Franklin Tennessee

Holiday charm, historic downtowns, and unforgettable Southern flavor

Episode 106 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny

This week on The Family Vacationer, we head just 22 miles south of Nashville to Franklin, Tennessee—a charming town bursting with Southern hospitality and holiday magic. From Dickens-themed festivals to holiday movie marathons at the historic Franklin Theatre, Franklin is the kind of place that feels like a Hallmark movie brought to life.

Rob and Danny are joined by Matthew Maxey, Director of Public Relations for Visit Franklin, to break down what makes this destination a must-visit—especially during the holidays.

🎙️ In this episode:

• What sets Franklin apart from nearby Nashville (think: acoustic guitars over neon lights)
• The story behind Franklin’s charming downtown, its locally-owned shops, and its music roots
• A preview of the city’s signature holiday events

🎄 Holiday highlights include:

• 🎄 Franklin Tree Lighting Ceremony – Hosted by Matthew West and tied to his “Come Home for Christmas” theme song
• 📖 Dickens of a Christmas Festival – 100,000+ attendees step into a Charles Dickens novel with carolers, costumed characters, carriage rides, snow machines, and cocoa
• 🎬 Franklin Theatre Holiday Screenings – A restored 1930s cinema playing It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, and more

🍽️ Where to eat in Franklin:

• Puckett’s Grocery – Southern classics like fried chicken and banana pudding, plus live music on site
• Biscuit Love – Located in a former flour mill home, this spot is a biscuit lover’s dream
• Bishop’s Meat & Three – A comfort food staple with Nashville hot chicken roots
• Mojo’s Tacos – Located inside The Factory at Franklin, near Five Daughters Bakery, home of the famous 100-layer donuts

🏨 Where to stay:

• The Harpeth Hotel – Downtown, walkable, and part of Hilton’s Curio Collection
• TownePlace Suites – Right next to the only American Girl store in the region, with a themed suite for doll lovers
• Pot N Kettle Cottages in Leiper’s Fork – Perfect for larger families or a cozy holiday escape
• Dark Horse Recording Studios Lodging – Stay where Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban recorded

🎶 Other Franklin events & attractions:

• Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Curated by Justin Timberlake and Kevin Griffin, it features family-friendly music stages and world-class artists
• Main Street Festival & PumpkinFest – Spring and fall events that bring 100,000+ people to downtown
• Historic Civil War Sites – Franklin was the site of a pivotal Civil War battle, and it tells a full and inclusive story of the era, including a statue honoring U.S. Colored Troops
• Leiper’s Fork Village – Barbecue on paper plates, local art galleries, and open-mic nights that attract music industry insiders and rising stars

📲 Digital passport programs:

Franklin’s free, app-less trails make it fun to explore:

• Sweet Treats Trail – Earn rewards by visiting local bakeries and dessert shops
• Midnight Sun Scavenger Hunt – Family-friendly search for mini horse statues honoring Franklin’s equine legacy
• Haunts & Headstones, Coffee Trail, and more – Self-guided experiences for every kind of traveler

🌟 Plan your trip

Visit visitfranklin.com for travel inspiration and digital passport access.

Need help booking? Email Rob, Certified Travel Associate: [email protected] – no booking fees!

🎧 Listen to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts.

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