2023 Fall Guide

Fall into Franklin Fun

Family-Friendly Fall Experiences

PumpkinFest

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer

Take in the changing leaves and crisp fall weather in one of the coziest towns in the South! Come see why Franklin topped Travel + Leisure’s lists of “Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States” and “America’s Best Halloween Towns,” and read on for our top seasonal activities you can’t miss while you’re in town.

PumpkinFest

One of Franklin’s favorite annual festivals returns on Saturday, October 28! Hosted by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, this family-friendly fall festival stretches throughout Franklin’s Main Street and historic district and features seasonal food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests, craft vendors, and more.

Fall Hiking

Take in the beautiful Tennessee fall foliage with a hike! Williamson County offers many fantastic hiking trails made for enjoying the cool weather and changing leaves. Discover our favorite hiking spots below, or check out our all-season Outdoor Guide for more details!

TOP FALL HIKING PICKS

TIMBERLAND PARK

Hikers can enjoy various trails (and difficulty levels) to choose from, including an ADA-compliant trail.

OWL’S HILL NATURE SANCTUARY

An excellent option for families! Don’t miss their annual fall color hikes every Saturday in October.

DEERWOOD ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER

Over in Brentwood, this 27-acre natural area and arboretum features a one-mile loop walking and bikeway trail showcasing native trees and wildlife.

FEATURED

PACK A PICNIC WITH WALDO’S

When you’re out exploring this autumn, bring along Waldo’s Chicken for the adventure! Order their signature Southern fried or slow-roasted chicken, complete with cheddar biscuits and scratch-made sides, for the perfect family meal to-go no matter what your trip has in store.

Franklin Farmers Market

The Franklin Farmers Market provides an unmatched Saturday morning experience. Get breakfast from local food trucks, pick up seasonal produce, browse craft vendors, and more. When you’re finished, head inside the newly renovated Factory at Franklin for coffee and more amazing eats and shopping!

Gentry’s Farm

A staple of all things fall in Franklin, this seventhgeneration farm welcomes visitors each year to “pick your own” pumpkin and enjoy the 4-acre cornfield maze, nature trail, farm games, and more. All ages will enjoy this family-friendly outing!

Guided Ghost Tours

Franklin, the epicenter of a major Civil War battle, has urban legends and paranormal stories like any town with 200+ years of history. If ghost tours with a dose of local history are right up your alley, Franklin Walking Tours or Franklin on Foot will guide you through the historic district and give you the inside scoop on spooky stories, haunted homes, and more.

Weekend Itinerary

Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip to Franklin! While it’s hard to do everything in Franklin in just one weekend, this fun-fulled itinerary includes top spots and local favorites around town so you can enjoy every crisp and cozy fall moment this season.

Friday PM

Check into your hotel and stroll down historic Main Street all decorated for fall, or take yourself on a self-guided walking tour with one of our free digital passes! Not to be missed are the “Fuller Story” downtown markers and “March to Freedom” statue detailing the significance of USCT troops during the Battle of Franklin.

Ready for dinner? Enjoy acclaimed Southern fare at Red Pony, 55 South, or Puckett’s in downtown Franklin.

Catch live music at Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, or watch a movie or performance at The Franklin Theatre. Afterward, head to O’ Be Joyful for a craft cocktail nightcap!

Saturday AM

Scope out the Franklin Farmers Market at The Factory at Franklin, an old stove factory turned multiuse facility that offers many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Get a 100-layer doughnut from Five Daughters Bakery and try a seasonal drink from Honest Coffee Roasters while you’re there!

Want to explore Franklin’s best sights? Gray Line Tennessee’s new Franklin Hop Tour will take you on an entertaining 90-minute loop on a vintage trolley with expert guides pointing out over 50 local points of interest and sharing local and historical stories of Franklin and Leiper’s Fork along the way.

Grab combo tickets to tour two of the Franklin Hop Tour stops at the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin! Carnton and Carter House stood at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin and are must-sees for history buffs.

PM

Explore the Masters & Makers Trail with a drive out to Arrington Vineyards for a picture-perfect picnic experience paired with award-winning wines, or experience a tour and small-batch whiskey tasting at Company Distilling in Thompson’s Station.

Grab a coffee at 1819 at the historic Homestead Manor property, then check out Preservation Park for 360-degree views of the countryside. Head to Circa Grill or Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for a bite before heading on to the next leg of your adventure.

Amble down the 31A Trail in Nolensville for unique shopping and dining spots along this bustling, historic corridor. Pick up seasonal produce and goods from Morning Glory Orchard and Nolensville Feed Mill, and sample craft beers while lounging on the patio at Mill Creek Brewing Co.

“March to Freedom” Statue

Sunday AM

Kick-start your morning with brunch at Frothy Monkey or Herban Market, two eateries with locally-sourced menus. For New Orleans-inspired cuisine, try brunch classics and cocktails with a Big Easy twist at Ruby Sunshine. If flaky, freshly-baked biscuits are speaking your language, you can’t go wrong with a dish from Biscuit Love!

In the mood to go pickin’? You’ll love Franklin’s antique district! Local favorites include Mercantile 1858, City Farmhouse, Franklin Antique Mall, Winchester Antiques, and Spring Hill Antique Mall. If boutique shopping is more your speed, browse White’s Mercantile, Tin Cottage, and many more shops dotting Main Street and beyond.

Learn hidden stories and historic facts during an immersive guided tour hosted by Franklin on Foot or Franklin Walking Tours. From history to ghosts to the local food scene, there’s a tour for everyone! PM

For a truly unique fall experience you’ll never forget, visit a local farm! Pick a pumpkin and explore the corn maze at Gentry’s Farm, make a reservation to meet alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, or cuddle baby goats and sample cheese at Noble Springs Dairy

Take a joyride down the Natchez Trace Parkway to see fall foliage, historic sites, gorgeous overlooks, and the iconic double-arch bridge.

Then, head just off the Natchez Trace to the idyllic village of Leiper’s Fork for shopping and art galleries. Grab a seasonal drink at the quaint RedByrd Coffee or Tennessee-grown wine at Wines in the Fork, then enjoy some Southern classics and live music at the iconic Fox & Locke. Don’t miss a visit to Leiper’s Fork Distillery for “grain-to-glass” whiskey, another stop on the Masters & Makers Trail

Spring Hill Antique Mall

Leiper’s Fork Distillery

Fox & Locke

Spots to Color Watch

BY ABBI WILT

When it comes to scenic views, Franklin takes home the gold. Its natural beauty is a big reason that visitors flock to the area in the fall; you won’t find vibrant foliage, lookouts where you can see for miles, a picture-perfect Main Street, and rolling Tennessee hills just anywhere. With deep hues of red, orange, and yellow falling on storied trees, you won’t want to miss these spectacular and unique views around town.

Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

One of the most photographed spots in Middle Tennessee is the double-arched, 145-foot-high Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. Located at milepost 438, the bridge runs across Highway 96 and Birdsong Hollow with a breathtaking view of the valley below. Park north of the bridge and walk down a paved path to get down to the Birdsong Hollow Overlook, where you’ll see the bridge peeking through colorful leaves. If you take the exit south of the bridge, you’ll find a parking area that lends a skyward view of the bridge. You’ll also want to venture out onto the bridge itself to experience the stunning view! Look out onto a valley that doubles as an artist’s canvas, with a stretch of road running through red sugar maples and orange oaks. It’s an absolute must-see while in Franklin.

Winstead Hill Park

History lovers will appreciate the view from the top of Winstead Hill Park: It was General John Bell Hood’s command post as he observed his advancing troops in 1864. The view looks north down Columbia Pike towards Main Street. While this is a more developed view than some of the untouched beauty you’ll see at other overlooks, it is still stunning inn autumn and provides a fascinating look into our past and the Battle of Franklin.

At Winstead Hill Park, there are two entrances—one is closer to the overlook, and one leads towards the park’s walking path. Choose your own adventure! Please not that getting to the top of this lookout spot requires some stairs and a rocky path.

Pulltight Hill

Tucked away in Bethesda around some backcountry roads, you’ll find the hidden gem of Pulltight Hill. When you need to take a two-lane driver, roll down the windows, and explore the beautiful Tennessee countryside with fields, farms, forests, and all the fresh fall air your heart can handle. Up Pulltight Hill Road, you’ll find a few spots to pull over—one paved, others on the shoulder—and observe the landscape that has inspired many a Tennessee ballad. It’s a peaceful, lowtraffic view away from city noise.

Lynnwood Way Lookout

A stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle, Lynnwood Way Lookout off of Franklin Road is a peaceful roadside park with a view that transforms into an impressionist painting of fall color. Take leisurely drive up to the lookout, and you’ll find plenty of room to park. The great thing about Lynnwood is that it’s a lesser-known lookout spot—meaning you can relax with few other visitors. Lynnwood is especially photogenic at sunset, where layers of dusky color fill the sky.

Top Insta-worthy Places in Franklin

One of the best parts of a trip is taking photos to remember your adventure and share! Franklin has no shortage of fantastic photo opportunities, from unbeatable scenic beauty to memorable experiences you’ll want to relive for years to come. Add these eight spots to your Franklin itinerary, and be sure to tag @visitfranklintn on Instagram when you post your photos!

Local Farms

Williamson County is home to fabulous local farms! Cuddle baby goats and sample cheese at Noble Springs Dairy, meet the friendly alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, pick fall pumpkins at Gentry’s Farm or Lucky Ladd Farms, or explore the orchard and farm store at Morning Glory Orchard

Noble Springs Dairy

Williamson County Murals

Venture out and discover all of the amazing murals painted by local artists throughout the county, from Fairview to Nolensville and everywhere in between! Sign up for the free Murals Trail digital passport to easily find them all and earn a prize after checking in virtually at four or more locations.

The Franklin Theatre

Opening in 1937 and renovated and restored in 2011 to its original Art Deco style, The Franklin Theatre is the centerpiece of downtown Franklin and now hosts movies, musical performances, and more. Get a great shot when the marquee is lit at night!

Live Music Venues

Eclectic Franklin spots like Kimbro’s, Gray’s on Main, and the Mockingbird Theater are great places to hear rising talent. At Fox & Locke’s open mic nights in Leiper’s Fork, you never know what iconic recording artist will stop by for a surprise appearance!

Arrington Vineyards

One of Williamson County’s most visited spots, Arrington features incredible views of the rolling Tennessee hills and amazing wines, as well a live music on the weekends. Get a wine flight and a picnic to enjoy as you take photos of the landscape!

The Park at Harlinsdale Farm

Originally a farm before it became a 200-acre public park, Harlinsdale Farm was the home of Midnight Sun, one of the most famous Tennessee Walking Horses. Today, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm offers gorgeous views of rolling hills and wildlife and hosts various events throughout the year, including Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival each September.

Fox & Locke

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 130) 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.

Itty Bitty Donuts

Franklin has so many great places to stay! Browse a variety of brand-new hotels, luxury stays, and quaint cottages for your perfect getaway.

SOUTHALL FARM & INN

A luxury working farm resort with world-class amenities and on-site excursions | Franklin

THE HARPETH HOTEL

Franklin’s first boutique luxury hotel | Downtown Franklin

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

Newly built property near CoolSprings Galleria | Cool Springs

EMBASSY SUITES

Pet-friendly hotel loaded with amenities | Cool Springs

HOLIDAY INN SPRING HILL

Centrally located near historic sites, parks, and shopping | Spring Hill

SPRINGHILL SUITES

Located in a hip, walkable area | McEwen Northside

AC HOTEL BY MARRIOTT

Newly built, centrally located boutique hotel | Brentwood

BOOK YOUR STAY

Click here to view the complete directory and get a great rate on your next stay when you book through stay.visitfranklin.com!

Southall Farm & Inn

The Harpeth Hotel