Best Day Trips from Franklin, TN: 7 Nearby Towns to Visit
When you’re looking for day trips from Franklin, TN, there are plenty of easy getaways within a short drive. From small towns near Franklin with historic downtowns and local shops to destinations known for great food, wineries, antiques, and live music, Middle Tennessee is full of places that are perfect for a quick escape. This guide highlights seven towns near Franklin, Tennessee, all ideal for a weekend afternoon, a casual date day, or visiting with friends and family who want to explore beyond downtown Franklin.
1. Leiper’s Fork (15 minutes from Franklin)
Just a short drive from Franklin, Leiper’s Fork feels like stepping into a storybook. This small village has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its mix of rustic charm and creative spirit. Rolling hills, historic cottages, and a welcoming community make it an easy place to linger.
Spend the day browsing David Arms Gallery, The Copper Fox Gallery, or Leiper’s Creek Gallery, each showcasing works by local and regional artists in beautifully restored buildings. Pop into Props Antiques to find handcrafted goods, home décor, and gifts you won’t see anywhere else.
When it’s time to eat, Fox & Locke serves up hearty Southern classics with a side of live music that captures the town’s laid-back, creative energy. For a lighter stop, order a latte or breakfast sandwich from Leiper’s Fork Market and enjoy the slower pace that defines this little corner of Williamson County.
For a fun stop, Bubble Joy serves candy, fudge, and customizable drinks with popping boba. Right next door, The Parlor at Bubble Joy is a 21+ mocktail, tea, and elixir bar featuring standard, adaptogen, and hemp-based drinks.
Wine lovers can unwind at the Crown Winery Tasting Room, located right in the heart of the village. The cozy spot features creekside tables, live music, and pours of Tennessee-made wines from the vineyard’s main estate in Humboldt. Or warm up with a whiskey tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, where small-batch Tennessee spirits are made and aged on-site.
2. Columbia (45 minutes from Franklin)
Columbia blends historic architecture, boutique shopping, and a strong dining scene. Columbia’s downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features well-preserved Federal, Victorian, and Mid-19th Century Revival buildings. Known as the “Mule Capital of the World,” the town celebrates its agricultural heritage each spring with the Mule Day Festival, which features a parade, live music, food, and family-friendly events.
Start with coffee at Muletown Coffee Roasters on the square near the Maury County Courthouse, then spend time exploring the downtown blocks filled with bookstores, tap rooms, and boutiques. Pop into favorites like Ye Peddler Gift Shoppe, Aubree P. Boutique, and Smith & York Co. for gifts and curated finds. For a deeper dive into local history, the President James K. Polk Home & Museum offers tours of the only surviving private residence of the 11th U.S. president outside the White House. If the day calls for fresh air, take a stroll at Riverwalk Park, a walkable spot near downtown along the Duck River with paved paths and scenic views.
For food, try classic comfort dishes at Puckett’s Columbia, hand-cut steaks at Southern Tre’ Steakhouse, or a gourmet burger at Eighth & Main Burger Co. Wrap up with drinks at Taps Off Main, American Barrel, or McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery.
3. Lewisburg (45 minutes from Franklin)
Lewisburg offers a classic small-town square paired with a growing mix of shops and dining options. If the plans start early, Ruby’s Cafe and The Breakfast Shop are great stops for a simple breakfast or morning coffee. Rose Café is another option for coffee, breakfast, or a light lunch while exploring.
Around the courthouse square and the surrounding downtown blocks, there are shops offering antiques, gifts, and home décor. J & J Antiques is a popular stop, and boutiques like Wild Roots add a mix of home accents, plants, and locally made gifts. For apparel and accessories, Studio 20 South combines a hair salon with a boutique offering women’s clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
For lunch, LawLers Barbecue is a favorite for barbecue plates and classic sides, while Mopey’s Family Restaurant and 31-A Diner are good picks for homestyle diner fare.
For some outdoor time, Rock Creek Park provides a quiet place to stretch your legs or enjoy a short walk before continuing the day. Just outside town, Pickers Creek Winery adds a scenic element to the trip, with tastings and countryside views that pair well with an afternoon drive.
4. Bell Buckle (1 hour from Franklin)
Bell Buckle may be small, but it’s packed with Tennessee character. Famous for antiques, handmade crafts, and homemade desserts, this town is tailor-made for an old-fashioned day trip.
Start with lunch at the Bell Buckle Café, where country cooking and live music set the tone for a cozy afternoon. The café’s desserts, especially the pies, are worth the drive alone. Afterward, stop by the Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap for a warm drink and a good read, or grab a refreshing smoothie at Bell Buckle Nutrition & Energy before continuing your stroll through town.
Antique lovers will find plenty to explore in Bell Buckle, where nearly every storefront offers a glimpse into the past. The Livery Stable Antique Mall anchors downtown with its wide variety of vintage furniture, collectibles, and curiosities. Just around the corner, Blue Bird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor and Phillips General Store Antiques showcase everything from rustic décor and glassware to local memorabilia. For those who like to browse for hidden treasures, JR’s Antiques and Hilltop Antiques round out the experience, offering rooms full of one-of-a-kind finds.
5. Shelbyville (1 hour from Franklin)
Shelbyville offers a well-rounded day trip built around history, arts, and dining, with a downtown that’s easy to explore. One of the town’s standout attractions is Nearest Green Distillery, a top-rated destination for tours and tastings that highlight Tennessee’s craft spirits and tell an important piece of the state’s whiskey history. Nearby, The Fly Arts Center adds a creative element to downtown, featuring rotating art exhibits, performances, and community events.
For shopping, spend time around the square and nearby downtown blocks. Toodlebug’s offers women’s clothing and gifts, Yesterday’s Treasures is a go-to for vintage finds, and The Pomegranate Shoppe is a solid stop for unique gifts.
Shelbyville is also known for hosting large-scale events at Cooper Steel Arena (formerly Calsonic Arena), most notably the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, along with concerts and seasonal programming throughout the year.
When it comes to dining, Shelbyville leans into classic comfort food. Pope’s Cafe is a go-to for breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, and pie, while Glass Hollow Table & Tavern anchors Southside Square with a popular lunch and dinner menu. Other well-loved spots include Emmy’s Restaurant for Southern favorites, Happy Times for classic American fare, and Ruth’s Kitchen, known for its home-style cooking and diner-style comfort food.
6. Pulaski (1 hour from Franklin)
Pulaski is an easy day trip for anyone who likes a walkable downtown with a mix of local shops, food, and a few meaningful stops nearby.
For lunch, The Yellow Deli at the Heritage House is highly rated for hot steamed sandwiches, soups, salads, and homemade desserts. If you’re in the mood for a hearty dinner, The Rusty Spur Steakhouse is a longtime favorite for steaks and classic comfort food. For a casual meal with a lively vibe, Kitchen 218 serves burgers, salads, and flatbreads alongside craft beer and frequent live music.
Downtown shopping is part of the fun, with boutiques like The Clothes Pen for children’s and women’s apparel and gifts, plus The Outlook for clothing and accessories. Add in The Tattered Tee for casual style, and Lew Lew’s for gifts and fun finds, and it’s easy to fill an afternoon just browsing.
To round out the day, plan a tour and tasting at Big Creek Winery, which offers a relaxed countryside stop not far from town.
History buffs can visit the Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center, a site tied to historic routes through the area. For arts and live performances, check what’s on at STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall, a landmark venue downtown.
7. Lynchburg (1.5 hours from Franklin)
For those up for a slightly longer drive, Lynchburg delivers a full-day experience rich in Tennessee history and flavor. Best known as the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, this small town draws visitors year-round to tour the world-famous whiskey operation. Guided tours walk guests through the whiskey-making process, from the limestone spring and charcoal mellowing to the aging barrels, and finish with tastings inside the barrelhouse.
After the distillery tour, stop in at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant for a classic Southern lunch served family-style in a setting that’s been welcoming guests since the early 1900s. Around the courthouse square, shops such as The Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Hardware & General Store (the official Jack Daniel’s gift shop), Jackie’s Gift Gallery for Jack collectibles and souvenirs, and Honey Bunny Mercantile for handmade gifts, vintage finds, and custom embroidery and monogramming. For a nostalgic stop, MoonPie General Store Lynchburg stocks MoonPies, retro candy, and old-fashioned sodas.
For additional food and drink options, Barrel House BBQ is a longtime favorite for pulled pork and ribs, while BBQ Caboose Café provides a casual, no-frills stop close to the distillery grounds. Visitors can also check out Company Distilling, which has expanded its footprint in Middle Tennessee, adding another option for craft spirits in the area.
Before heading out, history-minded visitors can pay respects at Jack Daniel’s grave at the Lynchburg Cemetery, a quiet stop that adds a meaningful finishing touch to the day.
Tennessee Adventures Close to Home
A day trip from Franklin doesn’t have to be complicated to feel like a real getaway. The towns on this list offer a little of everything: gallery browsing in Leiper’s Fork, a historic downtown stroll in Columbia, antique hunting in Bell Buckle, and distillery stops in Lynchburg. Lewisburg, Shelbyville, and Pulaski round out the area with courthouse squares, local diners, shops, and a few notable cultural sites along the way.
Whether the plan is a good meal, a few hours of shopping, live music, a tasting room visit, or simply a scenic drive through Middle Tennessee, these destinations make it easy to explore somewhere new and still be home by nightfall.
