6 Best Sights in Franklin, Nashville

Arrington Vineyards

Beautiful views of the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee surround this 75-acre property co-owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. In addition to free tastings, Arrington Vineyards hosts live music on weekends (April to November), bonfires in chilly weather, and hot-air balloon rides by reservation ($250 per person; special packages offered as well). Though there isn't a restaurant on the grounds, the gift shop stocks gourmet cheeses and truffles, and visitors are welcome to bring picnics and make use of tables throughout the grounds.

Carnton Plantation

This stunning antebellum plantation home was converted to a field hospital after the Battle of Franklin in 1864. Today, the plantation offers several different tours, including one on Thursdays that focuses on the individuals enslaved at Carnton Plantation and how emancipation changed their lives. Be sure to explore the grounds after your visit. In addition to the house, there are gardens, several outbuildings, and a Civil War cemetery.
Cemetery Family
1345 Eastern Flank Circle, Franklin, Tennessee, 37064, USA
615-794–0903
www.boft.org/carnton
sights Details
Rate Includes: $18 (adults), $8 (ages 6–15), free (5 and under), Last guided tour of the day begins at 4 pm

Carter House

On the morning of November 30, 1864, General Jacob D. Cox seized the Carter family’s home and made it the Federal Army’s headquarters for the Battle of Franklin. Today you can tour this one-and-a-half-story brick house and hear how the Civil War changed the lives of one family in particular and the country at large.

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Fort Granger

Fort Granger was an earthwork fort created by the Union troops during the Civil War. Today, it’s a park along the Harpeth River with a self-guided walking tour through the Franklin Battlefield. Start at the beginning of the path and follow the placards to learn the history of the Battle of Franklin. If you follow the path all the way to the end, it will lead you to Pinkerton Park.

Lotz House

Built in 1858, this grand house in downtown Franklin was home to a family of German immigrants during the years surrounding the Civil War. Even those who don’t care for Civil War history will enjoy touring this house. It contains one of the best antique collections in Tennessee, as well as the art of Matilda Lotz, who became a world-renowned painter of animals after the war.
Educational Institution Family
1111 Columbia Ave., Franklin, Tennessee, 37064, USA
615-790–7190
www.lotzhouse.com
sights Details
Rate Includes: $12 (adults), $10 (seniors 65+), $6 (ages 7–13), free (6 and under), Closed on all holidays, Last guided tour of the day begins 1 hr before closing

Pinkerton Park

This park has not one but two playgrounds for little ones to explore. For older kids, there are Ping-Pong tables, plenty of green space, and a paved 1-mile walking trail around the park’s perimeter. There are also picnic tables, pavilions, and grills if the weather calls for barbecue.