The Perfect Weekend in Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin, Tennessee is just a 30-minute drive south of Nashville, which means you can easily do it as a day trip, but I highly recommend staying a night or two. With historic buildings, good food, and plenty of things to do, Franklin truly looks and feels like a Hallmark movie set (and yes, Hallmark has actually filmed here!).
If you’re looking for all the details on where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, check out my Ultimate Guide to Franklin, TN. But if you want a simple, step-by-step itinerary, here’s exactly how to spend two days in this cute town!
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Day 1: Explore Downtown Franklin
Parking in downtown Franklin is pretty easy and (best of all) free. There are several public parking decks around Main Street. I recommend using the parking deck across from Merridee’s Breadbasket.
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Merridee’s Breadbasket
Start your morning at Merridee’s, a cozy bakery and cafe right on Main Street. Their hashbrown casserole is a must-try!
Closed Sundays
10:00 AM – Franklin Farmers Market (Saturdays only)
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, head to the Farmers Market. You’ll find produce, baked goods, and local vendors. Parking fills up quickly, so mornings are the best time to go.
Not visiting on a Saturday? Skip ahead to The Factory instead.
11:00 AM – The Factory at Franklin
This converted factory now houses restaurants, a coffeeshop, bar, pottery painting studio, and a handful of shops. Spend about 30–45 minutes walking through before heading back downtown.
12:00 PM – Main Street Shopping
Downtown Franklin’s Main Street is the heart of town. Here you’ll find plenty of boutiques and antique shops. A few favorites I’d recommend visiting:
- White’s Mercantile
- The Green Room
- Heart and Hands
- Savory Spice Shop
- Tin Cottage
1:30 PM – Perenn Bakery & Landmark Booksellers
At the far end of Main Street, grab a pastry or loaf of bread from Perenn Bakery, then stop into Landmark Booksellers. This independent bookstore has been around for over 20 years and is a must-visit for any book lovers!
2:30 PM – Coffee House at Second and Bridge
This coffee shop is actually housed inside a historic home and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to check their specials board for seasonal drinks and snacks!
3:30 PM – Bicentennial Park
Walk about 10 minutes to Bicentennial Park. The paved trail follows the Harpeth River and is a relaxing way to enjoy the afternoon, especially if the weather is nice.
Want to add more history? The Williamson County Heritage Museum downtown is a good quick stop before the park.
6:00 PM – Dinner & Drinks
- Arrington Vineyards (20 minutes away): If you like wine, this is a beautiful spot to bring a picnic or enjoy a drink with live music on weekends.
- McCreary’s Irish Pub (downtown): If you’d rather stay in town, this is a fun, casual spot to try!
Day 2: History and Local Favorites
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Fainting Goat Coffee
Order a breakfast burrito or empanada with your coffee. If the weather’s nice, enjoy the rooftop patio.
10:00 AM – The Carter House
Right across from Fainting Goat, the Carter House tour takes you through 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.
11:30 AM – Carnton Plantation
Carnton is a larger site with guided tours of the house, gardens, and historic cemetery. Tours also share the stories of the people who lived and labored here, giving a more full picture of Franklin’s real history.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Downtown Franklin
Some good options include:
- The Mercantile Deli (my person favorite, good for soups and sandwiches)
- Puckett’s (classic Southern plates)
- 55 South (seafood + Southern)
- Ruby Sunshine (brunch-style meals)
2:30 PM – Walk Franklin’s Historic Neighborhoods
Take a slow drive or walk down the side streets near Main Street. The homes here are full of character and history and are especially pretty in the fall or spring.
3:30 PM – The Painted Tree
A 10-minute drive from downtown, The Painted Tree is a collection of vendor booths with everything from clothing and jewelry to candles and home decor.
Want more nature? Swap this stop for a hike at Timberland Park on the Natchez Trace Parkway (about 15 minutes away) or you can head here after The Painted Tree.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Gray’s on Main
This restored historic building is one of the most iconic restaurants in town. The menu has Southern classics and you’ll often find live music in the evening.
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 Mercantile Deli.
8:00 PM – Franklin Ghost Tour
I really enjoyed this tour! It’s a great way to end your weekend in Franklin and is a fun mix of local history and a little spooky storytelling.
Seasonal Events in Franklin
Franklin hosts some of the best small-town festivals in Tennessee. If you’re planning a trip, check the events calendar, you might be able to catch one!
- PumpkinFest (October)
- Dickens of a Christmas (December)
- Main Street Festival (Spring)
- Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival (September)
Two days in Franklin, TN gives you a little bit of everything: history, shopping, food, and plenty of small-town charm! Whether you’re here for a quick getaway from Nashville or planning a longer stay, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
Planning just a one-day trip? Check out my One Day in Franklin Guide.
Looking for details on where to stay, eat, and more? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Franklin, TN.
Madison is a Nashville-based traveler sharing itineraries, packing tips, and budget-friendly travel advice to help adventurous women plan epic trips and see the world.
