YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE AWAITS!…read more
Kudos to the Heritage Foundation for their successful efforts in preserving the architectural, geographic and cultural heritage of Franklin and Williamson County. You deserve applause!
Downtown Franklin is that boyfriend who doesn't really want to spend time with you but just doesn't know how to verbalize his feelings. Instead, he starts acting out and doing all types of passive-aggressive behaviors. This year Franklin decided that he would host a production of one of my favorite Christmas plays and advertise it to the public to get everyone excited. However, I noticed that even prior to publicly releasing the tickets, several performances, (by the Pull-Tight players), were suddenly listed as "sold out". I later found out that this was because preference was given to all of his friends and family, (stage hands and season ticket holders), so that there weren't any left for the general public. Who does that?? Not cool!
He took me to a downtown restaurant that had the worst food ever!.
Sure, he showed me a good time on Saturday (Dickens of a Christmas festival), but that's because company was in town and he didn't want to look like a really big jerk. When I returned on Monday, it was as if he didn't know me. It was business as usual and I just felt like he didn't even care, (traffic congestion, no on street parking available). Don't even talk to me about that parking garage because I am the visiting girlfriend and I deserve to be able to park "up front". The best spots are always saved for company and that is the rule of the day all over the south! Figure it out!
My feelings were hurt because I went all the way up there just to see him and spend time with him but he just left me hanging. Sure, I found other things to do, (Civil War tour, The Factory, Nashville), but we did not get to spend significant time together and that was the primary purpose of the trip.
Now, I am not a "Bitter Betty" so I have decided to allow him to make it up to me with some specific ground rules in place for my next visit:
I am going to expect priority parking and I am willing to do my part by arriving early.
I am going to need a descent restaurant that is not a bar and not a fraud.
I am going to need all shops open on time and ready for business.
Most importantly, I will want to attend a professional performance at the local theater, so I will be expecting some reserve tickets available for the general public. Thank you.
I look forward to visiting again in the warmer months so that I can fully explore all there is to see and do in this little community. Hopefully the issue of the downtown traffic congestion will be less of an issue.
What visitors need to know: It is best to arrive early especially if you want to take photos of the beautiful historic buildings and the Christmas tree on the square. There is a downtown parking garage that is conveniently located for your use if necessary. Congestion seems to pick up around lunch time due to this being a central spot for shopping and dining.
Personally, I would eat before arriving in order to save time and get right to the shopping and sight-seeing. If necessary I would probably just grab a convenient treat downtown and have lunch elsewhere.
Historic Franklin is so much more than just shops on Main street, history is absolutely everywhere, including in the homes close to the downtown area and on the edge of town. You absolutely must visit The Factory which is an old historic factory that has been fully restored and is now occupied by a number of businesses and restaurants. This should be a priority on your list.
Finally, nothing can trump the rich Civil War history of this town and the battle that took place on November 30, 1864. Although there are actual structures that can be toured, I found greater interest in my own journey of visiting the museum, walking the battlefield and cemetery and reading the historical markers describing key figures and events. Despite what I did see and do, there was so much that I did not get to see or experience to the degree I desired. I will definitely be back!
***A special "Thank You" goes out to my friend BILL P. who introduced me to the town of Franklin just as I was contemplating my next adventure. Middle Tennessee was great and I I even had an opportunity to visit Nashville and some of its impressive sights. Even though I had some issues with my boyfriend Franklin, I still had a great time with my husband!
***Remember, caring is sharing. If you see something or know something that might be of interest to a fellow Yelper, let them know and you will have a friend for life!