5 Reasons to Visit Franklin, Tennessee

Great cities are scattered all over the United States; tucked away between mountain ranges and sprawled out across sunny beaches. There’s a gem of a town to explore no matter which way you turn. But more often than not, when we mull over where to spend our next vacation, we come up with big name tourist centers like New York, Miami, or Las Vegas. While these are all awesome places to visit, they’re often crowded with people and can be ridiculously expensive, making vacationing more stressful than it needs to be. Why go through all that frustration when there is something so delightfully quaint and peacefully adventurous about smaller cities buried in the southern states—cities like Franklin, Tennessee. Don’t believe us? You will soon!
 
Here’s a list of 5 reasons why Franklin, TN deserves to be at the top of your vacation wish list! 

Franklin, Tennessee

1. There’s Always a Fun City-Hosted Festival or Event Coming Up

 
All it takes is a simple trip to Franklin’s city calendar to see that there are constantly new citywide events on the horizon. Whether you’re looking for family friendly activities or something to do with your partner on a romantic getaway, there are lots of great times to visit Franklin, a place full of city-hosted fun. Downtown Franklin—a fantastic place to stroll and shop—frequently morphs into a themed wonderland that attracts locals and travelers alike to join in the merriment. From delicious food at The Great Americana BBQ Festival to a weekend of music and fun at the Pilgrimage Festival, there’s always something special going on in Franklin.

1. Learn a Thing or Two at a Southern History Museum or Historic Monument

 
For better or worse, no matter where you travel throughout the United States, you will find a rich history that has shaped the country as we know it today. It’s important to spend time learning about and pondering the past of this great nation, and Franklin is a prime city in which to do so.  One of the must-visit sites in Franklin is the Carnton Plantation. This historic land dates back to 1826 and played a major role as a field hospital during battles of the Civil War. Guided tours are offered of the home that sits on the property, allowing you to fully experience a taste of Franklin as it was during that pivotal time in US history. You can also check out The Factory at Franklin, which was built in 1929, and is now included in the National Register of Historic Places. Experience history while you shop and dine!

1. Bird Watch or Hike in One of the Many Beautiful Nature Reserves and Parks

 
Franklin is lucky to be nestled in such a scenic part of the country. Within driving distance in multiple directions, you can reach sundry national parks and mountain ranges that make for great day trips. But you really don’t even need to travel that far at all to experience the beautiful outdoors of this region! Franklin is home to numerous fantastic parks, such as Timberland Park. This property—coming in at about 72 acres—is pet friendly and has something for all types of travelers. Paved trails for hiking, picnic areas for lounging, and lots of wildlife inhabiting the park make this a great place to spend the day with family or fly solo. This unique park is heavily forested and features a butterfly garden and educational center, making Timberland Park a must-visit location on your Franklin vacation.

1. Visit a Brewery (and Take Some Growlers Home Too)

 
If you can find a good brewery, you can’t possibly have a bad time. Luckily, the city of Franklin is home to many stellar breweries that—whether you’ve heard of them before or not—you’ll certainly remember after your trip. The Franklin-based breweries are also unique in their styles and business philosophies, allowing tourists to have very different experiences at each brewery! For example, Mantra Artisan Ales draws inspiration from and utilizes intricate spices and flavors in their beers, like saffron and chai. Try something special at their taproom and enjoy the present moment with this unique community in Franklin. Then later you can head over to Cool Springs Brewery for some expertly brewed classics and a slice of New York style pizza. Top off a couple growlers to bring home from your trip to share the wonderful experience of Franklin with your friends—they won’t be disappointed!

1. Stroll Through the Historic Unincorporated Village of Leiper’s Fork

 
Just on the outskirts of Franklin still exists the village of Leiper’s Fork, whose origins date back to the late 1700s and has since gained status as a Historic District in the National Registry of Historic Places. With a population of only 650 people, this small town is as welcoming as it is quaint. Featuring numerous art galleries, small outdoor theatres, and a variety of great places to dive into some delicious Southern food or grab a cool drink, this one-of-a-kind town has loads to offer all types of travelers. Check out Leiper’s Fork Distillery and sample some expertly-crafted whiskey and then make your way over to Puckett’s for some grub and live music. Plus, neat events regularly take place in Leiper’s Fork, so try and visit a farmer’s market or live art demonstration on Saturday nights at the Ansbach Artisans Fine Art Gallery while you’re there. If you want to experience true Southern hospitality and small-town living, this is the place for you.
 
The Verdict
 
With all this and much more, there really is something special about Franklin TN. Whether you’re an art connoisseur, a beer enthusiast, or a nature junkie, Franklin is a great off-the-beaten-path city to explore and fall in love with. And with affordable accommodations, and proximity to major airports—as well as numerous other great cities and regions—what have you got to lose? If you visit once, you’ll undoubtedly be excited to plan your next vacation to this unique gem of a city.