5 Best Places to Shop in Franklin, TN

Nestled in the heart of Williamson County, in Middle Tennessee, the vibrant, historic city of Franklin is one of the state's most charming and, for home buyers, most sought-after destinations. Located 30 minutes south of Nashville, among its many celebrated attributes, Franklin boasts a shopping experience as unique and rich as its history. From the delightful streets of its historic downtown to the more modern offerings of Tennessee's largest mall, the town is a haven for those seeking distinctive retail experiences. The five best places to shop in Franklin are detailed below.

Any list of notable places to shop in Franklin often begins with the city's historic downtown. A picturesque 16-block area, Historic Downtown Franklin features a wealth of residential and commercial charm in the city's oldest section of town. Here, history comes alive through an architectural timeline featuring the earliest Federal styles to the more elaborate Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian designs. This district is home to Franklin's oldest buildings, including a vibrant public square and courthouse, showcasing the evolution of Middle Tennessee's architecture—the entire 16-block district is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The self-proclaimed 'America's Favorite Main Street' is home to more than 70 stores, nearly 40 restaurants, more than 25 galleries, museums, and historic and lifestyle experiences. Curated by the Downtown Franklin Association, the retail footprint provides a compelling blend of the past and present, with shops selling everything from antique treasures to bespoke furniture, exquisite home décor, and vintage and the latest in fashion and jewelry.

One mile northwest of Franklin's historic downtown, at the intersection of Franklin Road and Liberty Pike, The Factory at Franklin is a beloved outpost celebrating creativity, community, and commercial enterprise. What began as a stove factory in the early 1900s, later serving as a mattress factory, was transformed into a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment in the mid-1990s.

Famous for indulgences such as the sweetness of 100-layer donuts at Five Daughters Bakery, the hands-on artistry at Third Coast Clay, discovering the perfect gift at Fork of the South General Store, or grabbing a favorite vinyl record at the Luna Record Shop, The Factory also plays host to vibrant live entertainment. Today, The Factory is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation to expand its ability to offer an even more unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experience. Despite the improvements, The Factory continues to welcome visitors throughout its latest reinvention, promising even more exciting developments for the next 100 years.

Occupying nearly 1,300 acres along Interstate 65 between Bakers Bridge Avenue and Spencer Creek, CoolSprings Galleria elevates the shopping experience with over one million square feet of retail space. The largest mall in Tennessee by number of stores and second largest by retail square footage, CoolSprings is anchored by Belk, Dillard's, JCPenney, and Macy's, and features staples such as the Apple Store, Pottery Barn, H&M, Forever 21, Ulta, and The Cheesecake Factory. Plenty of fashionable finds exist at mall favorites like Ann Taylor, Express and Mountain High Outfitters.

Easily accessible from the Interstate or west of Mallory Lane, the recently remodeled CoolSprings is just one part of an expansive retail campus in northwest Franklin. The area also features Academy, Costco, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Old Navy, Sam's Club and Target.

For a nostalgic treasure trove of home goods, accessories, and odds and ends from years past, head back to the heart of Historic Downtown Franklin and step back in time at the Franklin Antique Mall. The ideal setting for anyone who cherishes the stories and craftsmanship of items produced up to and over 100 years ago, this mall showcases an unparalleled amount of local, state and national history. Housed in the historic Franklin Ice House, this 12,000-square-foot space is a collector's dream, offering a vast selection of antiques, unique furniture, memorabilia, and collectibles.

The Franklin Antique experience stands apart from similar shops thanks to owner and operator Amanda Pitts. She brings a deep-rooted passion for historical objects to her store and is the perfect guide and curator for those seeking that perfect piece of yesteryear. Inspired by her childhood spent exploring antique auctions with her mother, each piece in the mall represents a period in history with a unique story to discover and cherish by new generations.

Located adjacent to The Factory, the Franklin Farmers Market celebrates Tennessee's rich agricultural heritage. It offers farm-fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and meats directly from local farmers. Every Saturday morning, the market becomes a bustling hub of activity, where the community comes together to support local agriculture and enjoy the freshest food the region offers.

Beyond its culinary delights, the market also features handcrafted goods from local artisans, making it the perfect spot to find unique gifts and support the local economy. Throughout its two-decade history, the Franklin Farmers Market has grown from a seasonal gathering of a handful of local farmers to more than 70 farmers and vendors frequenting what is now among the most popular markets in Middle Tennessee.

Shopping in Franklin is a unique experience, blending history, culture, and modernity. But more than just a spot for retail nirvana, Franklin is a destination worth considering as a permanent home. From its outstanding architecture to each home's bespoke amenities, there's never been a better time than the present to seek out your future Franklin residence.

Contact Janelle Waggener today and allow her experience and expertise to help you navigate Franklin's high-end luxury marketplace, including neighboring communities such as Arrington, Brentwood, and Nolensville.