of the best road
new shops and eateries.
trip destinations you’ll find in all of Tennessee. This pint-sized historic village is rich in Southern charm and boasts a unique selection of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Suggested: Catch open mic night at Fox & Locke (formerly
Suggested: Grab a coffee from 1819 at Homestead Manor, enjoy a tasting & tour at Company Distilling at Thompson’s Station, dine at Circa Grill for dinner or weekend brunch, immerse yourself in history at Rippavilla and Preservation Park, catch an all-star show at FirstBank Amphitheater.
Puckett’s of Leiper’s Fork), enjoy a tasting & tour at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, book a stay at the cozy Pot N’ Kettle Cottages.
Nolensville A visit to the historic town of Nolensville, a former agricultural community founded in 1797, feels like taking a step back through time. With its small-town feel and unique stops and scenery, Nolensville is a must-see with ample options for vintage lovers, Southern foodies, and experience seekers alike. Suggested: Pick lavender or sunflowers at Menkveld Farm, feast at the original Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.
NOSTALGIC SPOTS BURGER DANDY | Classic burger & fries diner LUNA RECORD SHOP | Vinyl records from all genres CARPE DIEM | Vintage vinyl records & quaint goods REBEL REBEL | Unique finds & home goods with an edge PEACE LOVE & LITTLE DONUTS | Groovy, retro donuts THE DAVIS GENERAL | Old-fashioned deli & store
24
25 2022
Franklin is excited to see the return of Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival September 24-25 at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm! From incredible headliners and the Makers Village to the Beer Hall and Farm-to-Turntable food truck park, you won’t want to miss Pilgrimage 2022! Click here to learn more and start planning your Pilgrimage to Franklin this September.
Soak Up the Sun Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine! From public parks
KICK BACK ON THE PATIO
to a lavender farm, Williamson County has
HERBAN MARKET | Franklin
no shortage of stops for hiking, exploring,
VINTAGE VINE 100 | Cool Springs
paddleboarding, and so much more.
Explore Williamson County
AMERICANA TAPHOUSE | Downtown Franklin CULACCINO ITALIAN | Downtown Franklin PARTY FOWL | Cool Springs
PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES Rent an electric bike and go exploring or take a guided tour.
MILL CREEK BREWING CO. | Nolensville
MIDDLE TENNESSEE HOT AIR ADVENTURES Get a bird’s-eye view of the county on a hot air balloon ride. MASTERS & MAKERS TRAIL Sample wine, beer, and whiskey along a scenic route.
Perfect Picnic Spots THE PARK AT HARLINSDALE FARM Equestrian farm-turned-public park. ARRINGTON VINEYARDS Bring your own picnic or purchase provisions on-site.
Vintage Vine 100
PINKERTON PARK Public park located near downtown Franklin.
Unique Experiences MENKVELD FARM A lavender and sunflower farm offering special events. SOAR ADVENTURE TOWER Four-level climbing structure and mini-golf course. PADDLE DOG Paddleboard on the lake and enjoy a hotdog by the water.
Menkveld Farm
Family-Friendly Fun Check out these fun spots that kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy! From unique experiences to educational activities, Williamson County has something for everyone during summer break.
Sweet Summer Treats
Take Home a Souvenir
HATTIE JANE’S CREAMERY
NOLENSVILLE TOY SHOP
Small-batch, Southern-inspired ice cream
Mom-and-pop shop with a variety of toys, games, and more
ITTY BITTY DONUTS
FORK OF THE SOUTH
Bite-sized donuts served fresh from a vintage Airstream
Modern general store with vintage-inspired kids’ section
URBAN SIPS + SWEETS
LANDMARK BOOKSELLERS
Specialty gourmet sodas and Hawaiian shaved ice
Locally-owned bookstore featuring a reading room for kids
SUGAR DROP
WHITE’S MERCANTILE
Treats, sprinkle bar, and dessert decorating classes
Essentials and unique finds for the whole family
Unique Experiences SPARK ART BRENTWOOD Walk-in studio offering DIY mosaics on canvas or wood STICKS & STONES AXE CO. Indoor axe throwing and hangout area (ages 10+ can throw) MISTLETOE FARM ALPACAS Head out to a farm to meet live alpacas. Reservations required. FRANKLIN ON FOOT KIDS WALKING TOUR
CAN’T-MISS EVENTS TN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL | Weekends in May JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL | June 18-19 FRANKLIN ON THE FOURTH | July 4 BLUEGRASS ALONG THE HARPETH | July 22-23 WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAIR | August 5-13 PILGRIMAGE FESTIVAL | Sept. 24-25
Explore Franklin’s history with a guided walking tour.
FURRY FAMILY MEMBERS WELCOME IN FRANKLIN Did you know that Franklin is an official partner of the MARS Better Cities for Pets campaign? Franklin has made special efforts to accommodate your four-legged friends throughout the downtown area, from water bowls outside businesses to free waste bags.
Hattie Jane’s Creamery
@grantunderscore
Franklin on the Fourth
Digital Passports Explore all that Franklin and Williamson County have to offer with a digital passport! Sign up for the trail of your choice, follow the stops, then pick up your prize at the Visitor Center in Franklin (400 Main St, Ste 200) upon completion. Click on a passport below to get started.
MASTERS & MAKERS Sample local spirits and learn about distilling, brewing, and winemaking on this beautiful, scenic trail.
CRAFT COFFEE TRAIL Try signature lattes, seasonal specials, locally roasted beans, and more at Franklin’s best coffee shops.
MURALS OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY Find amazing local murals—and the perfect photo ops—around Franklin and beyond.
GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET See Franklin’s award-winning Main Street and learn about its history on this self-guided walking tour.
SWEET TREATS TRAIL Satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly baked goods, decadent ice cream, and more desserts.
HISTORIC HOMES OF HINCHEYVILLE Observe a variety of architectural styles while walking through Franklin’s oldest neighborhood, Hincheyville.
MIDNIGHT SUN SCAVENGER HUNT Learn about Midnight Sun, Franklin most famous horse, and explore Franklin on this kid-friendly hunt.
HAUNTS & HEADSTONES Discover eerie stories from Franklin’s historic homes and earliest cemeteries on this self-guided tour.
Franklin has so many great places to stay! Browse a variety of brand-new hotels, luxury stays, and quaint cottages for your perfect getaway. Below are just a few of the amazing accommodations Franklin has to offer. Click here to view the complete directory. THE HARPETH HOTEL Franklin’s first boutique luxury hotel | Downtown Franklin
The Harpeth Hotel courtyard @kaitlan_renee
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES Newly built property near CoolSprings Galleria | Cool Springs EMBASSY SUITES Pet-friendly hotel loaded with amenities | Cool Springs POT N’ KETTLE COTTAGES Renovated rentals with Southern charm | Leiper’s Fork SPRINGHILL SUITES Located in a hip, walkable area | McEwen Northside AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT Newly built, centrally located boutique hotel | Brentwood
COMING SOON SOUTHALL FARM & INN Luxury experiential stays in Leiper’s Fork Now booking for Summer 2022 Southall Farm & Inn