Franklin, which is only 21 miles from Nashville, is renowned for its thriving music culture, exciting festivals, and picturesque Main Street. With little under 70,000 residents, it is Tennessee’s seventh-largest city. There are several renowned institutions, numerous sizable enterprises, and a few well-known entertainment venues in Franklin.
A 16-block area known as Downtown Franklin is home to award-winning restaurants, stylish boutiques, art galleries, historic residences, and antique stores. Here are the top activities in Franklin, Tennessee. Prior to your visit, we advise calling the restaurants and attractions to confirm the most recent opening hours.
The Lotz House Museum
The Lotz House Museum exhibits the inventiveness and skill of Johann Albert Lotz, a German woodworker with classical training who immigrated to Franklin in the middle of the 19th century. Lotz transformed his house into a showroom for his most valued accomplishments. He was known for his exceptional skill as a piano maker and carpenter. He also made stunning furniture with his talents, some of which is still present in the house now.
Along with the Lotz family’s history, the museum highlights Civil War activities in and around Franklin, TN. Tours of the museum are available six days a week. Sunday tours are also offered, but they need to be planned in advance. Children under the age of six are not charged admission.
Carnton
Randal McGavock, the mayor of Nashville at the time, constructed the enormous house known as Carnton in 1826. Carnton developed become the region’s biggest field hospital for Confederate soldiers. Four Confederate generals were once sprawled out on the house’s back porch. Even today, you can still see their blood streaks on the porch. In a cemetery next to the house, 1,500 Confederate soldiers are also interred. Carnton, the surrounding area, and its outbuildings are all currently open to guests for hour-long guided tours. A historical home located about a mile distant from Carnton called the Carter Home is also visited by certain groups.
Farmers Market in Franklin
The Franklin Farmers Market is farmers who wanted to protect Tennessee’s fertile farmlands. Nearly 80 local farmers in and around Franklin, TN currently provide the market with goods and produce.
Numerous locals and tourists frequent the market all year long. Along with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and eggs, exhibitors also offer baked goods and custom-made pottery, furniture, and jewelry. The Franklin Farmers Market also has a significant volunteer program that plans annual festivals and special events. Every Saturday from 8 AM to 1 PM, the market is accessible to the general public.
Franklin, Tennessee, on Foot
Local business Franklin on Foot offers walking excursions to Franklin’s most significant historical locations. Franklin on Foot was established in 2003 and plans a variety of tours that are tailored to individual interests.
Children’s tours are also available for families to sign up for, and private visits can be arranged upon request. Additionally, Franklin on Foot offers free, entertaining, and instructive in-class activities for nearby primary schools. Finally, Franklin on Foot tour guides will lead a field excursion for pupils.
Woodland Park
The 72-acre Timberland Park is situated less than a mile. Hikers, birdwatchers, and those interested in nature all enjoy the park. A paved path meanders through the grounds and leads to a pavilion with a beautiful view.
Other pathways lead to Timberland Park’s more outlying regions. Visitors can discover more about Timberland Park’s past and goals at the 2,000 square foot interpretive center on site. The park is also pet-friendly, although owners must pick up after their pets and keep them on a leash at all times.
Franklin, Tennessee’s Carter House
Fountain Branch Carter, once owned the Carter House. After his house was finished, Fountain experimented with farming. The Carter family’s tiny growing company quickly expanded into a significant business potential. The Carter farm increased in size from 19 acres to 288 acres over a period of 20 years.
The property and the residence of the Carter family, however, ultimately became the focal point of the Battle of Franklin. The Carters were forced to hide and wait for the fight to end after a Federal general seized control of their home. Later, in 1951, the Carter house was bought by the State of Tennessee. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the historic house.
Claudette Hall
During the Battle of Franklin, Clouston Hall served as the Missouri Regiment’s infirmary. Today, Clouston Hall is only used for Gallery 202, which features works by local artists’ pottery, jewelry, glassware, paintings, and sculptures. The gallery regularly features the creations of over 20 accomplished painters.
