The Perfect Ladies’ Day Out in Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee, with its blend of history, culture, and southern charm, is an excellent destination for a ladies’ day out. This inviting town offers everything from dining at local eateries serving gourmet dishes or classic comfort food to shopping at unique boutiques where the latest fashions meet handmade crafts. Franklin is also rich in historical sites, providing unique opportunities to explore landmarks and museums. And let’s not overlook the vibrant music scene! With live performances spanning various genres, Franklin provides an energetic soundtrack to a day filled with dining, shopping, touring, and music, making it an obvious choice for a memorable outing with the girls.
Park and Explore with Ease
No need to worry about finding a spot in downtown Franklin. You’ve got plenty of choices, including street parking along Main and the surrounding side streets. Downtown Franklin also offers two free parking facilities. The Fourth Avenue South garage at 115 4th Ave S., between Main and Church, offers electric car charging stations and unlimited free parking. The Second Avenue South garage at 108 2nd Ave S., located just off Main Street, also provides electric car charging options and unlimited free parking. Plus, checking the availability of these garages online is a breeze, making your visit to downtown Franklin even smoother.
Fuel Up for the Day’s Adventures
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at one of downtown Franklin’s many cafes. Frothy Monkey, a local favorite known for its unique coffee blends and inviting atmosphere, offers a covered outdoor patio perfect for enjoying a delicious breakfast while people-watching. For a cozy spot with a homey feel, Franklin Mercantile delivers a hearty southern breakfast. Try their southern parmesan cheese grits with eggs, salsa, and a side of bacon or sausage to fuel your day of exploring.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Triple Crown Bakery has you covered with fresh jumbo cherry almond muffins and homemade puff tarts. Complement your sweet treat with their tea, hot chocolate, or French press coffee service. Alternatively, Biscuit Love, a locally-owned family business, specializes in dishes centered around biscuits, offering options such as chicken and biscuit waffles, shrimp and grits, and veggie bowls.
Ruby Sunshine features classic breakfast and brunch items with a unique twist, including starters like french toast bites and fried green tomatoes. They also serve morning cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys, alongside coffee and other beverages.
Shopping and Discovering Downtown Franklin Treasures
After breakfast, it’s time to explore the streets of downtown Franklin. Prepare to be charmed by the shops lining the sidewalks, each offering a unique collection of items ranging from modern home decor and fashion to antique jewelry and rare books. The following are a few of our favorites, but check out our Ultimate Guide to Shopping and Services in Downtown Franklin, TN for a comprehensive listing of all downtown Franklin offers.
Start your shopping spree at White’s Mercantile, a general store for the modern tastemaker. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of home decor and gift items— from art to dog treats and everything in between.
For the fashionistas in your group, downtown Franklin is a treat. With so many boutiques and shops to explore, you can spend an entire afternoon browsing. Emmaline Boutique offers a mix of trendy styles and unique finds for women, including jewelry and accessories from national brands and local artisans. Across the street is JONDIE, a locally-owned boutique offering a curated selection of the latest in affordably-priced women’s fashion. EVEREVE offers contemporary clothing and accessories for every occasion from more than 150 different brands.
Looking for a truly unique piece of jewelry for your collection? Step into the past at Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry, housed in a historic building on Main. Family-owned and operated for 50 years, this beloved shop features a selection of high-quality antique, estate, and contemporary pieces.
Don’t miss Landmark Booksellers, where you’ll find more than 35,000 new, old, and hard-to-find rare books. Located in a landmark building, it’s a treasure trove of literary gems spanning multiple genres and periods. Whether you’re a collector, a casual reader, or someone with an interest in history and the arts, this place promises an enriching exploration.
Home design enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Onyx + Alabaster, a unique interior design market featuring a delightful cafe where you can linger over a cup of coffee and shop for inspired home decor all in one place. The Iron Gate, another home design showroom and retail shop, is a great place to find unique home decor, antiques, fine linens, premium candles, and more.
Treasure hunters will love searching for hidden gems at the Franklin Antique Mall, where you just might find that one-of-a-kind piece to add to your collection.
Savor the Flavors at Lunch
As lunchtime rolls around, it’s time to take advantage of Franklin’s wide range of dining choices. From traditional southern meals to international flavors, it’s a place where you can easily find something to match your craving.
55 South is a great choice for those craving comfort food with a twist. Here, you can savor delicious dishes like fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or a steaming bowl of chicken and sausage jambalaya. At Puckett’s Restaurant, you’ll find an authentic southern dining experience in a lively atmosphere. Indulge in fried catfish, creamy mac and cheese, or a classic meat-and-three meal. Don’t miss the cobbler of the day for dessert.
Lunch at Merridee’s Breadbasket is their “finest hour,” featuring a selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Try the classic chicken or tuna salad on homemade bread with a side of soup.
For a quick, healthy lunch, try Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe. Their menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary recipes, including gyros, salads, and grilled meats, emphasizing flavors from the Mediterranean region.
Mellow Mushroom serves a variety of pizzas, salads, calzones, and burgers, with options for both gluten-free and vegan diets. With an expansive patio and a full bar, it’s a comfortable place to unwind and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Don’t Miss The Factory at Franklin
No day in Franklin would be complete without a visit to The Factory at Franklin, just a quick 20-minute walk from downtown. This former factory has been transformed into a lively retail and entertainment hub, boasting a variety of shops, restaurants, theaters, and more.
At The Factory, you can explore handcrafted creations at Fork of the South and pick up some vintage vinyl at Luna Record Shop. Or shop for second-hand treasure at The Find, a vintage boutique offering clothing and accessories for the whole family. At Third Coast Clay, you can unleash your inner artist and create a masterpiece at this paint-your-own pottery studio. Before you leave, be sure to indulge your sweet tooth at Jeni’s Ice Cream, where you’ll find flavors that don’t exist anywhere else!
Discover the charms of The Factory at Franklin! Click here for an all-encompassing guide to every unique shop, eatery, and experience waiting for you.
Exploring the History of Franklin
Franklin offers much more than just delicious food and charming shops. Immerse yourselves in the rich history and culture of the town by embarking on a variety of curated tours designed to guide you through Franklin’s past.
Experience the essence of Franklin’s heritage with Franklin Walking Tours. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walking tours offer a deep dive into the city’s rich history, highlighting iconic landmarks and uncovering the captivating stories of the individuals who have left their mark on Franklin.
Carnton, Lotz House, and Carter House collectively offer a comprehensive glimpse into the Civil War era, providing visitors with tours that explore the Battle of Franklin. Carnton delves into the war’s pivotal battles and their consequences, while Lotz House features specialized tours on women’s history, battlefield experiences, and paranormal occurrences. Carter House, built in 1830 and now a key historical site, offers insights into daily life, military strategies, and the broader implications of the war.
See it all with The Franklin Hop-On, Hop-Off tour, a flexible sightseeing experience featuring over 50 points of interest. The tour allows you to explore the historic town at your own pace with the convenience of hopping on and off the vintage trolley at four main stops, including downtown Franklin, The Factory at Franklin, Carnton, and Carter and Lotz Houses.
Luxury Spa and Salon Experiences
No ladies’ day out would be complete without a touch of personal pampering. In Franklin, you’ll find destinations perfect for indulgence, offering everything from tranquil spa retreats to revitalizing massages and complete beauty makeovers.
The Spa at Southall Farm & Inn offers a nourishing and calming experience with a blend of modern techniques and ancient therapies. This spa features a sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, mineral pool, and medicinal herb garden. Or rest and recharge at The Spa at Leiper’s Fork, where they offer custom treatment options including facials, chemical peels, massages, waxing, manicures, pedicures, and more.
Skoah specializes in skincare treatments that cater to individual needs and promote relaxation and self-love. They also sell their own line of skincare products.
The NOW Massage is a wellness spa offering a variety of therapeutic massage services. Relax in the zen environment with massage enhancements that include cupping, gua sha, and scalp renewal.
If you are craving a beauty makeover, make an appointment with a stylist at Parker House on Main, an upscale hair salon offering cuts, color, event, and bridal makeup. For hair styling and medical spa services all in one place, visit Dion’s South Salon where you can choose from pampering options including manicures, pedicures, botox, fillers, and various facial and body treatments.
The Best of Franklin Dining
As evening approaches, Franklin’s vibrant dining scene comes alive. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a lavish dinner, Franklin has it all.
For upscale dining, try Red Pony Restaurant, where traditional flavors blend with innovative dishes in a beautiful setting. Known for its sophisticated southern charm, Red Pony has earned multiple accolades, including awards for Best Restaurant in Williamson County. Another upscale option is Cork & Cow, a high-end steakhouse with an adventurous menu. Here you will find a rotating selection of seasonal dishes and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting.
For something a little more rustic-chic, try Gray’s on Main. This eatery and live music venue is housed in a renovated pharmacy from the 1870’s. Gray’s offers craft cocktails, an inventive menu, and live music in a historically charming venue. It’s the perfect place for those who enjoy a side of history with their meal.
Culamar (Formely Bestia Mare) serves up a genuine coastal Italian dining experience, featuring a menu with high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, handcrafted pasta, and a vast wine selection. Head to the rooftop for raw bar selections, small bites, and desserts.
For Italian cuisine with a touch of southern flair, try Zolos Italian. From classic dishes to unique creations, the menu caters to various tastes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Conclude Your Day in Style
After a day filled with food, shopping, and exploring Franklin’s storied streets, a nightcap serves as the perfect finale for your adventures. Whether you prefer a cozy, quiet spot or a lively venue with music, Franklin offers a range of options to suit your mood.
If a sophisticated experience is what you are after, have a seat at the bar at 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails. Located in the Harpeth Hotel, this establishment features handcrafted cocktails, fortified wines, and local craft beers. Or sip on something from their extensive whisky menu.
Franklin’s very own speakeasy, Amendment XVIII Cocktail Club, features an atmosphere reminiscent of the prohibition era, complete with a members-only bottle club. But you don’t have to be a member to enjoy their curated spirits, wines, and beers— you just have to know where it is. Head to the service entrance in the alley behind Mellow Mushroom and look for the “Frankenstein” switch box. Pull the lever to announce your arrival and you’ll gain entrance and be guided to a table.
If it’s a wine night, JJ’s Wine Bar is the place to be. Celebrated as Franklin’s first wine bar, JJ’s combines a lively atmosphere with a diverse wine selection. Housed in a historic former home, it offers a unique self-service wine machine with 28 rotating options and an extensive menu for those who prefer a classic pour.
Seeking a laid-back vibe and live tunes to accompany your drinks? Make your way to McCreary’s for a genuine Irish pub experience. Home to local performers, it’s the ideal setting to unwind, savor a pint, and cap off your day with good music and great company.
Franklin, Tennessee Memories to Last a Lifetime
Franklin promises an unforgettable ladies’ day out, filled with delicious food, charming shops, cultural exploration, and much more. From strolling through the lively streets lined with unique boutiques and artisanal cafes to exploring local historical sites that tell the stories of the past, there’s something for everyone in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.
