If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway from Nashville, Tennessee, look no further than Franklin, TN — a quaint town filled with fascinating history, great food, boutique shopping, and southern charm.
How to Spend a Fun Weekend in Franklin, Tennessee
If you’re looking for how to spend a weekend in Franklin, we’ve got you covered with this spectacular weekend itinerary filled with tons of the best things to do in Franklin, Tennessee. Head to Franklin on Friday night, get a great night of sleep, and let the fun begin!
Saturday Morning
On Saturday, wake up early to get a head start on your weekend in Franklin. Then, head into Downtown Franklin to enjoy some breakfast at Biscuit Love.
Brunch at Biscuit Love
Biscuit Love is a popular brunch restaurant in Nashville that serves southern-style biscuits, like the “East Nasty,” a buttermilk biscuit with sausage gravy, fried chicken, and cheese, or the “Princess,” a pillowy biscuit topped with spicy hot chicken.
They have an adorable location in Franklin in a Victorian house, and having breakfast here is the perfect way to start your weekend in Franklin. While you’re here, you must try the “Bonuts” — donut holes made from biscuit dough and served with lemon mascarpone and blueberry compote. They’re perfect for “breakfast dessert!”
Franklin Farmer’s Market
Saturday is the only day you can explore the Franklin Farmer’s Market, so be sure to head over after lunch to browse the local vendors selling produce, vegetables, eggs, jams, baked goods, fresh meats, and other products from 8 AM – 1 PM.
The Franklin Farmer’s Market is next to The Factory at Franklin. Typically, they also have food trucks and live entertainment, so it’s a great, laid-back location to spend the late morning in Franklin, TN.
Saturday Evening
Saturday afternoon is for history lovers — particularly those who want to learn more about the Civil War. If you’re interested in spending more time here, you may want to cut out of the Farmer’s Market earlier to get here by late morning.
Battle of Franklin Museum
The Battle of Franklin Museum features three historic homes — Carter House, Carnton, and Rippa Villa — that all played a critical role in the Civil War, notably the Battle of Franklin that occurred in 1864. This battle was one of the bloodiest on the war’s western front and was a significant win for the Union Army as they pushed on toward Nashville.
You can purchase a ticket to tour all three houses for $40 per person or tour one home for $18 per person. Carter House is the best choice if you only have time for one tour. The Battle of Franklin took place in this home’s backyard while the family and neighbors hid in the basement. During the tour, you’ll see bullet holes through the walls.
Carnton served as a field hospital for the soldiers injured during the Battle of Franklin (you can still see bloodstains on the patio), and Rippa Villa was where the battle before the Battle of Franklin occurred — the Battle of Spring Hill.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is another popular restaurant with locations across Tennessee. They serve southern food, like Pimento Cheese Bites, Fried Pickles, Nashville Hot Chicken, and more. It’s an excellent spot for a southern-inspired dinner, but they also serve breakfast and lunch.
While you wait for your food, you can also walk around and browse the goods for sale in the restaurant. It’s like a small mercantile. For dessert, try the “Cobbler of the Day,” made with seasonal ingredients, like fresh fruit. After dinner, you can head back to your hotel and relax.
Sunday Morning
Get ready for another fun day in Franklin. Once you’re ready, hop in the car and head to Downtown Franklin, where you’ll spend the first half of your morning.
Frothy Monkey
Ready for your morning caffeine? If so, head over to Frothy Monkey. This hip coffee shop has locations across Tennessee, including several in Nashville, and focuses on sourcing local ingredients. They roast all their coffee beans in-house, so everything is fresh.
Frothy Monkey also serves breakfast (along with lunch, dinner, and drinks). This means you can grab your coffee to-go or sit down and order a Bagel Sandwich, French Toast, Huevos Rolandos, or another delicious meal for breakfast.
Downtown Franklin
With your coffee in hand, take some time to explore Downtown Franklin. You can see famous landmarks, like The Franklin Theatre, or pop into local shops and clothing boutiques like Finnleys, Rooted from Yarrow Acres, White’s Mercantile, and more.
Keep in mind that many stores in Downtown Franklin don’t open until later in the day, like between 11 AM – 1 PM. If you’re looking to do some serious shopping, you may need to squeeze in some shopping on Saturday after the Farmer’s Market.
The Factory at Franklin
If you haven’t had enough time to shop, head to the Factory at Franklin. This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, but it’s also a fun shopping mall filled with boutiques, art galleries, eateries, and live music venues.
Some of the best stores to check out while you’re here include The Find for great thrift shopping, Made in Tennessee for local goods, and Fork of the South for clothing, home décor items, and other goodies made by 80+ local businesses. While you’re here, stop by Mojo’s Tacos for lunch. The Jalapeño Ceasar Salad and “The Puffy” Taco are fantastic.
Sunday Evening
For the last few hours of your weekend in Franklin, you can choose one of the following “mini” day trips to experience — they are both about 15–25 minutes from Downtown Franklin.
Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards is a local winery known for its sprawling vineyards, five tasting rooms, and picnic spots. It’s owned by Kix Brooks, who was in the country music group, Brooks & Dunn, and is one of the most famous wineries in Nashville.
If you want to try a few different wines, you are in luck. Arrington Vineyards offers tasting flights for $14 per person, and you can choose from a white, red, semi-sweet, sweet, or mixed flight to suit your palette. You don’t need reservations, and they are open from 12 AM – 6 PM on Sundays, and if you visit from April to November, you can enjoy live music on the weekends.
Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is just a short drive from Franklin but a worthy stop on your weekend itinerary! This small town is known for its southern charm, including horse farms, gorgeous estates, and rolling hills, and it is the home of celebrities like Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman and Tim McGraw & Faith Hill.
While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to stop by Leiper’s Fork Distillery to try some authentic “Tennessee Whiskey.” There are also great places to eat and shop in Leiper’s Fork, like Country Boy and Lock & Fox.
Head Home and Plan Your Next Weekend Trip to Franklin, Tennessee
After this fun-filled weekend in Franklin, TN, head back to Nashville to enjoy a few days in the city or start planning your next trip back to Franklin. There’s always something fun to see or do in this charming southern town!
Guest Author: Brittany Sawyer from Travel by Brit
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