Franklin, TN is located just 20 miles south of Nashville in Williamson County. It is a small, quaint city with a popular of just over 62,000 residents and a rich history that has made it a popular city in the south since its founding in 1799.
Abram Maury, Jr. founded the city on October 26, 1799. Maury was a State Senator a close friend of Dr. Hugh Williamson, for whom Williamson County was named. Franklin was named after Williamson’s close friend Benjamin Franklin.
Historically speaking, Franklin will go down in history as the battle grounds of the Battle of Franklin, which was fought on November 30, 1864 and resulted in almost 10,000 casualties. The Battle of Franklin is known for being the bloodiest five hours of the Civil War.
Downtown Franklin has become a popular destination for its local shops and boutiques, pubs, coffee shops and restaurants. It is built around a town square located at 3rd Avenue and Main Street. At the center of the square is a Civil War Monument as well as several historic homes located in the area. (To read more about several historic homes located in the greater Nashville area, including Franklin, click here.)
Franklin also plays host to eight annual festivals that draw crowds from all over the U.S.
Starting in March is the Franklin Main Street BrewFest. This festival is scheduled for March 16 next year and happens annually on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. The BrewFest is a free Irish street festival with a ticketed beer and Irish whiskey tasting in Main Street area shops.
In April, the Main Street Festival occurs. This festival is set for April 27-28 of next year, and it happens annually each year during the fourth full weekend in April. This annual festival brings more than 200 artisans & crafters, three stages of entertainment, two carnivals and two food courts to the historic Public Square and Downtown District.
In July, the city gathers to celebrate the Fourth at Harlinsdale Farm. This festival is a simple, patriotic festival complete with arts, crafts, food and entertainment. Several weeks later, during the fourth weekend in July, the Bluegrass Along the Harpeth festival is held. This is a time to celebrate music and features Bluegrass music, fiddling, buck dancing, crafts, food and more! This festival is set to occur July 27-28 next year.
In September, the music keeps playing for the Franklin Jazz Festival. this event occurs on Labor Day weekend (September 1-2 of this year!) and occurs to simply celebrate Jazz in historic downtown Franklin.
Come Fall, the pumpkins come out to play for the annual PumpkinFest celebration. This event happens the Saturday before Halloween (set for October 27 this year), and is appropriate for the whole family with entertainment, a children’s play zone and an annual chili cook-off. Sounds delicious!
The first Friday in November is host to the Wine Down Main Street festival. This event is a unique wine-tasting event that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County. Plan for the event this year on November 2.
The year of festivals wraps up in December with the Dickens of a Christmas festival, which is held during the second weekend in December. This year, it’s planned for December 8-9. For this event, downtown Franklin is transformed into a Charles Dickens’ scene straight out of A Christmas Carol, with over 250 themed characters in costume, street performers, Victorian food and horse-drawn carriage rides. This event will be sure to shake you of any “bah-humbug” attitudes and get you into the Christmas spirit!
Another notable place to make plans for in Franklin is the newly reimagined and renovated Franklin Theater. The Theater was reopened late last year after being out of commission for nearly 40 years. It has been a staple in downtown Franklin since 1937. The renovated theater features 1930s art deco and 21st century technology and still serves pizza and beer, like it did in the 30s! Glowing from the street is a full-scale replica of the iconic 30s art-deco sign that the original theater had. Today, the Franklin Theaters shows films, provides a stage for musicians and more! Visit their website for more information.
If you are new to the area or just needing a fun way to spend a weekend, jump on 65-South and visit our neighbor Franklin today!