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Becky Thomas

Franklin Area Guide

To visit Franklin is to be immersed in both the modern day world and the historical past of the area. Its rich cultural history has blended seamlessly with the 21st century, prospering in a beautiful landscape. Residents who were born and raised in Franklin will tell visitors this is the place to be – a community that cares about its residents and enjoys a lifestyle that prospers. When you visit Franklin, experience the revitalized Great American Main Street as you walk the historic 15 block downtown area filled with entertainment, shops, antiques, restaurants and more. In the Cool Springs area, enjoy the place that is Middle Tennessee’s largest shopping mall.

History lovers will be in their element in Williamson County, exploring historic sights like The Carter House and Carnton Plantation as well as the Lotz House. You can get a bird’s eye view of Victorian and Antebellum architecture downtown and if you love the outdoors, visit the Natchez Trace Parkway – 444 miles of endless hiking trails for those of you who enjoy the outdoor life. If you’d rather stay indoors, enjoying good company and good music, at local favorite hang outs after a great meal at any one of the restaurants. Whether you’re a roll up your sleeves and dig in kind of diner or someone who prefers friendly wait staff in a more formal atmosphere, Franklin has the right place for you from local to haute cuisine. And believe it or not, all of this is less than 30 minutes south of Nashville.

Located in the heart of the middle Tennessee area, Franklin is a treasure of beautiful rolling countryside, surrounded by quaint small towns and metropolitan areas, soaked in a rich heritage. Since its founding in 1799, it’s grown from a small agricultural community into a beautiful small city filled with commercial activity for business, but with a small town feel that makes both residents and visitors enjoy a ‘we’re home’ atmosphere.

With its long history and 21st century forward thinking, Franklin is an ideal place to begin a career or settle down to buy that perfect home.

To learn more about Franklin, visit: http://www.visitwilliamson.com/

History

Named after Benjamin Franklin by close friend Dr. Hugh Williamson, the town was founded in 1799. Its first 180 years, Franklin was a small county seat and one of the wealthiest in Tennessee, the center of plantation economy. Visited by two presidents, three Secretaries of War were from the immediate area.

It took 120 years for Williamson County to reach the prosperity it had before the war, and it was considered a remote area, even to nearby Nashville. Today, Franklin is one of the wealthiest cities in one of the wealthiest counties, a unique blend of past and present, residential, commercial and corporate businesses and home town family feel.

Parks

With 27 parks in Franklin, you can find something to do everywhere you go for every member of the family, including the ones with four legs!

For a complete of parks and their amenities, visit: http://www.visitwilliamson.com/search/index.cfm

Attractions & Events

Feilé Franklin – March

Pronounced “fay-la”, this Celtic festival fills the streets of historic downtown Franklin. The festivities include Irish dance and music performances on Main Street; special Celtic vendors and craft exhibitionists; festival foods such as roasted potatoes, turkey legs, fish ‘n chips, and all things Irish; and activities for the children.

Following the festival is a separate evening event of beer tasting and Irish activities. Free admission for the festival
Where: Main Street & Public Square, Franklin

Celebration of Nations – March

A cultural festival featuring crafts, entertainment and foods from around the world.

This festival takes place the same day as Feile Franklin and is a short walk or trolley ride from downtown Franklin on the campus of O'More College of Design,

Main Street Festival - April

This is Franklin’s signature festival showcasing over 250 craftsmen, food entertainment and children’s activities.
Handmade work exhibited includes pottery, jewelry, furniture, woodworking, ornamental iron, original paintings and much more.

Southeast Tourism Society lists this annual festival on the Southeast’s Top Twenty Events list.
Where: Main Street & Public Square, Franklin

Franklin Rodeo - May

A PRCA sanctioned rodeo featuring steer wrestling, bronco riding, bull riding, musical entertainment and more.

When: fourth weekend in May
Where: Ag Expo Park, Franklin Heritage Foundation Town & Country Tour of Homes - June

Franklin on the Fourth – July

A patriotic, family concert event on the Public Square in historic downtown Franklin complete with entertainment, children’s activities, food and crafts. The celebration will be followed by a fireworks finale that takes place near Mack Hatcher/Hillsboro Road.

When: Independence Day
Where: Main Street & Public Square, Franklin

Bluegrass Along the Harpeth - July

Musical festival featuring Bluegrass band competition, old-time string band competition, fiddling, buck dancing, crafts, food and more.

When: last weekend in July
Where: Public Square, Franklin

Williamson County Fair - August

Celebrating Williamson County’s agricultural heritage, this nine-day event offers the traditional fair fun including exhibits of all kinds, children’s activities, live entertainment, historic village, the Miday and much, much more! When: begins first Friday in August

Where: Ag Expo Park, Franklin

Franklin Jazz Festival - September

This music extravaganza brings together the best in jazz, Dixieland, big band and headliner acts. The festival is one of the longest running jazz festivals in the south. It has been a popular labor day tourist stop for years. One of its purposes are to acquaint the public with the restored historic downtown area, to showcase high quality superb musical entertainment, and to raise funds to continue to revitalize downtown using historic preservation methods.

When: Labor Day weekend
Where: Main Street and the Public Square, Franklin

Pumpkin Fest – October

Franklin’s popular fall festival complete with children’s activities, hayrides, music, storytelling, costume contests, great food and more.

When: Saturday before Halloween
Where: Main Street & Public Square, Franklin

Dickens of a Christmas - December

This popular street festival transforms Main Street into a Victorian holiday complete with Dickens’ characters, carolers, artisans, strolling minstrels, unique foods and much more.

When: second full weekend in December
Where: Public Square & Main Street, Franklin