The Best Things To Do In Franklin, Tennessee

Lotz House Museum

Take a journey into the past at Lotz House Museum. Explore the traces left behind by the people who used to live and work here, and try to picture what life was like in the old days.

During the guided tour, you can fully explore the Lotz House. Take a look inside the kitchen and bedrooms, and see for yourself the damage caused during the battle. You'll also see the marks left by cannon fire, like blood stains and holes.

Urban Air Adventure Park

Finding fun activities in Franklin TN for your kids during your visit won't be hard at all! Take them to Urban Air Adventure Park where there's a ton of indoor fun waiting for them.

They can jump, play dodgeball, conquer obstacle courses, tackle elevated rope courses, try wall climbing, and much more. If you're looking for the best indoor fun all year round in the TN area, Urban Air is the perfect place to be.

Carter House

Explore the stories of the past as you stroll through Carter House. It's really interesting to discover how the lives of the early residents were shaped at this historic home.

You'll hear all about the Fountain Branch Carter family and how they coped with battles happening on and around their property. The guided tour of this Franklin Tennessee tourist attractions lasts about an hour and leaves every 30-40 minutes. It's an affordable place to visit in TN.

Downtown Franklin

Just a straight drive south from downtown Nashville, you'll find the charming downtown area of Franklin. It's like stepping into a perfect sleepy Southern town. Spend a whole day here exploring antique shops, and boutiques, and enjoying meals at various unique restaurants.

Downtown Franklin is a blend of antique shops, gift stores, bookshops, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Throughout the year, Franklin hosts several festivals for visitors to enjoy.

Franklin Theatre

Travel back in time and experience the magic of the silver screen at the historic Franklin Theatre. This theater has been around since the summer of 1937 when its marquee first lit up Main Street.

Today, the theatre continues to show classic and recent release movies, as well as host community and private events. However, the most thrilling experiences are the live concerts featuring original talents like Sheryl Crow, Art Garfunkel, Vince Gill, Keb Mo, and many others.

Franklin Farmers Market

Discover a unique shopping adventure at the Franklin Farmers Market, where you'll find everything from local souvenirs to delicious food. Take your time exploring the stalls and soak in the lively and welcoming atmosphere of this beloved community spot.

Indulge in homegrown treats at this market located at The Factory at Franklin. With nearly 100 vendors offering fresh produce, cheeses, herbs, flowers, and crafted goods, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Gentry's Farm

If you're new in town or visiting relatives and want fun outdoor attractions in Franklin Tennessee for younger children during the Fall season, Gentry’s Farm is an excellent option.

There, you'll find a variety of activities perfect for kids, including a corn maze, farm-themed play areas, wagon rides, and interacting with animals like sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, and bunnies. This family-owned farm, is open seasonally during the fall, closing at the end of October.

Eastern Flank Battlefield Park

Dig the tales of bravery and selflessness that unfolded at Eastern Flank Battlefield, serving as a solemn reminder of the toll of war. This park marks the location of the eastern flank of Confederate forces during the Battle of Franklin, a significant and devastating clash of the Civil War.

There are several Franklin TN activities to enjoy at this park. You can hike or bike along its trails, which meander through forests, meadows, and historic earthworks dating back to the Civil War era.

Carnton

Built-in 1826 by Randal McGavock, a prominent Nashville businessman and former mayor, Carnton once thrived as a sprawling plantation estate spanning 1,420 acres.

Today, Carnton is preserved as a historic site under the management of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Patrons can take tours of the home, allowing them to explore the mansion, its grounds, and the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the largest private Confederate cemetery in the United States.

Leiper’s Fork

Situated among the picturesque rolling hills of Williamson County, Tennessee, Leiper's Fork is a quaint village that epitomizes Southern charm and hospitality. Home to just over 650 residents, this unincorporated community provides a peaceful retreat from the busy pace of city living.

Take a stroll down the main street, adorned with many Franklin Tennessee attractions like art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques, offering a delightful array of treasures to explore and discover.

Natchez Trace Parkway

Breathe in the fresh air and let your worries melt away as you journey through the heart of Tennessee on the Natchez Trace Parkway, beginning in the charming town of Franklin.

Whether you have just 15 minutes to spare or half a day to explore, you'll find it to be a rewarding experience. Regardless of the season, the views of forests, fields, ridges, and valleys along the parkway are truly breathtaking and unmatched.

Timberland Park

Strap on your hiking boots and discover the stunning places along the trails at Timberland Park. This wooded park on the Natchez Trace Parkway offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and even a butterfly garden.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and observing wildlife such as deer, raccoons, foxes, wild turkeys, and squirrels. An ADA-accessible trail winds through the woods, passing by several benches, and a picnic area, and leading to an overlook pavilion.

The Copper Fox Gallery

During your visit to Tennessee, make sure to stop by The Copper Fox Gallery, a true haven for art lovers. Situated in a beautifully restored 1860s home in Leiper’s Fork, this fine Artisan Gallery is a treasure trove showcasing the works of over 90 artists from across the Southeast.

Inside the gallery, you'll find a delightful array of original pieces including pottery, jewelry, handmade furniture, ceramics, blown glass, and paintings.

The Factory at Franklin

Satisfy your cravings with the diverse array of restaurants and cafes scattered throughout The historic Factory shopping center. Dating back to 1929, The historic Factory comprises 11 factory buildings that have been renovated into one of Tennessee’s most exceptional destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Here, you can explore a wide range of Franklin TN attractions, including restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, unique retail stores, a theater, studios for working artisans, a farmers market, and so much more.

Mistletoe Farm Alpacas

Step away from the typical petting zoo scene and head to Mistletoe Farm for something truly special. Here, you can interact with a friendly herd of alpacas.

Spanning 15 acres, Mistletoe Farm is home to over 20 alpacas, cared for with love by Leanne and Tom Butchko. Before you go, be sure to visit the farm store, where you'll find a delightful selection of handcrafted items made from the soft fleece of the alpacas.

Pilgrimage Festival

Forget Coachella, forget Bonnaroo – for a taste of Americana magic, set your sights on the Pilgrimage Festival. This annual arts festival takes place in Franklin and spans over two days.

Since its start in September 2015, the festival has been a standout event in the music world. At this festive attractions in Franklin TN, you'll enjoy a diverse lineup of music genres including Americana, rock, alt-country, jazz, indie, gospel, and more.

Pinkerton Park

Let the kids loose on the Tinkerbell playground at Pinkerton Park. This imaginative playground is sure to keep them entertained for hours. It's Franklin's most popular passive park that offers a variety of amenities across its 34 acres.

The Pinkerton park also features a 1-mile paved pedestrian trail illuminated for evening walks, enjoy three picnic pavilions and nine picnic tables equipped with grills.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

If you have visitors in Nashville, make sure to take them to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Established in 1827, it proudly stands as the oldest Episcopal congregation in Tennessee.

This historic church showcases a beautiful Gothic Revival design, complete with pointed arches, stunning stained glass windows, and a unique bell tower. There are many things to see in Franklin TN's church that serves as a haven for spiritual growth and connection.

Leiper's Fork Distillery

Founded in 2016, Leiper's Fork carries the torch of Tennessee's whiskey-making legacy, bringing back the pre-prohibition techniques that defined the region's earlier days.

Housed in a historic log cabin built in 1829, the distillery itself exudes a rustic charm, transporting you to a simpler time. Don't miss their Old Natchez Trace TN White Whiskey, a smooth and unaged offering perfect for cocktails or sipping neat.

McLemore House

Uncover the untold stories of formerly enslaved African Americans in Franklin. The tour begins with the life of Harvey McLemore, an enslaved individual, and spans the following century, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the African American community.

Led by Kristi Farrow, Director of African American History for the Battle of Franklin Trust, the tour honors the legacy of African American freedom and the resilient communities they established. Prepare to be moved as you hear the stories of those who once called this area home.

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