5 Must-Visit Experiences in Williamson County, TN
If you've just moved to Middle Tennessee, or are in town for a 3-day weekend, make sure to put these activities on your to-do list.
Did you recently relocate to Middle Tennessee and are looking for fun activities in Williamson County? Or maybe you’re just visiting for the weekend and are eager to explore what this area south of Nashville has to offer. Either way, be sure to add these 5 fun-filled experiences to your itinerary. Ready to explore?
In This Article
1. Ride the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Part of this 444-mile national scenic byway cuts through Williamson County just west of Franklin, TN. The natural beauty surrounding the road is the primary allure, though many travelers also enjoy the man-made double arch bridge. The innovatively designed bridge is 1,648 feet long and rises 155 feet above the Birdsong Hollow valley.
2. Enjoy history at Carnton and the Carter House.
Both homes were built in the early 1800s and made it through the Civil War’s Battle of Franklin in 1864 (Carnton was briefly turned into a field hospital following the battle). Guided tours are available daily, and visitors are encouraged to spend extra time exploring the grounds and surrounding buildings on their own.
3. Go antique hunting in Leiper’s Fork.
Just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, less than 10 miles from Franklin, the charming village of Leiper’s Fork is ideal for antiquing (and shopping in general). Among the favorites are Serenite Maison, featuring jewelry, furniture and textiles, and Props Antiques, which offers vintage-inspired toys and candy.
4. Watch a show at the Pull-Tight Players Theatre.
This has been the home for amateur theater in Williamson County since 1968, when the original Pull-Tight Players made their debut with a production of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.” More recent performances have ranged from traditional (“Death of a Salesman,” “South Pacific”) to contemporary (“Steel Magnolias,” “Spamalot”).
5. Have fun at The Factory.
As the name implies, this historic facility used to be a factory. Now, it is a one-stop location for shopping, dining and entertainment. There is a farmers market every Saturday morning and live music most weekend nights at the new Mockingbird Theater.
But wait! Why stop at 5 must-visit locations? Here’s a bonus stop that you need to bookmark …
Bonus stop: Visit Landmark Booksellers.
No trip to Franklin is complete without a stop at this amazing local bookstore. Here, you’ll find a vast array of collectible signed editions, hard-to-find classics, new releases, and books devoted to Southern Americana, Tennessee, and local history and culture.
