Sweet Summer in Franklin, Tennessee: A Guide to Ice Cream, Shakes, and Other Treats
Are you looking to indulge in some sweet treats this summer in Franklin, Tennessee? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will take you through the best spots to enjoy refreshing ice creams, creamy shakes, decadent chocolates, and a variety of other delightful confections. Whether you’re cooling off with frozen desserts, savoring the rich flavors of artisanal chocolates, or satisfying your sweet tooth with freshly baked pastries, you’ll discover plenty of local favorites that are sure to make your summer deliciously sweet. Dive into these mouthwatering options and find your new favorite treat, perfect for every warm day and every sweet craving. Enjoy the best of Franklin’s dessert scene and make this summer one to remember!
Cool Off with Ice Cream, Custard, and Frozen Yogurt
July is National Ice Cream Month, making it the perfect time to treat yourself to some frozen delights. If you are craving a scoop of rich, creamy ice cream, a milkshake, or a refreshing bowl of frozen yogurt or custard with all your favorite toppings, we’ve got the best spots to enjoy these summer delights.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
With two locations in Franklin, one in Brentwood, and several more in Nashville, Jeni’s offers a variety of unique ice cream flavors. Their summer collection of flavors, Hot Summer Spins, brings a fresh twist to classic Americana summer treats. Try the Sparkling Cherry Pie, Snow Cone Sorbet, or Burnt Orange Dreamsicle. Can’t make it to a shop? Jeni’s offers local delivery right to your door!
- 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
- 4021 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067
Kilwins
Kilwins is a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts in historic Franklin, Tennessee. The shop offers an array of flavors, including classics like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate, as well as more unique options like Blueberry Waffle Cone and Toasted Coconut. Kilwins also features specialty sundaes, milkshakes, and malts, making it a great spot to enjoy a cool ice cream experience.
- 405 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Sweet CeCe’s
Create your perfect summer dessert with frozen yogurt and ice cream at Sweet CeCe’s. Located in Cool Springs and Downtown Franklin, their self-serve setup means you can mix and match flavors to create a personalized treat topped with fruit, candy, or nuts. They also provide dairy-free and no-sugar-added options.
- 500 W Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
- 3021 Mallory Ln, Franklin, TN 37067
Fork of the South Scoops
Part of Fork of the South’s Franklin Food Hall, Scoops offers a range of ice creams, milkshakes, lemonades, and other refreshing sweets. Located in The Factory at Franklin, they feature classic ice cream flavors as well as unique tastes such as Southern Banana Pudding and Bourbon Pecan.
- 230 Franklin Rd Building 8, Franklin, TN 37064
Culver’s
Culver’s in Franklin offers a variety of frozen custard flavors and signature shakes. Their daily flavor calendar includes options like Turtle, Devil’s Food Cake, Caramel Fudge Cookie Dough, and Lemon Berry Layer Cake. They also serve lemon ice for a zesty treat.
- 3400 Mallory Ln, Franklin, TN 37067
Whit’s Frozen Custard
Whit’s Frozen Custard in Franklin, Tennessee, offers a range of creamy frozen custard flavors. Their menu features classic options like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry, along with weekly rotating flavors. Their Whittie of the Month features a delicious custard and cookie sandwich, while the Whitser of the Month offers a unique custard combination. These specialties bring creative twists to traditional favorites, making them a must-try for custard enthusiasts.
- 4020 Hughes Crossing #100, Franklin, TN 37064
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins has been creating unique and innovative ice cream flavors since 1945. From classics like Vanilla and Chocolate to seasonal and unique options such as Blue’s Boardwalk Bash and Beach Day, they have a long tradition of offering a wide selection of delicious ice cream. Enjoy your choice in a cup, cone, or even a custom ice cream cake.
• 9100A Carothers Pkwy Ste 101, Franklin, TN 37067
Sweethaven
With classic favorites like Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Fudge and innovative seasonal creations like Blackberry Lemon Bar and Strawberry Cheesecake, Sweethaven in Franklin is a great place to cool off and indulge in sweet treats. Their menu also features delicious milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, and sundaes topped with house-made sauces and fresh toppings.
- 1015 Westhaven Blvd, Franklin, TN 37064
- 214 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Set to open its first Franklin location this summer at Meridian Cool Springs, Handel’s is known for its handcrafted ice cream. Named the #1 Ice Cream on the Planet by National Geographic, Handel’s boasts more than 48 flavors available daily, including classics like Mint Chocolate Chip, innovative creations such as Brownie Batter Crunch, and 140+ flavors that rotate seasonally.
- 990 Meridian BlvdFranklin, TN 37067
Indulge in Delicious Milkshakes
Treat yourself to some of the best milkshakes in Franklin, Tennessee. From rich and creamy hand-spun shakes to unique and creative blends, you’ll find the perfect milkshake to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Sugar Drop
Sugar Drop in Franklin features a variety of milkshakes, including flavors like Triple Chocolate Dreamshake, Strawberry Fields Dreamshake, and Monstrous Cookie Dreamshake. They also serve treats such as cookies, cupcakes, and custom-made confections, perfect for satisfying your sugar craving.
- 574 Franklin Rd #110, Franklin, TN 37069
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
MOOYAH in Franklin offers a selection of sweets including hand-spun shakes and freshly baked cookies. Their milkshake menu features classic flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry, as well as specialty shakes like Reese’s PB Cups and Oreo.
- 1560 W McEwen Dr #160, Franklin, TN 37067
Shake Shack
Shake Shack offers a variety of shakes, frozen custard, and lemonade. Their hand-spun shakes include classic flavors and more creative options like Strawberry Frosted Donut and Peaches and Cream. Their menu also includes floats, frozen custards, and non-dairy options.
- 5027 Aspen Grove Dr, Franklin, TN 37067
Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake in Franklin, Tennessee, is a great place to enjoy a hand-dipped milkshake. They offer a wide range of flavors including classics like Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, as well as specialty shakes such as Cotton Candy, Oreo Cookies ‘n Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, and Nutella. Each shake is made with real milk and ice cream, topped with whipped cream, and a cherry on top for an extra treat.
- 4040 Carothers Pkwy, Franklin, TN 37067
Savor Sweet Fudge and Confections
For the chocolate lovers, Franklin boasts several fudge and confectionery shops. Whether you’re in the mood for handcrafted chocolates, rich truffles, or unique local candies, these sweet spots offer a variety of tasty treats to choose from.
Schakolad Chocolate Factory
Schakolad Chocolate Factory in Franklin, Tennessee, offers fancy, handcrafted chocolates made fresh on-premises using a three-generation European family recipe. Their selection includes signature truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and customized chocolate gifts.
- 1735 Galleria Blvd #1037, Franklin, TN 37067
Kilwins
In addition to ice cream, Kilwins is also known for delectable chocolate and fudge treats. Their signature items include handcrafted truffles, chocolate-covered nuts, sea-salt caramels, and their famous Mackinac Island Fudge. The store also features boxed assortments, perfect for at-home indulging.
- 405 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Made in TN
Made in Tennessee offers a selection of chocolates, including the iconic Goo Goo Clusters. These famous Nashville treats combine caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts, and real milk chocolate. Additionally, the shop features handmade truffles, rich chocolate bars, and other confections from local artisans.
- 230 Franklin Rd #12E, Franklin, TN 37064
Explore More Sweet Treats
If you’re looking for even more sweet treats beyond cold desserts and chocolates, Franklin has plenty to offer. From freshly spun cotton candy to gourmet pastries and decadent donuts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Puffy Cotton Candy
Located in Cool Spring Galleria, Puffy Cotton Candy offers a nostalgic summertime treat with freshly spun cotton candy in various creative forms. Their menu includes whimsical options like Clouds, Characters, Cakes, and Crystals, with custom designs and flavors available. Enjoy a magical and sweet experience that brings back the joy of summer carnivals and fairs.
- 1800 Galleria Blvd #2320, Franklin, TN 37067
Five Daughters Bakery
Five Daughters Bakery, located in The Factory at Franklin, is renowned for their hundred-layer donuts, a croissant-style treat available in both staple and monthly seasonal flavors. They also offer mini hundred-layer donuts, and both types are available in grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free options. The bakery’s menu also includes yeast-raised donuts, cookies, and donut holes, all made fresh every day.
- 230 Franklin Rd Suite 11v, Franklin, TN 37064
Triple Crown Bakery
Triple Crown Bakery in Franklin, Tennessee offers a large selection of sweet treats. Known for gourmet pastries, cakes, and cookies, the bakery provides an inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy a cozy tea or coffee service alongside scratch-made breakfast pastries and individual desserts. They also offer full-sized cakes for any occasion and their charming location features indoor seating and a large outdoor covered porch.
- 118 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
Merridees Breadbasket
Merridee’s Breadbasket is a local favorite for homemade pastries, cakes, cookies, and breads. They offer a variety of baked goods, including breakfast pastries, muffins, brownies, bars, and pies, all made from scratch. Known for its inviting atmosphere, Merridee’s Breadbasket is the perfect spot for a sweet afternoon treat.
- 110 4th Ave S, Franklin, TN 37064
Franklin Bakehouse
Franklin Bakehouse, primarily known as a lunch spot, also offers a delectable range of sweets. Their menu includes a house-made honey vanilla yogurt parfait with berries and granola, cinnamon rolls, blueberry lemon scones, muffins, and cookies. Additionally, they have an assortment of pastries that vary daily, both sweet and savory.
- 100 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Whitney’s Cookies
Whitney’s Cookies in Franklin offers a variety of inviting cookie options. Their menu features classic flavors such as Chocolate Chip, Brownie, and Oatmeal Raisin, alongside unique creations like Salted Peanut Butter Cup and Celebration Sprinkles. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options.
- 100 4th Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064
Satisfy Your Sweet Summer Cravings in Franklin, Tennessee
From ice cream and milkshakes to chocolate and pastries, Franklin, Tennessee, offers so many sweet treats to enjoy this summer. Whether you’re cooling off with a frozen dessert or indulging in rich fudge and baked goods, these local spots have something you are sure to enjoy. Treat yourself and discover your new favorite indulgence!
