Jeremy Poland
From delectable dining and a surplus of shopping to outdoor experiences and local charm, here's how to make the most out of a trip to one of the South's most talked about towns.
Franklin Foodies
Whether you’re looking for a new date night hotspot or a family-friendly locale, there are plenty of decadent dining options to discover downtown.
Breakfast Bites
- Biscuit Love
- Franklin Bakehouse
- Franklin Mercantile Deli
- Merridee’s Breadbasket
- Ruby Sunshine
Date Night Dining
- Cork & Cow
- Culaccino
- Culamare
- Grays on Main
- McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery
- Puckett’s Restaurant
- Red Pony
- 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails
- 55 South
Drink Up
Reserve Curb your cocktail (and beer or wine!) cravings at one of Franklin’s watering holes where there are pours for every palate.
- Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club
- JJ’s Wine Bar
- O’ Be Joyful
- Saint Goose
- Stable Reserve
Shop ‘til You Drop
There’s no shortage of shopping on Main Street with an array of boutiques for every budget. Stroll and shop the local downtown storefronts for antiques, apparel, gifts, and more.
For Your Wardrobe
- Denise Carolyn
- Emmaline
- Finnleys
- Franklin Road Apparel Company
- Imago Dei
- Jondie
- Native Matter
- Posh
- Twine Graphics
- Vinnie Louise
- Wilder
For Your Home
- City Farmhouse
- Cultheir
- Franklin Antique Mall
- The Heirloom Shop
- Hester & Cook
- The Iron Gate
- J.J. Ashley’s
- Kelly Spalding Designs
- Landmark Booksellers
- PD’s
- Philanthropy
- The Registry
- Riverside Franklin
- Storehouse no. 9
- White’s Mercantile
- Winchester Antique Mall
- Zula & Mac
Kimberly Garvey
Coffee Cravings
Start your day with a cup of joe or order an afternoon pick-me-up from one of downtown Franklin’s coffee houses. Here are five spots where you can hang with friends, work remotely, or simply get your caffeine fix.
- The Coffee House at Second and Bridge
- The Fainting Goat Coffee Co.
- Frothy Monkey
- McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions
- Onyx + Alabaster
Southern Land Co
Located just a few short miles from downtown Franklin, Westhaven is a planned neighborhood where locals gather year-round for community happenings and Southern hospitality.
Where to Shop
- Sanctuary South
- Valentine House
Where to Eat:
- The Board Room Charcuterie Wine Bar
- Coal Town Pizza
- Coal Town Public House
- Kokomo Trading Company
- Scout’s Pub
Factory Favorites
A former factory for stoves and furniture, the Factory at Franklin has morphed into a lively hub for dining, shopping, and events. With its latest overhaul, the industrial building now features a lineup of local gems while maintaining its historic charm.
Where to Shop
- Amelia’s Flowers
- The Find
- Fork of the South
- Judith Bright
- Luna Record Shop
- Made in TN
Where to Eat
- Greys Fine Cheeses and Entertaining
- Hattie B’s
- Mojo’s Tacos
- Otaku Ramen
- The White Alligator
Historic Sites
Learn about Franklin’s storied past and discover the history behind the city’s landmarks with a walking tour, immersive experiences, and more.
- Carnton
- Carter House
- Franklin Hop Trolley Tour
- Franklin on Foot
- Franklin Walking Tours
- Lotz House
- The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center of Williamson County
See a Show
Enjoy the arts by catching a live performance, movie, or theater production at one of these esteemed venues.
- FirstBank Amphitheater
- The Franklin Theatre
- The Mockingbird Theater
- Turner Theater
Samantha Labrecque Semle
McEwen Must-Do's
In the heart of Cool Springs, McEwen Northside is a mixed-use development filled with restaurants, shopping, green space, and more. Here are a few of our must-visit spots.
Where to Shop
- Fink’s Jewelers
- e.Allen
- O.P. Jenkins
Where to Eat:
- Blue Sushi Sake Grill
- Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
- Radish Kitchen
- Vintage Vine 100
Lacy Atkins
Cool Springs Galleria
The shopping mall located in the Cool Springs district features a wide variety of stores spanning two levels, plus a food court. There’s an online directory to browse for specific businesses and find deals on your favorite brands, or simply walk the mall and spend an afternoon perusing at your leisure.
Visit Franklin
Leiper's Fork
This rural and quaint village might be small, but it’s bursting at the seams with laid-back charm. The Fork is a mix of countryside and easygoing vibes offering plenty for tourists and town folk alike.
Where to Shop
- Creekside Trading Company
- Patina Home & Garden
- Tennessee Turquoise Company
Where to Eat
- The Country Boy
- Fox & Locke
- Wines in the Fork
Things to Do
- The Copper Fox Gallery
- David Arms
- Leiper’s Creek Gallery
- Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Take it Outside
From biking and walking trails to archery and wine tasting, there’s no better way to get outdoors and enjoy a beautiful Tennessee day.
- Arrington Vineyards
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
- Southall Farm & Inn