3. Ramble along Main Street in Franklin’s Historic Downtown
Apart from visiting Civil War mansions and museums, ramble down Main Street, the origins of which date back to 1799. Catch the artistic flair and chic vibe, from bakeries to boutiques, antique shops to hair salons. Browse bookstores, admire art in galleries, ogle Victorian architecture, splurge on vintage fashion, catch a show at the Franklin Theatre, and savor a pint of artisanal espresso gelato. If the timing is right, participate in a Franklin festival.
4. Imagine Hiding in the Basement of Carter House
If it’s hard to imagine what this was like for Fountain Branch Carter, the businessman who owned the home; his wife; and their 12 children, all is revealed during a tour of the Carter House State Historic Site. The bullet holes are still here, along with open spaces pierced by cannonballs. The battle was short, but the casualties were significant, numbering 10,000 dead and wounded. One of the Carter boys was a soldier who succumbed to his injuries in the house where he grew up.
