Far more than just a suburb of Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee is actually where many of the country artists live on sprawling estates. It’s not uncommon to see them in line at the local coffee shop.
Franklin is better suited for a girlfriend getaway because of its walkability. It’s also much quieter than the rowdy bachelorette scene in the Music City. If you’re looking for a low-key trip with your closest friends, consider Franklin.
Eating in Franklin
There’s no shortage of delicious eateries for every taste from casual cafes to full-service restaurants. In fact, many of the popular Nashville chains started here in Franklin.
Breakfast
Biscuit Love– Popular with the Instagram crowd, this breakfast joint is set in a historic home. Choose from traditional Southern biscuits or others with offbeat toppings.
Five Daughters Bakery– The neighboring bakery has a cult following for its doughnuts but they also have breakfast sandwiches and other pastries.
Franklin Juice Company– This organic juice shop at The Factory has acai bowls and pressed juices, both of which can be ordered in advance for ease of pickup.
Lunch
55 South– Named for the road that connects Memphis to New Orleans, this restaurant has a diverse menu featuring Gulf oysters, gumbo, and meat and three.
Bishop’s Meat and Three– The counter-service restaurant is known for its Southern favorites like fried chicken, catfish, and turnip greens. Offerings change daily.
Mercantile Deli– The local favorite offers breakfast and lunch right off the main street. Menu items include chicken salad sandwiches, freshly made soups, and breakfast burritos.
Dinner
Gray’s on Main– Set in a former pharmacy, Gray’s is a lively restaurant with its own stage and cocktail bar. Dinner dishes include fried chicken, braised brisket, and seafood gumbo.
The Honeysuckle– The restaurant in the Cool Springs area is known for its world-class steaks and seafood. Try their salt block filet mignon or the duck, brussels, and grits.
Puckett’s Grocery– Now a local chain, the original Puckett’s in Leiper’s Fork continues to be a live music venue. They also have meat and three with items like pulled pork, collard greens, and cornbread.
Drinking in Franklin
Franklin boasts a little bit of everything, from cocktail bars to whiskey distilleries. If you’re not looking to imbibe, there’s also juice bars and coffee shops.
Arrington Vineyards– Set outside of downtown Franklin, this stunning winery is owned by country music legend Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn. They offer tastings, live music, and food truck eats. Book your Arrington Vineyard Winery Round Trip Transportation before you go.
Honest Coffee Roasters– This incredible coffee company set up shop in The Factory, a former 1929 stove factory, alongside the Lonely Planet offices. Grab their whole beans or a drink to enjoy as you browse. They also have locations in Huntsville and Nashville.
JJ’s Wine Bar– If you don’t want to make the trek to Arrington, sample over 20 types of wine by the glass or by the bottle. They also have appetizers and sandwiches.
Frothy Monkey– Originally from Nashville, the coffee shop in downtown Franklin also serves breakfast and lunch. Later in the day, they serve craft beer and wine.
O Be Joyful– The narrow bar next to Gray’s is known for its whiskey selection, including barrels made locally. They also carry wine and beer as well as a menu of bar bites.
Tennessee Whiskey Trail– Visit one of the area’s many distilleries, including Leiper’s Fork and H. Clark. George Dickel and Jack Daniel’s are also a short drive away.
Breweries- You don’t have to go to neighboring Nashville to enjoy craft beer. Mill Creek Brewing is one place to sip a pint or two.
Relaxing, Beauty, Fitness in Franklin
Your girl’s weekend doesn’t have to be just eating and imbibing. It’s also a chance to relax and catch up over a class or get yourself pampered.
Blo Blow Dry Bar– Get your hair blown out before a night on the town at this affordable salon in the Cool Springs area.
The Spa at Leiper’s Fork– Set in a historic home, this cozy spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, waxes, and nail treatments.
Releve One– This barre studio has a diverse range of classes for beginners and advanced practitioners. They have drop-in classes for only $20.
Paddle Dog Adventures– Spend a day on the Harpeth River by booking a two-hour tour. You can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. They also offer paddleboard fitness classes.
Pedego Electric Bikes– See the area on two wheels with this Franklin bike rental company. They also run tours of Leiper’s Fork and Franklin as well as to historic homes and Civil War landmarks.
Shopping in Franklin
Browse the hip boutiques and record stores in downtown Franklin and nearby Leiper’s Fork. The majority are local but there are a few chains, including in Cool Springs.
Serenite Maison– The stylish store has antiques sourced from Europe and closer to home. It has a large section of gifts and home decor as well as a “pickin corner” for performances.
David Arms– This men’s store sells items like leather goods and designer cuff links but also has incredible artwork and prints, candles, and books.
White’s Mercantile– This second location from Nashville is owned by Hank Williams’ granddaughter Holly, also a musician. It features home furnishings and gifts.
Landmark Booksellers– The historic building sells an incredible selection of national authors with a special emphasis on regional authors. The store even inspired a popular series of books.
The Factory– The former stove factory is now a shopping complex selling a little bit of everything. Stop by Luna Records for vinyl by Nashville artists or pick up local goods at the Fork of the South General Store.
Rock Paper Scissors– The paper goods and gift store sells everything you need for a girl’s weekend like funky cups, balloon arches, and tote bags.
Tin Cottage– This store has a great selection of popular brands like Rifle Paper, Finchberry, and Corksicle. There’s also a bath bomb bar at the back.
Sightseeing in Franklin
This trip may not be about sightseeing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cross a few attractions off your list during your visit.
Franklin on Foot– Learn about the area’s history on these walking tours of the town. They offer themed tours including ghost tours, history tours, and even food tours.
Carnton- Just one of the Civil War-era plantations still in Franklin, Carnton is still standing. Wander the gardens and learn about the history of the home. You can also go on the Civil War History Tour – The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee.
Natchez Trace Bridge– The Natchez Trace Parkway runs from south of Nashville into Alabama and Mississippi. One of the most beautiful spots to admire it is from this arched bridge.
Franklin Farmers Market– Browse for produce and other farm-fresh ingredients as well as artisan goods. It’s held weekly at The Factory’s back parking lot.
Staying in Franklin
Franklin has a number of hotel chains as well as unique rentals. You don’t have to sacrifice style and amenities at these girlfriend getaway-friendly accommodations.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Franklin– The extended-stay hotel has daily breakfast and rooms with full kitchens and work desks. They also have outdoor grills and a calendar of local events for guests.
The Harpeth Hotel Downtown Franklin– The Curio Collection property is the first in downtown Franklin. Some of the stylish rooms have balconies. There’s also an in-house restaurant and coffee shop.
Pot N’ Kettle Cottages– This company rents out a number of funky homes around Leiper’s Fork, all of which come with colorful artwork. All four properties are within walking distance of town. They are available for rent on Airbnb.
White’s Room and Board– The team behind White’s Mercantile rents impeccably furnished homes around Franklin. This includes the Sweeney Cottage in Leiper’s Fork.
Rentals– Most of the hotels are close to the highway, so renting a historic home is more convenient. Airbnb tends to be a better option for groups. Booking.com and VRBO also have properties for rent.
Forest Gully Farms– Located off the Natchez Trace Parkway south of Franklin are these hobbit-inspired huts on a working farm. They also offer foraging tours.
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THis is such a great resource and I am a Nashville native and still learned a ton!