As our hills come alive cloaked in a vibrant blanket of verdant greens and pastels, we can’t help but feel a particular pride in Franklin’s glorious springtime charm. Spring is an ideal season to experience Franklin and its surrounding communities. This 2025 Spring Guide is packed with a wide range of ideas to help you make the most of Williamson County’s loveliest season.
THE FACTORY AT FRANKLIN
This former stove factory is in its final stages of a massive renovation, and many of its new restaurants and shops have opened! New food offerings include Daddy’s Dogs, Bubble Love Tea, etch, Saffire, Two Hands, The Southern Tea Room, and many more, while popular shops like Fork of the South General Store, The Find, and johnnie-O will help you work up an appetite before you eat. Be sure to check the event schedule for The Factory’s Mockingbird Theater and Turner Theater to see what concerts and Broadway-quality shows might be playing during your visit!
CRAFT COFFEE TRAIL
Spring is the perfect season to sit outside a coffee shop and enjoy a latte with a friend or family member. Soak up the sun on the patio of The Coffee House at Second & Bridge or The Fainting Goat Coffee Co., or enjoy the fresh outdoor air on the welcoming porch of Frothy Monkey Download the Craft Coffee Trail digital passport, visit five or more of the coffee shops on the list, and you’ll win a prize from the downtown Franklin Visitor Center!
WILDFLOWER TRAILS
Tennessee’s wildflowers are at their peak in April and early May, and we’ve got some first-rate hiking trails featuring thousands of them. Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary limits the number of hikers allowed on its trails each day, which makes it a particularly good place to see spring flowers—they’re literally everywhere you look! Book a day pass online before your visit. Timberland Park off the Natchez Trace Parkway is another wildflower (and butterfly!) paradise in spring. Check out the park’s Big East Fork Reserve Trail for a wide range of flowers in both fields and forest.
SOUTHALL FARM & INN
Southall, Franklin’s luxury retreat has earned rave reviews from locals, guests, and national media outlets alike. The property’s stylishly appointed inn and private cottages, seasonally-inspired menus, holistic spa treatments, and stunning pastoral landscape must be seen and experienced to be believed for yourself. Book a weekend and sign up for a few of Southall’s many classes and outdoor experiences while you’re there.
THE FRANKLIN HOP
Explore Franklin favorites with ease on the Franklin Hop Tour, a guided vintage trolley ride that takes you to some of Franklin’s most popular attractions and covers more than 50 points of interest. Hop on the trolley at the Franklin Visitor Center on Main Street and you’ll have easy access to tours of historic Civil War homes, The Moore-Morris History & Culture Center, and The Factory at Franklin during the 45-minute loop. Plus, there’s no rush since you can simply catch the next trolley when you’re done at each stop!
FRIDAY P.M.
Check into the luxurious Harpeth Hotel; all of downtown Franklin will be within easy walking distance! Arrive early enough and you’ll have time to pop into some of the shops in downtown Franklin’s antique district. Right across the street from your hotel, you’ll find Winchester Antique Mall, which features 30 vendors selling antiques and upscale home furnishings. Right down the street is T.Nesbitt & Co., specializing in architectural salvage, vintage jewelry, and more. Keep walking and you’ll spot the Franklin Antique Mall; located in the old Franklin Ice House, it has more than 60 booths filled with antique and vintage finds.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Culamar, where you’ll find Franklin’s only rooftop bar, plus delicious coastal Italian fare created by celebrated chef Frank Pullara.
After your feast, take a stroll down historic Main Street and window shop your way to Amendment XVIII, a Prohibition-style speakeasy located behind Mellow Mushroom. (Tip: Enter through the back alley entrance and pull the Frankenstein light switch to reveal the hidden door.)
SATURDAY A.M.
Enjoy the invigorating spring weather with an outdoor activity. Franklin has plenty of options! Rent an electricassisted bicycle from Pedego and take a guided tour of the area or strike off on your own. Download the free Historic Homes of Hincheyville digital passport and
take a self-guided walking tour of downtown Franklin’s most notable historic homes. Feeling ambitious? Book a fly fishing trip with Franklin Fly Fishing Co. or a hot air balloon ride with Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures
SATURDAY P.M.
Head to Franklin’s Westhaven neighborhood, just a few minutes from downtown, for an afternoon of eating, drinking, and shopping. Start with lunch at Coal Town Public House, where retractable garage doors welcome in the springtime sun, fresh air, and sparkling views of Westhaven Lake. Want to get out on the water? Rent a paddle board or kayak at Paddle Dog and take a lap around the lake. Save room for dessert at Sweethaven, which offers premium ice cream, farm fresh frozen yogurt, and an artisan sprinkle bar. Browse Westhaven’s boutiques, which include home decor stores Sanctuary South, and Valentine House, Bound Booksellers & Gifts, and more.
For dinner, consider heading to the trendy McEwen Northside district in Cool Springs, where you’ll find many popular big night out-worthy restaurant options, including Blue Sushi Sake Grill, Perry’s Steakhouse, and BrickTops
SUNDAY
A.M.
Start your day at one of downtown Franklin’s popular brunch spots, Biscuit Love, Ruby Sunshine, or Franklin Mercantile Deli. Or head to The Coffee House at Second & Bridge for yummy crêpes and coffee.
SUNDAY P.M.
You can’t leave Franklin without shopping on Main Street! Dozens of shops and boutiques line the historic thoroughfare, including Mimi & Dottie, Southern Manor, and The Green Room. Sunday afternoon is also a perfect time to tour one (or more) of downtown Franklin’s three historic homes open to the public: Carnton, Carter House, and Lotz House
The Coffee House at Second & Bridge
Need more inspiration before or during your trip? Stop by the Visitor Center for brochures, recommendations, souvenirs, tickets to top attractions, and more, or click HERE for the 2025 Official Vacation Guide!
Williamson County is home to eight communities, each with its own history and experiences, although we are truly one united community. Make time to visit each this Spring!
ARRINGTON
Arrington is beloved for its unspoiled natural beauty, and once you arrive, you’ll definitely want to slow down and drink it all in. Begin your day with a picnic lunch at award-winning Arrington Vineyards, where wine tastings are accompanied by live music on the lawn amid stunning views of the surrounding countryside. While you’re in the area, buy a pint of delicious chocolate milk at the nationally renowned Hatcher Family Dairy, or climb Williamson County’s tallest hill at Peacock Hill Nature Park. And in May, be sure and head to Castle Gwynn for the wildly popular Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Don’t forget to pop into home decor shops Mercantile 1858 and Three French Hens before you leave!
BRENTWOOD
FAIRVIEW
Discover a sense of community and a deep appreciation for nature in Fairview, where Bowie Park & Nature Center’s miles of pond and lake-dotted trails are a true community treasure. After your hike, head to Fairview Fresh Deli Donuts, which has earned a devoted local following over the years for its no-frills, freshly made doughnuts and kolaches. Next, scout out one-of-a-kind treasures at Fairview Antiques & Finds and vintage decor at Farm Fresh Vintage Finds and Creamery. Finally, feast on globally inspired Southern cuisine and craft cocktails at The Thompsons Kitchen.
The bustling community of Brentwood is home to lush parks and stately homes, as well as some of the area’s best shopping and restaurants. Start with coffee and avocado toast at Crema Coffee Roasters, then head out for a leisurely spring bike ride on the Brentwood trail system, where you can ride around town on miles of lush paved trails. Stop at The Perch for lunch and enjoy crêpes, tapas, and wine, then look for great deals on luxury goods at Brentwood Place, including stores like Nordstrom Rack and J.Crew Factory. End your perfect spring day with steaks and Southern fare on the porch at Mere Bulles, a longtime local favorite restaurant inside a restored antebellum home.
LEIPER’S FORK
In quaint and quirky Leiper’s Fork, you’ll want to soak up the shops, music, food, and stunning natural surroundings. Chow down on a hearty Southern breakfast at Country Boy, then browse gifts and antiques at Patina Home & Garden, Dwell & Den, and Props Antiques. Create your own signature soda at Bubble Joy, then spend your evening listening to first-rate live music at Fox & Locke before turning in for the night at historic Sweeney Cottage.
NOLENSVILLE
Spend a family-friendly Saturday morning shopping for local produce, freshly baked breads, arts and crafts and more at the Nolensville Farmers Market. Browse the shops and boutiques in Nolensville’s walkable historic downtown; be sure and check out the luxurious artisan candles at nellamoon while you’re there. Finish out your afternoon with lunch and a brewery tour at Mill Creek Brewing Co., or enjoy spring’s warmer weather on the large, sunny porch at Outlanders Southern Chicken. Not ready for the day to end? Head to Happenchance Social Lounge for cocktails and a wine dispensing system that allows you to taste as many wines as you’d like.
SPRING HILL
This eclectic, family-friendly community is known for its great shopping, Civil War history, and Southern comfort food. Tour Rippa Villa and see the impressive historic home where the Battle of Spring Hill took place, then savor a decadent afternoon tea service at The Southern Baking Co. on Main Street. Hunt for rare finds at the Spring Hill Antique Mall with 40+ booths in a vintage 1950s school gym, or relax with salt therapy and an infrared sauna experience at Salted Peace. Finish your busy day toasting the bliss of past and future nights at Reunion Wine & Cocktail Bar
THOMPSON’S STATION
Head to the rolling emerald hills of Thompson’s Station for a lovely springtime walk on Preservation Park’s loop trail, which is situated on a preserved battlefield. Stop in for a latte at 1819 Coffee, located inside the beautiful and historic Homestead Manor. Head to Sweet Tea Candle Company and pour your own scented candle. Enjoy tours and tastings of award-winning spirits at Company
Distilling. End the day with a world-class concert at FirstBank Amphitheater at Graystone Quarry.
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 below. Then head to stay.visitfranklin.com to view all accommodations and book with use for the best rates!
FEATURED HOTELS
Hampton Inn & Suites Berry Farms
Hilton Suites Brentwood/Nashville
Aloft Nashville/Franklin
Southall Farm & Inn
The Harpeth Hotel - Hilton Curio Collection
Franklin Marriott Cool Springs
Hilton Franklin/Cool Springs
Drury Plaza Hotel Franklin
Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville/Franklin/ Cool Springs
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 Manor at Dark Horse Estate
Enjoy a stay at the only Hilton property in Franklin's Berry Farms neighborhood! Conveniently off of I-65, Hampton Inn & Suites Berry Farms' amenities include a resort-style pool, garden space with fire pit, complimentary full breakfast buffet, and more.
