Round Trip: Franklin, TN
What we weren't expecting was what we'd find in the periphery. Because while Franklin offers its own brand of Southern Hospitality, venturing out into the countryside gives you a whole new perspective. Tucked among the rolling hillsides are little no-stoplight towns, places of historic interest, and thriving art communities. In short, Franklin and the surrounding areas are everything you want in a southern jaunt.
Like much of the American South, Franklin is a time capsule of history. As you walk Franklin's historic downtown, you cannot avoid the shaping hand of the American Civil War: One of its bloodiest battles was fought on Franklin's doorstep, and the whole area is a history buff's dream come true. Downtown Franklin maintains a throwback charm while boasting fun shops, art galleries, and some of the best food culture in the south.
Venture beyond Franklin and you'll find a wealth of off-the-beaten-path locales to explore. Don't miss nearby Lieper's Fork, where you can browse beautifully curated gift shops before grabbing a bite to eat and jumping on the Natchez Trace Parkway for a scenic drive. From barbecue and bourbon to coffee and ice cream, Franklin and it's neighboring communities know how to eat and drink well.
Best Farm-to-Table Meal
1892 Restaurant
Located in a converted 1892-era farmhouse, 1892 Restaurant is one of the most acclaimed eateries in Leiper’s Fork. The menu is heavily influenced by the relationships the owners have cultivated with local farms and producers, with subtle Southern touches. There’s something special about enjoying farm-to-table cuisine in an atmosphere that evokes the days when everything was, by default, farm-to-table. Do not miss this amazing eatery.
Best Place to Get in the Southern Spirit
Leiper's Fork Distillery
Pick your poison: Tennessee whiskey or bourbon? Get to know the difference – and taste for yourself at Leiper's Fork Distillery. Sitting on 27 acres of beautiful countryside, this grain-to-glass operation is located inside a 200-year-old log cabin and includes a tasting room. The real gem, though, is the huge timber frame building housing the 500 gallon sawn neck whiskey still and cypress fermentation tanks. Tours are available, check their website for availability.
Best Place to Catch an Up-and-Coming Act
Kimbro's Pickin' Parlor
It may not look like much from the outside, but inside Kimbro's the stage is always rocking. A dive bar in the best sense of the word, Kimbro's keeps the tunes coming, the bar food frying, and the beers flowing. If live music is your thing (and big-name acts aren't), stop into Kimbro's and see the next big thing.
More to Do In and Around Franklin
- Lotz House, Franklin: The epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, one of the American Civil War's bloodiest battles. Take the in-depth tour and prepare to be amazed.
- The Franklin Theatre, Franklin: A beautifully restored theater with a gorgeous marquee. Catch concerts, movie screenings, and more and browse during intermission to learn more about the theater's civil rights history.
- Honest Coffee, Franklin: Custom roaster featuring a wide selection of bean blends and crafted coffee drinks.
- BriarWorks, Columbia: Marvel at the hand-made craftsmanship of their traditional smoking pipes, grab a beer, and relax in the casual atmosphere.
- Serenite Maison, Leiper's Fork: Browse this incredible store that's part antique shop, part boutique, and aesthetically perfect.
- David Arms Gallery, Leiper's Fork: Filled with antiques and collectible objects, this namesake gallery is painstakingly curated with a rustic, warm, comfortable vibe.
- Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge: Cruise one of the nation's most scenic parkways.
- Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant, Franklin: Great music, great barbecue, and the magic of southern hospitality.
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As Airstream travels the country in search of unique Round Trip destinations, we keep our eye out for dedicated craftspeople who are passionate about manufacturing quality products. Like like the hundreds of production associates who hand-make Airstream travel trailers and touring coaches in our Jackson Center, Ohio manufacturing facility, they are committed to their craft – and to living their dreams. These are their stories.
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