downtown-franklin-neighborhood-photographer-tom-thompson

There’s one thing we can all probably agree on — fall is an exciting and beautiful time in #DowntownFranklin! Check out our list below of fun things to do to celebrate the season right:

After a long, hot summer, we are looking forward to spending some much-anticipated time outdoors. Grab a picnic basket and fill it up with sandwiches from Franklin Mercantile and a sweet treat from Kilwins–caramel apples, perhaps?– or Merridee’s. Head over to historic Carnton Plantation, and sit beneath the shady trees with a few friends, admiring the colorful, changing leaves. Enjoy a picturesque meal, accompanied by a beautiful sunset. Plan your visit during one of their movie nights and catch a film under the stars! Next up is Field of Dreams on Friday, Oct. 7.

If an indoor movie is more your style, The Franklin Theatre has several good ones lined up, including Mean Girls and The Monster Squad. This restored historic movie house has a full bar and concessions. In addition to movies, the legendary theatre is host to many musicians, comedians and live-theatre productions. Mark your calendars for the live-showing of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka–sure to be fun for the whole family– on Oct. 18.

Spend a crisp fall evening on Franklin On Foot’s Haunted Franklin Tour. This family-friendly tour explores the ghosts and haunts that linger in our charming Downtown! In addition to being slightly spooked, you’ll learn a lot about the history of Downtown Franklin–even lifelong Franklin residents will discover Franklin’s past like never before! You will spend an hour and a half with “ghosts” of  former socialites, a Civil War spy, a failed businessman, Confederate soldiers and a dog or two. Grab a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks or Frothy Monkey to get in the mood before hitting the tour!

Not into ghosts? Opt for a Franklin Segway Tour and see Downtown Franklin in a whole new way! On this 60 minute tour, you’ll visit some of Franklin’s most interesting places, zipping along West Main and Fair Streets, as well as along the Harpeth River. Locals will even discover places they didn’t know about before the tour!

Believe it or not, football is not the only sporting event in the fall! Sunday Polo in the Park at Harlinsdale Farm will take place during the month of October. The series features an exhibition polo match, pre-game demonstrations, halftime challenges featuring audience members, delicious concessions, various vendors, live music and many kids’ activities! Be sure to bring a blanket and chairs to set up camp and enjoy the action-packed match!

Pumpkinfest returns to Franklin on Saturday, Oct. 29! Middle Tennessee’s largest family fall festival stretches along Main Street and the avenues of Downtown Franklin, offering fall fun for all ages around every corner. Kids will be entertained for hours with bouncy houses, pony rides, face painting and games. This free and festive event is jam-packed with costume contests, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, pumpkin carving and circus entertainment!

Collect a fall harvest of fresh, locally-grown vegetables, fruits, dairy, meats and more at the Franklin Farmers Market at The Factory! This year-round market boasts a variety of goods throughout the changing seasons from local farms, as well as several local artisans and arts and crafts vendors. Stop by on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1p.m. (9 a.m. – 1p.m. starting in November) to stock up on Tennessee farm fresh food. Invite some friends over after for a “Friendsgiving” meal, showcasing all of your farmers market finds!

For 16 years now, Wine Down Main Street has transformed Downtown Franklin into the venue for one of the most unique wine tasting events! The fundraiser, voted “The Best Fundraising Event in Williamson County,” benefits The Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee and will take place on Saturday, Nov. 5. Thousands will flock to Franklin for wine, beer and food tastings by some of Middle Tennessee’s best restaurants.

With happenings like these in #DowntownFranklin, you’re sure to never be bored this fall. We’ll see you around town!