FRANKLIN City of

Franklin is known for preserving its past and strategically planning its future. For that reason, the city has garnered multiple awards and accolades including Best Southern Town and Top Business Friendly City. In August 2020, the city was honored as one of 10 All-America City award winners. The National Civic League recognized Franklin for its work in inclusive civic engagement by addressing health and wellbeing and creating stronger connections among residents, businesses, and nonprofit and government leaders.

Explore the History & Downtown Festivals

The city, founded in 1799, is the county seat of Williamson County. History is part of the fabric here, making Franklin a favorite tourist destination. Civil War enthusiasts can tour the Battle of Franklin site, where there were over 10,000 injuries and casualties. For a change of pace, you can survey the downtown’s Victorian architecture and explore the historically restored buildings like the Franklin Theatre at 419 Main. The

Population: 86,328 theatre was recently renovated into a state-of-the-art music venue and hosts theatrical productions and movies. Historic Downtown Franklin encompasses 16 square blocks of antique and gift shops, restaurants, and clothing boutiques. Downtown is also the stage to several annual festivals including Main Street Festival, Franklin on the Fourth, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of a Christmas. To get a closer look at the city’s history, you can take a free self-guided walking tour, such as the African American Heritage tour or the Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt. Brochures are available at the Visitors Center located at 400 Main Street or go to visitfranklin.com.

Cool Springs Shopping

Residents looking for a modern shopping experience will enjoy the Cool Springs area with more than 200 restaurants, national chain stores, and the Cool Springs Galleria, home to 150 specialty shops and department store chains.

Offering:

Annual Eye Exams

Refractive Management

In-office Finishing Lab

Eyewear Styling

Co-Management of LASIK, PRK, SMILE & Cataract Surgery

Dry Eye Management | Diabetic Eye Exams

Glaucoma Management | Minor Surgical Procedures

Transportation & City Services

The city of Franklin offers several amenities for its residents. Bus and trolley service are available throughout the city for a small fee and are provided by Franklin Transit Authority. The Transit Authority also provides flexible pickup and drop-off locations for seniors and disabled passengers. Go to franklintransit.org for details and a map of trolley and bus routes. The city provides weekly residential garbage and recycling pickup, plus yard waste and seasonal leaf pickup. Go to: franklintn.gov/services/find-my-city-services.

Youth Organized Sports

Adult and youth recreational sports are coordinated through the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, including basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball and other competitive games. (wcparksandrec.com). In addition, several independent youth sports associations manage teams including:

• Franklin Baseball Club, fbcbaseball.org: girls and boys baseball

• Franklin Cowboys, franklincowboys.org: football and cheerleading

• Grassland Athletic Association, playgrassland.com: baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball

• Williamson County Soccer Association, williamsoncountysoccer.com: indoor/outdoor soccer, camps

• Albion SC Nashville, albionscnashville.org: soccer camps and travel team competitive play

Youth sports leagues also are offered at public and private schools.

Parks, Festivals, & Harpeth River Recreation

The City Parks Department hosts roughly 20 annual community events and maintains 18 parks, all with varying amenities like walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing ponds. One of the most picturesque city parks is the 200-acre Park at Harlinsdale Farm, 239 Franklin Road, which was once home to the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Midnight Sun. Here you’ll find a four-acre dog park, three-acre catch and release fishing pond, 5k soft turf track for walking or running, and an equestrian trail. In September, Harlinsdale Farm is the stage for the annual Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival. Family Day is held here in November and is a free event with a petting zoo, hayrides, and farm festivities. For those wanting to explore nearby rivers and streams, the Harpeth River is a favorite waterway for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river winds through Franklin, and the city maintains several access points. Go to franklintn.gov for a listing of river access points plus additional city parks information.