Franklin, TN: a charming city to call home
Welcome to franklin
Located just south of Nashville, Franklin is a beautiful town with a historic past and promising future. The city was founded in 1799 and serves as the county seat of Williamson County. Franklin has won many awards and honors over the years, including “Best Southern Town” and a top “Business-Friendly City.” In August 2020, the city was given one of the ten “All-American City” awards in the United States. Franklin has also been recognized by the National Civic League for its inclusive efforts toward promoting health, well-being, and strong relationships among residents, businesses, and local leaders.
A Rich Southern History
New residents of Franklin, TN will quickly learn that history is a huge part of the town - so much so that the city has become a popular tourist destination. One of the most notable historic sites is the “Battle of Franklin,” where one of the largest Civil War battles took place over 150 years ago. To learn more about Franklin’s rich history, go to www.visitfranklin.com or head to the Visitors Center in downtown Franklin. The city offers free, self-guided walking tours, such as the African American Heritage tour and the Tennessee Civil War Trail.
Celebrating the Historic Downtown
One of the most recognizable features of Franklin is its beautiful downtown. With Victorian architecture and historically restored buildings, Historic Downtown Franklin is frequently filled with residents and visitors alike. One of Franklin’s notable buildings, the Franklin Theatre, was recently renovated into a brand-new music venue. Downtown Franklin includes 15 blocks of antique stores, gift shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The city also hosts several annual festivals in the downtown area, such as the Main Street Festival, a Fourth of July celebration, PumpkinFest, and Dickens of a Christmas.
City services
Franklin offers many city services and amenities for its residents. All homes and businesses receive free garbage pick-up, and recycling pick-up is also provided for homes. For public transportation, residents can ride the bus or trolley throughout the city for a small fee. For a route map, visit www.franklintransit.org.
Sports and Recreation
Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department offers many recreational sports for both adult and youth residents. Learn more at their website, www.WCParksandRec.com. There are also several independent youth sports associations throughout the city. Grassland Athletic Association, www.PlayGrassland.com, offers a variety of youth sports such as baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball. If your child is interested in football or cheerleading, sign up at www.FranklinCowboys.org. For baseball, the Franklin Baseball Club, www.FBCbaseball.org, has over 1,600 participants every year.
Parks, playgrounds & MORE
Throughout Franklin, you can find 18 different parks with amenities such as walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing ponds, and more. These parks are all maintained by the City Parks Department. One of Franklin’s most notable parks is the Park at Harlinsdale Farm, located at 239 Franklin Road. With over 200 acres of land, the park has a four-acre dog park, a three-acre catch-and-release fishing pond, a 5k soft-turf track for walking and running, and an equestrian trail. For athletic fields, check out Jim Warren Park, Liberty Park, and Fieldstone Park. The parks of Franklin are also the stage for a variety of events and festivals throughout the year. These include movie nights, the Arbor Day festival, arts festivals, and more.
Another favorite feature of Franklin is the Harpeth River, often used for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The city offers several access points to the river. For more information about parks and recreation in Franklin, visit www.FranklinTN.gov.
We hope this article helped you learn about everything Franklin has to offer. For more information about your new hometown, check out the E-Magazine for our guide to moving to Williamson County.
