Spring 2024 Guide

Franklin in Full Bloom

VISIT FRANKLIN | SPRING 2024 @thatspiritualcowgirl

Fresh Finds in Franklin The weather is warming up, and the flowers are in bloom! There’s never been a better time than now to experience all Franklin has to offer. Our 2024 Spring Guide includes plenty of inspiration, day trip ideas, fun activities, and more to make lasting memories with the people you love in one of the most charming Southern towns.

Arrington Vineyards | @penneformythoughts

The Factory at Franklin

Arrington Vineyards

Located inside a former stove factory, this popular

Locals and tourists alike adore this scenic vineyard co-

shopping, dining, and entertainment venue is

owned by country music star Kix Brooks and situated

undergoing sweeping renovations that are delighting

on the lush, rolling hills of Williamson County. Bring

locals and tourists alike. Grab a bite to eat at new

a picnic dinner or buy one on-site, sip award-winning

restaurants like The White Alligator, Hattie B’s Hot

wines, and listen to live jazz and bluegrass music while

Chicken, and Otaku Ramen or a souvenir at specialty

enjoying the perfect spring weather.

stores like Greys Fine Cheeses and Lemon Gift Shop.

See unforgettable shows at state-of-the-art venues like Mockingbird Theater and Turner Theater, the latter of which is now home to Studio Tenn, a professional theater company offering Broadway-level productions right here in Middle Tennessee.

Add to your fun by making a reservation at Arrington’s newly renovated tasting bar where guests are guided through a sampling of six award-winning wines and will leave with a keepsake wine glass. Be sure to pick up a bottle of your favorite before you leave!

Peacock Hill Nature Park

Southall Farm & Inn

Hikers and nature lovers, rejoice! This eagerly

This new luxury retreat is earning rave reviews from its

anticipated park in the College Grove area near

guests and outlets like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel

Arrington Vineyards is finally open to the public, and

+ Leisure. The property’s beautifully appointed inn

includes miles of hiking trails, a visitor center, multiple

and private cottages, culinary delights, holistic spa

ponds, and incredible overlook views of Williamson

treatments, and stunning natural scenery must be

County’s gorgeous countryside. Watch spring burst

experienced for yourself. Take a bike ride through the

into full bloom before your eyes and be one of the first

vibrant landscape, kayak on the sparkling waters of Lake

members of the public to hit the trails here—it’s sure to

Mishkin, or book a guided farm or orchard tour to get a

quickly become one of the state’s most popular hiking

closer look into Southall’s sustainable practices.

destinations.

FirstBank Amphitheater at Graystone Quarry

Franklin Hop Trolley Tour

Head just south of Franklin to Thompson’s Station’s

Franklin Hop Tour, a vintage trolley ride that takes you

acclaimed outdoor music venue for a unique experience

to some of Franklin’s most popular attractions and

you won’t forget! Located in a rock quarry that’s

covers more than 50 points of interest, accompanied

surrounded by stunning natural scenery, it’s the only

by live narration along the way. Hop on the trolley at the

music venue of its kind in the country. The 7,500-seat

Visitor Center on Main Street and have easy access to

amphitheater draws some of the biggest names in

tours of historic Civil War homes and The Factory at

music (Lana Del Rey, Dwight Yoakam, and Jason Mraz all

Franklin during the 45-minute loop. And there’s no rush

recently performed here) and features plenty of central

since you can simply catch the next trolley when you’re

or cliffside VIP suites sure to impress your guests.

done at each stop!

Explore Franklin’s top destinations with ease on the

Best Week Need some ideas guaranteed to make your spring getaway a great one? We’ve got you covered! Read on to create your perfect weekend itinerary.

Friday P.M. Check into the luxurious Harpeth Hotel; all of downtown Franklin will be within easy walking distance! First, head next door to JJ’s Wine Bar, a quirky local favorite inside a lovely historic home. Next, walk to nearby Culaccino for delicious handmade pastas and wood-fired pizza or to its sister restaurant Bestia Mare for a high-end seafood selection and rooftop bar experience.

Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club

Afterward, take a stroll down historic Main Street on your way to Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club, a Prohibitionstyle speakeasy located behind Mellow Mushroom.

(Tip: Enter through the back alley entrance and pull the Frankenstein light switch to reveal the hidden door.)

Once you’ve had a delicious craft cocktail, head back to The Harpeth to relax with a good book in the hotel’s library before turning in for the evening.

Saturday A.M. Saturday morning is the perfect time to visit The Factory at Franklin. In addition to its wonderfully curated selection of shops and restaurants, the wildly popular Franklin Farmers Market is held outside every Saturday morning.

Once you’ve finished browsing the market and exploring The Factory, stop in at the newly opened White Alligator for authentic New Orleans-inspired Cajun dishes like po boys, jumbalaya, and mouth-watering beignets, or grab tacos with a Tennessee twist from Mojo’s Tacos.

Franklin Farmers Market | @bringingkelseyback

kend Ever Itinerary Saturday P.M.

Sunday P.M.

Time for a mini road trip! Head to historic Nolensville

You can’t leave Franklin without shopping on Main

for a fun afternoon of shopping. You’ll definitely want to

Street! Dozens of shops and boutiques line the historic

make stops at nellamoon for hand-poured candles and

thoroughfare, including White’s Mercantile, Avec Moi,

trendy clothing and accessories, The Village Antiques

Hester & Cook, and Jondie.

for one-of-a-kind vintage treasures, and Nolensville Feed Mill for unique Amish goods. Need a pick-meup? Enjoy coffee and freshly made, chocolate-drizzled doughnuts from Itty Bitty Donuts. For lunch, head to the original Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for their famous slow-smoked, whole-hog barbecue or get a made-fromscratch plate at Outlanders Southern Chicken.

Next, head to the village of Leiper’s Fork for more shopping. Leiper’s Creek Gallery, The Copper Fox, and

If you’re a history buff, download a free digital passport to help you explore downtown. Sign up for the Historic Homes of Hincheyville and Great American Main Street passports to check out some of downtown Franklin’s most notable historic homes and architecture.

Before you leave, grab a cup for the road and enjoy the atmosphere at one of downtown Franklin’s beautiful coffee shops, like Stable Reserve or Onyx + Alabaster.

David Arms Gallery all feature unique works of art at every price range. Find locally sourced gifts for everyone back home at Props Antiques, Creekside Trading Company, and Patina Home & Garden. Enjoy the spring weather and sit by the creek with a tasting at Wines in the Fork, or tour a 200-year-old cabin-turneddistillery and sample grain-to-glass whiskey at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.

Sunday A.M. Have a lazy Sunday brunch at the historic Corn House in downtown Franklin where the famous Biscuit Love now resides. We recommend the “Princess” hot chicken biscuit or the “bonuts,” which are a tasty cross between a biscuit and a donut. Or head to The Coffee House at Second & Bridge for yummy crêpes and coffee.

After brunch, browse for one-of-a-kind finds at vintage and antique shops like T.Nesbitt & Co., Scarlett Scales Antiques, and Winchester Antique Mall. You never know what special souvenir you’ll find to take home!

Biscuit Love | @dreamsinbloom

Discover

Spring Hill Just south of Franklin past Thompson’s Station lies Spring Hill, a thriving community that blends rustic Tennessee countryside and historic sites with specialty local shops, fun activities, and great eats. Spend the day exploring some of these can’t-miss spots.

Rippa Villa

Things To Do Start at the Spring Hill Welcome Center to get the lay of the land and hear helpful recommendations about what to do nearby. Learn more about the area’s important role in Civil War history with tours of Rippa Villa and the Spring Hill Battlefield. Historians are currently researching the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Rippa Villa while the property undergoes restoration, so you’re certain to have an enriching experience when you visit.

GETTING THERE FROM FRANKLIN 1 | Follow Columbia Ave. south, which turns into Highway 31/Main Street in Spring Hill.

2 | Take a scenic drive south down Lewisburg Pike/Route 431 andhead into town west on Duplex Rd. or Kedron Rd.

Got game? Play a round of golf on a course designed

by Arnold Palmer at the Towhee Golf Club followed by

B IA AVE

refreshments at the quaint on-site restaurant Birdsong

COLU M

Social, or opt for indoor virtual games at Joyfull Arcade.

Shopping Spring Hill has shopping for every taste and budget!

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Check out Spring Hill Antique Mall for unique vintage

unique collection of rare plants, or find your next great

A MB I

Dinner and Rapha Marketplace. Browse Hidden Seed Co’s

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at delightful locally-owned boutiques like Sunday Night

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treasures housed in a former school gymnasium. Stop

read at Ghostlight Books. And don’t miss Early’s Honey Stand, Williamson County’s oldest retailer, for local honey, jams, cured meats, and more to take with you.

Food & Drink Get an energy boost with a specialty drink from The Fainting Goat Coffee Co., or start things off with the most important meal of the day at Brunch Collective or Big Bad Breakfast. For lunch or dinner, we recommend Nelly’s Italian Café for scratch-made Italian favorites or Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint for their famous slow-cooked barbecue.

The Spot Burgers & Beers, Viking Pizza Company, and Grecian Family Restaurant & Bakery are all beloved local eateries that you’re sure to soon love, too! At the end of a busy day exploring, unwind with a drink and sample small plates at Reunion Wine Bar. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Outdoor Adventures

Paddle Dog

Franklin is known for being a family-friendly town full of unique activities, great places to eat, and more. From amazing local farms to interactive play experiences, you’ll find something truly memorable for all ages to enjoy during your stay in Williamson County!

Spring in Tennessee is the perfect time for a hike! Enjoy

connected, allowing you to customize your ride to suit

the beautiful lakes and ponds at Bowie Nature Park in

yours needs. Check out the Brentwood trail system map

Fairview, marvel at the many wildflowers growing along

to plan your route. You can also rent bicycles from Pedego

the trails at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, twirl on the

Electric Bikes in downtown Franklin and take a ride either

massive Sound of Music-esque hill at Preservation Park

on your own or on a guided tour.

in Thompson’s Station, or take in spectacular overlook views at the newly opened Peacock Hill Park.

Walking tours are a wonderful way to enjoy the temperate climate and learn about Franklin’s fascinating history

Franklin’s farm tours are especially popular in spring.

at the same time! Both Franklin On Foot and Franklin

Book time with the friendly alpacas at Mistletoe Farm,

Walking Tours offer a range of guided tours on topics

or head to Noble Springs Dairy for a cuddle session with

ranging from local ghosts to Franklin’s fierce females.

the farm’s baby goats!

And if you’d like to burn off some energy and spend time

Looking for outdoor fun on the water? Paddle Dog

outside, check out SOAR Adventure Tower, which features

offers hourly rentals of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up

four levels and over 110 climbing elements for both kids

paddleboards on Westhaven Lake, while Franklin Fly

and adults, as well as a mini-golf course and a bar.

Fishing Co. will guide all ages on fishing excursions along the Harpeth River.

If you love bike riding, the city of Brentwood has one of

DIGITAL GUIDE

the loveliest and most extensive paved trail systems

Need more outdoor ideas?

in Middle Tennessee. Eight trails range in length from

Check out our complete

one to eight miles round-trip, and most of the trails are

Outdoor Guide here!

Hotels & Lodging After a day of fun in Franklin, find a place that feels like home to rest and recharge! From brand-new hotels and luxury stays to quaint cottages and beautiful rental homes, you’re sure to find the perfect stay in Franklin.

Start with our short, curated list of recommendations

Southall Farm & Inn

below. Then head to visitfranklin.com/stay to view all accommodations and book with us for the best rates!

Featured Hotels Hilton Suites Brentwood/Nashville NEWLY RENOVATED! Aloft Nashville/Franklin Southall Farm & Inn The Harpeth Hotel - Hilton Curio Collection Marriott Franklin/Cool Springs Hilton Franklin/Cool Springs Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville/Franklin/Cool Springs Hampton Inn & Suites Franklin/Cool Springs

Sweeney Cottage | @my_wildflowers

AC Hotel by Marriott Nashville/Brentwood Residence Inn by Marriott Franklin/Berry Farms Hampton Inn Spring Hill

Featured Rentals Sweeney Cottage Fork & Field Cottages The Cottage at Dark Horse Estate

SPRING BOOKING SPECIAL Special Offer! Receive a free gift when you book your next stay

by April 1st! Choose from a $50 Lyft credit or a $50 Franklin Theatre gift card when you book a $199+ stay through stay.visitfranklin.com.

@rebeccalbauer