A Quick Weekend Guide to Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee. This small town is “Tennessee quaint” if there were such a term. Located just south of Nashville, this town is rumored to be the home of multiple celebrities who want the peace and quiet of a country lifestyle without being too far from the hustle and bustle. It’s not uncommon to be strolling through the downtown area and spot a celeb. George and I actually advised a PGA Tour player where to grab coffee and treats with his littles.
George and I make the drive from Auburn, Alabama to Louisville, Kentucky to visit family multiple times a year, and we always pass the exit for Franklin, TN. Last Thanksgiving, we decided to break up our drive and stop for a couple of nights in the cute small town of Franklin!
Franklin reminded me a lot of my hometown: Fredericksburg, Texas. Their Main Street is the MAIN attraction, as it’s peppered with boutique clothing shops, home goods stores, coffee spots and restaurants. You could easily spend a full day popping in and out of shops. Meanwhile, you’re also surrounded by traditional southern homes with white picket fences and have the option of exploring local whiskey culture. There are multiple distilleries within driving distance!
where to stay
The Harpeth Hotel. Hilton’s boutique collection hotel series has outdone themselves with the newly renovated hotel just a block from all of the action. We loved love LOVED our stay here! The hotel has a full restaurant and bar for evening activities and a cute breakfast/coffee shop for the early risers. George and I thoroughly enjoyed cocktails in front of their large fireplace.
what to do
Explore Downtown. Popping in and out of shops was a full day’s worth of activity! Our favorite spots happened to be the antique stores. Be sure to explore those gems!
White’s Mercantile. George and I found ourselves in the shop multiple times. It’s filled with a bunch of knick knacks, home goods and food items as well as kid items! We picked up a gift for our niece as well as some old fashioned mix and a holiday-themed cocktail recipe book.
Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. One of Tennessee’s landmarks, this bridge is 100% worth the drive. It’s only ~15 minutes outside of downtown Franklin! After stopping for coffee at The Factory, George and I made the drive out. There’s a lookout spot at the top of the bridge where you can admire all of Tennessee foliage (beautiful during the fall months with the gold, red and orange leaves)! It’s part of the Natchez Trace Parkway (a National Parkway), which starts in Natchez, Mississippi and ends in Nashville, TN.
Whiskey Tours. Since George and I were traveling in the middle of the week, our options of distillery tours were limited. However, I bookmarked a few so we could book a tour upon return. Leiper Distillery is first on our list!
Arrington Vineyards. As a Fredericksburg, Texas native … I always like to pop into a winery if I can! Arrington Vineyards has a beautiful property with great views of the Tennessee landscape. George and I thought it would be fun to bring a group and hang out for an afternoon!
food & libations
Cork and Cow. This spot came HIGHLY recommended, and I now know why. It was delicious. A higher-end dining experience that will be 10/10. Make reservations early.
The Factory. This old warehouse was recently converted into a shared retail and conference space that houses a number of shops and eateries. George and I popped in for coffee at Honest Coffee Roasters one morning before heading out to the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge.
Triple Crown Bakery. This spot also came highly recommended for a sweet treat! Unfortunately, we were unable to pay them a visit - it’s on our list for next time.
55 South. Lunch/dinner/brunch casual eaterie with delicious southern dishes. We tried their gumbo and fought over the last bit. We’ve talked about making 55 South our regular lunch stop on the way up to Louisville (we really loved it). They also sling a great cocktail, so be sure to pop in!
Grays on Main. Once a “landmark” pharmacy turned a house of elevated southern cuisine and cocktails. The restoration of the building definitely made it a unique spot to enjoy a meal or a libation!
Americana Taphouse. If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience with a bangin’ burger and great beer list, look no further.
Puckett’s. A good ole classic BBQ joint just off of Main Street.
McGavock’s at The Harpeth. This breakfast/coffee spot is absolutely adorable! I saw many a local enjoying breakfast, conducting work meetings over a cappuccino and hotel guests reading the morning paper. Their breakfast was 10/10 … sadly for George … there were no leftovers on my plate to share.
The Coffee House. Located just down the block from The Harpeth, this is another great spot to grab your daily dose of caffeine.
NOTE: We traveled Sunday-Tuesday. Sundays in small towns are hard, because everything tends to close early. Just be sure to double-check store/restaurant hours!
Have fun exploring Franklin!
Suggested Blog Posts:
The Harpeth Hotel
Puckett’s Grocery
Honest Coffee
Americana Taphouse
The Factory
McGavock’s
Cork and Cow
