Leslie's Guidebook
Neighborhoods
Downtown Franklin is a vibrant blend of historic preservation and modern sophistication. Just 14 miles from Nashville, you’ll find an oasis of Southern hospitality housed in a 16-block historic district of award-winning antique shops, brick-and-mortar gift and book stores, fashion-forward boutiques, privately owned art galleries, lovingly restored homes and more.
Franklin has earned recognition as an authentic, eclectic community whose locals have never met a stranger. Whether you’re looking to explore the locally owned shops that line Main Street, score a timeless heirloom in our antique district, catch a live show at our award-winning venues or grab a craft cocktail at one of our acclaimed restaurants, there’s something for everyone here.
251 residents recomanen
Franklin
Downtown Franklin is a vibrant blend of historic preservation and modern sophistication. Just 14 miles from Nashville, you’ll find an oasis of Southern hospitality housed in a 16-block historic district of award-winning antique shops, brick-and-mortar gift and book stores, fashion-forward boutiques, privately owned art galleries, lovingly restored homes and more.
Franklin has earned recognition as an authentic, eclectic community whose locals have never met a stranger. Whether you’re looking to explore the locally owned shops that line Main Street, score a timeless heirloom in our antique district, catch a live show at our award-winning venues or grab a craft cocktail at one of our acclaimed restaurants, there’s something for everyone here.
Food scene
Visit on the weekend when the front porch is open to guests they have live music and whiskey punch.
28 residents recomanen
Leiper's Fork Distillery
3381 Southall RdVisit on the weekend when the front porch is open to guests they have live music and whiskey punch.
Pack a blanket and picnic of cheese and crackers. Arrington will provide a flight a wine and a place to listen to music and enjoy the scenery.
347 residents recomanen
Celler Arrington
6211 Patton RdPack a blanket and picnic of cheese and crackers. Arrington will provide a flight a wine and a place to listen to music and enjoy the scenery.
55 South
403 Main StThey have the best wings and wedge salad.
Homemade! Need I say more - great for breakfast and lunch!
78 residents recomanen
Merridee's Breadbasket
110 4th Ave SHomemade! Need I say more - great for breakfast and lunch!
Mojo's Tacos is a fresh and innovative taco shop with a Tennessee twist. The menu is constantly evolving, but it is all about the tacos... fresh meats and produce, sauces created daily from scratch, handmade corn and flour tortillas.
31 residents recomanen
Mojo’s Tacos
230 Franklin RdMojo's Tacos is a fresh and innovative taco shop with a Tennessee twist. The menu is constantly evolving, but it is all about the tacos... fresh meats and produce, sauces created daily from scratch, handmade corn and flour tortillas.
I like to go on the weekends for dinner when there is entertainment.
84 residents recomanen
GRAYS on Main
332 Main StI like to go on the weekends for dinner when there is entertainment.
The picture says it all. We go all the time for ice cream and sit outside. It's rare that you don't strike up a conversation with someone walking by or sitting next to you. Their peanut brittle is to die for!
16 residents recomanen
Kilwins Franklin
405 Main StThe picture says it all. We go all the time for ice cream and sit outside. It's rare that you don't strike up a conversation with someone walking by or sitting next to you. Their peanut brittle is to die for!
Good pizza, sandwiches and salads. Their cream of mushroom soup is the best ever! Plus they play bingo some nights and live entertainment on weekends outside.
59 residents recomanen
Mellow Mushroom
317 Main StreetGood pizza, sandwiches and salads. Their cream of mushroom soup is the best ever! Plus they play bingo some nights and live entertainment on weekends outside.
Sightseeing
Civil War history and burial ground.
It is a hidden gem of boutiques and restaurants with great ambiance and lovely homes to walk and drive by. When you get there PARK. WALK. SHOP. EAT. In other words... ENJOY!
119 residents recomanen
Leipers Fork
It is a hidden gem of boutiques and restaurants with great ambiance and lovely homes to walk and drive by. When you get there PARK. WALK. SHOP. EAT. In other words... ENJOY!
Belle Meade Winery
5025 Harding PikeVery interesting history - thoroughbred horses.
Casa Carter
1140 Columbia AveVery interesting Civil War history, Battle of Franklin.
Very interesting Civil War history, across from Carter House.
35 residents recomanen
Lotz House Museum
1111 Columbia AveVery interesting Civil War history, across from Carter House.
Carnton Plantation
Civil war history and burial grounds.
El Hermitage
4580 Rachels LnPresident Jackson's working farm / plantation.
Interesting tour of the distillery and original creek that is still used. Be sure to make reservations for Mary Bobo's Restaurant serving family style food and save time for the small town (about 2 blocks).
204 residents recomanen
Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center
133 Lynchburg HwyInteresting tour of the distillery and original creek that is still used. Be sure to make reservations for Mary Bobo's Restaurant serving family style food and save time for the small town (about 2 blocks).
Nicely landscaped zoo with quality exhibits and animals.
353 residents recomanen
Zoo de Nashville a Grassmere
3777 Nolensville PikeNicely landscaped zoo with quality exhibits and animals.
Activities
If you have small children and it's a rainy day this is a great place to get their energy out.
The Monkey’s Treehouse
91 Seaboard LnIf you have small children and it's a rainy day this is a great place to get their energy out.
Petty zoo, pony rides, family fun park, splash pad and eveents.
9 residents recomanen
Lucky Ladd Farms
Lucky Ladd FarmsPetty zoo, pony rides, family fun park, splash pad and eveents.
Choose from a spectacular, full dome show in state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium; hands-on, interactive, science exhibits; or one of our award-winning programs like daily Science Live! demonstrations, 3D Printing Workshops, and other special events.
227 residents recomanen
Centre de Ciències de l'Aventura
800 Fort Negley BlvdChoose from a spectacular, full dome show in state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium; hands-on, interactive, science exhibits; or one of our award-winning programs like daily Science Live! demonstrations, 3D Printing Workshops, and other special events.
I HAVEN’T DONE IT YET BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE FLOAT THE HARPETH RIVER WITH CANOES. IT’S ON MY BUCKETLIST TO GET AN INFLATABLE SMALL RAFT AND DO THAT. PLUS PEOPLE TAKE THEIR WATER DOGS THERE TO PLAY – https://www.franklintn.gov/government/departments-k-z/parks/parks-amenities/canoe-access-sites (SEE MAP ON THIS WEBSITE) IN ORDER OF THE WAY THE HARPETH FLOWS HERE ARE THE ENTRANCE POINTS / PARKING: LADD PARK, EASTERN FLANK, PINKERTON PARK, HARLINSDALE PARK, WILLIAMSON REC. CENTER, RIZER POINT. EASTERN FLANK AND PINKERTON PARK ARE REALLY CLOSE TO THE HOUSE.
Harpeth River Canoe Launch
5007 Ryecroft LaneI HAVEN’T DONE IT YET BUT A LOT OF PEOPLE FLOAT THE HARPETH RIVER WITH CANOES. IT’S ON MY BUCKETLIST TO GET AN INFLATABLE SMALL RAFT AND DO THAT. PLUS PEOPLE TAKE THEIR WATER DOGS THERE TO PLAY – https://www.franklintn.gov/government/departments-k-z/parks/parks-amenities/canoe-access-sites (SEE MAP ON THIS WEBSITE) IN ORDER OF THE WAY THE HARPETH FLOWS HERE ARE THE ENTRANCE POINTS / PARKING: LADD PARK, EASTERN FLANK, PINKERTON PARK, HARLINSDALE PARK, WILLIAMSON REC. CENTER, RIZER POINT. EASTERN FLANK AND PINKERTON PARK ARE REALLY CLOSE TO THE HOUSE.
Great place to explore on foot. Awesome dog park. Pilgrimage Festival is held here in September.
24 residents recomanen
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
239 Franklin RdGreat place to explore on foot. Awesome dog park. Pilgrimage Festival is held here in September.
Really nice playground. Walk to the Civil War fort site. Nice bike/jogging paths.
39 residents recomanen
Parc Pinkerton
405 Murfreesboro RdReally nice playground. Walk to the Civil War fort site. Nice bike/jogging paths.