The city of Franklin, TN, has much to offer. It has a long history, and with that comes beautiful neighborhoods and lots of historical locations. From the Downtown Main Street area to the newer shopping destinations nearby, this area has something to interest just about anyone. Thinking about visiting or moving to Franklin? Keep reading to discover some of the most popular things to do in Franklin, Tennessee.

Franklin Outdoor Adventures

Franklin's location provides an opportunity for residents to enjoy many outdoor activities and amenities much of the year. As a result, the area has numerous outdoor areas to explore, from dense forests to fun playgrounds. Here's a look at some of the outdoor adventures visitors and residents in Franklin can find.

Parks

Franklin has several fantastic parks to visit. For those looking for a playground in Franklin, check out Aspen Grove Park, Del Rio Park, Liberty Park, Pinkerton, and Fieldstone Park.

Some of the best overall parks include Aspen Grove Park, which has 14 acres of land, including built-in grills and lots of paved trails. Del Rio Park in the Rogershire subdivision is an excellent choice for a picnic lunch. There are also soccer fields here, a gazebo, and open green space ideal for a game of frisbee or catch. The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is an excellent choice for horse lovers due to the paths and open spaces. It has over 200 acres of land, with about 60 open to the public.

Water Recreation

The Franklin Recreation Complex Pools & Splash Park offers an indoor, 25-yard, 6-lane pool perfect for those who are looking for exercise. There are aqua fitness classes available throughout the year. Outside, there's an outdoor pool and splash park open during the warmer months. It's possible to book some of the water facilities for events such as birthdays.

For more of a natural experience, check out Harpeth River State Park. The river spans 40 river miles. While it is an excellent location for checking out historical and archaeological areas, there's also a lot of water fun to have here as well, such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Williamson County has dense forests, providing many opportunities for scenic hikes and rides. The Brentwood Trail System is one treasure that offers paved trails throughout all of Middle Tennessee. The Natchez Trace Parkway is another option with 444 miles of scenic road runs that span much of the state, including through Franklin.

In Franklin proper, residents can enjoy part of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Timberland Park. It offers a 2.5-mile loop trail into a densely wooded area. Preservation Park offers the 3.4-mile Battlefield Trail—reach the top of this Civil War battle to the grassy hill to see the surrounding area. For a longer trip that's still easy enough for younger or less experienced hikers, consider Bowie Nature Park. There are 17 miles here of pine forest hiking available.

These are just a few of the outdoor fun things to do here. Keep in mind that many of these locations offer events throughout the year, such as summertime movies and concerts in the park. Special camps and various other activities are often available as well.

Franklin Shopping

One of the best experiences for shopping in the city is along the Main Street area in the Downtown Franklin neighborhood. There are a number of artisan shops, boutiques, and small, family-owned businesses to enjoy. There are also some outstanding small restaurants in this location. The Downtown Franklin Association oversees this area. From fine, handcrafted furniture to trendy clothing, there's something for most people in this area.

The city has a number of boutiques and specialized retailers throughout it, even beyond the downtown area, such as Fork of the South General Store, a chic and fun boutique with everything from clothing to jewelry. For antiques, check out Gallery 202, located in the Historic District. Over 25 local and regional artists have their glass art, fine antiques, and sculptures on display here.

Franklin Restaurants

Traditional, modern, and eclectic meals are easy to come by in the thriving food district in Franklin. It's recognized for Southern cuisine, but the reality is the area has much more to offer than this. Consider a few destinations that are considered a must-try. 1892 Restaurant uses time-trusted traditions to create fabulous meals, including everything from house-churned ice cream and cookies to smoked short ribs.

For a truly elevated meal, consider Cork & Cow. There are over 100 bottles of wine to choose from, along with truffle butter and steaks. For some of the best in breakfast, consider Merridee's Breadbasket. It offers lunch too, but the scratch-made breakfast here is a local favorite.

Other options to check out include O' Be Joyful, a whiskey and burger destination. For elevated dining, check out Red Pony at McConnell House. One of the best Italian restaurants in the area is Culaccino Italian Restaurant and Bar.

Arts & Culture in Franklin

When the time comes to add a bit of culture to the day, Franklin offers many fun and interesting arts and cultural experiences. The area is near the city of Nashville, which gets a lot of attention for its cultural history, but Franklin offers plenty to do and see as well.

Museums

The Louise G. Lynch Archives and Museum offers artifacts from as far back as 1799. This location is excellent for those who wish to research as it holds one of the largest collections of county records and other historical documents. The McLemore House African-American Museum tells the story of the McLemore House through a wide range of artifacts and exhibits. It triumphs the contributions of the African Americans that lived in Williamson County. Also notable is the Lotz House Civil War Museum, which is a beautiful architectural space to visit. Among its collection, it features weapons and bullets from the Battle of Franklin.

Art Galleries

Aside from the art shops in the historic downtown area, there are a few stand-out locations worthy of exploring as well. Gallery 202 is one of the most notable, with a large collection of pieces, some of which tell Franklin's history. From vibrant paintings to stunning jewelry, it is the type of gallery a person can spend a lot of time exploring. The Stonebridge Art Gallery collects and curates art from around the world, and its collection is always changing.

Dance & Theatre

The Williamson County Performing Arts Center at Academy Park has a range of shows throughout the year. From theatre to concerts, this legendary location typically has the area's best performances. Many of them take place in buildings that are over 100 years old. Another option for enjoying dance, stories, and music is at The Franklin Theatre. This location also offers an often-changing lineup of performers to meet just about everyone's needs.

Explore the fun the area has to offer. Keep in mind that many of the locations that offer dance and theater performances have new schedules on an ongoing basis. Check in routinely to find out what's available to see and do.

Franklin Nightlife

Having a fun night out is easy to do here. For a glass of wine and quiet music, visit JJs Wine Bar. They offer much more, but the relaxing music and atmosphere are what often draw people in. For some of the area's best live music, check out Front St. Tavern. The food is great, but this popular location also has a live mic night. Saturday nights tend to be a great time to catch some music.

McCreary's is a pub that is welcoming and often busy, thanks to the fun music and atmosphere. For fun, many visit Kings Dining & Entertainment. There's lots of food and drink, but there's often live music here as well as numerous social events. This location also offers luxury bowling, sports viewing areas, and some retro video gaming that is sure to spark the interest of many.

The McConnell Hospitality Group operates in the McConnell House in the historic district. It's noted as an event hall and often hosts weddings and corporate events. However, once a month, it becomes open to the public. It's an excellent option for dining experiences and also works well for those who want to spend the night dancing and enjoying fun meals.

Find the Experiences Desired in Franklin

This is just a brief look at all there is to experience in Franklin. The area is vibrant and teeming with things to do. For those looking for a location to explore or live in that is less tourist-driven than Nashville, this community may be the ideal choice for a getaway. With some outstanding options in luxury homes, historic real estate, and much more, it may be a place to call home as well.

Does Franklin sound like the perfect place to live? Contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with Franklin real estate agents who can help you find the ideal Franklin home.