What to do This Weekend in Williamson County, Tennessee
At a loss for what to do this weekend? At the tail end of a long work week, making social plans can seem overwhelming. With so much to do, and seemingly so little time, it can be tempting to sit at home and let the weekend pass us by without experiencing the relaxation or excitement we were aiming for. However, here in Williamson County, your weekends have the potential to enrich and rejuvenate your life, with just a little bit of planning! If you’re struggling to finalize your plans for this weekend, here’s a loose itinerary of fun places and fulfilling activities to get you started:
Friday Night
Although debatable, going out on a Friday night tends to be the way to go. Whether you opt for dinner, drinks, or dancing, dedicating Friday evening to being social is a good way to blow off steam or simply have something to look forward to throughout the week. No matter what stage of life we find ourselves in, gathering together with friends and family is uplifting. Having a go-to place to meet after work, or trying something new is a great way keep relationships strong and life a little more interesting.
If you’re looking to grab a drink with friends or your significant other, Franklin, Tennessee has a selection of elegant and intimate bars and speakeasies, such as JJ’s Wine Bar downtown, The Skylight in The Factory at Franklin, and Dottie’s Speakeasy at Southall Farm & Inn. Arrington Vineyards is also a gorgeous place to enjoy a glass of wine, especially in warmer weather. The vineyard hosts live music on weekends from April to November, and food truck Fridays from May to October. For a more casual environment, check out Mill Creek Brewing in Nolensville or Company Distilling in Thompson’s Station. If it’s mocktails you’re after, The Parlor at Bubble Joy has a selection of herbal and hemp based non-alcoholic drinks, alongside their incredible oxygen-bar experience. On Friday nights from 4:30-7:30, the parlor hosts an open mic for local musicians, poets, and other artists.
If you work up an appetite to try something new, there are a variety of dining options throughout the county and beyond, from date-night worthy fine dining and Southern comfort food to tried-and-true classics like tacos and margaritas or BBQ. Even if you or someone you love has dietary restrictions, you don’t have to miss out! Grab a bite at one of the allergen-friendly establishments around Franklin. For date-night ideas that are a bit off the beaten path, check out what to do instead of dinner.
If dinner and drinks doesn’t quite cut it for a night out on the town, consider partaking in the classic Southern pastime of line dancing at beloved establishments just outside of Williamson County.
Saturday Morning
Whether you’re an early riser or a fan of sleeping in, Saturday mornings are a great way to indulge in self-care. A free Saturday morning or afternoon provides a great opportunity to get active and spend time outdoors. Implementing small, yet consistent habits into our weekend routine is a great way to keep our minds and bodies healthy and well-rested.
Williamson County is an extremely active community, with resources for runners, bikers, and more. Even if cardio isn’t quite your speed, there are several places in Franklin and Brentwood to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge with low-impact workouts and wellness sessions. Our community is also lucky enough to have access to new, state-of-the-art fitness experiences, such as Body20 in Franklin, a revolutionary training program that uses EMS technology to enhance your workouts like never before. It’s no surprise that staying active is easier in warmer weather; however, you don’t have to give up your routine when the weather cools. In Franklin, there are several opportunities to stay fit and active, come sunshine or snow.
Spending time outdoors is important for mental and physical well-being. Here in Middle Tennessee, we are lucky enough to be surrounding by beautiful wildlife, temperate weather, and green spaces. Thanks to the sustainability efforts of organizations throughout Williamson County, our natural landscape is well-preserved, abundant, and accessible. This weekend, spending time outside can serve you well, weather permitting. Throughout the county, there are nature preserves and outdoor activities perfect for the whole family. If you have a green thumb, or want to develop one, tending to a garden is a great way to spend some time in fresh air on peaceful Saturday mornings. If you’re more keen to leave planting and harvesting to the experts, you can also experience one of the many agritourism adventures offered at local farms.
Just outside of Williamson County, you can enjoy additional outdoor attractions. With just a quick road trip, you can visit some majestic Tennessee waterfalls or immerse yourself in seasonal agriculture experiences at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville.
Saturday Night
By the time Saturday night rolls around, you may experience dueling temptations: sit at home and unwind or venture all the way to Downtown Nashville for bustling nightlife. Here in Williamson County, you can find a happy medium between the two! While staying in and watching a movie or listening to your favorite album might be perfect—especially if you went out on Friday—there are several wonderful, and relaxing, ways to enjoy a chill night out while simultaneously supporting the local arts.
Seeing a show is a great way to spend a Saturday night. Whether you’re partial to movies, live music, or theater, there are venues around the county that are bound, on any given Saturday night, to have exactly what you’re looking for. The Franklin Theater in downtown Franklin is a gorgeous, historic venue that hosts live music, productions, and special events, alongside regular showings of cinema classics. If you’re an avid fan of the stage, you can also catch live productions in The Factory at Franklin, through Studio Tenn, the resident theater company that hosts performances in The Factory’s Turner Theater. Also a part of The Factory at Franklin, The Mockingbird Theater hosts live music, performances, and special events in a unique, intimate space.
There’s certainly no lack of opportunity to catch live music in Williamson County. If you’re looking to be serenaded by extraordinary local talent, you could spend your Saturday evening listening to performers in iconic Tennessee venues like Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork and The Legendary Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor in Franklin. Likewise, you can catch regular, smaller-scale live performances throughout the county at festivals, restaurants, hotels, and more.
In our busy world, it’s not often we get to set aside designated time to appreciate or practice art. Saturday nights, however, could be the perfect time to dive in! If you’re an artist yourself, whether you’re a musician, visual artist, writer, or performer, there are several opportunities to hone your craft in Williamson County.
Sunday
Sundays seem to slip away so easily. Whether you prefer to stay home or venture out on Sunday mornings, the first day of the week is often dedicated to rest, quality time, and preparation for the week ahead. Taking time to recharge when able, especially on the tail end of the weekend, can set the tone for the rest of the week.
If you’re looking to find a home church, you’re in the right place; there are over 100 to choose from in Williamson County! In downtown Franklin alone, there are several Sunday worship services that meet in the historic churches surrounding the charming square. For a pleasant pick-me-up before or after services, there are also a variety of coffee shops in downtown Franklin ready to serve up your favorite drinks. Sunday is also a great day to gather together for a meal, and there is an incredible selection of brunch spots across Franklin and Brentwood, perfect for any palette or occasion. If you’re spending a slow Sunday about town, Williamson County is an incredible one-stop-shop, with boutiques, antique shops, and record stores perfect for an afternoon of perusing.
Sundays are also a wonderful time to serve our neighbors. Here in Williamson County, there are an abundance of amazing organizations that uplift our community, such as Davis House Child Advocacy Center, which provides refuge for children who have experienced abuse. Other local nonprofits such as Healing Housing, Bridges Domestic Violence Center, and Oak Cottage for Women provide incredible services for women in vulnerable positions. If you want to participate in the good work done by these causes and the countless others across the county, there are several ways to donate and volunteer, giving your time and effort to create a better tomorrow in Williamson County.
Whenever we are able, Sundays can be a helpful time to pause and care for ourselves and the people around us, practicing gratitude and championing wellness in every season of our lives.
Have a Great Weekend, Williamson County!
Despite the best laid plans, every weekend is not created equal. Work schedules, family commitments, and general responsibilities can eat away free time. However, obligations don’t have to hinder fun in Williamson County! If you do get the chance to indulge in some free time this weekend, we hope you’ve found these recommendations helpful. If you’re still not quite sure how meet people and get involved, there are incredible ways to find community across the county. Being intentional with our time, both on weekdays and weekends, can make a huge difference. No matter what day of the week it is, we hope you find time for joy!
