Whether you’re in town visiting for the first time, or you’re a seasoned local, Franklin, Tennessee has so much to offer in terms of history! From estate tours to local restaurants and more, you’re bound to find something you enjoy and learn a little bit along the way. To learn more about the perfect historic adventures in Franklin, Tennessee, keep reading. Here’s where you need to go:
  1. McLemore House
  2. Downtown Franklin
  3. Gray’s on Main
  4. Masonic Hall
  5. The Lotz House Museum
  6. Carnton House Tour
  7. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
  8. The Factory at Franklin
  9. Franklin on Foot
  10. Gallery 202
McLemore House One of the first stops you have to make when visiting Franklin, Tennessee is the McLemore House! The McLemore House is home to a variety of artifacts, pictures, and exhibits that tell a unique and moving history of the South. Built and owned by a former slave, this home turned museum showcases the immense struggles, triumphs and significant contributions of the black community in Williamson County. For those ready to dive into the history of the South, this is the perfect place to visit. Open Thursday-Saturday, 10am-2pm, all tour times are available by reservation. Downtown Franklin Downtown Franklin offers a historic main street vibe you won’t want to miss! This 16-block area is filled with antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and award-winning restaurants, making it the perfect spot to spend your afternoon. With yearly celebrations such as The Mainstreet Brewfest, Main Street Festival, Tour of Homes and Pumpkinfest, Downtown Franklin is a favorite destination amongst locals and visitors alike. Plus, as you make your way through the local shops and eateries, you’re bound to learn a little bit of history whether from the locals or various plaques stationed around the street. Gray’s on Main  Set in a 1876 Victorian building in Historic Downtown Franklin, Gray’s on Main was formerly known as the Gray Drug Co. Featured as a landmark pharmacy for nearly a century, Gray’s on Main came to be in about 2013 after careful restoration of the historic, authentic building! The three-story building that is now home to Gray’s on Main, works to honor Tennessee’s cultural heritage through fresh spirits, flavors and sounds. The menu at GRAY’S reflects the best of the South with an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients. Here, you can learn all about Franklin’s history while enjoying handcrafted epicurean cocktails that celebrate the brandy culture of the late 19th century, as well as enjoying live performances from the best Music City has to offer. Masonic Hall Another historic hotspot to check out while you’re in town, the Franklin Masonic Hall was established in 1809. The 190-year-old building was designed specifically for Hiram Lodge the 7th, and remains the oldest continuously operating lodge in Tennessee. One of the last buildings of its kind in the United States, Masonic Hall is also widely considered to have been the first three-story structure west of the Allegheny Mountains. Having witnessed the Lodge’s stream of service to the community for decades, this estate breathes historical significance. For those looking to learn more about the history of Franklin’s community, this is the perfect place to visit. The Lotz House Museum Are you familiar with the classically trained woodworker Johann Albert Lotz? This German immigrant, Johann Albert Lotz, first came to Franklin in the mid 1800s. It was here where he became an accomplished carpenter and piano maker. After his passing, The Lotz House Museum was soon converted into a showroom to feature Lotz’ most prized creations. In addition to the history of the Lotz family, this museum features events from the Civil War, including the Battle of Franklin. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the history of the Civil War, while also learning more about the rich musical culture of the Franklin area, this is the perfect tour for you to enjoy! Learn more about all things Franklin, TN and Williamson County! Carnton House Tour Another local historic favorite, The Carnton House is a great way to spend your afternoon in Williamson County. Featuring a vast property with sights of sprawling farmland and historical architecture, The Carnton House played an important role during the American Civil War. Currently managed by a non-profit organization, The Battle of Franklin Trust, The Carnton House continues to live on! Enjoy this little piece of history while visiting Franklin, Tennessee. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant For those looking to enjoy a bite to eat while learning some local history, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is the place to be. The roots of this local eatery stretch way back to the 1950’s. Having served the area for decades as a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, Puckett’s changed their tune and branched out around 2016. In changing their hats to become a favorite restaurant amongst locals, Puckett’s still continues to provide friends, new and old, with great food and Southern hospitality. This little slice of history has built a name on hosting live, local musical acts and serving Southern staples. Find some delicious authentic comfort food classics, while you soak up the history of Tennessee. The Factory at Franklin The Factory at Franklin features shops, restaurants, offices, and more, creating a relaxed and industrial atmosphere. Originally constructed in 1929, this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places to visit in Williamson County. While over the years, The Factory has updated its appearance, the building hasn’t strayed far from its roots. Home to a variety of historic venues that you can still visit today, be sure to stop by the Liberty Hall or the Heritage Room after a Sunday stroll through The Factory shops at Franklin. Franklin on Foot Do you enjoy walking historical tours? If so, Franklin on Foot is a great option for you to see what our town has to offer! Franklin on Foot offers walking tours of the city’s most important historical sites and is operated by a local company. Tours include everything from ghost tours, history tours, Civil War tours, crime tours, cemetery tours, and even Franklin food tours. The perfect activity for a spooky, historical night with friends, or an afternoon food tour gathering! Gallery 202  Another place to experience some historical charm, art gallery, Gallery 202 is the perfect place! Gallery 202 is an art gallery located in downtown Franklin that contains paintings, antiques, glassware, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures from local artisans. Year round, this gallery hosts artwork from over 20 talented artists from the area. Built in 1821, this home was originally created for the Clouston family to host parties and political gatherings! Visit FranklinIs for all Things Franklin, TN! FranklinIs, a website dedicated to all things Franklin, TN and Williamson County!  FranklinIs launched in the summer of 2006.  Since its inception, the website has grown to a thriving webtropolis. Supporting local non-profits, businesses, residents and visitors, FranklinIs the go-to place for your Franklin and Williamson County needs. Looking for something fun to do this weekend, shopping for antiques or curious about a restaurant, wanting to volunteer your time with a non-profit, stopping by downtown Franklin, TN for the day? Access it all on FranklinIs. We encourage you to browse through the Living, News, Entertainment, Family & Kids, Real Estate, Visit, Resources and Events Calendar sections. There is something for everyone on FranklinIs. Visit our site to learn more about Franklin, TN and surrounding areas, or send us some of your writing submissions on the town!