I used to think Renaissance festivals weren’t really my scene—at least until last year, when my teens asked me to take them to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Thanks to that experience, I’ve decided it’s going to become an annual tradition! Each year, the Williamson County Parks & Recreation Department transforms a rural field into the 16th century village of Covington Glen, a colorful extravaganza of delicious food, fantastic live music, thrilling performances, artisan tents filled with jewels, swords, art, elaborate costumes, and even space for knights to joust on horsebac ..read more

Like the blossoms bursting across our landscape, a number of new businesses are springing up in Franklin and Williamson County. From restaurants to retailers and cultural destinations, these welcomed additions are already becoming part of our community fabric. In and around Franklin’s historic core, several landmark eateries have thrown open their doors to great success in recent months. Take a short walk down East Main Street to the Factory at Franklin, a 1930s-era stove factory turned shopping, dining and entertainment destination with a multi-year retooling is coming to fruition. On t ..read more

When spring buds begin to peek through the tree branches and we shed our puffy outer layers for light jackets, I immediately feel compelled to go sit out in the sun with a chilled drink. Dining alfresco has many perks — whether you choose to feast on a patio or lay out a picnic blanket — including the fact that we’re able to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the natural beauty of our surroundings. The laid-back, casual ambiance of a good meal shared with friends outdoors is unparalleled, in this writer’s opinion. To make the most of the beautiful spring weather in Tennessee, we’ve compi ..read more

Franklin is a city rooted in history – but one of the best parts of its dining scene is the convergence of new and old. Throughout the area, you’ll find storied restaurants serving up the same recipes loved for generations with a brand new, chef-driven spot right next door. Whichever category of foodie you fall into, be it a sophisticated palate or a soul food aficionado, Franklin has a bite sure to wow you.  We’ve taken the guesswork out of your vacation planning and rounded up the perfect breakfast, lunch, and dinner spots for every occasion.  For the Love of Leiper’s Fork  Th ..read more

No matter where you roam in Williamson County, you’ll find that the days of stale gas station coffee are over. Roasters and brewers dot the landscape, from our historic downtown to suburban outposts and rural villages, and most offer some unique food selections as well.  Take Elroy Coffee Co. in Franklin, the Aussie-owned bean bistro with a delightful selection of not only hot and cold brews and pour-overs, but also traditional down under meat pies, pasties and sausage rolls. Or Frothy Monkey near Five Points, a Nashville-area roaster favorite for years that also offe ..read more

It’s hard to imagine any place more gorgeous than Franklin in the springtime. Flowers bloom everywhere you look and the landscape transforms almost overnight from dull brown to vibrant shades of green. Whether you live nearby or you’re bringing the family to Middle Tennessee for Spring Break, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy our glorious weather and keep everyone happy and occupied. Here are some of our favorite Spring Break activities. Book a few nights in Leiper’s Fork No matter where you’re from, a few nights in one of Leiper’s Fork‘s amazing (and in some cases, historic) renta ..read more

The half-mile stretch that is downtown Franklin’s bustling Main Street is packed with every good thing imaginable: adorable shops, impressive restaurants that span fine dining and comfort food, friendly visitors, and, of course, plenty of local watering holes. We’ve come a long way when it comes to cocktail offerings over the years, evolving from a few small (albeit excellent) bars to innovative cocktail programs at swanky spots, a historic wine bar, a distillery, and even our own speakeasy.  From girls’ nights to work happy hours, boozy bar crawls and toasts to special occasions, downtow ..read more

There’s nothing like a girls trip to fuel your soul: slow mornings sipping hot coffee, linked-arm laughing down a charming side street, a touch of retail therapy, and, of course, plenty of happy hour toasts to lifelong friendship.  Few settings make for a more perfect girls’ getaway than Franklin, thanks to its abounding beauty and plethora of charming things to do. Whether your weekend away looks like old-fashioned R&R or letting your hair down (or a little bit of both), we’ve rounded up some top recommendations to ensure your girls’ getaway is one to remember.  Brunch We all k ..read more

With the amount of times I’ve compared Franklin to a Hallmark movie, it should be a no-brainer that it’s a town riddled with romance. A stroll down Main Street or a fancy dinner anywhere in Williamson County makes the perfect backdrop for a date night, but it all comes alive in an extra-special way once the holiday season rolls around.  Whether it’s a first date, a friend date, or “just because,” we’ve rounded up five festive itineraries to keep the sparks flying all season long. Date 1: Dinner and a Movie Few places in downtown Franklin are more iconic than The Franklin T ..read more

Washington Irving famously said that Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality. More bluntly, Garrison Keillor explained that the lovely thing about the holiday is that it is compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together. Whatever your perspective, you may find a time this Yuletide when everyone might do well to get out of the house for a bit.  Before your tinsel gets twisted, consider these ideas for family outings that will deck your proverbial halls with the sights and sounds of a holly, jolly Franklin Christmas. It’s a Wonderful Life The ca. 19 ..read more