CoolSprings Galleria: Franklin, TN’s Premier Shopping Destination
CoolSprings Galleria has stood at the heart of Franklin, Tennessee, since 1991, serving as more than just a mall. With over 150 specialty stores, a diverse dining scene, and a reputation for hosting community events, the Galleria is both a shopping destination and a cultural landmark. Conveniently located off Interstate 65 in the Cool Springs area of Williamson County, the mall attracts visitors from Franklin, Brentwood, Nashville, and beyond.
Explore CoolSprings Galleria through its history, anchor tenants, specialty shopping, dining, and experiences, and learn why it has remained one of Middle Tennessee’s most popular destinations more than three decades after its grand opening.
From Farmland to Regional Landmark
The land that is now home to CoolSprings Galleria was once Cool Springs Farm, a Victorian-era estate first built around 1830 by Dr. James Carothers. For decades, the area was known as Mallory Valley, defined by open farmland and rural character.
In the 1980s, the property was sold to developers with the stipulation that the original farmhouse would be preserved. In 1993, the Cool Springs House was relocated to Crockett Park in Brentwood, where it continues to host weddings, meetings, and community gatherings. This effort reflected a balance of preservation and progress, allowing modern development to take root while maintaining a tangible link to the past.
When CoolSprings Galleria opened on August 7, 1991, it instantly made history in Williamson County. Between 70,000 and 80,000 visitors poured through the doors on opening day, eager to see the new shopping destination.
The Galleria immediately established itself as a retail powerhouse. More than just a local mall, it became a super-regional shopping center that drew visitors from across Middle Tennessee. Its success also fueled rapid commercial and residential development throughout the Cool Springs corridor.
The Changing Lineup of Anchor Tenants
Anchor tenants have always played a central role in shaping the identity of CoolSprings Galleria. Over the years, these large stores have shifted as national retailers merged, rebranded, or closed. Castner Knott was one of the original anchors. Its space later became Proffitt’s, then Hecht’s, and eventually Macy’s.
Dillard’s opened as one of the original anchors in 1991 and has remained at CoolSprings Galleria. JCPenney joined shortly after the mall’s debut and continues to serve as an anchor today.
Sears, another original tenant, closed in 2013 after decades of operation. Its closure mirrored changes happening across the country as Sears scaled back. Parisian, a regional department store, opened in 1994. It later transitioned to Belk, which remains one of the mall’s anchors today.
The mall also features smaller anchors, including H&M, American Girl, and Ulta Beauty. This mix of established department stores and trend-forward brands has helped the Galleria remain relevant to multiple generations of shoppers.
Shopping at CoolSprings Galleria
With more than 150 specialty stores, CoolSprings Galleria offers a variety that appeals to every type of shopper. The mix includes fashion retailers, tech brands, home décor, wellness, and family-friendly favorites.
Fashion and Accessories
Shoppers can browse everyday essentials and trend-forward pieces at stores like American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale, Ann Taylor, Aerie, Altar’d State, Hollister, and Buckle. Jewelry and accessories are well-represented through Pandora, Kay Jewelers, and Zales, while footwear options include Journeys, Rack Room, and Parker Shoes.
Technology, Books, and Lifestyle
The Apple Store is one of the most visited specialty retailers, attracting customers from across Middle Tennessee. Barnes & Noble continues to be a destination for book lovers, often pairing browsing with coffee at its café. Williams-Sonoma and Lovesac provide options for home furnishings and kitchen essentials, while Yankee Candle and Bath & Body Works offer gifts and seasonal items.
Beauty and Wellness
Cosmetics and skincare are available at Sephora and Ulta Beauty, and health-conscious visitors will find shops like GNC and The B-12 Store.
Family-Friendly Shops
CoolSprings Galleria caters to families with stores designed for kids. Build-A-Bear Workshop lets children create their own plush companions, while LEGO and American Girl offer interactive shopping experiences.
Dining at CoolSprings Galleria
Dining is an essential part of the Galleria experience. Options range from sit-down restaurants for groups and families to quick bites for shoppers on the go.
Full-Service Restaurants
The Cheesecake Factory is one of the mall’s most popular destinations, known for its expansive menu and desserts. California Pizza Kitchen provides a mix of creative pizzas, pasta, and salads, while Connors Steak & Seafood offers an elevated dining choice.
Quick-Service Favorites
Visitors can choose from a wide range of fast-casual and food court staples, including Chick-fil-A, Sbarro, Subway, Pyramid Café, Nori Japan, and Popeyes. These options are convenient for shoppers looking for a quick meal between stores.
Snacks and Treats
For lighter bites and sweet cravings, Auntie Anne’s serves freshly baked pretzels, Great American Cookies pairs cookies with brownies, Mr. Crepe offers handheld treats, and Starbucks is a reliable stop for coffee and beverages. Puffy Cotton Candy and other specialty stands add seasonal flair to the food court area.
Breakfast and Local Favorites
Unique to the Galleria is Stacked Express by Pancake Pantry, a quick-service version of the famous Nashville eatery. Known for its pancakes and Southern breakfast favorites, it brings a local flavor to the mall’s dining lineup and offers a convenient option for breakfast or brunch.
Experiences at CoolSprings Galleria
CoolSprings Galleria is more than a shopping destination. Over the years, it has become a place where families and friends gather for celebrations, events, and community traditions.
Seasonal programming is a major draw. During the holidays, the mall is filled with festive décor, extended hours, and photo opportunities. Visits with Santa remain a tradition for families, while performances from local schools and community groups add to the atmosphere. In spring and summer, activities such as Easter events and back-to-school promotions bring families in, and fall often features harvest décor and vendor markets that highlight local artisans.
Community connection is another hallmark. The Galleria regularly hosts craft fairs, vendor markets, and nonprofit events that give local businesses and organizations opportunities to meet shoppers. Entertainment also plays a role, with live music, themed nights, and family-friendly gatherings offered in common spaces throughout the year.
Wellness rounds out the experience. Blood drives, health-focused events, and family-oriented wellness activities highlight the mall’s lifestyle role alongside shopping and dining. Together, these programs help CoolSprings Galleria remain a vibrant part of Franklin’s cultural and social life.
Growth and What’s Ahead at CoolSprings Galleria
CoolSprings Galleria has never stood still. Beyond its longstanding anchors and specialty stores, the mall continues to evolve with new retailers that expand its appeal. In recent years, tenants such as Shady Rays, Garage, The Normal Brand, and 96 Kickz have joined the mix.
The growth isn’t slowing down. One of the most anticipated changes is the arrival of Primark, an international retailer known for affordable fashion, home goods, and beauty products. The CoolSprings location will be Primark’s first in Tennessee, adding a major draw for shoppers across the region.
By balancing long-established anchors with new and upcoming brands, CoolSprings Galleria demonstrates its ability to adapt to shifting retail trends while continuing to serve Franklin, Brentwood, and the greater Nashville area as a leading destination.
CoolSprings Galleria, Franklin, TN: A Shopping, Dining, and Community Destination
From its roots as farmland to its opening in 1991, CoolSprings Galleria has played a defining role in Franklin’s growth. What began with a few department store anchors has evolved into a center with more than 150 shops, diverse dining, and year-round community events.
The Galleria has supported jobs, drawn visitors from across Middle Tennessee, and helped transform Cool Springs into a center for business and residential life. By combining retail, dining, seasonal traditions, and wellness activities, it continues to adapt to changing times while remaining central to the community.
Just off Interstate 65, the mall is easily accessible to residents of Franklin, Brentwood, and Nashville. More than three decades after its debut, CoolSprings Galleria endures as both a destination and gathering place, reflecting Franklin’s balance of tradition, growth, and community connection.
More Shopping in Cool Springs and Franklin, TN
Franklin and Cool Springs are home to various retail and lifestyle destinations, each with its own character and offerings. Explore more of Franklin and Cool Springs through these related articles:
Canteen on Carothers Brings New Dining, Shopping, and Gathering Spaces to Cool Springs highlights a mixed-use development designed to blend shopping, dining, and community spaces. For those interested in style, Menswear in Franklin and Brentwood, TN: Where to Find Clothing, Shoes, Watches & Accessories offers a guide to men’s fashion across Williamson County, from classic clothing and footwear to modern accessories.
McEwen Northside: Franklin’s Walkable District for Restaurants, Shops, and Living showcases a growing district that combines dining, shopping, office space, and residences in a pedestrian-friendly setting. To discover a unique take on a modern general store, Fork of the South: Much More Than a General Store in Franklin, TN, explores a shop filled with gifts, local goods, and even specialty food and drink experiences.
Finally, Discover the Charms of The Factory at Franklin explores one of Franklin’s most iconic destinations for shopping, dining, and entertainment, all set in a beautifully repurposed historic building.
Together, these stories highlight how Franklin and Cool Springs continue to thrive as destinations where shopping, dining, and community intersect.
