Article by Steve Blume, Tiffin Ambassador
Everyone wants to visit Nashville. The neon lights, the music, the energy – it’s all part of the draw. Snowbirds going north or south find it to be a perfect midway stop. Music and history lovers have it on their bucket list. Nashville may be the destination, but just 20 miles south, Franklin, Tennessee, is the place you’ll remember. Most people don’t plan a trip around Franklin. They come to Nashville for Broadway, for the concerts, for the buzz of a city that rarely slows down. But consider carving out a day—just one—and heading south. What you’ll find is not just a charming small town, but one of the most celebrated in the country.
Franklin has been consistently ranked among the best places to live in America and is a frequent favorite in Southern Living readers’ polls, often landing on lists of the South’s most charming towns. Publications like Travel + Leisure and USA Today have also recognized it for its historic downtown, walkability, and overall quality of life. But those accolades only tell part of the story. What you’ll find feels like stepping into a different pace, a different rhythm, and a version of the South that still holds onto its roots.
Welcome to Franklin—a town that doesn’t try to compete with Nashville, yet somehow steals the show. It’s the kind of place where brick-lined sidewalks lead you past 19th-century storefronts, where church steeples rise above tree-lined streets, and where history isn’t tucked away in museums; it’s part of the everyday landscape.
What makes Franklin special isn’t just what people say about it. It’s how it feels. It’s sitting on a bench along Main Street with an ice cream in hand. It’s live music drifting out of an open doorway—not from a stadium, but from a songwriter sharing their craft. It’s a town where you can spend the morning walking through Civil War history, the afternoon browsing boutiques, and the evening enjoying one of the best meals you’ll find anywhere in the South. Franklin doesn’t shout for your attention. It doesn’t need to. It just quietly becomes your favorite stop.
A Town Built Before Traffic
One thing you notice almost immediately—the streets weren’t designed for modern traffic. They were designed for a different time. Main Street feels narrow. Lanes are tight. Cars move a little slower—not by rule, but by necessity. And honestly, that’s part of the charm.
At the center of Franklin sits the town square, a gentle circle anchored by the historic Williamson County Courthouse. Cannons are positioned around the square, pointed outward in all directions, a quiet reminder that this peaceful town was once the center of intense fighting. And standing watch over it all is a tall statue locals simply call “Chip,” a Confederate soldier—not a specific individual, but a representation of the common infantryman. He stands at rest, rifle in hand, the butt of it grounded. It’s not a pose of action; it’s reflective. He’s not charging forward. He’s standing watch.
Park. Slow Down. Stay Awhile.
Franklin is the kind of place you want to park once and forget the car. Downtown offers two free parking garages, street parking, and public lots. You might circle once if it’s busy—but once you find a spot, you’re done. Everything that matters is within walking distance. And that’s the point. Franklin isn’t meant to be driven through. It’s meant to be walked, noticed, and experienced one storefront, one conversation, one moment at a time.
Layers of History You Can Still See
Franklin isn’t just charming—it’s deeply rooted in American history. The Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War, and what makes it unforgettable is how much of it still feels present.
At Carter House, you’re not looking at a recreated site—you’re standing in the middle of it. Step close to the brick buildings, and you’ll see it: bullet holes scattered across the walls, still visible nearly 160 years later. When the light hits just right, it passes through those openings in a way that’s hard to ignore—quiet, but unmistakable.
There’s a story here that’s hard to shake. Tod Carter, the son of the family who owned the home, was mortally wounded during the battle—shot just yards from the house he grew up in while advancing with Confederate forces. His family went out after the battle to look for him, knowing he was with the attacking force. They found him and brought him inside, where he lost his final battle the next day.
Just down the road, the story continues at Carnton—and it may be the most moving stop in Franklin. At first glance, it’s simply beautiful. Wide, open lawns stretch out from the home. Towering trees cast long shadows across the property, and everything about the setting feels calm, almost peaceful. But that calm stands in stark contrast to what happened here.
After the battle, Carnton was transformed overnight into a field hospital, overwhelmed with wounded soldiers. On the front porch, the bodies of six Confederate generals were laid side by side—a sobering image that still defines the scale of what happened here.
Step inside the home, and the history becomes even more personal. As you tour the house, you’ll notice something that hasn’t faded with time—the blood-stained floors. Despite years of preservation, the stains remain, a quiet but powerful reminder of the lives that passed through these rooms.
Just beyond the house lies the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, where nearly 1,500 soldiers are buried. Walk among the rows, and the magnitude settles in. Simple markers. Names, many unknown. A stillness that feels different—heavier. It’s not just a place you visit—it’s one you experience.
Dining That Holds Its Own (And Then Some)
For a town its size, Franklin’s food scene doesn’t just hold its own—it quietly competes with much bigger cities.
Visit Merridee’s Breadbasket for breakfast, lunch, or take-home bread and pastries—all made from scratch. Later, land at 55 South for classic Southern comfort with a coastal twist. Head to Gray’s on Main for a great meal in a historic setting—plus live music upstairs. For a more refined evening, Cork & Cow delivers steaks and seafood in a relaxed but upscale atmosphere. Looking for something casual? Mojo’s Tacos is a local favorite with bold flavors and a laid-back vibe. And then there’s Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant—part restaurant, part music venue, and all Franklin. You might come for the food, but you’ll stay for the experience. Don’t leave without something sweet from Kilwins, which opened in 1947— follow the smell of fresh fudge, and you’ll find it.
Shopping, Strolling, and Small Discoveries
Franklin is about wandering. Boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops line Main Street, each one offering something a little different. Places like White’s Mercantile give you that “just browsing” experience that somehow turns into finding the perfect thing. “They sure look familiar,” you might think. Stars shop here too, but you don’t always recognize them.
A short walk away, The Factory at Franklin blends history and creativity—once an industrial space, now home to shops, food, and open-air gathering spots. You won’t find big-box stores here. And you won’t miss them.
A Town That Knows How to Gather
Music, food, and crafts merge to create memorable community celebrations and festivals. Several times a year, Franklin closes Main Street completely. No cars. Just people. Events like the Main Street Festival, Pumpkinfest, and Dickens of a Christmas transform the town into something even more special. It feels less like an event—and more like a community you’ve been invited into.
Final Thought
You may come to Nashville for the experience, but somewhere along the way, you’ll find yourself in Franklin… slowing down, looking around, and wondering why you didn’t plan to stay longer.
This wasn’t just a side trip. It was the part you’ll remember most.
Steve first lives it, then colorfully writes about it, especially his passion for the RV lifestyle. A retired entrepreneur, he and his wife spend half the year traveling the country in their Tiffin Allegro RED 38 KA and the other half at home in Brentwood, TN with family. Married for almost 50 years, once you meet them he and Nancy are easily remembered – he is 6’4″ and she is 4’7″. His articles on business, personal development, faith, fundraising and running have appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines over the years.
