The suburb that bills itself as 15 miles and 100 years down the road from Nashville has plenty to brag about when it comes to attractions, but these days it can let others do the bragging for it. We’re talking writers from publications such as the New York Times, which calls it a “Small-town gem near Nashville,” to Travel & Leisure magazine, which ranked it No. 16 on its list for “America’s Best Towns for Fall Colors.”
USA Today put it on its Charming Small Towns of the South list and Money Magazine ranked it No. 42 on its list of 100 Best Places to Live 2014. Its Civil War history is a big reason for the love thrown its way, but Franklin has also been honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the American Planning Association for its commitment to historic preservation. Franklin is in Williamson County, which Forbes lists as one of the top 25 wealthiest counties in the nation. It also made Money Magazine’s Top 10 Places to Retire.
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Fast FactsFrom history to shopping on Main Street, visitors find plenty to like in Franklin.Population: 62,000Biggest employer: Community Health Systems Inc.Landmarks or geographic features: The Carter House, The Carnton Plantation, Battle Ground Academy, The Franklin TheatreDate founded: 1799History: The Battle of Franklin on Nov. 30, 1864, was five of the bloodiest hours in the Civil War.Most famous residents: Former NASCAR driver and current TV broadcaster Darrell Waltrip; dozens of classic and contemporary country music artistsUnique traditions: Wine Down Main Street is a unique wine-tasting event in the historic downtown area that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County.Fun fact: The city was named after Benjamin Franklin, a good friend of Continental Congress member Dr. Hugh Williamson, for whom Williamson County was named.Sources: franklin-gov.com, livability.com/franklin/tn
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‘I know a place to go … downtown’Franklin features one of the country’s most celebrated Main Streets.>The Wall Street Journal wrote of Franklin’s downtown in a story called “A Pitch-Perfect Long Weekend in Nashville.” The article says, “Head a half-hour southeast to Franklin, which has an upscale, small-town feel. The offerings in the stores that line Main Street can get repetitive … but several shops are worth browsing … Haven … Savory Spice Shop … Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry … Scarlett Scales … Merridee’s Breadbasket.”>Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. In May 1995, Franklin was honored as one of the best downtown areas in the nation when it received one of five “Great American Main Street” awards in the first year of an annual competition held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.>The downtown area is housed in a 16-block National Register District of antique shops, gift and book stores, art galleries, boutiques, restored homes and more.>Local organization Franklin on Foot, which can be reached at 615-400-3808, offers several tours, including downtown. It also offers bicycle rentals and has tours that travel along the downtown streets, through historic cemeteries and on scenic routes off the beaten path.>Around for more than 75 years and recently refurbished, the Franklin Theatre is located in the heart of downtown on historic Main Street. It continues its tradition of showing movies but is also a popular venue for live-music concerts.Sources: downtownfranklintn.com; franklinonfoot.com; franklintheatre.comContributed photo by VisitFranklin.comMain Street in downtown Franklin.
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A lovely tribute to horror of warThe Carter House and the Carnton Plantation are historic symbols of the Civil War era.“The beauty of the place softens what happened here at the end of the Civil War. What your eye doesn’t tell you looking out at the graves so neatly laid out is why they are here. Almost 1,500 Confederate dead in the family cemetery of a grand old Tennessee plantation home called Carnton.” – CBS Sunday Morning, “A Novel Way to Save a Battlefield”The Carter House is a former Federal command post. It was purchased by the state of Tennessee in 1951 and was first opened to the public in 1953.The Carnton Plantation, built in 1826 by former Nashville mayor Randal McGavock, was once a field hospital for Confederate soldiers. Today, the two acres of adjacent land known as the McGavock Confederate Cemetery is a lasting memorial honoring those fallen soldiers and the Battle of Franklin. It is the largest privately owned military cemetery in the nation.The Lotz House is a Civil War museum located directly across from the Carter House. Hours of operation at the Carter House, Carnton Plantation and Lotz House are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Carter House and Carnton Plantation are open from noon to 5 on Sundays, while the Lotz House is open from 1 to 4 p.m.Adult admission tickets for a guided tour at The Carter House are $15, same as at the Carnton Plantation, and $10 at the Lotz House. The Battle of Franklin Trust, a management corporation acting on behalf of Franklin’s battlefield sites, offers adult visitors a $30 admission ticket that includes a guided tour at all three historic homes. Cost at The Carter House and Carnton Plantation is $12 each for seniors over 65 and $8 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free. Admission to the Lotz House is $9 for seniors 65 and over, $5 for ages 7-13 and children 6-under are free. Group rates and school rates are also available (Information: Carter House, 615-791-1861; The Carnton Plantation, 615-794-0903; The Lotz House, 615-790-7190).Sources: carnton.org, lotzhouse.com
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OK to pony upThe Red Pony is advertised as sophisticated Southern dining.>The restaurant is locally owned and located at 408 Main St. in the historic downtown area. It opened in September 2006.>The Red Pony offers upscale cuisine, ranging from steaks to seafood to chicken.>Restaurant hours are 5-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 11 on Fridays and Saturdays. The bar opens at 4 p.m. each day Monday through Saturday. Reservations are highly recommended.Source: Local resident Will Russell, redponyrestaurant.com