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    You are here: Home / Style & Inspiration / The Best Spots in Franklin Tennessee | The Great Southern Road Trip

    The Best Spots in Franklin Tennessee | The Great Southern Road Trip

    Last Updated: April 20, 2022 | Published: June 23, 2016 | By: Laura | 32 Comments | Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style & Inspiration

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    Discover my favorite spots in Franklin, Tennessee from a native who grew up in the heart of Middle Tennessee.

    I’m a southern girl through and through, but more specifically I’m a Tennessee girl at heart. Both sides of my family have long-lived in Tennessee and I am a University of Tennessee graduate.

    I love the Volunteer State. My blood runs orange. The whole she-bang. And even though I currently live next-door in Alabama, I will always and forever be a Tennessean.

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Puckett's in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    But not only was I raised in my favorite state in the union, but I grew up in Williamson County, the home of horse farms and country music stars. It’s like Pleasantville here.

    Most southerners that I run into have at least heard of Franklin, Tennessee. And many reactions that I get when I mention the name of my home town elicits a response like: “I LOVE that place! It’s so cute!”

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Starbucks in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    And it is, so so cute.

    It’s the epitome of southern charm and historic character.

    Downtown Franklin has an old world charm, but it’s modernized as well. It’s come a long way since I was a teenager and we went cruisin’ around the square and the Sonic parking lot – and then back again. Today the downtown area has some of the best shopping and eateries. If you’re vacationing there, these are a few of my favorites.

    A Local’s Favorite Spots in Franklin, Tennessee

    Favorite Shop for Trendy Southern Gifts: Tin Cottage, 334 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064 

    Y’all! If you love trendy southern decor and gifts, then this little shop with be your heart’s delight. If I could have packed it all up and brought it home with me, I would!

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Tin Cottage | Franklin, Tennessee

    This is their old location. They’ve since relocated to Main Street! Even better!! And still one of my favorite stores.

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Tin Cottage | Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Tin Cottage | Franklin, Tennessee

    Those Primitives by Kathy tea towels are one of my favorite things! I bought 3 of them!

    Favorite Local “Nashville” Shop on Main Street: White’s Mercantile, 345 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

    I always feel like I’m walking into the local general store when I walk into White’s. I love picking up little seasonal plates for my china cabinet here. The old fashioned kids toy section in the back in great, too!

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | White's Mercantile in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | White's Mercantile in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | White's Mercantile in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | White's Mercantile in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    Favorite Lunch Date: Gray’s on Main, 332 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064

    Originally the Gray Drug Co. pharmacy, built in 1876, this restored 3-story victorian building is home to delectable dishes and live music.

    I’ve eaten at Gray’s for lunch a few times over the years and love it! I share some of my favorite dishes below, some of which are no longer on the menu. I highly recommend the pimento cheddar biscuits for the table!

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Gray's on Main in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Fried Pimento Cheese Balls from Gray's on Main in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    Fried Pimento Cheese Balls in Pepper Jelly Sauce at Gray’s on Main

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Shrimp and Grits from Gray's on Main in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    Shrimp and Grits at Gray’s on Main

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Pear Pizza from Gray's on Main in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    Pear Pizza at Gray’s on Main (I SO wish this was still on the menu.)

    Favorite Pastry: Five Daughters Bakery, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

    The Meeks family, which includes – you guessed it – 5 daughters, opened this delicious bakery back in 2015. Its home store can be found in the famous Factory at Franklin shopping mall. Their 100layer donuts, made with the finest ingredients, are slap yo’ mama good!

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Five Daughter's Bakery in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee
    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Five Daughter's Bakery in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee

    Triple Vanilla Donut and Strawberry Lemonade Donut from Five Daughter’s Bakery

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Five Daughter's Bakery in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee

    Favorite Hidden Gem: P.D.’s, 119 S Margin St, Franklin, Tennessee

    This shopping emporium is off the beaten path in an inconspicuous building with no markings. There’s no sign out front. You won’t know you’re there until you get to the front door and find a handwritten paper sign in the window with the name and hours of the establishment.

    Shopping hours for PD's of Franklin, Tennessee
    Best Shops in Franklin, TN | PD's

    But once inside you’ll find yourself in a Mecca of sensational home decor finds! I try to stop by anytime I’m in town during their open hours!

    PD's of Franklin Tennessee

    Favorite Ice Cream in Downtown Franklin – Kilwins, 405 Main St, Franklin, Tennessee

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | Kilwins on Main in Downtown Franklin, Tennessee

    Toasted Coconut and Marsh-Mallow S’more Ice Cream from Kilwins

    Favorite Place to Buy Antique Decor: City Farmhouse, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, Tennessee

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | City Farmhouse in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | City Farmhouse in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | City Farmhouse in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee

    BEST of Franklin, Tennessee | City Farmhouse in The Factory | Franklin, Tennessee


    I sure hope you enjoyed this little tour of some of my favorite spots in my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. I still enjoy visiting as often as I can since my family and dear friends still live in the area. While I may not live there still, it feels like home to me.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jacqueline Lorenc

      September 01, 2016 at 10:00 pm

      Don’t forget the Franklin Farmers at the Factory on Saturdays. And be sure to get a Belle Springs Farm Market Lemonade. Their purple basil is fantastic!

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 01, 2016 at 11:48 pm

        Hi Jacqueline! I’ve never been to Franklin Farmers at the Factory, but I’ll be sure to go the next time in I’m town on the weekend. And I’ll grab a purple basil lemonade, too! Sounds delish!

        xo, Laura

        Reply
    2. Lori

      June 27, 2016 at 1:08 pm

      Lovely stop on the road trip; I never been to Franklin, TN, I’m adding it to my bucket list. I love little towns that have reinvented themselves into something beautiful and entertaining.
      Cheers!
      Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

      Reply
    3. Barb V.

      June 25, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      Is there any way you can make that darling car with flowers on top into a printable for us? I tried but couldn’t get it sized right. Love your description of Franklin. Will definitely make it a stop next time we are in the area.

      Reply
    4. Valarie

      June 24, 2016 at 10:46 pm

      Hi Laura, I just yelled at my husband “get to planning a Franklin vacation!” He’s on it and I’m super excited to go to all the places you mentioned, we’re coming from SoCal… Any recommendations as to hotels?
      Yahooo, I’m excited!

      Reply
    5. Lynda

      June 24, 2016 at 12:48 pm

      Was just in Franklin a couple of weeks ago! I love the area and the food and atmosphere is fantastic.

      We had lunch at Lyrics, but unfortunately were too full to visit Five Daughters across the way. ☺ Great place to go for a road trip!

      Reply
    6. Kelly

      June 24, 2016 at 8:45 am

      Hi Laura! I’m new to your blog…via Dixie Delights. I’m a long-time reader of Amanda’s blog and noticed the link to your post on the Roadtrip series. We moved to Huntsville almost two years ago, and I just love it here! Although I enjoyed your post about Franklin, I would LOVE to get the inside scoop on all things Huntsville! Please share your favorite places to eat, shop, bargain hunt, etc. Thanks…and I’ll certainly be a regular at The Turquoise Home now that I’ve discovered you!

      Reply
    7. laura

      June 24, 2016 at 6:28 am

      I have always heard how amazing franklin is and tell myself I need to visit. great recap of the city. love how fresh and modern things look and how pet friendly some of the shops are.

      Reply
    8. Laura

      June 23, 2016 at 3:37 pm

      I’ve wanted to come to Franklin since reading “Widow of the South” about the battle of Franklin during the Civil War!

      Reply
    9. Sarah G.

      June 23, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      I’m really disappointed, I thought this was going to be Huntsville. Oh well.

      Reply
      • Laura

        June 23, 2016 at 5:27 pm

        Oh I’m so sorry! My friend who set up the road trip and I got mixed up. She thought I was writing about the town I lived in, not my hometown. I should write about Huntsville another time! (And we’re fixing the graphics ASAP!)

        Reply
    10. Nancy @ Slightly Coastal

      June 23, 2016 at 12:06 pm

      So quaint! I haven’t been to that part of Tennessee in years. My brother lived in Nashville for about 3 years and I loved visiting him there and went to Franklin many, many, year ago. I would love a Nashville trip and a day in Franklin. Thanks for sharing your favorite spots. Fantastic photos too.

      Reply
    11. Beth at Unskinny Boppy

      June 23, 2016 at 11:29 am

      Great post Laura! I love Franklin, and I see so much here that I’ve never tried before. Time to head north again! 🙂

      Reply
      • Shannon B

        July 12, 2020 at 9:55 pm

        Great post, and I’m very excited to read about Franklin. My husband’s getting transferred there and will be living there during the workweek and commuting back on weekends to CO. Thanks so much!

        Reply

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