If you love history it should be on your list. A casual walk through the area to appreciate…read morehistory. While there were a lot of homeless in the area you are still able to enjoy the history.

While I'm about as Yankee as they come, I do understand that there's a certain appeal about the…read moreSouth and the Confederacy that's more than just what many people think. And so I believe that there is nothing wrong with honoring people who fought and died valiantly and with honor. That's what this monument is about. Located in the middle of a two-lane traffic circle on Main Street in Franklin, this Confederate soldier, like many of these monuments, faces south with his back to the Union. He is "protected" by four cannon facing in each direction. And the caption reads that he was erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy in 1899. It is a nice monument and a fitting tribute.

This marker is located in the Franklin Public Square, opposite the Williamson County Courthouse and…read morethe Franklin City Hall. It points out the history of the architecture here and is an interesting read. The marker reads, "The town of Franklin was developed in 1799 by Abram Maury, who acquired the land from Major Anthony Sharpe. The original town, consisting of 109 acres, was composed of sixteen blocks divided into 188 lots centered on a 2-acre public square. The public square was donated to the county, upon which the first two courthouses were built. The historic district, placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, is outlined by Margin streets on the north and south and include First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth avenues running north and south, and Church, Main, and Bridge streets running east and west. Over 300 commercial and residential buildings lie within the district. Franklin received its town charter in 1815." The reverse of the marker has an image of Abram Maury's original plat of Franklin. The marker was erected in 2015 by the Williamson County Historical Society "In memory of Janice Hughes Swartz, 'The Cellar on Main Street'" and was Donated by Avalyn Berry Swain. [Review 20068 overall - 424 in Tennessee - 1044 of 2023.]

We recently completed the guided tour at Carnton, and it was an exceptional experience. Our guide,…read moreSheila, truly brought the history to life. Her storytelling made it easy to envision the home as she described each room, the McGavock family, and the enslaved individuals who helped build, maintain, and operate the property. What I appreciated most was that the tour was not whitewashed. It was educational, honest, and respectful in telling the full story. Sheila did not shy away from discussing the lives of the enslaved people and the significant role they played in the history of Carnton and the McGavock family. Their contributions were thoughtfully acknowledged and incorporated into the narrative of the home. Learning how Carnton was transformed into a hospital during the Civil War and hearing the stories of how the family cared for wounded soldiers added another powerful layer to the experience. The history was presented in a way that was engaging, moving, and easy to connect with. I brought my nieces along, and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour as well. They left saying they would recommend it to their friends, which speaks volumes about how engaging the experience was for visitors of different ages. This is a tour I would gladly recommend again and again to anyone interested in history, architecture, or gaining a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped this region.

Carnton is an interesting historical spot. The property is well maintained with options for walking…read morethe property and/or touring the home. A small museum is in the Visitor's Center. A paved parking lot is available near the Visitor's Center. In that building you can buy tickets and tour the museum. The shop has some souvenirs as well as some packaged snacks and bottled water. Restrooms are nearby. Adult admission for the one hour house tour and grounds is $22 per person. Children under six are free. The museum was small, but worth looking at before heading off on the tour. The one hour home tour was interesting and offered plenty of opportunities to ask questions. The guide seemed knowledgeable and enjoyed answering questions.

This marker stands in front of the Williamson County and opposite Franklin City Hall. As with many…read moremarkers, it provides some context to other statues and monuments in public squares across the south. It is worth reading to remember the struggles that people went though for equal rights and to show the struggles that some exhibited to prevent them. The marker reads, "The Franklin Riot of 1867. Carnival of Blood. Several armed clashes occurred among political groups and the white and black populations after the Civil War. In May 1866, Memphis rioters killed about fifty. In July, a riot engulfed New Orleans, killing almost 240 including more than 200 U.S. Colored Troops veterans. Fortunately, Franklin did not experience such levels of violence, but on July 6, 1867, an incident in this square reflected the boiling tensions in the post-war South. On that day, several Republican candidates (called Radicals) made speeches in the courthouse without incident. Later, Joe Williams, an African American aligned with the Democrats (conservatives), spoke there. Some Radicals clashed with Conservatives, John L. Houseformer Confederate officer, struck J.C. Bliss, a white merchant aligned with the Radicals. Members of the Union League (a bi-racial group affiliated with the Republican Party) also were present, and tempers flared. The League members left after firing a few shots into the air, and the tension increased through the late afternoon, as Conservatives (also a bi-racial group) gathered in the public square and near John House's store. Just after 8 P.M., the Union League marched into the square, heavily armed. According to A.N.C. Williams, the Leaguers had informed House they would lay down their arms, but as they passed the Conservatives, a white Conservative fired two pistol shots into the Leaguers, who returned fire. White Conservative Michael Cody was killed, and six white and several black members were wounded. Twenty-seven Leaguers were wounded; most had been shot in the back. Dr. Daniel B. Cliffe, a Unionist, helped treat the wounded. United States soldiers arrived from Nashville the next day to restore order." The marker includes three photographs. There is parking in the square. [Review 20066 overall - 422 in Tennessee - 1042 of 2023.]

I'm writing this from an artist's perspective. I participated in this show years ago, and at one…read moretime it was truly excellent. Local residents showed up in droves and genuinely valued -- and purchased -- handmade work. I made five to $7000 twenty years ago. Unfortunately, the show has changed significantly. It now draws large crowds, many of whom appear to be bused in from outside the area. While attendance is high, sales are not. The loyal local audience seems to have been pushed out by the increased congestion, and many no longer attend. Equally disappointing is the noticeable decline in handmade goods. Walking the show this year, I spoke with several talented artists who shared that they struggled to cover even their basic expenses and do not plan to return. It's a real shame that the show has declined like it has. It used to be a beautiful show and Franklin is a nice town.

I paid almost $500 for a booth at Main Street Festival. They put my booth location on 4th street…read more We had a fraction of the traffic on main and there were food trucks on the corner of main & 4th with lines that blocked entrance to our booths. The quality of booths on main looked like flea market vendors. What a waste of time and money

Though the fort is gone, this is still a cool place to visit. For me the best thing was looking out…read moreon the view below and realizing what a strategic location this Civil War fort was in. I am a huge history buff and I enjoy finding historic places in my travels. The past is not lost in our past, but remembering the past, both the good and bad, helps us in shaping today and our tomorrows. If you are in the area, check this place out.

Fantasizing history occurred here at Fort Granger. There are amazing landmarks and a beautiful…read moreoverlook of Figure's Bluff.

Being a daily walk for me, this space is open, beautiful, comforting, and filled with some dark…read morehistory. Leashed pets allowed! Worth a visit!

Entrance off Lewisburg Pike. Well maintained, not crowded, and plenty of parking. I was here during…read morea weekend afternoon. On the well paved path there was only one biker, several people just walking, and a few with pets. Not many trash cans or benches. The dogs loved this place so much that I didn't get to read all the info I wanted to. We went on a short run and the upper area is pretty flat but the lower area is not.

Great venue! This is a beautiful and historic theater, and the staff is always incredibly friendly…read moreand helpful. Because the theater is relatively small, there really isn't a bad seat in the house. They have some basic snacks and drinks, including a good selection of beer and wine. We try to make a point of keeping track of what shows and movies are coming to the Franklin Theatre, as it is always great to have an excuse to visit this great theater!

Still one of my favorite places to catch a musical act. They also show Holiday movies around…read moreChristmas and other films throughout the year. A true asset to the community.

On one of my last days in Central TN, I decided to fit in a walking tour of Franklin. Our tour…read moreguide was Beth, and she was a ball of energy. Entertaining and informative about the history of the charming town. When I return I want to take their Grim and Ghostly tour. Beth said it isn't her thing as she believes the ghosts follow you home. But I'm sure this company has other great tour guides for those haunting tours! Thanks, Beth! Love from San Francisco.

The Franklin Haunted Walking Tour is an absolute MUST DO! When it started to sprinkle, the others…read morewho had booked ended up canceling. Instead of calling off the tour, Alicia gave me a private one. She was a phenomenal guide--her passion for Franklin, its rich history, and its community was obvious from the start. The tour was fun, dynamic, and incredibly insightful. Alicia shared each encounter with such historical accuracy and animated storytelling that I literally felt chills, all while feeding my love of learning about history and culture. Her reputation in the community is undeniable. Before, during, and after the tour, so many people spoke highly of both the quality of her tours and of her as a person. I originally found Franklin Walking Tours online, but once I arrived in town, every local I asked pointed me straight to Alicia--often described as "the tours with the lanterns." While we walked, it was clear how well-known and well-loved she is. Watching her interact with the community made the whole experience feel warm and welcoming, almost like being at home. Later, when I went to dinner, everyone who asked about my day lit up when I mentioned her tour and immediately started raving about it. Franklin Walking Tours are hands down a must when visiting. I will definitely be back to try the other tours--and I'm hoping to bring my family and maybe even redo this one. :)