Fall 2021 Guide

VISIT FRANKLIN FA L L 2 0 2 1 1

Fall You’ll Take in the changing leaves and crisp fall weather in one of the coziest towns in the South! Franklin offers various quintessential fall activities, including the annual Pumpkinfest, scenic spots for the fall color watch, pumpkin picking, farm experiences, ghost tours, and more. Come see why Travel + Leisure named Franklin on their lists of “Best Places to See Fall Foliage in the United States” and “America’s Best Halloween Towns!”

Pumpkinfest One of Franklin’s favorite annual festivals is back this year on Saturday, October 30! Hosted by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, this family-friendly fall festival stretches throughout Franklin’s Main Street and historic district and features seasonal food and drink, children’s activities, live music, costume contests, craft vendors, and more.

Leiper’s Fork A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, the quaint village of Leiper’s Fork is the perfect place to visit in the fall. Relax at the community fire pits dotted along the main road, shop for gifts and antiques, browse curated art galleries, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at 1892, or sample locally made spirits at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.

Gentry’s Farm 2 @caitlin.baha

l Experiences Love in Franklin Gentry’s Farm

Guided Ghost Tour

A staple of all things fall in Franklin, this seventh

Franklin has urban legends and paranormal stories like

generation farm welcomes visitors each year to “pick

any town with 200+ years of history (and a major Civil

your own” pumpkin and enjoy a four-acre cornfield

War battle). If ghost tours with a dose of local history are

maze, nature trail, farm games, and more on-site.

right up your alley, Franklin Walking Tours will guide

Open October 2-31 for the fall season this year!

you through the historic district and give you the inside scoop on ghost stories, haunted homes, and more.

Fall Hiking Take in the beautiful Tennessee fall foliage with a hike!

Natchez Trace Parkway

Williamson County offers many fantastic hiking trails

This 444-mile scenic road follows the Old Natchez Trace,

perfect for enjoying the cool weather and changing

a historic travel corridor used by European settlers,

leaves. Our top fall picks include:

American Indians, and others. Today, travelers still take

Timberland Park: Hikers can enjoy various trails

this route to enjoy scenic views, historic landmarks,

(and difficulty levels) to choose from, including an

hiking, biking, camping, and more. The Natchez Trace

ADA-compliant trail.

Parkway winds through the outskirts of Franklin, where

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary: An excellent option for families, don’t miss their annual fall color hikes every Saturday in October!

the iconic double arch Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge (along with stunning views) can be found. The perfect route for a fall joyride!

Garrison Creek Loop Trail: Located just off the historic Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 427.6, this beautiful 1.3-mile wooded loop trail is a great place to bird watch!

Franklin Farmer’s Market

FALL EVENTS OWL’S HILL FALL HIKES Every Saturday in October

There’s nothing like visiting the Franklin Farmer’s Market on a crisp fall Saturday morning! Get breakfast from food trucks, pick up seasonal produce, browse

LUCKY LADD FALL FESTIVAL & PUMPKIN PATCH September 18 - October 30

craft vendors, and more. When you’re finished, head inside The Factory at Franklin for coffee and more shopping!

36TH ANNUAL PUMPKINFEST October 30 2

Fall Weekend in Franklin Fall is the perfect time to plan a trip to Franklin! While it’s hard to do everything in Franklin in just one weekend, this fun-filled itinerary includes top spots and local favorites around town to enjoy all things fall.

Friday PM •

Stroll down historic Main Street decorated for fall or sign

Main Street

up for a free self-guided digital walking tour, such as Homes of Hincheyville, Great American Main Street, or Haunts and Headstones!

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Ready for dinner? Relax with a burger and a beer on the patio at Americana Taphouse or try the chicken and waffles at 55 South!

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Catch live music at Kimbro’s or watch a movie or performance at The Franklin Theatre. Afterward, go out for a nightcap at O’ Be Joyful or Gray’s on Main!

WHERE TO STAY Click here to view our discounted hotel rates!

THE HARPETH HOTEL Downtown Franklin’s boutique luxury hotel FRANKLIN MARRIOTT COOL SPRINGS Modern hotel in the heart of Cool Springs HILTON FRANKLIN COOL SPRINGS Chic and sophisticated luxury ALOFT NASHVILLE FRANKLIN A fun and trendy stay HAMPTON INN & SUITES BERRY FARMS

Gray’s on Main

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Ideal location with plenty of amenities

Saturday

Sunday

AM

AM

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Start your day off at one of Franklin’s classic stops for breakfast, Franklin Mercantile or

Franklin (try the East Nasty biscuit!) or the charming

Merridee’s Breadbasket!

Triple Crown Bakery, where you can try incredible

Take a joyride down the historic Natchez Trace

breakfast selections such as goat cheese and tomato

Parkway to see fall foliage, historic sites, gorgeous

quiche or homemade cinnamon rolls.

overlooks, and the iconic double-arch Natchez Trace

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Start off your Sunday at Biscuit Love in downtown

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It’s not a trip to Franklin without a visit to Carnton and

Parkway Bridge (milepost 438). Head just off the

Carter House, two homes at the center of the Battle

Parkway to the idyllic village of Leiper’s Fork for

of Franklin. Tour these homes, learn more about the

shopping and art galleries.

battle, and walk the grounds. Get tickets to both for

In the mood to go pickin’? You’ll love Franklin’s

just $30 at the visitor center in downtown Franklin.

antique district! Local favorites include Mercantile 1858, City Farmhouse, Franklin Antique Mall,

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and Winchester Antiques. If boutique shopping is more your speed, head over to Main Street and

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For lunch, try Frothy Monkey’s amazing dinner menu that includes gourmet wagyu beef burgers, red wine

stop by White’s Mercantile, Tin Cottage, and

braised brisket, and more. Herban Market is another

many other stops.

great option with their all-organic menu featuring fantastic al pastor tacos and build-your-own pizza,

PM •

For lunch, try Mojo’s Tacos, a favorite of locals and

salad, wraps, and more.

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Check out The Factory at Franklin, an old stove

visitors alike with their unique Tex-Mex meets

factory turned multi-use facility that offers great

Tennessee spin on tacos. Try the Baja fish taco

shopping, sweets, and more. Get a 100-layer donut

(mojo style for extra spice!) or the hot chicken taco!

from Five Daughters Bakery and try a seasonal drink

If you’re in the mood for a classic Southern lunch,

from Honest Coffee Roasters as you shop!

Bishop’s Meat & 3 has some of the best hot chicken and sides around.

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Stop by Honest Coffee Roasters or High Brow Coffee + Tea to try one of their seasonal coffee drinks!

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For a truly unique fall experience you’ll never forget, visit a local farm! Pick a pumpkin and explore the corn maze at Gentry’s Farm, meet alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, or cuddle baby goats and sample cheese at Noble Springs Dairy.

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Relax with a farm-to-table meal at 1892 in Leiper’s Fork or amazing BBQ and sides at Puckett’s in downtown Franklin!

The Factory at Franklin

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Franklin’s Fall Flavors If you’re hungry for something sweet, savory, or anything in-between, Franklin has the perfect bite for everyone in search of a delicious pumpkin pastry or a warm Southern dish. Morning, noon, or night, you’ll find something to satisfy your craving, or even something unexpected.

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant / @puckettsgrocery

Breakfast & Brunch

Lunch & Dinner

Kick off the season (and your day) with these chilly

Cozy up with comfort food from some of Franklin’s

morning favorites.

best eateries.

Biscuit Love

Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant

There’s something for every fall morning lover on Biscuit

Puckett’s, a Franklin favorite, has been serving up

Love’s curated seasonal menu. Toffee apples, roasted

Southern classics since the 1950s, making it the perfect

butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, and spiced candied

food destination for fall. Listen to live music most every

pecans are just a few of the fall twists added to Biscuit

night of the week while you enjoy a plate of Southern

Love classics to create the perfect sweater weather lineup.

fried chicken or shrimp & grits.

Ruby Sunshine

The Grilled Cheeserie

Get cozy with Ruby Sunshine’s fall specials like the

A gooey grilled cheese sandwich with a cup of warm

pecan praline stuffed French toast and the cinnamon

soup is the perfect combo for cooler weather. Choose

dusted spiced iced mocha. Brunch is served daily!

something from the Grilled Cheeserie’s specialty menu like the B&B of Tennessee, a white cheddar bacon and

Frothy Monkey

bourbon peach jam sammie, or make your own melt with your choice of bread, cheese, and toppings.

A coffee shop, bakery, and eatery all in one, Frothy Monkey is a must for all things fall. Try the seasonal sweet harvest latte, a delicious pumpkin spice and

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Red Pony at McConnell House

caramel brew, or the “spice spice baby,” a brown sugar

For an upscale dining experience in a historical setting,

cinnamon and pecan creation. Pair your drink with a

grab a table at Red Pony at McConnell House. Enjoy a cozy

sweet treat from the bakery, like a fresh-from-the-oven

dinner in a former jail-turned-event space and restaurant,

cookie or pumpkin bread slice.

and finish off the night with a drink from the bar.

Sweets & Treats If you’ve been counting down the days until it’s socially acceptable to order a dessert with “pumpkin” in the title, these seasonal treats are sure to be well worth the wait.

Triple Crown Bakery With a display case stocked with freshly baked mini pumpkin loaves, seasonal muffins and pies, handdecorated fall-themed cookies and cakes, and so much more, don’t be surprised if you find it difficult to choose just one pastry to take home with you. (Not a pumpkin fan? Try a slice of the sticky honey raisin bran to get your fall fix!)

Gigi’s Kitchen & Bakery Calling all pie lovers! Gigi’s Kitchen & Bakery in Brentwood is a must-stop for classic fall desserts. Grab a slice of apple crisp pie, walnut streusel pumpkin pie, or even toasted s’mores pie.

Gigi’s Kitchen & Bakery @gigiskitchenandbakery

Kilwins Nothing says “fall” quite like a sticky, freshly dipped caramel apple, either on a stick or sliced up and ready to eat. Kilwins in downtown Franklin specializes in this treat, serving up pecan turtle caramel apples, apple pie caramel apples, dark chocolate sea salt caramel apples, and more. While you’re there, pick up a box of gourmet chocolates or crisp bark to take on the road!

Sweethaven Just because the temperature may be dropping doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a frozen treat! Sweethaven is scooping up fall flavors for a limited time, so get a bowl Sweethaven @sweethaven_tn

or a cone of pumpkin spice ice cream and gingersnap cookies while you can.

BONUS Sign up for the digital Sweet Treats Trail for more dessert stops and the chance to win a prize!

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Top Spots to Color Watch

by Abbi Wilt When it comes to scenic views, Franklin takes home the gold. Its natural beauty is a big reason that visitors flock to the area in the fall; you won’t find vibrant foliage, lookouts where you can see for miles, a picture-perfect Main Street, and rolling Tennessee hills just anywhere. With deep hues of red, orange, and yellow falling on storied trees, you won’t want to miss these spectacular, photoworthy views around our town.

Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge One of the most photographed spots in Middle Tennessee is the double-arched, 145-foot-high Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. Located at milepost 438, the bridge runs across Highway 96 and Birdsong Hollow with a breathtaking view of the valley below. There are a few photo-ops and views here that you won’t want to miss. First, park north of the bridge and walk down a paved path to get down to the Birdsong Hollow Overlook, where you’ll see the bridge peeking through colorful leaves. If you take the exit south of the bridge, you’ll find a parking area that lends a skyward view of the bridge.

Finally, and perhaps most famously, you’ll want to venture out onto the bridge itself. You’ve likely seen this view before - it has been the subject of amateur and professional photographers since 1994. If you find yourself speechless, you’re in good company. Look out onto a valley that doubles as an artist’s canvas, with a stretch of road running through red sugar maples and orange oaks. It’s an absolute must-see.

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Natchez Trace Parkway

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards Whether you’re hoping to fill your feed with photos of the Tennessee scenery or you’re looking for an excellent backdrop for Polaroids with friends, Arrington Vineyards is versatile and consistently beautiful.

Overlooking rows of grapes, fields, and Tennessee farmland from a rolling hillside, Arrington is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a picnic - often with live jazz music in the background - while you soak in the scenery. In my opinion, this view pairs best with a glass of vintage 2017 Red Fox Red, which happens to also lend itself well as a photo prop.

Leiper’s Fork Right off the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find a celebration of autumn as you’ve never seen before in the unincorporated village of Leiper’s Fork. Imagine your favorite small-town television show, and then deck out their Main Street or town square with mums, pumpkins, cornstalks, and strings of light. You’d be pretty close to how Leiper’s Fork celebrates - if you added in a handful of local art galleries, live music, fire pits, small-batch whiskey, rocking chairs, and decked-out front porches.

There is something to see and photograph at every stop along Old Hillsboro Road. In fact, rolling into town, you’ll even see an old police car to welcome you into this little Mayberry.

Leiper’s Fork

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8 Insta-Worthy Spots Around Franklin One of the best parts of a trip is taking photos to remember your adventure and share!

Franklin has no shortage of fantastic photo opportunities, from incredible scenic views to memorable experiences you’ll want to relive for years to come.

Add these eight spots to your Franklin itinerary, and be sure to tag @visitfranklintn on Instagram when you post your photos!

1. Arrington Vineyards One of Williamson County’s most visited spots, Arrington Vineyards features incredible views of the rolling Tennessee hills and fantastic wine. Get a wine flight and a picnic to enjoy as you take photos of the views!

2. Carnton The McGavock family lived at this stately Federal-style 11-room home, which became a field hospital after the

Arrington Vineyards @the.justin.williams

Battle of Franklin. Take a tour of this incredible home, relax on the porch, or explore the historical garden, cemetery, and enslaved quarters.

3. Natchez Trace Parkway This 444-mile scenic road follows along a route once used

by American Indians, European settlers, and soldiers.

Today this scenic drive is known for beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, and historic sites. Snap a photo at the iconic Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge located at milepost 438, just 15 minutes outside of downtown Franklin!

Natchez Trace Parkway @alextrieslife

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4. Main Street Main Street is the heart of downtown Franklin’s beautiful 16-block historic district that features the town square surrounded by Victorian architecture. Downtown Franklin is truly picturesque all year round but especially festive around the holidays and annual festivals!

5. Local Farms Williamson County is home to fabulous local farms!

Cuddle baby goats and sample cheese at Noble Springs Dairy, meet the friendly alpacas at Mistletoe Farm, pick

Mistletoe Farm @jessbeachin

fall pumpkins at Gentry’s Farm, explore the orchard and farm store at Morning Glory Orchard, or pick lavender and sunflowers at Menkveld Farm.

6. Leiper’s Fork One of Franklin’s best-kept secrets is the idyllic village of Leiper’s Fork! Stop by Puckett’s for live entertainment (and maybe spotting a major artist or two!), browse incredible art galleries, and more.

7. The Factory

David Arms Gallery @davidarmsartist

The Factory at Franklin is an old stove factory turned multiuse facility featuring some of the best local tacos, sweets, coffee, and shopping! There are plenty of Insta-worthy shots at The Factory, including Rusty, the giant statue made from cogs and mechanical parts near Honest Coffee.

8. Carter House Much like Carnton, the Carter House was forever changed by the Battle of Franklin. Take a guided tour of the house to learn about the Carter family and the impact of the Battle of Franklin. Don’t miss the bullet-riddled farm office that still stands, the smokehouse, and other historic exterior buildings.

The Factory at Franklin @photosbyaprilwheeler

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History There is no wrong time for history buffs to visit Franklin, but if you could pick only one season for a visit, without a doubt, it should be the fall. The Civil War’s Battle of Franklin is a huge part of Franklin’s rich history, and a few sites and events are commemorating that fateful night of November 30, 1864, that you simply don’t want to miss.

The Carter House

Battle of Franklin The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest battles of America’s Civil War. More than 150 years later, the stories of both despair and heroism have been carefully preserved and shared daily with visitors from all over the world.

The three Civil War sites - Carnton, Carter House, and Lotz House - each have a unique story regarding the Battle of Franklin.

Carter House Carter House, which was at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, has the most bullet-riddled building still standing from the Civil War. The walls of the building tell the story of the epic day of conflict between North and South. As guests take a guided tour of the Carter family’s former home, they will learn how the family experienced the entire battle from the house’s basement. Visitors will

was like during the Battle of Franklin and the years that followed. The largest privately-owned Confederate cemetery in the county is located at Carnton. Today guests can walk the entire grounds of the property learning the stories of the African-Americans that were enslaved at Carnton, see the gardens that are kept in the same manner they were at the time of the battle, or visit the onsite museum for an in-depth look at the Battle of Franklin.

Lotz House Across the street from the Carter House, the Lotz House bears its battle scars, including the charred indention in the hardwood floor where a cannonball few through the roof. Guests can tour the house that served as a showplace for master woodworker Johann Lotz and see how the home and the Lotz family were forever changed following the Battle of Franklin.

also hear the stories of family members who participated in the battle and the battle’s lasting effects on both the

Historians give daily tours at each site that help usher

Carter family and Franklin.

in the intense passions and sacrifices on both sides of the battle. The museums, artifacts, and well-preserved

Carnton

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sites allow you to walk in the footsteps and hear the stories of the people there that November day. Tickets

Carnton still stands as a memorial to the Battle of

to each Civil War home and various battlefield tours can

Franklin. This majestic home would inescapably become

be purchased on-site. Additionally, combination tickets

a field hospital for hundreds of wounded and dying

that grant access to multiple sites can be purchased at

Confederate soldiers. As guests tour the former home

the Visitor Center in downtown Franklin or at Carnton or

of the McGavock family, they learn what the experience

Carter House.

Digital Passports One of the best ways to see all Franklin and Williamson County has to offer is to sign up for a free digital passport! Whether it’s sampling local spirits, learning more about Franklin’s historic homes, or visiting local sweet shops, you’ll get to experience Franklin like a local. Sign up for free, check in virtually at participating locations, and earn a prize!

Masters & Makers Explore Williamson County’s incredible distilleries, breweries, and a winery on this self-guided tour! Sample local spirits and learn about distilling, brewing, and winemaking from the masters.

CLICK TO SIGN UP

Craft Coffee Trail Discover the best local coffee shops around Williamson County! Try signature lattes, seasonal specials, locally roasted beans, and more at Franklin’s favorite coffee shops.

CLICK TO SIGN UP

Haunts & Headstones From historic homes to Franklin’s earliest cemeteries, you’ll enjoy learning about Franklin’s history with a supernatural connection with this self-guided walking tour!

CLICK TO SIGN UP

Historic Homes of Hincheyville Stroll through one of Franklin’s most historic neighborhoods! Learn more about the history of each home, observe a variety of architectural styles, and take in the quaint Hincheyville neighborhood.

CLICK TO SIGN UP

Murals of Williamson County Explore amazing murals (and photos ops!) around Franklin and beyond!

CLICK TO SIGN UP

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL PASSPORTS 12

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