After one weekend, I’ve completely fallen for Franklin! It’s a beautiful, historic town about 30 minutes outside of Nashville, Tennessee. Perfect for a little getaway, especially in autumn when the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp! This guide highlights our memorable girls trip to Franklin. Hope it inspires you to visit this charming town one day!
Where to Stay
The Harpeth is a historic hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Franklin. It’s the perfect location to walk along Main Street, visit the quaint shops, and grab a bite at local eateries. The lovely historic homes are within walking distance too. The property has a stylish coffee bar with a delicious breakfast menu. McGavock’s Café serves locally roasted coffee from Honest Coffee Roasters. You’ll love the warm, welcoming atmosphere at The Harpeth.
Things To Do
Take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods – The historic homes are absolutely stunning! Walking through the streets and learning about the history of the homes is inspiring. If you love all things fall, they go all out in Franklin. The front porches are decorated with pretty pumpkins and fun Halloween themes.
Visit the local shops and grab a bite to eat in downtown – here’s a list of favorite spots!
Local Shops:
- White’s Mercantile
- Hester & Cook
- Landmark Booksellers
- Saint Goose
- Philanthropy
- Anthropologie
Local Coffee Shops:
- McGavock’s Café and Bar at The Harpeth
- The Coffee House at Second and Bridge
- Honest Coffee Roasters
McGavock’s Coffee Bar at The Harpeth
The Coffee House at Second and Bridge
Local Eats:
- Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant – A great spot to pop in for breakfast or lunch. It’s delicious southern comfort food. The Country Cobb Salad is amazing! If you love iced tea, try Puckett’s Signature Fruit Tea. It’s a blackberry-citrus southern sweet tea – so refreshing!
- Gray’s on Main – A pharmacy for nearly a century, Gray’s on Main has been restored into a restaurant with incredible southern food and live music on the weekend. A few favorites on the menu – the whipped feta with roasted tomatoes, basil pesto, and grilled Tuscan bread, the iceberg wedge salad, and the fish & grits – all so good! They also have a great selection of craft seasonal cocktails.
- Izzy’s – A family-friendly restaurant with feel good food. The mushroom & brie burger with sweet potato fries is really tasty!
- Culaccino – One of Franklin’s newest additions, Culaccino is an Italian restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere just around the corner from The Harpeth. Their pasta is homemade fresh daily and the tiramisu is hands down the best I’ve ever had!
- Red Pony at The McConnell House – We didn’t make it to this chef-owned restaurant on this trip, but it’s definitely on the list for next time.
Visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens – We loved walking through the botanical garden and seeing the historic Cheekwood estate. It’s an American Country Place era estate that was built in 1929. Throughout the year, they have seasonal events. We went during Cheekwood Harvest, which is their fall festival. With a pumpkin village, beer garden, food trucks and live music, it’s fun for the whole family!
Stop by Leiper’s Fork Village
On The List for Next Visit
- Arrington Vineyards – a local winery with gorgeous scenic views and live music on the weekend
- Franklin Theatre – I’d love to attend a show or catch a movie in this landmark theater. It was established in 1937 and lights up Main Street at night!
- Gentry’s Farm – If the next trip is in the fall, I’ll definitely be stopping by the Gentry’s Farm pumpkin patch for the seasonal festivities.
- Leiper’s Fork Distillery
- The Factory at Franklin
I am so looking forward to visiting Franklin again and exploring more of this enchanting, southern town! Until next time, Franklin!
Xoxo,
Juliana
