Exploring Franklin: Historic Sites, Local Shops & Live Music

Highlights:

If you're heading to Franklin and love history with a personal touch, don't skip the Lotz House Museum. It's a fascinating blend of artistic craftsmanship and gripping Civil War history—all within the walls of one beautiful home.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, Civil War enthusiasts, fans of fine woodworking, and anyone exploring Franklin’s historic district.

What we Love:

Original handcrafted furniture by Johann Albert Lotz, stories that bring 19th-century Tennessee to life, and a deeply personal look at the Civil War’s impact on one family and one home.

• Explore the craftsmanship of German immigrant and master woodworker Johann Albert Lotz, who designed the home as a showroom for his furniture.
• Admire authentic 1800s handmade furniture still housed within the museum, showcasing fine detail and creative flair.
• Learn about the Lotz family’s experience and the house’s significance during the Civil War, especially in the Battle of Franklin.
• Tour the home six days a week—Sunday tours available by advance booking only.
• Bring the kids! Children under six enjoy free admission.

Address:

Lotz House Museum, 1111 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-790-7190

Highlights:

Want to stand where history left a deep, visible mark? Carnton isn’t just a historic home—it’s a profound Civil War landmark where the past feels incredibly close and personal.

We Recommend This For:

Civil War historians, heritage travelers, educators, and anyone drawn to stories of sacrifice and resilience.

What we Love:

The preserved battlefield scars, powerful storytelling, and guided tours that explore Carnton’s role as a wartime hospital during one of the war’s deadliest battles.

• Discover the story of Carnton, built in 1826 by Nashville’s mayor Randal McGavock, and its transformation into the largest field hospital for Confederate soldiers after the Battle of Franklin.
• See haunting reminders of the war, including the bloodstains of four Confederate generals still visible on the porch.
• Honor the fallen at the nearby cemetery, where 1,500 Confederate soldiers are buried.
• Experience a one-hour guided tour of the home, its surrounding grounds, and original outbuildings.
• Extend your visit with an optional stop at the nearby Carter House, another key site from the same battle, located just a mile away.

Address:

Carnton, 1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-794-0903

Highlights:

If you love fresh food, local crafts, and a buzzing community vibe, the Franklin Farmers Market is a must-stop. It's open year-round and packed with everything from just-picked produce to handmade treasures.

We Recommend This For:

Foodies, families, weekend wanderers, and anyone who appreciates local flavor and handmade goods.

What we Love:

A vibrant mix of nearly 80 vendors, seasonal events, and an unbeatable small-town atmosphere that brings people together every week.

• Shop from nearly 80 farmers and artisans offering local produce, meats, eggs, and baked goods.
• Find one-of-a-kind handmade items like pottery, furniture, and jewelry.
• Join thousands of visitors each week who come for the community spirit and fresh finds.
• Celebrate the seasons with special events and festivals hosted by the market’s volunteer team.
• Support Tennessee farmers and artisans committed to preserving local agriculture since 2002.

Address:

Franklin Farmers Market, Franklin, TN

Highlights:

Want a fun, fascinating way to explore Franklin’s past? Franklin on Foot offers walking tours that mix storytelling, history, and a little mystery—all led by local experts who truly love their town.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, ghost story fans, families with kids, foodies, and travelers looking for a memorable local experience.

What we Love:

A diverse lineup of themed tours (from ghosts to food), passionate storytelling, and educational options tailored for both adults and kids.

• Choose from a range of engaging tours like ghost walks, Civil War tours, history strolls, true crime stories, and cemetery explorations.
• Taste your way through Franklin’s culinary scene with a food-focused walking tour.
• Bring the kids along for special family-friendly tours that are fun and educational.
• Customize your experience with private tours available upon request.
• Connect with local history through in-classroom programs and field trips for schools.

Address:

Franklin on Foot, Franklin, TN
Phone: 615-400-3808

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Highlights:

Looking to get off the grid and into the trees? Timberland Park is a serene, 72-acre natural escape just off Highway 96, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and reconnecting with the outdoors.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, hikers, birdwatchers, pet owners, and anyone needing a quiet breath of fresh air.

What we Love:

Peaceful trails, scenic overlooks, an educational interpretive center, and its proximity to the iconic Double Arch Bridge.

• Hike a paved trail that leads to a scenic overlook pavilion, with additional trails for deeper woodland exploration.
• Visit the 2,000-square-foot interpretive center to learn about the park’s history, environment, and conservation efforts.
• Watch for wildlife and listen for birdsongs—the park is a haven for birdwatchers and animal enthusiasts.
• Bring your leashed pets and enjoy a pet-friendly nature outing (just remember to clean up!).
• Explore less than a mile from the scenic Double Arch Bridge—perfect for photo ops and a full day of outdoor beauty.

Address:

Timberland Park, Franklin, TN

Highlights:

If you’re exploring Civil War history in Franklin, the Carter House is a must-see. It’s the site of incredible bravery, family resilience, and one of the fiercest battles of the war—right in the front yard.

We Recommend This For:

Civil War historians, heritage travelers, families with older kids, and visitors wanting a powerful, personal glimpse into 19th-century Tennessee life.

What we Love:

Vivid storytelling from knowledgeable guides, bullet-scarred buildings, and the intimate setting where one family experienced history firsthand.

• Step inside the historic home of Fountain Branch Carter, a farmer and entrepreneur who raised twelve children on the property.
• Stand on the grounds where the Battle of Franklin raged and the Carter family huddled in fear for their lives.
• Learn how a Federal general took over the home, changing the Carter family’s lives forever.
• Tour the preserved home and hear expert-led insights into its Civil War significance.
• Visit a landmark officially preserved by the State of Tennessee since 1951.

Address:

Carter House, 1140 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-791-1861

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Location:

Leiper’s Fork, Williamson County, TN

Highlights:

Craving a slower pace and a little Southern charm? Leiper’s Fork is a storybook village where art, music, and history come together in the most laid-back way.

We Recommend This For:

Artists, antique lovers, day-trippers, couples, and anyone who loves quaint small-town vibes with a creative twist.

What we Love:

The National Register-listed history, an artsy and welcoming community of just 650 residents, and unforgettable events like lawnchair concerts and gallery strolls.

• Stroll through charming streets lined with antique stores, art galleries, and lovingly restored buildings.
• Discover local talent at galleries showcasing vibrant work from regional artists.
• Taste the flavors of Tennessee at Southern-style eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike.
• Enjoy live music and outdoor movies at the community’s laid-back Leiper’s Fork Lawnchair Theatre.
• Join in on seasonal festivals and special events that celebrate this unique, history-rich village.

Address:

Leiper’s Fork, Williamson County, TN

Highlights:

Love exploring places where history meets cool modern vibes? The Factory at Franklin is a creative hub full of shops, restaurants, and venues—housed in a beautifully preserved industrial landmark from 1929.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture buffs, foodies, art lovers, event-goers, and anyone who enjoys shopping with a sense of place.

What we Love:

National Register-listed architecture, local shops and eateries, and the wide range of arts and entertainment inside a character-rich historic setting.

• Shop and dine in a thoughtfully restored 1929 industrial complex once home to Magic Chef and Jamison Bedding Company.
• Admire the original architecture, preserved by each new owner to maintain its unique charm and historical value.
• Catch performances or events in iconic venues like Liberty Hall, Jamison Theater, The Little Theater, and The Heritage Room.
• Experience a true blend of past and present in one of Franklin’s most dynamic cultural destinations.

Address:

The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-791-1777

Highlights:

Looking for art with a side of history? Gallery 202 offers both—beautifully curated artwork inside a storied Federal-style home that once hosted presidents and served as a Civil War hospital.

We Recommend This For:

Art collectors, history lovers, interior design fans, and travelers looking for a cultural gem in downtown Franklin.

What we Love:

A rotating collection from 20+ artists, a diverse mix of mediums, and the unique setting of Clouston Hall, built in 1821 with ties to U.S. presidents and the Civil War.

• Explore Clouston Hall, originally a gathering place for political events and visited by at least three U.S. presidents.
• Discover fine art in a variety of mediums including paintings, pottery, jewelry, antiques, sculptures, and glassware.
• Support local talent—more than 20 artists are featured at any time.
• Reflect on the building’s Civil War role as a hospital for the Missouri Regiment during the Battle of Franklin.
• Enjoy a peaceful, curated gallery experience in the heart of historic downtown Franklin.

Address:

Gallery 202, 202 2^nd Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: 615-472-1134