Boutique Hotels in Franklin, TN

Located just twenty miles south of Nashville, Franklin is a charming Southern town that’s smaller than its famous neighbor Nashville, but doesn’t lack on the hospitality. With an idyllic sixteen blocks of Victorian architecture, a stroll through downtown Franklin offers foodies some impeccable options, from southern fare including grits and fried okra to distilleries, tasting rooms, boutique shopping and art galleries. Book a room at the best Franklin boutique hotels to explore all of what this town has to offer.

The storied Old Williamson courthouse is a must see, and its stories still haunt many today. The Antebellum-era building was the place of many pivotal events in history, he death penalty was carried out by hanging from the courthouse balcony. Punishments for crimes took place in the courtyard, and included whippings, branding and confinement in the stocks. And before the Civil War, slave auctions took place here.

From there, make sure to check out the Old, Old Jail. Having served as a jail from 1940 to 1971 and housed both male and female prisoners, many perished here by way of the electric chair. Prisoner graffiti is still visible on the walls! Tours are available Monday through Friday. Regardless of where you stay, the top Franklin boutique hotels are within walking distance to many of these attractions.

Established in 1937, the Franklin theatre is a staple of downtown Franklin’s arts scene. The first air-conditioned building complete with public restrooms, it became a popular stop for women doing their afternoon shopping during the humid Tennessee summers. Regarded as one of the finest examples of art deco architecture in Franklin, it’s been renovated to include new seating and a new screen, but it still retains the charm of an old-fashioned theater. The Franklin Theatre hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts by country music artists such as Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney, among others. In addition to live music performances, the theatre also hosts comedy shows, musicals, plays and movies.

Franklin is ripe with memories of the Civil War era. Located at ground zero of the Battle of Franklin, a visit to the Lotz House will transport you back to the 1860s. When the federal line was established in the front yard of this home, a bloody battle ensued. Today, visitors can still see where a cannonball shot through the house, with an indentation on the wooden floor, bloodstains throughout the home and numerous artifacts from the soldiers, including belt buckles, guns and clothing.

Located nearby, be sure to visit the Carter House Civil War Museum. Still visible today are the spray of bullet holes on the exterior of the house from the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. The neighboring Carnton house served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. The floors of the restored house are still stained with the blood of the men who were treated here.

If you want to escape the crowds of Franklin, the Harpeth River Greenway and the Westhaven Trail are ideal for decompressing in the beauty of nature and great if you’re traveling with kids. Discover all this and more when you book your stay at the top unique hotels in Franklin.

Don’t forget to check out our hotels nearby in Nashville and Knoxville!