A Visit to the Volunteer State

By Christiana Roussel |

Franklin and Southhall

Photos by Visit

Located just south of Nashville, Tennessee, the city of Franklin is a fantastic Volunteer State destination, all on its own. Pick a long weekend this summer and make the two and a half-hour drive north to this charming hamlet. Sure, you can always tack on an extra day (or music-filled night) in nearby Nashville, but there is no shortage of R & R right here.

HISTORY

OF

FRANKLIN

Founded in 1799, the city of Franklin was named after none other than Benjamin Franklin, who was a dear friend of Dr. Hugh Williamson, a member of that era’s Continental Congress.

As the county seat of Williamson County, it thrived for decades before the Civil War which left searing scars. A century later, as Nashville—just 30 minutes north—boomed, Franklin remained a country outpost of sorts. Today, Nashville’s growth has become Franklin’s boon, as Music City residents craving more elbow room have put down roots here. History and progress meld together here, in an area dotted with historic Civil War battle sites that serve as a backdrop to a city that often gets labeled with such monikers as “friendliest,” “most bucolic,” “fastest growing,” “wealthiest” and “one of the dreamiest” places in the South.

WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL

Franklin’s town center is just that—the place where businesses, residents and visitors gather on Main Street. This 16-block historic district is lined with Victorian-era restored buildings that convey the town’s commitment to embracing the past while looking to the growth of the future.

The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) is a preservation organization dedicated to the caretaking of this community’s history and charm. The DFA exists where well-worn creaky retail floors meet the feet of locals and charmed visitors alike.

WHERE TO STAY

Southall

This breathtaking pastoral retreat just outside downtown has been in development for the past eight years as the owners sought to develop and create a truly unique experience. Expansive yet intimate and only open since December 2022, guests stay in the main inn or in cabins or treehouses that dot the hillside. While on property, there is no shortage of activities such as hiking, fishing, spa treatments, sound-bathing, falconry, foraging, biking and so much more. Acclaimed chef Andrew Klamar and his culinary team work with the farm team to plan and grow crops that fill out the resort’s menus. Southall’s honey has won two Good Food Awards and more seem to be on the horizon. Epicurean Ramblings large family-style meals served on-site under strings of twinkling lights—will return to the property after taking a brief Covid-induced hiatus. Offered nightly, be sure to save room for s’mores under the stars.

Harpeth Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, the Harpeth Hotel puts Main Street at your feet. With plenty of event and meeting space, large groups and folks celebrating special occasions often find themselves here.

WHEN TO GO

The answer to that question all depends on what you are looking to do. Romantic getaways are ideal all year round, and autumn is certainly the perfect time to take in the fall foliage changes along the famed Natchez Trace Parkway and the city’s annual Pumpkin Fest . But summertime reigns supreme when it comes to just spending time outside, taking in all that Franklin has going on. There are Movies in the Park most Fridays in June and July that begin at sunset. Franklin on the Fourth is an all-out homage to the shared patriotic spirit, with a parade through downtown and a bang-up fireworks display at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Live music lovers clamor for the Bluegrass Along the Harpeth River festival in late July.

WHAT TO DO

For the Outdoorsy Types—get out there.

Spend an afternoon along the blacktop ribbon that is the famous Natchez Trace Parkway, which is a 444-mile stretch of scenic byway that connects Nashville to Natchez, Mississippi. There are sweeping vistas and plenty of forests, fields, ridges and overlooks to stop at along the way. The best part though might be found at Milepost 438, which is a site of the double-arched Natchez Trace Bridge spanning Franklin’s Birdsong Hollow. Timberland Park can be found at Milepost 437.2 where visitors can do a woodland hike. The Big East Fork Reserve loop trail includes an idyllic pond and naturally-noisy meadow with enough birds and wildlife to make you feel like Snow White.

Grab an electric bike from Pedego in downtown Franklin to explore with a little breeze in your hair. Of course, if you fall in love with that bike, they’d be happy to sell you one to take home.

Paddledog Adventures offers kayak and canoe rentals on Westhaven Lake and river excursions on the nearby Harpeth and West Harpeth Rivers.

On 300+ private acres of pristine green space sits Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, home to more than 2,000 species of flora and fauna. Pack a picnic and a sense of adventure and turn your cell phone off. And yes, there are owls here, too!

Or, if alpacas are more your spirit animal, make your way to Mistletoe Farm where owners Leanne and Tom Butchko raise a pack these camel-relatives, known for their prized fibers.

Looking to perfect your roll cast? Wade into the Harpeth River with Franklin Fly Fishing Company, and try your hand landing a rainbow trout or smallmouth bass.

Home to several important Civil War battle sites, Franklin is home to Carnton Plantation which served as a field hospital during the Battle of Franklin. Visitors may opt for a classic house tour, guided throughout the home or an extended tour which includes a tour of the home, an exploration of the history of slavery on the grounds, as well as the adjacent military cemetery.

The Lotz House, which is the epicenter of the famed Battle of Franklin, offers ghost tours, a walking battlefield tour, a women’s history tour and a tour the Lotz House Cellar. It is a fascinating and important journey back in time to see what life was like in this Confederate era.

Make it a trifecta and tour the Carter House and Rippa Villa, too. You’re bound to come away with an appreciation of this place and time that shaped the region.

Not sure where to begin? Engage the experts at Franklin On Foot Tours where you’ll learn the history of the area and get a complete primer on the architecture and stories that make Franklin worth visiting.

For the History Buffs—follow the split rail fenceline.

For the Retail Enthusiasts

Specializing in old and rare books, as well as some current titles, Landmark Booksellers has a tome for even the most niche of readers (or those who fancy themselves as such)!

White’s Mercantile, owned and operated by Holly Williams (Hank Jr.’s daughter), really does harken back to the traditional mercantile days, with a little bit of everything: FILSON luggage and flannels, pretty coffee table books, housewares, art and wearables.

Rebel Rebel Boutique is edgy, hip and fun. At the roundabout, stop into Onyx + Alabaster, an interior design studio, home market, and coffee-emporium. Stock up on their signature home scent to take that vibe home with you.

A creatively repurposed industrial site, The Factory at Franklin is undergoing a renovation and update that aims to be completed by this summer. This retail and entertainment complex has been a big draw since it originally opened; additional food, beverage, retail and a 330-seat live-performance theater will augment this destination.

For the Performance-Loving Patrons

Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork Open Mic Night—Given the proximity to Music City and the fact that there are dozens of local denizens famous for their musical prowess, you never know who will take to the stage at Puckett’s. Singers and songwriters alike love this venue, and we bet you will too.

Most would argue that September’s Pilgrimage Festival is the highlight of the musicfest season. The Lumineers, Zach Bryan and Margo Price are among those scheduled to appear this fall. Prior years have seen such acts as Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, Dave Matthews, Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, The Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, The Black Keys and Birmingham’s own St. Paul and The Broken Bones.

WHERE TO EAT

Chef Jason McConnell’s Tennessee culinary roots run deep as is evidenced on the menus of Red Pony (upscale Southern fare); Cork and Cow (high-end steakhouse and stellar wine list), and 55 South (named for the highway that runs from Memphis to New Orleans. The menu reflects this region).

McCreary’s Irish Pub is popular for a pint and some bangers and mash. Head to Culaccino for Italian fare and O’ Be Joyful for stellar burgers.

Gray’s On Main is a Main Street institution with something for everyone: live music, craft cocktails, small

plates and big, grilled meats.

Dessert can be found in the form of ice cream at Sweethaven or oldschool Kilwin’s. Coming late summer, Birmingham’s own Cookie Fix will open in Franklin’s Berry Farms

For a truly special dining experience (whether you are staying on property or not), plan an evening at Southall when the resort’s signature restaurant opens to the public. Guests will enter through a speakeasy-style door and be met with an amusebouche and a sip of something bubbly to set the tone for the evening. Pure magic.

Franklin Theatre—The Heritage foundation of Williamson County oversaw the detailed renovation and restoration of this local gem in downtown Franklin where live music and movies are the big draw.