Support Us Button Widget

Great Escapes: Our Guide to Franklin, Tennessee

Planning a getaway? Check out Franklin, TN, a quaint town that can cater to adventurers, foodies, and hygge-seekers alike.

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge outside of Franklin, TN

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

Photo by @chapmedia

Table of Contents

City Editor Sam here. If I could sum up Franklin Tennessee in one feeling it would be Hygge a cozy quality that makes a person feel content + comfortable. It’s always my go-to destination if I’m craving a getaway during the fall.

This quaint Tennessee town explodes with color thanks to its many trees changing into bright autumn hues. Take my word for it, there’s nothing more fall-feeling than sipping a hot coffee when a crisp breeze hits and crunchy leaves scatter across the historic downtown district. 🍁

Why go?

Merridee’s in Downtown Franklin TN

A pastry from Merridee’s Breadbasket in downtown Franklin.

Photo by the_gary_henderson

Local Living:

  • Food: Pastries. There’s nothing better than homemade comfort breads + sweet treats. Visit Merridee’s Breadbasket located in the historic district of Franklin (110 4th Ave S.) , which has been featured on Food Network’s “Best of Baker’s Show” + in Southern Living Magazine. All pastries, brownies, pies, and breads are made from scratch.
  • Festivals:
    • If you’re planning on going in the fall, you don’t want to miss one of town’s largest fall festivalsPumpkinfestwhich ususally happens on the last week before Halloween. Experience a full day of autumn-inspired family activities, live music, costume contests, vendors, foods, and drinks with ~70,000 people.
    • If you decide to visit in late fall, attend the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square, happening this year on Fri., Dec. 2, 6:30-8 p.m. This year’s tree lighting will feature Matthew West the five-time Grammy nominee + Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner.

Where to stay:

More from COLAtoday
Richland County is expected to advance Shop Road Extension Phase 2 with a $2.57 million service order, adding 1.4 miles and a bridge over Mill Creek.
Work is underway at the Shepherd Hotel in the Vista, transforming Columbia’s historic fire station into a boutique hotel set to open in 2025.
Columbia plans to modernize parking with higher rates, extended enforcement, and upgraded kiosks.
Nominate your neighborhoods, share your holiday light-seeing traditions, or even brag about your own house if you decorate at level 10. We’re looking for reader recommendations on where the best holiday light displays are in the Midlands.
This spring, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) will add two new nonstop routes to Florida thanks to one of the largest service expansions in Allegiant Air’s history.
The 17-acre Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary campus on North Main Street is relocating, offering a unique redevelopment opportunity.
Richland County is transitioning to a public-private partnership (P3) model to boost job growth, attract businesses, and mirror successes like Greenville’s Fluor Field revitalization.
Check out winter and holiday-themed events happening in and around Columbia in this seasonal guide.
Following the success of hundreds of submissions in 2024, we are getting a jump on our 2025 contest.
From cottages to treehouses, our area is full of unique places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.