12 Things You Can ONLY Do in Franklin, Tennessee

If you read my unvarnished travel guide to Franklin, Tennessee and are ready to plan your trip, this post is for you! Below are the other gems I’d recommend adding to your Franklin itinerary, beyond what’s in the main guide. 

>> Then, check out the area’s most unique local hotels and my Franklin restaurant guide. 

1. Play a rare guitar (for free)

This felt like something I shouldn’t have been allowed to do, but the “pickin’ corner” at Patina Home & Garden is full of rare, unique instruments that anyone is allowed to play. (And they’re not even for sale!) Don’t be fooled by the name; this is a unique gift shop, with a focus on local items, like pottery made by the owners, and it’s also continuing the Southern tradition of the pickin’ corner. 

Note: This isn’t technically in Franklin; it’s just around the corner in Franklin’s backyard, the unmissable village of Leiper’s Fork. 

2. Visit a “revolutionary” alpaca farm 

The Coleman Valley Alpaca Farm is just undeniably adorable, there’s not much more I can say about it than that. Doug, the local owner, showed us around and we got to spend an hour feeding and petting his friendly, fluffy, photogenic herd of alpacas. It’s fun for all ages, and just over the hill from Southall Farm & Inn. 

Plus, the farmer’s house was built by a Revolutionary War soldier. (If you’re really lucky and Doug’s feeling chatty, he might even show you the historic relics he’s found inside.)

3. Sip local wine in a creek!

You don’t even have to like wine to appreciate Crown Winery – they have beer, too, but the setting is the whole point. Another favorite in Leiper’s Fork, a quick stop here can easily turn into a full afternoon. It’s a relaxing, friendly place to hang with locals and visitors alike. 

4. Wander a mall that’s actually cool (great for a rainy day!)

If you need an activity for a rainy day in Franklin (or a very hot one) The Factory at Franklin has surprisingly interesting options. A great example of industrial reuse, the former stove factory was remodeled in 2025 into something like a mall, if malls were still really cool.

The Factory is relatively small, with natural light, a community bar at its center, and almost exclusively local shops. 

5. Feel lucky to have tap water

Also at The Factory, you’ll find an immersive exhibit that’s unique to Franklin called The Experience Lab, created by charity: water. It’s a hands-on way to experience the lives of people around the world, especially young women, who can’t simply turn a tap to get clean water. (It was closed when we visited, but it’s certainly on my list for next time.)

6. Ride a hand-made carousel 

If you’ve got kiddos in tow, this unique carousel at the Factory at Franklin is worth a visit! Built by Hollywood set designer Ken Means, it was the first carousel to be handmade by just one person in 100 years. (And it took him 30 years.) All profits go to local charities. 

7. Browse a Hallmark-famous bookstore 

If you love an indie bookstore as much as I do, don’t miss Landmark Booksellers for both new and used books, and a focus on regional history and local authors. 

Full of cozy corners, this locally owned shop inspired a best-selling romance novel, The Bridge, by Karen Kingsbury. (Which was made into a Hallmark movie!)

8. Have a spa day at one of the most sustainable resorts around

Southall Farm & Inn is an impressively sustainable luxury resort and real working farm, located just between Franklin and Leiper’s Fork. Next time in town, I’ll plan to book a spa day here months in advance.

(See my full Franklin guide for details on their sustainability accomplishments!)

9. Shop sustainably-made Tennessee candles

I’m not a big shopper, unless I find a good consignment or thrift store. So I was excited to find a small thrift corner inside The Green Room, on Franklin’s Main Street. The shop is co-owned by a New Zealand transplant and musician (pretty much everyone in Franklin is a musician) and focuses on sustainable products – one of my favorite topics! 

They also have home-made Franklin and Nashville candles that would make great souvenirs. 

10. Take an e-Bike tour of Historic Franklin Homes

We did a tour of Franklin’s historic homes and other main sites by e-bike, and heard lots of interesting stories about the town’s history.

The e-bikes felt a bit excessive, since the route was short and there was only a block or two between most of the stops.

(If you’re looking for more e-bike time, you can join us for a ride in Italy!)

11. Experience Civil War History (the right way)

While some towns with antebellum history still have plantations hosting weddings (and other events that don’t respect the gruesome history of these properties) Franklin is definitely trying to be different. The Carnton Plantation offers a unique Slavery and the Enslaved Tour, which I didn’t have a chance to take yet, but I hear it adds a much-needed honest perspective to the history. 

The “fuller story” project incorporates Black history into Franklin’s story in a way that was completely left out until recently.

Finally, the town is famous as the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, but until recently, the battleground was more a parking lot than a history lesson. 

>> Read more about this part of the town’s past and present in my Franklin travel guide! 

12. Go antiquing 

Okay, you got me, this one isn’t unique to Franklin, but antique stores are an institution in this town. They’re not necessarily affordable, but definitely full of interesting gems, especially on the Americana end of the style spectrum. There are several on 2nd Avenue, across from the Harpeth Hotel and down the street a few blocks.

More Franklin Activities?

Need more choices? Check out these activities and tours in Franklin and nearby Nashville, Tennessee:

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