Overview
Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville.
There are two main areas of interest. One is the Cool Springs area, which is identified by its corporate and retail growth surrounding one of the largest malls in the Southeast, the CoolSprings Galleria. The other is historic downtown Franklin which retains much of its small town charm. It is a walkable, friendly historic downtown district, recognized as a Great American Main Street.
2 sights · 2 things to do · 6 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Franklin
Historic Carnton Plantation
Franklin Theatre
The Carter House
The Factory at Franklin
A revitalized former stove factory that offers shopping, dining, and lots more, in a unique, rustic setting. Factory Row showcases local artists and their work, providing regular glimpses into the artists work as they pa…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Nashville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BNA Nashville International Airport, Nashville — 17 mi away (major hub). Directions
- HSV Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville — 89 mi away. Directions
The south end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as Five Points, is joined by Highways 431 (Lewisberg Pike) and 31 (Columbia Pike) from the South, and Hillsboro Road and Franklin Road from Nashville. Franklin Road turns into Main Street in downtown. If traveling from interstate 65, take exit 68, Cool Springs Blvd. and head west until it dead ends into Mack Hatcher. Turn right, then the first left which is Franklin Road. This will bring you past The Factory at Franklin and into the public square in downtown Franklin. If you want more information when you arrive, there is a visitor center on Main Street in a tiny, historic building called McPhail, across from Baskin Robbins.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Historic Carnton Plantation, Franklin Theatre
- Lunch Restaurants at The Factory at Franklin
- Afternoon The Carter House, The Factory at Franklin
- Dinner Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant
- Evening McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
The south end of Main Street, sometimes referred to as Five Points, is joined by Highways 431 (Lewisberg Pike) and 31 (Columbia Pike) from the South, and Hillsboro Road and Franklin Road from Nashville. Franklin Road turns into Main Street in downtown. If traveling from interstate 65, take exit 68, Cool Springs Blvd. and head west until it dead ends into Mack Hatcher. Turn right, then the first left which is Franklin Road. This will bring you past The Factory at Franklin and into the public square in downtown Franklin. If you want more information when you arrive, there is a visitor center on Main Street in a tiny, historic building called McPhail, across from Baskin Robbins.
Get around
Downtown Franklin can easily be explored by foot. Main Street is the primary location for store fronts, but the various side streets also offer shopping and dining.
- Franklin Trolley Tours. Also known as Hello Trolley, runs through various areas of interest including Cool Springs, Downtown Franklin, and The Factory. +1 615-522-8007
See
Do
Buy
Eat
Eat The Red Pony
Located in the former Franklin Jail.
Eat McCreary's Irish Pub
Irish pub fare.
Eat Restaurants at The Factory at Franklin
Mexican and seafood restaurants, among others.
- The Fainting Goat Coffee, 1143 Columbia Ave A 10, breakfast food and coffee.
Drink
Drink McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery
Sleep
Go next
- Nashville is roughly 15 to 20 minutes north via Interstate 65
- Leiper's Fork
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My experience
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