Only have one day to explore Franklin? No problem. You can still experience the best of this historic  Hallmark town (yes, Hallmark has actually filmed movies here!).

Here’s a simple, step-by-step itinerary that balances food, history, shopping, and more.

9:00 AM – Breakfast at Merridee’s Breadbasket or Biscuit Love

Start your morning at Merridee’s, a Franklin favorite. This bakery and cafe is cozy and almost feels like a cabin. If you visit, don’t miss the hashbrown casserole!

Or, try Biscuit Love, a Nashville-born favorite now in Franklin. Housed in a historic home, it’s delicious and a great spot for photos.

10:00 AM – Historic Tour (Choose One)

Franklin played a major role in the Civil War, and visiting one of the historic sites is a good way to understand the town’s past:

• The Carter House (downtown) – Tour the home and grounds where some of the Battle of Franklin took place. The site also highlights the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked on these properties, offering important context about the town’s full history. $22 Tour, Book Here
• Carnton Plantation (5 minutes away) – A larger site with guided tours of the house, gardens, and historic cemetery. Tours include discussion of the people that lived and labored here, giving a more full picture of Franklin during this era. $29 Tour, Book Here

Acknowledging the role of slavery and the experiences of those who were enslaved helps us understand the deeper history of Franklin beyond the battlefield. Learning about this history is an important part of visiting the South responsibly.

12:00 PM – Lunch at Mercantile Deli

Head back downtown for a casual lunch at Mercantile Deli. Their soups, sandwiches, and salads make it a perfect refuel (they also have gluten free bread).

For dessert or a mid day sweet treat I recommend Whitney’s Cookies or Kilwins! Whitney’s has a great chocolate chip cookie that’s gluten-free for those that need it and is right next to the Deli.