franklin, tennessee

hello loves and happy friday! i just returned from an amazing trip and am now getting back to reality; which means unpacking and cleaning up my home today.

i spent the last week in a suburb of nashville known as franklin and fell completely in love. with it's rich history, great shops, and southern comfort this area is quickly growing into a must visit for nashville travelers. there's always so much to do and i'm going to round up how to spend a week in franklin.

Saturday Farmer's Market

every week the farmers market starts at 8am, and it's not just produce! i got some great antlers for Kaiya, cbd oil to help with sleep and soreness, vegan soap and some fresh garlic bread, admired beautiful art out of a young man's truck and chatted up some wood makers showing off their talents with custom farmhouse tables and cutting boards. my favorite vendor, and the reason i always attend is for the Ellies vegan donuts. let me tell you they are the best donuts you will ever have. my whole family, none of which are vegan, order them too - they are that good. i must say my favorite is the cinnamon but the chocolate is, of course, amazing as well.

+ The Factory

the farmer's market is at the factory which is an old warehouse full of stores and restaurants. i highly recommend the antique shop! as you continue to walk down the corridor there is the best coffee in all of franklin called Honest Roasters. if your a brew addict, stop in and enjoy some of their coffee. the stores in here tend to change a lot, and this past week a vintage jewelry collector with some pretty unique pieces popped up here. but truthfully, the building and the set up is such a vibe, it's a very cool space, and very instagam-able: brown worn in leather couches and seats under a huge crystal chandelier, separated by farmhouse industrial coffee tables. jenni's ice cream stand sits front and center, along with a very good juice place next door. one store that has remained is an old record store, worth checking out if you're into a little vinyl like myself.

most people come here for Five Daughters cro-nuts... now if you live in NY, these don't measure up (sorry). but their cookies are fire, so i would recommend picking up a couple of those.

Harlingsdale Farm

this is where Pilgrammage festival is held every September! also a huge part of history but just a stunning piece of property. dogs are of course welcome! take your camera, you're going to want it.

Franklin's Historical Downtown

check out the shops on Main. White's Mercantile, Holly Williams store is in downtown. it's a bit pricey but wonderful inspiration for your home, man, and wardrobe. the store is along the main road with many other shops and restaurants as well as an old theater. if you get a rainy day on your stay, try to catch a movie here, you won't regret it.

Antiquing

let me explain how good this area is for antiques; the first true home i have that i get for the long term will primarily be furnished and decorated with pieces from the stores here. the prices are just as amazing, and you'll find everything from blankets and throw pillows to dinner tables, dressers, wall decor, bed frames in stores off the main road.

when you're starving after a morning of shopping and exploring, head to Bunganot Pig for a late lunch. they have outdoor seating and vegan options on their menu. it's a little out of the way which makes it a nice local spot with little to no tourists. and during football season you will find large groups of cute southern men drinking and watching on the big screens.

The Carter House

if you're a history buff or just like to explore the history of the towns you visit, take a trip to the Carter House. they have a tour you can do or just walk around the property. there are four main houses, and you'll see the bullet holes from the Civil War, the rooms slaves lived in and the actual battle field across the street.

Leiper's Fork

this is another area about 15 minutes from Franklin's downtown. well worth the trip, and my favorite area to stop into stores and get inspiration. Chris Stapleton's wife just opened a turquoise shop with beautifully hand crafted jewelry in a small house behind the bakery. there is also a vintage, rock and roll store called Finds In the Fork. you'll find guitars in there that belonged to Brad Whitford, owner Karen's ex husband. and the last time i was in there sorting through the distressed flannels and rare vinyl Scott Sheets was behind the counter...

Puckett's is probably the most famous of the places to eat here. it was an old gas station turned into a resturaunt. if you're plant based, this is not the spot for you to have lunch but i would recommend hanging out for a drink. Country Boy resturaunt has been raved about by locals forever for their biscuits and gravy. stop into Sereenite Maison, it's one of the many shops along the main road and my favorite for one of a kind textiles, lighting, and furniture.

Visit the Distillery! also at Leipers Fork. they make their bourbon right there in Tennessee - naturally.

there are some beautiful spots in town and as you make your way though more residential areas of Leipers so again i'd take my camera along!

Arrington Vineyards

exactly what it sounds like, a place to get some good wine and watch sunset. on the weekends they have food trucks and live music too. just grab a blanket to lay on and some good company and you're all set.

i highly recommend the visit. for me, this town is better than Nashville, has more to offer and the people are just so warm and welcoming. the food everywhere is amazing and the shops are ones you won't find anywhere else.