By Vanessa Coppes + Team BELLA

Franklin, Tennessee is a charming and historic town located just 20 miles south of Nashville. This small, quaint town is filled with attractions for visitors to enjoy, from its rich cultural heritage to its vibrant arts and music scene. If you are looking to experience some southern charm and take a break from the fast-paced hustle and bustle of big-city life, then Franklin is definitely worth a visit.

The team and I got to experience Franklin’s charm, its people and a few must-visit spots. Join us…

Enjoy

One of Franklin’s must-visit attractions is Landmark Booksellers. After visiting the shop in 2012, Franklin resident Karen Kingsbury was inspired to write her New York Times bestselling book, “The Bridge,” a heartwarming, inspirational story based on the bookstore and the husband and wife who own it. Joel and Carol Tomlin have deep roots in Franklin and Williamson County that date back to 1802, and their shared interest in books and reading led to the creation of this book lover’s paradise.

Joel and Carol got married 25 years ago and combined their families, promising each other they would find a vocation they both could enjoy together once the youngest child graduated from school. That promise led to the opening of Landmark Booksellers in July 2005. Today, the couple considers themselves blessed to be able to share their love of books with each other and their customers every day at Landmark Booksellers, which they deem the most wonderful place in the world.

Stay

The Harpeth Hotel, a luxurious boutique hotel situated just a block away from the historic Franklin Square, is surrounded by picturesque scenery of the Cumberland River and lush greenery of the local surroundings. It offers 119 beautifully designed guest rooms, each with modern amenities and luxurious bedding. The rooms boast a classic blend of Southern hospitality with modern-day conveniences, such as high-speed Internet, flat-screen TVs, and plush beds.

The hotel also features a range of upscale facilities, including a rooftop lounge, outdoor pool with cabanas, a fitness center, and spa services. The hotel's signature restaurant, 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails, is a nod to the town's rich history and offers a contemporary twist on traditional Southern cuisine.

Overall, the Harpeth Hotel in Franklin, Tennessee, offers a luxurious haven that’s perfect for both business and leisure travelers who seek to enjoy all the charms of Southern hospitality in an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere. With its excellent location, welcoming staff, and upscale amenities, The Harpeth Hotel is an ideal choice for travelers young and old.

Eat + Explore

This has been my second trip to the beautiful city of Franklin, Tennessee, a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy Broadway in Nashville, and it gets better every time. A setting right out of a Hallmark movie, there is something for everyone in Franklin, from music and culture to shopping and sipping. The food and beverage scene, however, is my favorite! Whether you’re looking for Southern comfort foods or charming distilleries, the dining and hospitality is worth the visit.

Starting with a stroll down the whimsical Main Street of historic downtown Franklin, a must-try is Grays on Main. Housed in a Victorian building, this three-story eatery offers a menu of locally sourced ingredients that complement an homage to Southern culinary traditions. Don’t skip the local craft beers and droolworthy dishes like Nashville Hot Chicken and, my personal favorite, Shrimp & Grits.

From there, you can hop on the trolly and head to Leiper’s Fork Distillery, because no Tennessee trip would be complete without sampling their premium whiskey and bourbon. This stunning distillery and event venue offers tours, tastings, and even concerts by some surprise country music celebs. The sprawling outdoor lawn invites guests to sit, sip, and enjoy the grounds while sampling their whiskeys made from grain to glass right there by their own distilling team.

~ Jennifer DeCillis, Publisher

Fashion + Frozen Fun

When we recently went on a BELLA trip to Franklin to style this issue’s cover model, Jessie James Decker, we anticipated it would be lots of fun. Having styled the beautiful Jessie before, we knew she would look amazing in all the styles we had pulled for her. What we didn’t know was that we would add to our collection of pulls by simply walking around the cute town of Franklin.

Stores like CT Grace and Wilder were so inviting, we couldn’t help but walk in to admire the fashions and accessories. Colleen, the stylish and friendly owner of CT Grace, was so gracious, and lent us incredible Nashville-inspired pieces to use for the photo shoot. And a pair of fringe earrings from Wilder boutique was perfect for one of the looks.

But to sweeten the whole deal, literally, was Sweet Haven ice cream shop. They allowed our team to take photos right in front of their quaint store with Jessie eating one of their delicious ice cream cones. We also had a chance to sample some of their frozen treats (a scoop of their hot chocolate flavor did not disappoint!)

~ Mindy Gura & Paula Orlan, Stylists

Jam

Of course, no trip to Franklin would be complete without experiencing its vibrant music scene. The historic Franklin Theatre hosts live performances, indie films, and classic movies, while Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant offers top-notch country music concerts and an unparalleled taste of southern cuisine.

Connect

From the staff at The Harpeth hotel to the restaurants and shops we visited, the BELLA team and I  encountered friendly and gregarious people who did not hesitate to strike up a conversation and were eager refer us to other amazing business owners in their town. When we first arrived, we walked a few blocks from the hotel in downtown Franklin and saw this adorable-looking shop, Olivia Olive Oil, and just had to go inside and check out. Besides the delicious olive oil samples we tried, we spoke to the owner who referred us to an equally amazing boutique next door, CTGrace, which led to a BELLA partnership.

As the co-founder of a networking organization called The Entrepreneurial Think Tank for Women, we teach small business owners how important it is to connect with other like-minded business owners and build relationships. Making connections is the lifeblood of building any business. I was elated to see that the power of connections was alive and well in the quaint town of Franklin, Tennessee.

 ~ Lynette Barbieri, Business Development Director

Franklin is a charming and delightful town that offers travelers a chance to step back in time and indulge in some good old-fashioned southern hospitality. With its rich history, vibrant arts and music scene, and stunning natural scenery, Franklin should be at the top of your must-visit list when exploring the Tennessee area.

Photography: Michelle Behre Photography