Historic Downtown Franklin is both a step back into the past, as well as a step into the progressvie atmosphere that makes Franklin unique. Strolling downtown offers you the opportunity to visit antique and specialty shops, as well as restaurants and cafes. Stop my a local dairy bar for a scoop of famous ben & Jerry's ice-cream - or stop into Merridees for a classic taste of their fmaous Fruit tea. Downtown Franklin has several festivals each year, such as the Spring Festival. Spend an afternoon or evening stolling the Histroic Downtown District and endugle in the finer things in life. More information.
Travel the route of the Old Natchez Trace and imagine the experiences of those that have traveled before you. The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates an ancient trail that connected southern portions of the Mississippi River to salt licks in today’s central Tennessee. Over the centuries, the Choctaw, Chickasaw and other American Indians left their marks on the Trace. The Natchez Trace experienced its heaviest use from 1785 to 1820 by the “Kaintuck” boatmen that floated the Ohio and Miss. rivers to markets in Natchez and New Orleans. They sold their cargo and boats and began the trek back north on foot to Nashville and points beyond. Today, visitors can experience this National Scenic Byway and All-American Road through driving, hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping. More information.
On November 30, 1864, the tragedy of the Battle of Franklin, so devastating to the Confederacy, unfolded in the fields near Carnton, home of John and Carrie McGavock. Over 20,000 soldiers in the Army of Tennessee attacked well-fortified Union breastworks at the southern edge of town. Soon the McGavocks would witness the carnage of war as they opened the doors of their home to be used as a field hospital for wounded Confederates. One soldier wrote, "the wounded, in hundreds, were brought to [the house] during the battle, and all the night after. And when the noble old house could hold no more, the yard was appropriated until the wounded and dead filled that...."More information.
The Carter House Web-Site
1140 Columbia Avenue
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: (615) 791-1861
A non-profit museum and interpretive center for The Battle of Franklin. This Registered Historic Landmark is now open to the public and serves as a memorial to the Carter Family as well as the countless heroes in the Battle of Franklin. The modest brick home was the Federal Command Post while the family took refuge in the basement. See the evidence of over 1,000 bullet holes remaining on site, including the most battle-damaged building from the Civil War. Tour The Carter House and 8 acres of the preserved battlefield. Hours of Operation: Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Monday through Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. *NOTE during Daylight Savings Time site closes at 4:00 pm. Closed Sundays during month of January and some holidays. Admission: Adults $8.00, Seniors (65 and older) $7.00, Children ages 13 to 7 $3.00, Children ages 6 and under Free, Groups of 20 or more $7.00 per person.
Please call to verify hours and admission prices.More information.
The Factory at Franklin Web-Site
230 Franklin Road
Franklin, TN
Built in 1929, The Factory has been home to Dortch Stove Works, Magic Chef and Jamison Bedding. A member of the National Register of Historic Places, The Factory is rich with history and a very careful renovation has preserved many of the Factory's original features and architectual details. Take a look at The Factory in its days as a bustling, working factory, then embark on a photographic tour of its renovation and transformation to the diverse and vibrant shopping and entertainment complex it is today.More information.
Mid-day of Wednesday November 30, 1864, a 31,000 strong Confederate force under Gen. John Bell Hood finally cornered the 26,000 man Federal Army of Gen. John M. Schofield at Franklin, Tennessee. Late that afternoon, 100 regiments of the South's best soldiers, numbering 20,000, deployed along a two mile wide front and began a spectacular converging assault upon 17,000 Federals strongly entrenched on the south edge of the town. What then occurred in the next five hours at Franklin was one the the great cataclysmic tragedies of the American Civil War. For the size of the forces engaged and the short durtion of the fighting, this battle at Franklin ranks among the great blood baths of the Civil War, or of any of the American wars for that matter. There are 2 Civil War house museums in Franklin: Carter House and Carnton Plantation. The following are important battlefields in the Franklin area: Winstead Hill, located south of the Carter House on Columbia Ave., Fort Granger and Roper's Knob.
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Bowie Park & Nature Center Web-Site
7211 Bowie Lake Rd.
Fairview, TN 37062
Phone: (615) 799-5544
Bowie Nature Park, located in Fairview, TN contains a glorious 722 acres of forest, lakes & trails, Bowie is a great place for individuals, couples & families to come and enjoy their time. Bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, running, walking and playing aboard the Treehouse Playground can be enjoyed each & every day of the year. With the completion of our modern Nature Center, Bowie Park is also an exciting place to learn more about nature. You can also Reserve the Nature Center, Outdoor Classroom or Picnic Areas for your upcoming community or social event!
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McLemore House African-American Museum
11th Avenue and Glass St.
Franklin, TN 37064
The McLemore House is a musuem in Frnaklin with rish history and significant historical importance. The story of the McLemore House is told through artifacts, pictures and exhibits - all of which help chronicle the struggles, triumphs and significant contributions of African Americans in Williamson County. Contact the Williamson County CVB for more information
Mall hours: Monday through Saturday 10am - 9pm, Sunday 12 noon - 6pm. Mall Management Office & Leasing Office: (615) 771-2050. Customer Service Center: (615) 771-2128. The Cool Springs Galleria Customer Service Center is located on the lower level by Parisian, Guest Services offers the following services: CoolSprings Galleria Gift Cards (valid also at CoolSprings Crossing,Hickory Hollow Mall and RiverGate Mall and all other CBL Malls ), Lost & Found, Mall Directory, Strollers and Wheelchairs, Job Information
Tourist Information and Area Maps. There are two ATM machines, one is located on the lower level by Center Court mall entrance and another is in the Food Court. new Stores coming soon include Cinnabon and Forever Love.
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Williamson County Agriculture Exposition Park
4215 Long Lane
Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: (615) 595-1227
The Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park is located on 110 beautiful acres just minutes from Historic Downtown Franklin. It has permanent seating for up to 4,500, with portable seating allowing for an additional 2,000 people. The AgExpo Park has been designed to host a variety of activities, and is a perfect venue for trade shows, special events, concerts, meetings, and more. 148,153 enclosed square footage, 171,153 under roof square footage, 150 X 300 Arena Floor, 100 x 200 Warm Up Arena, 100 x 200 Outdoor Arena, 4,100 Approx. Fixed Seating, 2,000 Approx. Portable Seating, 2 Concession Stands and Meeting Rooms.
Annual events include livestock events, boat shows, car shows, dog shows, craft fairs, county fair and concerts. Admission prices vary. Directions: From I-65 take Exit #61 East, then left on Long Lane.
This historic working farm is located in Franklin, Tennessee. The farm has been owned by the same family for over 150 years. In recent years we have diversified our farming efforts to include pick-your-own pumpkins as well as raising beef cattle. We also rent some of the nearly 400 acres to farmers who row crop winter wheat, corn, and soybeans. Our main focus is to offer educational programs for school groups in the fall and the spring. We also offer a down-to-earth fun summer day camp. Please visit our web page often for up to date information. More information.
Located minutes from Historic Downtown Franklin, Leiper's Fork is a charming village nestled in some of Middle Tennessee's most beautiful countryside. Entering the Village of Leiper's Fork often means you'll be greeted by musicians playing music on the side of the road, jsut as you are entering the collection of speciality, one of a kind shops, craftsmen, art galleries and several cafes specializing in southern cooking. Leiper's Fork also host several family friendly festicals throughout the year. You'' find Leiper's Fork just off Natchz Parkway a few miles West of Franklin. More information.
Heart and Hands
1108 Battlewood St., Ste A.
Franklin, TN 37069-6402
A unique collection of quality handcrafted gifts created by over 40 Tennessee artisans. Visit their quaint shop in historic downtown Franklin. Take a little bit of Tennessee home with you. Directions: I-65 to Exit 65 towards Downtown Franklin, located on Main St. across from the theater.
