Franklin TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Franklin, Tennessee.
1. Lotz House Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Lotz House Museum stands at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, bearing witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The historic house is now a museum chronicling the fateful events of November 30, 1864. Visitors can gain fascinating insight into Tennessee's Civil War history through the preserved artifacts and guided tours.
2. Carter House
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD HEADQUARTERS
Carter House is a one-and-a-half-story red brick house that once served as a home and farm before becoming a Civil War headquarters in 1864. The site witnessed the transformation of a family residence into the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, when 20,000 Confederate soldiers launched their attack. Today, it stands as a memorial to one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.
3. Carnton
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR HOSPITAL
Carnton is a grand historic house that was transformed into a Civil War field hospital during the Battle of Franklin. The property, now a top area attraction, served as a refuge for wounded soldiers in one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. History buffs visiting the Nashville area consider Carnton a must-see destination for its well-preserved architecture and compelling wartime narrative.
4. Arrington Vineyards
WINE COUNTRY EXPERIENCE
Arrington Vineyards, co-owned by country music star Kix Brooks, spans 95 acres of classic Tennessee countryside with 16 acres dedicated to vineyards. Visitors can enjoy award-winning wines in tasting rooms, relax in shaded picnic areas with panoramic hillside views, and experience live jazz and bluegrass performances on weekends from April through November. The vineyard offers a distinctive setting where guests can savor fine wines while taking in the natural beauty of Williamson County.
5. The Factory at Franklin
HISTORIC INDUSTRIAL MARKETPLACE
The Factory at Franklin, once home to large-scale manufacturing plants, has been transformed into a popular destination for shopping, art, and dining just outside of Nashville. The renovated space pays homage to the building's industrial roots while offering a modern experience for visitors. Guests can spend an entire day exploring the shops, grabbing a meal at one of the eateries, or catching a performance at the on-site theater.
6. Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm
ALPACA YOGA EXPERIENCE
Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm offers a peaceful escape where visitors can interact with alpacas and participate in yoga sessions surrounded by these gentle animals. The beginner-friendly yoga classes are available for those aged 12 and up, with opportunities to feed the alpacas and take photos afterward. Farm visits and yoga classes require appointments, with private group sessions also available for a unique outdoor experience.
7. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures
SCENIC BALLOON FLIGHTS
Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures offers private hot air balloon flights at sunrise and sunset, providing panoramic views of the Franklin countryside. The experience offers a serene and breathtaking way to see Williamson County from above. Each flight combines adventure with majestic aerial perspectives of the rolling Tennessee landscape.
8. Joyfull Arcade
RETRO AND VR GAMING
Joyfull Arcade in Spring Hill merges vintage arcade favorites with next-generation technology for a unique gaming experience. Visitors can enjoy 5K VR experiences, motion simulators, and classic arcade games in an interactive space. The family-friendly venue welcomes gamers of all ages to explore both nostalgic classics and cutting-edge virtual reality entertainment.
9. Franklin Theatre
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Franklin Theatre is a beautifully restored 1937 movie house that now hosts films, live music, and theatrical performances in the heart of downtown Franklin. The venue combines vintage charm with modern amenities, offering a diverse calendar of entertainment options throughout the year. Visitors can experience the golden age of cinema while enjoying contemporary comfort in this local cultural landmark.
10. Main Street Franklin
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Main Street Franklin features a charming collection of historic buildings housing boutique shops, restaurants, and galleries in the downtown area. The picturesque street is lined with brick sidewalks and preserved 19th-century architecture that has earned Franklin recognition as one of America's best small towns. Visitors can spend hours exploring the unique local businesses, enjoying Southern cuisine, and absorbing the authentic ambiance of this carefully preserved historic district.
11. Leiper's Fork Distillery
ARTISANAL WHISKEY EXPERIENCE
Leiper's Fork Distillery crafts small-batch whiskey using limestone-filtered water and local grains in a traditional setting just outside Franklin. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the whiskey-making process from grain to bottle, with tastings included. The picturesque distillery combines Tennessee whiskey heritage with modern craftsmanship in a rustic setting that captures the spirit of Southern distilling traditions.
12. Natchez Trace Parkway
HISTORIC SCENIC HIGHWAY
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road following a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, European settlers, and others who contributed to American history. Near Franklin, the parkway offers beautiful drives, hiking trails, and historic sites with interpretive displays. Visitors can experience pristine landscapes and connect with centuries of American history along this designated National Scenic Byway.
13. Pinkerton Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Pinkerton Park offers 34 acres of recreational space along the Harpeth River with playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. The park features the popular Fort Granger playground, designed to resemble a frontier fort with climbing structures and interactive play elements. Visitors can also access the connecting Harpeth River Greenway for extended walks or bike rides through Franklin's natural landscapes.
14. Harlinsdale Farm
HISTORIC HORSE FARM PARK
Harlinsdale Farm is a 200-acre historic horse farm that has been transformed into a public park while preserving its equestrian heritage. Once known worldwide as the home of Midnight Sun, a famous Tennessee Walking Horse, the property now hosts community events, polo matches, and the annual Pilgrimage Music Festival. Visitors can explore the grounds, historic barns, and walking trails while appreciating this unique blend of agricultural history and modern recreational space.
15. Southall Farm & Inn
LUXURY CULINARY DESTINATION
Southall Farm & Inn combines luxury accommodations with an immersive farm-to-table culinary experience on 325 acres of Tennessee countryside. Guests can explore working gardens, orchards, and apiaries that supply the property's acclaimed restaurants with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The destination offers cooking classes, guided farm tours, and spa treatments that showcase the connection between sustainable agriculture and refined hospitality.