Get to Know Franklin

Franklin is a place where the words Dickens and Christmas are found in the same sentence during the holiday season. It is a place where Victorian mansions may be appreciated by day and where ghosts of Civil War soldiers are sought out at night. Come and explore a city shaped by the casualty-heavy Battle of Franklin and discover how the residents embraced their new world with pride and spirit all while enjoying the modern attractions locals and vacationers alike love about Franklin.

From Fall Leaves to Flying Kites

Fall is arguably the most dramatic time of year to visit Franklin. The hardwoods are sporting their painted leaves, and the temperatures are in the crisp 50s and 60s. That's cool enough to indulge in hot chocolate but warm enough to enjoy the outdoors. From mid-August through mid-October, you'll also see the least amount of rain, about 3 to 4 inches a month. Visit in December and enjoy a bit of snow as you enjoy the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival. Like to fly kites? Some of the best wind arrives in March and April. Die-hard kite fans bundle up as early as March or April to take advantage of the spring winds.

Main Street, Battlefields and Ghosts

Stroll down Main Street and you'll find the Franklin Theatre, complete with its restored 1930s neon sign. See a first-run film, a live play or a concert. Love to shop? You'll find small businesses like Early's Honey Stand, offering honey from local bees, and the Carnivore Market, selling an assortment of specialty meats. Take the after-dark Haunted Franklin Tour and you might run into one of the city's infamous ghosts. If you're interested in Civil War history, head to the Lotz and Carter houses. They straddle the scene of the Battle of Franklin. Nearby you'll find Confederate Memorial Park at Winstead Hill, the staging area for the troops. If you're around the last weekend in November, experience the annual lighting of some 10,000 luminaries to honor the casualties of that battle.

Economy Ins and Outs

Franklin resides in Williamson County, which is home to a number of small businesses. Nearly 26,000 businesses have fewer than 10 people on the payroll. The shops, restaurants and bars along Main Street are a sampling of what you'll find in the area. Many of these Franklin small businesses are in the retail sector, which accounts for 14 percent of the area's economy. Whenever you visit a local boutique, coffee shop or pub, you are contributing to the area's economy and will be most welcome.

Getting Around Historic Franklin

You'll most likely fly into Nashville International Airport, roughly 25 miles northeast of Franklin—about a 30-minute drive with normal traffic. The easiest way to tour the Franklin area is by car, especially if you're exploring battlefields and other historic sites. Once in town, hop on one of the Franklin Transit Authority's old fashioned cable-car-like buses. If exploring the historic downtown core, it's best to just get out and walk. Who knows what hidden boutiques or coffee shops you'll find?

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