Stay Awhile: Your Guide to a Spring Break Staycation in Williamson County
It’s not often we get the chance to be tourists in our own town. However, if you’ve opted to stay home for spring break this year—whether out of a need for proper rest or thwarted travel plans—now is the perfect opportunity to see home in a new light, exploring and enjoying the parts of our county you might not even know exist. Oftentimes, familiarity leads to indifference, making it easy to miss out on the special corners of the places we live, even places that people come from far and wide to visit. Below is a comprehensive guide to making the most of your spring break in Middle Tennessee. You don’t even have to leave county lines.
Where to Stay Overnight
While you can certainly experience a heavenly staycation spending nights in the comfort of your own home, it can be fun to book a few nights away. Even if it’s just down the road, a change of scenery can be fun and relaxing, especially if the place you’re staying has incredible amenities. If you are going to stay overnight in or near your own city, there are some specific spots that uniquely showcase the local charm of Williamson County, Tennessee.
The Aberdeen Boutique Inn in Brentwood is a classic Southern mansion with beautiful suites. At the inn you can lean into the very essence of Southern charm. The building is perched on a hilltop in an idyllic, 5-acre, rural setting. Their suites are all uniquely decorated and include high quality linens, complimentary coffee and tea, and in-room essentials. The Aberdeen is in an ideal Brentwood location, in close proximity to both Franklin and Nashville, should your staycation include exploration of either city. This flexibility, plus the casual elegance of this stay, makes it easy to tailor your staycation to fit your needs—whether you’re looking for leisurely hiking, shopping, or to experience the vibrant nightlife of Music City. The Aberdeen Boutique Inn also does private events including weddings, corporate meetings, cocktail parties, and private dining experiences. If interested, you can inquire about event booking on their website.
Dark Horse Recording Studio is the perfect overnight stay in Franklin for music lovers. Here in Williamson County, we are so close to the center of the music industry that the novelty of this can sometimes be lost on us. You can reignite your appreciation for this incredible facet of our community with a one-of-a-kind stay at this world-renowned recording studio. Dark Horse’s facilities and state-of-the-art equipment have been utilized by major record labels, hosting some of the biggest names in music for over 30 years. If you choose to stay on the grounds for your staycation, there are a few options: the estate’s extraordinary 7-bedroom manor house, whimsical gatehouse, or the smaller bunkhouse, which is a perfect stay for 2 people. You can book these stays through Dark Horse’s website, via Airbnb links. Alongside being on the grounds of such a significant musical location, the estate’s woodland setting is serene and the accommodations are outrageously nice.
GratiDude Ranch is a rustic, countryside sanctuary in Franklin, just 8-miles from the Historic Leiper’s Fork Village. The company now has 2 locations, here in Middle Tennessee and in Nevada City, California. GratiDude Ranch is a Williamson County front-runner in agritourism, offering peaceful overnight stays, a mini-farm, and private farm-to-table style dining experiences. Accommodation options at the Tennessee location include the Homestead Experience and the Lyric Retreat. Each of these packages gives guests an assortment of lodging options, from a tiny house to a large enough booking to house up to 23 guests. Beyond private stays and events, the ranch is known for hosting fun, often family-friendly events. A portion of the proceeds for all of their events help support S.A.F.E, a Franklin-based nonprofit that helps support foster children and foster families.
The Harpeth Hotel offers elegant accommodations with an emphasis on the Southern hospitality Franklin is known for. Located right in the heart of downtown Franklin, the boutique hotel is one of Tennessee’s finest. If you’re looking for an extra special night in, consider booking one of their elegant rooms. You could spend the evening wrapped in a hotel robe, or exploring Downtown Franklin at your leisure. If you can’t bear to leave your pet at home, The Harpeth is pet-friendly for a small fee, which includes welcome treats, a toy, and a Harpeth Hotel bandana, so even your dog can also arrive in style. If you want to stick around the hotel, there’s incredible dining and entertainment options on-site, open to both hotel guests and passersby. The hotel is committed to both modern elegance and paying homage to the rich Tennessee history that surrounds it. Tennessee whiskey is a big part of this, and The Harpeth offers daily whiskey tastings at 4:45 in their beautiful library, along with a curated whiskey list at the restaurant and bar.
Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast has 4 rooms available for booking for those looking for a classic bed & breakfast experience. The craftsman style house was built in 1905, and the land where it sits was once the site of the historic Battle of Franklin. This Franklin stay is the perfect location for anyone who wants to get to know the history of the city better, as it’s in close proximity to 3 prominent historical locations: Carnton Plantation, The Carter House, and Lotz House. If you choose to stay at Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast, you have the chance to immerse yourself in the storied past of Franklin, taking walking tours through the city thanks to the efforts of the Battle of Franklin Trust, a nonprofit entity dedicated to the preservation of local Civil War history. On top of accessibility to these sites, the classic bed & breakfast experience is also a great way to commune with other guests in a way that has become increasingly rare in modern hospitality spaces.
Southall Farm & Inn is a stay unlike any other. The sanctuary in Franklin is made up of over 325 acres of beautiful farmland. Southall is dedicated to the land on which it sits, implementing sustainable practices into all the daily functions of the luxury retreat. If you’re looking to stay overnight, there are two options: luxurious rooms at The Inn at Southall or the more secluded Southall Cottages located on the farm’s gorgeous hardwood ridge. If you’re looking for a stay with extra special amenities, Southall is unparalleled. Authentic farm experiences, gourmet dining, special events, and wellness-centric programs are available to both resort guests and locals. For staycation purposes, an excursion to the farm for one of their featured activities would be a great way to try something new, participating in the retreat’s commitment to maintaining the beauty and wellness of our community.
What to Do
Are you hoping to dive deep into relaxation mode or are you looking for an adventure? You can have the best of both worlds right here in Williamson County. Bogged down by the day-to-day, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that make our Middle Tennessee home unique. A spring break staycation is the perfect opportunity to see past the mundane and into the specific beauty of our communities, fully appreciating the features that make our home such a beloved destination or both excitement and leisure.
Get Lost in the Great Outdoors
The Volunteer State is one of the most scenic in the South, from rolling farmland to the Smokey Mountains. Alongside the views, we’re lucky enough to live in a temperate climate that experiences all 4 seasons, with plenty of natural spaces to witness the incredible, ever-changing beauty that surrounds our homes. Williamson County is no exception to this rule, with an abundance of hiking trails, public parks, and nature sanctuaries that preserve the natural integrity of our landscape. Thanks to continued county-wide efforts towards environmental sustainability, there are plenty of places to get some fresh air. Especially if you like to unwind by getting active, there are several places and resources for bikers and runners across Franklin and Williamson County.
Support Local Farmers
One of the most appealing aspects of our county is its rural landscape and, subsequently, the health and prosperity instigated by the local farming industry. It is a blessing to have access to fresh food and agricultural education. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the perks of life in the country through agritourism adventures: tours, local events, horseback riding, and more. Places like Arrington Vineyards and Southall Farm have turned Williamson County’s agriculture into a lucrative attraction, and for good reason. Being able to enjoy the scenery while drinking local wine or enjoying a home grown meal is a special experience that you certainly cannot get everywhere. To show continued support for local, family-owned farms, there are many opportunities to buy local produce and more at farmers markets and shops.
Get Swept up in the Local Music Scene
We’re fortunate enough to live in a place so full of musical talent and history that the whole world has taken notice. Given that we’re next door neighbors to Music City, it comes as no surprise that Williamson County is a place you can catch some incredible live music and local talent. Some well-frequented musical attractions here include the iconic Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork and The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor in Franklin. These venues are not just for tourists, as they put a huge emphasis on local talent through open mics, songwriters’ nights, and regular live shows throughout the week. If you’re a musician yourself, there are several opportunities to learn and perform throughout the county. If you’re looking for a larger show, Firsbank Amphitheater in Franklin’s Graystone Quarry is an incredible venue. These regular opportunities to see live shows, coupled with the popular music festivals hosted in and around the area each year, mean that you never have to travel far to catch incredible performances, spring break or otherwise.
Immerse Yourself in Southern History and Charm
When people think of the South, it often conjures images of front porches, friendly neighbors, sweet tea, and a deep-rooted history. Although Franklin is often considered the beating heart of Hallmark-esque Southern hospitality, Tennessee charm is ever-present in all of Williamson County’s communities. If you get the chance to take a staycation here, consider exploring parts of the county you’ve never experienced before. From corner to corner, you can find great small town shops, unique experiences, Civil War sites, historic churches, and much more. And, should you work up an appetite, across our cities and towns you can find quintessential staples from Nashville hot chicken and slow-cooked barbeque to elegant tea parties, perfect for setting the scene for a Southern adventure.
Spend a Fun-filled Day with the Kids
Finding new things to do with your kids and teens can be difficult, especially during school breaks. However, Williamson County is an extremely family-friendly place to be, with an abundance of activities that can be enjoyed by all, kids and teens included. If you’re trying to keep the whole family entertained at once, consider spending the day at The Factory at Franklin, where you can shop, dine, and grab a sweet treat all in one place. Williamson County Parks and Recreation is also a great, one-stop-shop for local families, with access to athletic facilities, community activities, and recreational classes for kids, teens, and adults. For an activity off the beaten path, Bubble Joy Candy Shoppe and Bubble Bar in Leiper’s Fork is sure to be a hit. Alongside their magical kid-friendly space, they also have a tea room & mocktail parlor for adults, a jewelry bar, and an oxygen bar where you can book 10-20 minute wellness sessions. For teenage-approved excursions, check out our list of 21 fun activities for teens in Franklin and Williamson County.
Destinations a Stone’s Throw Away
One of the many perks of Williamson County is its centrality, as we’re surrounded by some of the most popular destinations in the U.S. With this in mind, if you’re up for a brief road trip, there are fantastic places to explore just over the border.
- Tennessee is known for its wildlife, and we are lucky enough to have some of the nation’s most scenic waterfall hikes within 3 hours of historic downtown Franklin.
- If you want to experience Nashville without venturing all the way into the chaos downtown, The Gulch is a great, family-friendly alternative for awesome dining and retail.
- Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, Tennessee is a great place to spend a family day with over 50 different species of animals and acres of barnyard fun.
- For an extra special resort experience, the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is an iconic destination in Nashville. You can stay overnight or visit their incredible atriums to dine and shop.
A Fresh Outlook
In 2025, Our fast-paced culture has a tendency to leave us dissatisfied with the present time and place in which we find ourselves. Even when we get a break, there is enormous pressure to get away—to see the whole world. And, while traveling is certainly an enriching and necessary experience, we also know that there are times it just isn’t in the cards. Having to stay home during an extended break can be a blessing, should we choose to see it that way. It is not often we have the time or energy to look past our daily routine, experiencing our home as if for the first time. This spring break, we hope you get the chance to take a breath and slow down, bearing witness to the wonderful place we get to call home!
