Franklin, Tennessee, isn't just another suburb of Nashville. This town is full of its own history and excitement. If you want to branch out and visit new attractions, check out these five awesome things to do in Franklin, TN.
Arrington Vineyards
6211 Patton Rd, Arrington, TN
Arrington Vineyards features 16 acres of grapes, several tasting rooms, multiple picnic areas, and a space for live music on the weekends. This stunning venue is owned by Kix Brooks of the famous country duo Brooks & Dunn (“My Maria,” “You Can’t Take The Honkytonk Out Of The Girl,” and “South Of The Border”). Nestled in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, the vineyard has become a popular destination for residents, tourists to the area, and those hosting special events.
Visitors can come for appetizers, wine, and music, or they can arrange special experiences, such as tastings, tours, or using the event space to host small, private gatherings. The venue is popular for weddings, corporate holiday parties, and more. With 22 different wines produced on-site, tastings allow visitors to decide which one is their favorite and learn more about wine from knowledgeable hosts. Afterward, join the Wine Club to receive bottles in the comfort of your own home multiple times a year.
Arrington Vineyards features 16 acres of grapes, several tasting rooms, multiple picnic areas, and a space for live music on the weekends. This stunning venue is owned by Kix Brooks of the famous country duo Brooks & Dunn (“My Maria,” “You Can’t Take The Honkytonk Out Of The Girl,” and “South Of The Border”). Nestled in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee, the vineyard has become a popular destination for residents, tourists to the area, and those hosting special events.
Visitors can come for appetizers, wine, and music, or they can arrange special experiences, such as tastings, tours, or using the event space to host small, private gatherings. The venue is popular for weddings, corporate holiday parties, and more. With 22 different wines produced on-site, tastings allow visitors to decide which one is their favorite and learn more about wine from knowledgeable hosts. Afterward, join the Wine Club to receive bottles in the comfort of your own home multiple times a year.
The Lotz House
1111 Columbia Ave, Franklin, TN
Travel back in time with a visit to the Lotz House, a home dating back to the Antebellum period that was the site of one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Inside the home, you’ll see what life was like in the mid-1800s, from the style of furniture to the workings of the kitchen. Outside, you’ll wander to the site of the Battle of Franklin in 1864. On November 30th of that year, the Lotz family was forced to take cover in a neighbor’s basement as 20,000 Confederate soldiers engaged in battle with 25,000 Union soldiers. After five hours, over 10,000 casualties marked the day as one of the bloodiest in the conflict. The damaged house became a field hospital for wounded soldiers. It’s currently considered one of the most haunted sites in America, which is no surprise after the devastating events that took place on the grounds.
Nearby, extend the day by visiting the Carter House, where the Lotz family hid, and the McGavock Confederacy Cemetery, where 1,500 of the soldiers from the Battle of Franklin were laid to rest.
Travel back in time with a visit to the Lotz House, a home dating back to the Antebellum period that was the site of one of the most important battles of the Civil War. Inside the home, you’ll see what life was like in the mid-1800s, from the style of furniture to the workings of the kitchen. Outside, you’ll wander to the site of the Battle of Franklin in 1864. On November 30th of that year, the Lotz family was forced to take cover in a neighbor’s basement as 20,000 Confederate soldiers engaged in battle with 25,000 Union soldiers. After five hours, over 10,000 casualties marked the day as one of the bloodiest in the conflict. The damaged house became a field hospital for wounded soldiers. It’s currently considered one of the most haunted sites in America, which is no surprise after the devastating events that took place on the grounds.
Nearby, extend the day by visiting the Carter House, where the Lotz family hid, and the McGavock Confederacy Cemetery, where 1,500 of the soldiers from the Battle of Franklin were laid to rest.
McLemore House
446 11th Ave N, Franklin, TN
This cottage may be small, but it has great historical significance. Harvey McLemore was born into slavery in the McLemore family, but in 1865, he became a free man after the Emancipation Proclamation. After signing a work contract for 40 acres of land with his previous owner, he began to farm on his own behalf. Despite the disadvantageous terms, McLemore was able to develop a thriving business.
Within five years, he cultivated 68 acres of the McLemore property and married his wife. In 1880, the couple was able to save $400 and purchase four tracts of land — the largest amount of property owned by any black person in the area.
Harvey McLemore built McLemore House on that land, and his family continued to live there for 117 years. The family was beloved and built a community around themselves. When Harvey’s great-great-granddaughter, the last to live in the house, passed away, it was an easy decision to turn the home into a museum dedicated to the plights, the successes, and the history of the family and their land.
This cottage may be small, but it has great historical significance. Harvey McLemore was born into slavery in the McLemore family, but in 1865, he became a free man after the Emancipation Proclamation. After signing a work contract for 40 acres of land with his previous owner, he began to farm on his own behalf. Despite the disadvantageous terms, McLemore was able to develop a thriving business.
Within five years, he cultivated 68 acres of the McLemore property and married his wife. In 1880, the couple was able to save $400 and purchase four tracts of land — the largest amount of property owned by any black person in the area.
Harvey McLemore built McLemore House on that land, and his family continued to live there for 117 years. The family was beloved and built a community around themselves. When Harvey’s great-great-granddaughter, the last to live in the house, passed away, it was an easy decision to turn the home into a museum dedicated to the plights, the successes, and the history of the family and their land.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway, Franklin, TN
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile-long road that passes through Franklin as it stretches between Natchez, Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee. The road was built to commemorate the Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans and early European settlers. Most of the original path still remains. The Natchez Trace was responsible for the development of several cities, including Jackson, and even after trade routes moved to the Mississippi River via steamboats, the Trace was still used by hunters, street preachers, and more.
Now, the Natchez Trace is home to some of the best views in Tennessee. Whether you choose to hike a similar route to the old trail or drive down the Parkway and over the bridge, there are stunning vistas, plenty of untouched nature, and historical sites. There are dozens of old inns and stands where travelers can stop, a French camp, Rocky Springs ghost town, and more. In the Mississippi segment, you will find the Meriweather Lewis Museum, paying tribute to Lewis of Lewis & Clark, who passed away on Natchez Trace as he traveled to Washington D.C.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile-long road that passes through Franklin as it stretches between Natchez, Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee. The road was built to commemorate the Natchez Trace, a trail used by Native Americans and early European settlers. Most of the original path still remains. The Natchez Trace was responsible for the development of several cities, including Jackson, and even after trade routes moved to the Mississippi River via steamboats, the Trace was still used by hunters, street preachers, and more.
Now, the Natchez Trace is home to some of the best views in Tennessee. Whether you choose to hike a similar route to the old trail or drive down the Parkway and over the bridge, there are stunning vistas, plenty of untouched nature, and historical sites. There are dozens of old inns and stands where travelers can stop, a French camp, Rocky Springs ghost town, and more. In the Mississippi segment, you will find the Meriweather Lewis Museum, paying tribute to Lewis of Lewis & Clark, who passed away on Natchez Trace as he traveled to Washington D.C.
Soar Adventure Tower
3794 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN
Kids of all ages and adults alike will love spending time at Soar Adventure Tower. The amusement park features a climbing tower that increases in difficulty as it gets taller, with barrels, tightropes, and more challenges to overcome. Also on site is a miniature golf course for those who want to stay a bit closer to the ground.
The park is popular for children’s birthday parties, as even the chaperones can get in on the fun, but there’s no need to wait for a special event. Whether you have children who need to run off a bit of energy or lead an active lifestyle but don’t have time to head out to the mountains for a day of climbing and hiking, Soar Adventure Tower has activities to fit your needs.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Metro Nashville area, contact Janelle Waggener to find out if one of the houses for sale in Franklin, Tennessee, might be your new dream home. From restaurants to the quality of the high schools in Franklin, Tennessee, Janelle can give you the inside scoop on the town and why people love to live here! Life in Franklin means there’s always something to do, whether your interests include the culinary arts, history, or adventurous fun.
Kids of all ages and adults alike will love spending time at Soar Adventure Tower. The amusement park features a climbing tower that increases in difficulty as it gets taller, with barrels, tightropes, and more challenges to overcome. Also on site is a miniature golf course for those who want to stay a bit closer to the ground.
The park is popular for children’s birthday parties, as even the chaperones can get in on the fun, but there’s no need to wait for a special event. Whether you have children who need to run off a bit of energy or lead an active lifestyle but don’t have time to head out to the mountains for a day of climbing and hiking, Soar Adventure Tower has activities to fit your needs.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Metro Nashville area, contact Janelle Waggener to find out if one of the houses for sale in Franklin, Tennessee, might be your new dream home. From restaurants to the quality of the high schools in Franklin, Tennessee, Janelle can give you the inside scoop on the town and why people love to live here! Life in Franklin means there’s always something to do, whether your interests include the culinary arts, history, or adventurous fun.