Spring Guide 2023

Franklin in Full Bloom

Fresh Finds in Franklin

Get inspired with Franklin’s latest and greatest finds! Browse our Spring 2023 Guide to find inspiration, trip ideas, fun activities, and more to make your visit special.

Southall Farm & Inn

Relax and recharge with a trip to Franklin’s newest destination: Southall. Book a room at the inn or your own private cottage for a luxurious stay, and experience all that the property has to offer. Take bike ride through the vibrant landscape, kayak on the sparkling waters of Lake Mishkin, or book a guided farm or orchard tour to get a closer look into Southall’s sustainable practices.

Once you’ve see how the ingredients are grown and raised, savor the farm-fresh flavors with a delicious dish at Sojourner, Southall’s “seed-to-table” restaurant featuring seasonal menu options. Before you leave, restore with a holistic treatment at Southall’s state-ofthe-art wellness spa. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy some of these amenities and events!

Studio Tenn

Immerse yourself in an unforgettable performance by Studio Tenn, a professional regional theater company based right here in Franklin! Each Studio Tenn show combines top-tier talent and state-of-the-art sets to create Broadway-quality musicals, plays, and concerts to be remembered for years to come. This spring, get your tickets to see Smoke on the Mountain—a hilarious and heartwarming comedy featuring lively bluegrass music—or Here You Come Again—a musical celebration of witty Tennessee icon Dolly Parton.

This year, Studio Tenn is getting a permanent performance home inside The Factory at Franklin! The brand new Turner Theater will provide a comfortable, interactive experience for patrons and performers alike and will feature professional-grade tech. Coming 2023.

The Franklin Hop Trolley Tour

Explore downtown Franklin and beyond at your own pace with the new Franklin Hop Tour by Gray Line Tennessee! Take a vintage trolley ride to five of Franklin’s most popular attractions, and see over 50 points of interest accompanied by live narration along the way.

Experience the shops and eats of Main Street, then hop on the trolley at the Visitor Center (400 Main Street, Suite 130) to be transported to the next destination of your choice. Tour historic Civil War homes, shop and dine at The Factory at Franklin, or explore the charming village of Leiper’s Fork!

Arrington Vineyards

Take in scenic views and sip award-winning wines at Arrington Vineyards, Williamson County’s premier winery co-owned by country music star Kix Brooks. Bring a picnic—or grab gourmet fare on-site from Simply Living Life—to enjoy on the hillside with a wine tasting flight or frosé.

For a unique experience, make a reservation at Arrington’s newly renovated tasting bar where guests are guided through a sampling of six award-winning wines and will leave with a keepsake wine glass. Be sure to pick up a bottle of your favorite before you leave!

Sticks & Stones Axe Co.

Try your hand at axe throwing at one of Franklin’s newest attractions, the family-owned Sticks & Stones Axe Co.! Open to throwers of all skill levels, the Sticks & Stones experts will show you their tips and tricks for the perfect technique. Throw solo or with a partner, or bring a group to split into teams and compete in scored games like “Best of 5” and “3-Sticks.”

Take break in between throwing by lounging in the common space with a local craft beer or playing a round of cornhole!

Spring Weekend

Need a weekend getaway? Refresh with some of our favorite spots in Franklin and beyond to create the perfect spring itinerary.

Friday P.M.

Start the weekend with a sophisticated, upscale dining experience in downtown Franklin. Savor delicious woodfired pizzas and handmade pastas at Culaccino Italian Restaurant + Bar, or reserve a private table at 1799

Kitchen & Cocktails inside the beautiful Harpeth Hotel. Cork & Cow on Main Street is a refined steakhouse offering creative cocktails and high-end entrees.

For a more casual option, try Gray’s on Main or O’ Be Joyful, sister restaurants featuring vintage-inspired spirits and Southern fare. After a stroll down Main Street, top off the evening with a nightcap at JJ’s Wine Bar.

Saturday A.M.

Locals love the Franklin Farmers Market held every Saturday morning at The Factory at Franklin, and the Nolensville Farmers Market just down the road is also worth checking out.. Pick up farm-fresh produce, locally made goods, and souvenirs to take home, then head over to the Nolensville Feed Mill for a pan of their famous ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls or Mama’s Java for some morning coffee.

SPRING REFRESH

Visit Franklin’s website got a new look just in time for spring! Click HERE to read the blog, explore Williamson County’s communities, and more.

Mama’s Java

Gray’s on Main

Saturday P.M.

Stick around Nolensville for some incredible Saturday afternoon shopping. Stop by nellamoon for handpoured candles and a curated selection of clothing and accessories, then head over to The Village Antiques for one-of-a-kind vintage treasures. For lunch, grab a slowsmoked BBQ tray at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint or a madefrom-scratch plate at Outlanders Southern Chicken. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up at any point during the day, stop by Oh My Chives for a healthy sandwich, a cup of Cornell Bros. Coffee, or a smoothie by Lokales Juice

For a sweet treat, Itty Bitty Donuts serves up amazing specialty donuts and coffee.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of beautiful, historic Nolensville, head over to the village of Leiper’s Fork for more exploring. Find a new work of art to add to your collection at Leiper’s Creek Gallery, The Copper Fox, or David Arms Gallery, or discover a new favorite piece for your home at Props Antiques or Patina Home & Garden.

Relax by the creek with a wine tasting at Wines in the Fork, or tour a 200-year-old cabin-turned-distillery while you sample small-batch spirits at Leiper’s Fork Distillery. End the evening with a chef-crafted dinner at the elegant 1892 Restaurant.

Sunday A.M.

Sunday mornings were made for brunch in Franklin! Enjoy classic buttermilk biscuits topped with locally-sourced, house-made ingredients or “bonuts”—a cross between a biscuit and a donut—at Biscuit Love, or pair New Orleansinspired fare with creative cocktails at Ruby Sunshine

For a delicious brunch to-go, pop into The Coffee House at Second & Bridge and pick up a freshly-made sandwich or pastry and a latte (or drink of your choice).

Sunday P.M.

Once the clock strikes noon, the shops lining Franklin’s Main Street open their doors to let in the fresh spring air and eager shoppers. Stop by Tin Cottage—Franklin’s happiest little shop—for gifts, souvenirs, and apparel to take home with you. Across the street you’ll find White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store filled with a curated collection of beautiful things from handcrafted leather goods to show-stopping artwork. Need more inspiration to round out your trip? Stop by the Visitor Center for brochures, recommendations, souvenirs, Franklin Hop trolley tickets, and more, or click HERE to download a free digital passport!

Discover Spring Hill

Just south of Franklin past Thompson’s Station lies Spring Hill, a thriving community that blends rustic Tennessee countryside and historic sites with specialty local shops, fun activities, and great eats. Spend the day exploring some of these can’t-miss spots.

Things To Do

Start your excursion at the Spring Hill Welcome Center for helpful recommendations, maps, brochures, and more. Immerse yourself in Civil War history with a tour of Rippa Villa and the Spring Hill Battlefield. Experience Towhee Golf Club, featuring a course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, or opt for indoor games at Joyfull Arcade.

Shopping

Spring Hill truly is a Southern shopping paradise! Check out Spring Hill Antique Mall for unique vintage treasures or sister stores Living615 and Vintage 615 for home decor, accessories, gifts, and more. Don’t miss specialty plant shop Hidden Seed Co. or Ghostlight Books! Early’s Honey Stand, Williamson County’s oldest retailer, is a must-stop for local honeys, jams, meats, and more.

Food & Drink

Fuel your day with a specialty drink from The Fainting Goat Coffee Co. or morning meal staples from Big Bad Breakfast. For lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with the famous Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint or local favorite The Spot Burgers & Beers. For freshly-made Italian and Greek food, stop by Grecian Family Restaurant & Bakery

GETTING THERE FROM FRANKLIN

1 | Follow Columbia Ave. south, which turns into Highway 31/ Main Street in Spring Hill.

2 | Take a scenic drive south down Lewisburg Pike/Route 431 and head into town west on Duplex Rd. or Kedron Rd.

Hotels & Lodging

After a day of fun in Franklin, find a place that feels like home to rest and recharge! From brand-new hotels and luxury stays to quaint cottages and beautiful rental homes, you’re sure to find the perfect stay in Franklin.

Start with our short, curated list of recommendations below. Then head to visitfranklin.com/stay to view all accommodations and book with us for the best rates!

Featured Hotels

NEW! Southall Farm & Inn

The Harpeth Hotel - Hilton Curio Collection

Marriott Franklin/Cool Springs

Hilton Franklin/Cool Springs

Aloft Nashville/Franklin

Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin

Hilton Suites Brentwood/Nashville

Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville/Franklin/Cool Springs

Hampton Inn & Suites Franklin/Cool Springs

AC Hotel by Marriott Nashville/Brentwood

Residence Inn by Marriott Franklin/Berry Farms

Hampton Inn Spring Hill

Featured Rentals

Pot N’ Kettle Cottages

Dogwood Cottage

The Cottage at Dark Horse Estate

Pot N’ Kettle Cottages

Southall Farm & Inn

FamilyFriendly in Franklin

Franklin is known for being a family-friendly town full of unique activities, great places to eat, and more. From amazing local farms to interactive play experiences, you’ll find something truly memorable for all ages to enjoy during your stay in Williamson County!

Outdoor Adventures

Spring in Tennessee is the perfect time to venture out to Mistletoe Farm to meet the friendly alpacas or to Noble Springs Dairy to cuddle with baby goats! For more immersive outdoor learning, Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary offers various classes and guided hikes for burgeoning nature enthusiasts and families.

Check out Franklin Fly Fishing Co. excursions along the Harpeth River and Paddle Dog on Westhaven Lake for fun on the water. Rent from Pedego Electric Bikes and take a ride through Williamson County on your own or on a guided tour. Pedego has kid-sized bikes as well as child seats available for the little ones.

Engaging History Experiences

Learn more about Franklin while exploring local landmarks on the Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt! Solve clues to find 10 statues modeled after Franklin’s famous Tennessee Walking Horse, Midnight Sun hidden around town, then stop by the Visitor Center to collect your prize. Click HERE to get started.

Carnton, Carter House, Rippa Villa, and Lotz House are great places to learn about the Battles of Franklin and Spring Hill and what life was like before, during, and after the Civil War. Take guided tours of the homes, then roam the beautiful historic garden and grounds around Carnton that include enslaved quarters, a cemetery, and Eastern Flank Battlefield Park

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ARCHIVES & MUSEUM

Williamson County Archives & Museum contains exciting visual displays and hundreds of years’ worth of artifacts from the area. Admission to this family-friendly museum is free with convenient on-site parking in downtown Franklin. Bring the whole family to explore the events, people, and communities that shaped the history and development of the county.

Fun Shops & Eats

Check out Nolensville Toy Shop for classic and specialty toys, puzzles, stuffed animals, games, and more. Then head to nearby Nolensville Book Nook to browse a curated assortment of the best children’s books. Just up the road, Outlanders Southern Chicken and Pork Belly Farmhouse offer kid-friendly menu options and inviting dining atmospheres.

Third Coast Clay at The Factory at Franklin is the perfect spot to spend the afternoon painting pottery! Choose from hundreds of pieces to paint, then pick up your masterpiece in a week (or have it shipped) once it’s been fired. While you’re at The Factory, head over to Mojo’s Tacos for a “Tenn-Mex”-inspired meal or Five Daughters Bakery for their famous 100-layer doughnuts. Shop Fork of the South General Store for toys, games, and more that kids will love—plus an ice cream and hot dog bar inside!

Sweethaven is another great kid-friendly spot for a sprinkle-topped sweet treat, with locations in downtown Franklin and the Westhaven neighborhood. While you’re on Main Street, browse local boutiques like White’s Mercantile, Tin Cottage, and The Purple Butterfly for children’s apparel, toys, gifts, and more.

FRESHLY-PICKED SPRING EVENTS

NOLENSVILLE BUTTERCUP FESTIVAL | April 16

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL* | April 22-23

FRANKLIN RODEO | May 18-20

TN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL | Weekends in May

Nolensville

Five Daughters Bakery

*Denotes Heritage Foundation of Williamson County event