Discover my favorite spots in Franklin, Tennessee, from a local who grew up in the heart of Middle Tennessee.
I'm a southern girl through and through, but more specifically, I'm a Tennessee girl at heart. Both sides of my family have lived in Tennessee for a long time, and I am a University of Tennessee graduate.
I love the Volunteer State. My blood runs orange. The whole shebang. And even though I currently live next door in Alabama, I will always and forever be a Tennessean.
I was raised in my favorite state in the union, and I grew up in Williamson County, home of horse farms and country music stars. It's like Pleasantville here.
Most southerners I run into have at least heard of Franklin, Tennessee. When I mention my hometown, many people respond with something like, "I LOVE that place! It's so cute!"
And it is, so so cute.
It's the epitome of southern charm and historic character.
Downtown Franklin has old-world charm, but it's modernized too. It has come a long way since I was a teenager and we cruised around the square and the Sonic parking lot, and then back again. Today the downtown area has some of the best shopping and eateries. If you are vacationing there, here are a few of my favorites.
A Local's Favorite Spots in Franklin, Tennessee
Favorite Shop for Trendy Southern Gifts: Tin Cottage, 334 Main Street, Franklin, TN 37064
Y'all! If you love trendy southern decor and gifts, this little shop will be your heart's delight. If I could have packed it all up and brought it home with me, I would have!
This is their old location. They have since moved to Main Street! Even better!! And it's still one of my favorite stores.
Those Primitives by Kathy tea towels are one of my favorite things! I bought 3 of them!
Favorite Local "Nashville" Shop on Main Street: White's Mercantile, 345 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
I always feel like I'm walking into the local general store when I walk into White's. I love picking up little seasonal plates for my china cabinet here. The old-fashioned kids' toy section in the back is great too!
Favorite Lunch Date: Gray's on Main, 332 Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
Originally the Gray Drug Co. pharmacy, built in 1876, this restored three-story Victorian building now serves delicious dishes and hosts live music.
I have eaten at Gray's for lunch a few times over the years, and I love it! I share some of my favorite dishes below, some of which are no longer on the menu. I highly recommend the pimento cheddar biscuits for the table!
Fried Pimento Cheese Balls in Pepper Jelly Sauce at Gray's on Main
Shrimp and Grits at Gray's on Main
Pear Pizza at Gray's on Main (I SO wish this was still on the menu.)
Favorite Pastry: Five Daughters Bakery, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
The Meeks family, which includes, you guessed it, 5 daughters, opened this delicious bakery back in 2015. Its home store is in the famous Factory at Franklin shopping center. Their 100-layer donuts, made with the finest ingredients, are slap-yo'-mama good!
Triple Vanilla Donut and Strawberry Lemonade Donut from Five Daughters Bakery
Favorite Hidden Gem: P.D.'s, 119 S Margin St, Franklin, Tennessee
This shopping emporium is off the beaten path in an inconspicuous building with no markings. There is no sign out front. You won't know you're there until you reach the front door and find a handwritten paper sign in the window with the name and hours.
But once inside, you'll find yourself in a mecca of sensational home decor finds! I try to stop by whenever I'm in town during their open hours!
Favorite Ice Cream in Downtown Franklin – Kilwins, 405 Main St, Franklin, Tennessee
Toasted Coconut and Marsh-Mallow S'more Ice Cream from Kilwins
Favorite Place to Buy Antique Decor: City Farmhouse, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, Tennessee
I sure hope you enjoyed this little tour of some of my favorite spots in my hometown of Franklin, Tennessee. I still love visiting as often as I can, since my family and dear friends still live in the area. While I don't live there anymore, it still feels like home to me.
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