Franklin

As much as I love to travel and see new places, I love to come home. Maybe I globe trotted enough in my younger years to adequately scratch that itch. Or maybe it’s that I’ve been a homeowner now for a couple years and my roots have grown deeper since I left the world of rentals. But I still appreciate the benefit of getting away—a change of pace and scenery that provides a break from the norm and a refreshing element of different. But, as aforementioned, I love to come home. So I think I value the closer-to-home weekend getaways (e.g. a cabin in the Smokies for a weekend), and the drivable day trip options.

For me, downtown Franklin has always felt like the perfect day away. Just a hop and a skip down 65 (or a more scenic view down Franklin Rd), and the world suddenly feels smaller and quainter. Even though it has recently added some more nationally known retail stores and restaurant chains (I truly hated to see H.R.H. Dumplings leave Main St!), the majority of the shops and eateries have original charm and are authentically one of a kind. I would have to describe Meridee’s as nothing short of adorable, and just cozy—a celebration of the finest version of all things carbs :). Next door is Puckett’s—a delightful place to hear live music while enjoying the best of burgers. 55 South has an amazing hot chicken sandwich that was featured on The Food Network. But I’m definitely not opposed to all things chain—there is a Starbucks and a Sweet Cece’s at 5 Points that will give you the caffeine kick or the hot summer day cool-off you need to continue a full day of fun.

And if you don’t happen to arrive there hungry, just shop for a while in the antique stores, boutiques (my personal favorite is Philanthropy—10% of all their proceeds are donated to missions), home décor, gift and art shops, and you will quickly work up a healthy appetite. I purchased a large word art print with a George McDonald quote on it from The Shop Around the Corner. I would like to think it’s an original, yet I imagine there are others out there—but surely not many others?? Although the shops won’t satisfy the bargain hunting side of me, they do provide the possibility of finding unique treasures that help me justify the slight jump in prices that factor into the charisma of the Franklin experience. (And you’re also supporting small businesses :))

And then there’s the recently restored Franklin Theater. They continue to have an old-fashioned marquee sign and show movies (you can still see It’s a Wonderful Life on a big screen) and are now also a live music venue (one I haven’t yet made it to, but plan to!). I did make it out this year to A Dickens of a Christmas—another, “I’ll get there someday”, that I finally made happen. It was a delightful afternoon of local artisans, musicians, food trucks and merriment. I love the big city feel of Nashville, but there will always be a part of my soul that craves smaller, quieter, simpler… So for that, I am grateful that Franklin is just a few short miles south of me.