Franklin has long been one of my favorite destinations in Tennessee. It’s just an hour and fifteen minutes from my house to Main Street, yet it feels like a completely different than the Tennessee I grew up in: History has been preserved, creative entrepreneurs have set up shop in century-old buildings, and the food scene just gets hotter and hotter. Every time I visit, I come home with new spots to rave about.
Which is why solo travel in Franklin, Tennessee is a slam dunk—it’s small enough to be manageable, yet safe enough to never feel overwhelming if you’re not used to trips alone. Need a playbook for how to do just that? I’ve got you—here’s how I spent my solo weekend in Franklin.
This post is sponsored by Visit Franklin. All opinions are entirely my own.
Why Franklin is perfect for solo travel
While Franklin sits just 24 miles south of Nashville’s BNA Airport, it’s very much its own destination. You won’t find Broadway’s honky tonks or pedal taverns here, but rather a quieter, more leisurely place filled with Civil War-era homes, plenty of farmland and a Main Street that looks plucked straight from a Hallmark movie. Williamson County encompasses Leiper’s Fork, Nolensville and Brentwood, each its own distinct community and all within a short drive of downtown Franklin.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors come each year to stroll Main Street, and within moments of arriving, you’ll understand why. Whether you’re easing into your first trip alone or you’re a seasoned explorer looking for a stress-free weekend, this mid-sized Tennessee town offers everything you need: great food, easy parking and that signature Southern hospitality that’s baked into our DNA.
Where to stay on a solo trip to Franklin
Lodging in Williamson County ranges from boutique hotels to short-term rentals, but two properties stand out as the best places for a solo stay in Franklin, Tennessee.
Dark Horse Recording Studio
If you’re after a truly unique experience, book a night or two at Dark Horse Recording Studio. This isn’t your typical Airbnb: It’s also an operational recording studio turned retreat where artists from Taylor Swift to Reba McEntire have recorded, and there are always musicians hanging around working on a riff or testing out lyrics. There are two standalone rentals inside the studio, and the property feels like a world of its own even though it’s just five minutes from downtown Franklin.
The Harpeth Hotel
Prefer to be in the center of Franklin? The Harpeth Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, sits right on Main Street and oozes historic elegance. Check your car with the valet and forget about driving for the rest of the weekend: Everything from coffee to cocktails, shops to spas is within walking distance of Harpeth Square. The rooms are luxe and spacious and the lobby restaurant, 1799 Kitchen & Bar, is one of my favorite places in downtown Franklin for dinner or a nightcap.
Don’t miss the complimentary whiskey tasting in the Library at 4:45pm daily, which features sips and stories about local distillers.
Where to shop in Franklin
One of my favorite things to do when traveling solo in Franklin is to wander through local boutiques even if I don’t buy a thing; Main Street is a pure gold mine for retail therapy. Whether you’re hunting for handmade jewelry, locally crafted art or the perfect pair of boots, there’s a shop for everything in Franklin.
Downtown Franklin’s Main Street
Lined with independent boutiques, antique stores and specialty shops set inside beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, Franklin’s Main Street is the heart of its shopping scene. Pop into White’s Mercantile, a modern-day general store curated by singer Holly Williams that stocks an excellent collection of puzzles plus pet goods, or browse the racks at Emmaline or Vinnie Louise for women’s clothing.
For gifts and home goods, Tin Cottage, the Green Room and the Heirloom Shop are local staples, and Landmark Booksellers is a must-visit for any reader. Hallmark fans might recognize it as the inspiration for Karen Kingsbury’s novel (and film) The Bridge.
If you’re traveling to Franklin by car, I insist you pay a visit to Rooted from Yarrow Acres, my favorite store in Franklin that sells some of the best plants around. Even if you’re flying, there are plenty of gifty items and knickknacks that will fit in your carryon.
Need a caffeine boost between stores? Stop by Onyx + Alabaster, where you can sip a latte while browsing the airy home décor showroom, then get your Western on at the new Tecova’s store on Public Square.
The Factory at Franklin
Just a few minutes from downtown—and walkable if you’re up for a pleasant 15-minute stroll—the Factory at Franklin offers an entirely different vibe. Industrial-chic meets local artisan market in this repurposed 1929 stove factory that has been going through layers of renovations over the years to bring more boutiques, studios and live music options like the seasonal Red Wheel songwriter series under one roof. The Factory is also the permanent home of the Studio TENN Theatre Company.
I always make a beeline for Made in TN for locally made gifts, Fork of the South for Southern-inspired homewares and Honest Coffee Roasters for a midday pick-me-up. The Factory houses rotating makers markets and art pop-ups, especially on weekend nights, so no two visits ever look the same.
McEwen & Cool Springs
Franklin’s shopping corridors are quickly expanding into other corners of the city thanks to the addition of stylish new developments like McEwen Northside. The walkable community encompasses retail, office space, condos, restaurants and more. Just down the street, Southside at McEwen has even more places to shop from big brands like Whole Foods, Lululemon and West Elm to smaller boutiques Evereve and Paper Source, plus salons and blowout bars for when you need a little self care.
While McEwen Northside and Southside are more outdoor pedestrian-centric neighborhoods, just across the road is Cool Springs Galleria, which remains the area’s largest indoor shopping mall. With everything from department stores to Apple and Anthropologie, Cool Springs is a convenient one-stop shop for solo travelers looking to combine errands and shopping in one trip.
Leiper’s Fork
And of course, no visit to Franklin is complete without a quick detour to Leiper’s Fork, the charming artist enclave about ten minutes from downtown anchored by artists and curators from David Arms to Morgane Stapleton. Grab coffee at the RedByrd, browse the art galleries, and maybe even catch a live show at Fox & Locke, the original Puckett’s location and a once-general store dating back to 1953.
Where to eat and drink solo in Franklin
Franklin’s postcard-perfect Main Street may be the star of the show, but the town’s culinary scene stretches well beyond its charming downtown core. Still, you’ll want to start on Main, where some of Franklin’s best dining awaits.
Main Street and Downtown Franklin
Red Pony, a long-standing local favorite known for its elevated Southern fare and creative cocktails while Cork & Cow pairs perfectly cooked steaks and seafood with an exceptional wine list.
Newer to the scene, Culamar offers Tuscan-inspired dishes in a warm, lively setting, and its sister restaurant, Culaccino, is just across the street next door to 1799, which is not only a nice solo dining spot but ideal for a nightcap, too, particularly if you’re staying on site at the Harpeth Hotel.
Speaking of cocktails, if you’re flying solo in downtown Franklin and want to grab a drink, there are a few standouts:O Be Joyful (OBJ) is a cozy whiskey bar that feels equal parts speakeasy and saloon and has a wide variety of top-shelf options. Down the block on Main Street, a pair of distilleries—Stable Reserve and Leiper’s Fork (House of Spirits)—have tasting rooms that mix up some of the best cocktails in Franklin.
Breakfast and brunch in Franklin are best spent at the buzzy new Perenn (make a reservation or get there early), at a the long-faithful Frothy Monkey or at Hank’s Coffee Station just beyond downtown. Triple Crown Bakery and Merridee’s are great for a bite on the go.
The Factory at Franklin
The Factory at Franklin has evolved into one of the city’s premier dining destinations, with a mix of fast-casual fare such as Mojo’s Tacos and Edley’s BBQ, alongside more sit-down restaurants like Saffire and White Alligator. Many popular Nashville restaurants like Etch, Two Hands and Otaku Ramen have opened second locations inside the Factory.
McEwen & Cool Springs
In the larger McEwen development, you’ll find a newer pocket of energy with restaurants, shopping and salons all in one walkable area that comprise Southside and Northside. Grab a healthy bowl at Flower Child, settle in for sushi and cocktails at Blue Sushi Sake Grill or sample a variety of grapes at Vintage Vine 100, a wine bar known for its rooftop “Igloo Village” in the winter and happy hour specials year-round. And if you’re craving something sweet, there’s a Jeni’s Ice Creams right in the middle of the central courtyard, too.
One of my newest Franklin favorites is Little Hats, the sister spot to the Nashville Italian market of the same name. Think handmade pasta, creative cocktails, and a casual atmosphere that makes dining solo feel perfectly natural.
Where to chill out in Franklin
For me, solo travel is about not overpakcking my itinerary while factoring in plenty of R&R, and Franklin has no shortage of self-care options. I booked a 50-minute massage called “The Healer” at the NOW Massage, tucked behind the Harpeth Square development. The chill, minimalist interiors made it the perfect reset before heading home.
If you’re exploring the Cool Springs area, Woodhouse Spa is another reliable spot for facials and massages. For a true splurge, there’s The Spa at Southall, a full-scale wellness destination on the outskirts of Leiper’s Fork where you can spend a few hours unwinding then indulge in a meal at Sojourner on site.
Other ways to relax in Franklin include:
- Join a Franklin Walking Tour
- Book a manicure and pedicure at one of Franklin’s many nail studios
- Catch a movie at AMC DINE-IN Thoroughbred 20
- Take a yoga class at Half Moon Yoga or OrangeTheory
- Walk the trails at Pinkerton Park or Harlinsdale Farm
Other Franklin travel ideas
For even more Franklin travel inspiration, follow these links:
