Franklin
Franklin, Tennessee
A Small Town That’s Big on History
By: Emily Crisman
DRIVE TIME: 2 hours from downtown Chattanooga
GREAT FOR: Culture › Shopping
BEST IF YOU HAVE: 2-3 days
Located just north of Nashville, Franklin is an ideal offshoot for Civil War history buffs, antiques shoppers, craft liquor fans and foodies who like their vittles with a side of music.
> WHAT TO DO:
Step back in time at the Lotz House Museum, which dates back to 1858 and boasts a treasure trove of 19th century furniture. Along with Carnton Plantation and Carter House, the museum is one of three sites where you can explore the history of the Battle of Franklin, a bloody Civil War campaign which took place in the middle of town in 1864. At any of the three sites you can purchase a $35 ticket that includes hourlong tours of all three. Though it is wise to note that due to the homes’ ages, they are not wheelchair-friendly.
» Franklin On Foot hosts themed walking tours around town, including a ghost tour at the Lotz House — described by the Travel Channel as “One of the Most Terrifying Places in America.”
» Franklin On Foot hosts themed walking tours around town, including a ghost tour at the Lotz House — described by the Travel Channel as “One of the Most Terrifying Places in America.”
Carter House
1140 Columbia Ave.
1140 Columbia Ave.
615-791-1861
At the Carter House, visitors learn about what the Carter family went through as they hid in their basement while the Battle of Franklin raged outside their home. Lasting roughly five hours, the battle saw 9,500 soldiers killed, wounded, captured or listed as missing.
Built by former Nashville Mayor Randal McGavock in 1826, Carnton Plantation was a large working farm home to more than 40 slaves, and welcomed the likes of President Andrew Jackson. The estate played an important role in the Battle of Franklin, and the remains of 1,500 Southern soldiers are buried in the McGavock Confederate Cemetery on-site.
» Paying tribute to the time period while raising funds for the historic home’s upkeep, the annual Bootlegger’s Bash features whiskey samplings, Southern cooking and rollicking live music amid twinkling lights and the former farm’s lush greenery. This year’s event is Sept. 27.
> DON'T MISS:
> SHOPS TO HIT:
Downtown Franklin
Spend an afternoon soaking up the charm of downtown Franklin, where galleries, antiques shops and unique boutiques housed in restored Victorian buildings abound. Essential stops include Landmark Booksellers and White’s Mercantile, a general store curated with the favorite products of owner Holly Williams, daughter of country music legend Hank Williams Jr.
Gallery 202
202 Second Ave. S
202 Second Ave. S
615-472-1134
Art- and history-lovers alike will enjoy a visit to this gallery featuring local, regional and national art and jewelry housed in a home that served as a field hospital during the Civil War.
Franklin Antique Mall
251 Second Ave. S
251 Second Ave. S
615-790-8593
You might not find many antiques here, but if you’re looking for home decor and accessories in the vintage, country-farmhouse style, you’ll have plenty to choose from inside this 12,000-square-foot building, formerly the Franklin Ice House.
> WHERE TO EAT:
COST KEY:
$: Under $10
$$: $11-$30
$$$: $31-$60
$$$$: $61+
Red Pony
408 Main Street
408 Main Street
615-595-7669
Cost: $$$
If you’re in search of a nice dinner that will impress the foodies in your bunch, Red Pony has you covered. Menu selection ranges from the unusual, such as elk ragu or rabbit potpie, to tried-and-true classics like beef tenderloin — a dish for which the restaurant is known. Reservations recommended.
55 South
403 Main Street
403 Main Street
615-538-6001
Cost: $$
Come here for upscale comfort foods like garlic crab fries and char-grilled oysters. The restaurant is also a great spot for brunch, when it offers drink specials like two-for-one mimosas and a bloody mary bar. On weekends, be sure to try the fresh house-made doughnuts.
GRAY'S On Main
332 Main Street
615-435-3603
Cost: $$
Located in an old pharmacy, Gray’s specializes in brandy drinks and, in addition to the restaurant, hosts live music on the second floor. Try the fried pimiento cheese balls with moonshine pepper jelly. What’s more Southern than that?
Puckett's Gro. & Restaurant
120 Fourth Ave. S
615-794-5527
Cost: $$
You’ve been to Puckett’s in Chattanooga; now visit the original, founded in Franklin back in the ’50s. You’ll find down-home country dishes like squash casserole, biscuits, and chicken and waffles, along with live, down-home country music.
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