Franklin, TN – An Interesting Blend of Old and New

Franklin is a historic town that offers a lot to do. Located south of Nashville, this town has an interesting blend of old and new.

The city is still oozing with history, as it was the site of one of the most bloody battles of the American Civil War. You can explore this history by taking a tour at the Carter House, Lotz house, and Carnton plantation.

Downtown Franklin

Franklin’s Main Street is the center of the town and filled with incredible shopping, restaurants, music and classic architecture. It’s no surprise that visitors from around the world have taken some incredible photos of this area.

The Lewisburg Avenue Historic District is an outstanding collection of late 19th and early 20th century residential architecture. The district includes a large portion of downtown Franklin’s original historic neighborhood. It is characterized with Colonial Revival-style, Queen Anne-style, Eastlake-style, Victorian, Four Square and Bungalow style residences.

The Downtown Franklin Association is dedicated to preserving the beauty and charm of this 16-block historic district, supporting small business, building collaborative marketing campaigns and hosting signature events each year. All businesses and property owner in the Historic Preservation Overlay are eligible to join DFA. Click here for more information. Tennessee is a landlocked state in the Southeast region of the United States, nicknamed The Volunteer State.

Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards, located in Williamson County outside of Nashville, is a favorite stop for tourists. Kix Brooks, a country music star who produces award-winning wine, is a partner in the winery. The vineyard is home to a tasting room in a restored farmer’s house. The vineyard also has a patio, deck and green fields.

Picnic baskets can be brought by guests to enjoy the expansive property. The best sellers include Stag’s White, a blend of vidal blanc, gewurztraminer, and traimete, and Encore, a ruby port-style wine that offers notes of raisins.

During the weekend, free live music takes place at several locations throughout the property during “Music in the Vines.” The vineyard has many outdoor seating options, including the Cellar Patio, Courtyard Tent, Grand Barn, and Stone House. Guests can also purchase wine tasting flights, merchandise, and cheese and charcuterie snacks.

Franklin Park

Franklin TN has many beautiful parks with family-friendly events. There are many playgrounds, soccer pitches, walking trails and places to ride bikes. If you’re looking to try something different, check out SOAR Adventure Tower, a ropes course that challenges even the most courageous of visitors.

You can visit the Lotz House and Carnton Plantation to learn more about the history of the city. These two historic sites provide a unique view of life during the Civil War. You can even see some of the damage from the battle, including bullet marks on the walls and blood stains on the floor.

Harlinsdale Farm’s park is a must for history buffs. This property was once the stomping grounds for a champion horse named Midnight Sun, and now features a three-acre pond, four-acre dog park, and paved trail.

Old Natchez Trace

In the early 1800s many families, traders and adventurers traveled along this 444 mile path to reach hunting grounds, trade towns and salt licks. The Old Trace was also a major highway to the new frontier, and that brought along some less-savory characters as well, like small bands of thieves and highwaymen.

The Natchez Trace Parkway has many highlights, including Freedom Hills Overlook (a stunning overlook), Rock Springs (where travelers can learn more about the Chickasaw Chief Levi Colbert’s history), and Grinder house ruins (the inn that Meriwether died under mysterious circumstances during his travels).

Jackson Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the woods (it requires a steep climb to get there). Old Tobacco Farm is a great stop for tobacco lovers. This is a popular scenic route and can get busy near towns during peak season.