A Delightful Detour in Franklin - Simpson County, Kentucky
Traveling through southern Kentucky or northern Tennessee? Why not add an overnight stay in Franklin to your itinerary? Located in Simpson County, this hospitable community offers small-town charm, historic landmarks, and boutique shops, making it a must-visit.
Morning
Kick off the day with a delicious breakfast at one of Franklin's local hot spots. At Mill House Café, enjoy avocado toast with tomato and feta or a breakfast burrito with homemade salsa. Save room for a gooey, fresh-baked cinnamon roll. For a classic diner breakfast, head to Tim's Main Street Diner. Dig into hearty omelets, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, and satisfying biscuits and gravy. If you're getting an early start, rise and dine at Rylan’s Restaurant, open at 5:30 a.m. Load up on Southern favorites like country ham biscuits, pecan pancakes, and eggs your way with chicken fried steak. Portions are big, so come hungry!
After breakfast, browse the boutiques at the Franklin Historic Shopping District in the town square. Here, you can shop for home decor and fine art and even go treasure hunting for antiques. Don’t miss Gallery on the Square, a creative hub from the Simpson County Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. See art by local creators and shop for handcrafted items like oil paintings, watercolors, woven baskets, and photography. You'll also find rotating exhibits, including artist-specific shows like the haunting photography of Neilson Hubbard. At the center of the square, you’ll spot the Historic Simpson County Courthouse dating back to 1882—plus some much more recent art thanks to local high school welding students. Greet Melvin the Magnificent, a 400-lb horse sculpture made of horseshoes, presiding over the courthouse lawn. And hang a padlock on the Locks of Love tree as a memento of your visit to Franklin.
After shopping, head to the west side of the square to First Methodist Church. It’s more than a pretty building—it’s the site of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s surprise 1968 wedding! Snap a selfie in front of the historical marker commemorating this union of country royalty.
Wrap up the morning with a visit to the Simpson County History Center for some local lore. The on-site museum is packed with area artifacts, from antique furniture and home goods to military uniforms and wartime photographs. Then, head across the street to the 1879 Old Jail to peer into the medieval-style limestone cells and spot Civil War-era graffiti uncovered during renovations.
Afternoon
After all that walking, you’re bound to be hungry. Order lunch from the window at Frosty Freeze, serving Franklin’s first “fast food” since 1956. Bite into a juicy burger and crispy fries at the umbrella-shaded picnic tables. And don't leave before ordering one of their heavenly milkshakes or old-fashioned banana splits. Another local favorite is the old-school Gold City Grocery, about eight miles from downtown. Part country store and part restaurant, this spot serves thick-cut bologna sandwiches and local Chandler Beef cheeseburgers.
After lunch, explore the wild side of Simpson County. If you had a score to settle in the 19th century, the local Linkumpinch dueling ground was the place to do it. Duelers like Texas statesman Sam Houston stayed at nearby Sandford Duncan Inn before meeting the next morning to satisfy their honor. The 1819 site is now a museum where you can see historic furniture, home goods, and tools. Reach out to the museum in advance to request a live dueling demonstration!
For more dueling heritage (and some local bourbon), make Dueling Grounds Distillery your next stop. Take a guided tour and discover how they make their signature Linkumpinch Bourbon. Then head to the Tasting Room to learn more about the dueling grounds and sample local spirits.
If duels aren’t your style, how about antique shopping? Franklin is home to multiple antique centers, like Heritage Antique Mall downtown. Browse 20,000 square feet of home decor, furniture, and collectibles. Or visit Bright’s Antique World for a huge selection of vintage finds like old signs, ceramics, jewelry, and clothing from over 100 dealers. They can even ship your treasures to your home!
If you visit in the summer or fall months, be sure to stop by Ruby Branch Farms. This family farm is home to nearly ten acres of blooming sunflowers from late July to mid-September—the largest sunflower field in Kentucky! Solve the Sunflower Maze in August, or visit in the fall for their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze.
Before the light is gone, head to The Fork in the Road for a one-of-a-kind photo op. At the intersection of Uhls and Bunch Roads, you’ll spot a 21-foot-tall, 680-lb stainless steel fork standing on one end. Another high school welding project, this quirky statue is surrounded by scenic farmland for a unique pit stop!
Evening
What are you craving for dinner? Chances are you’ll find it in Franklin.
The upscale-yet-welcoming Brickyard Cafe boasts flavorful jambalaya, meaty signature lasagna, and Rattlesnake Pasta with blackened chicken and a Cajun cream sauce. Look up to spot a historic wooden wagon on a platform suspended from the ceiling! Or head to 31W Bar and Grill for an eclectic menu with a bit of everything—Cuban sandwiches, hearty steaks, tacos, burritos, flatbread pizzas, and more. Get your fill of slow-smoked Kentucky meats at Wildfire BBQ. Order heaping plates of tender brisket, pulled pork, or fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs seated at rustic wooden booths or tables made from repurposed bourbon barrels. Or visit El Potrero Cantina & Grill for hearty plates of cheesy enchiladas, soft and crunchy tacos, sizzling fajitas, and tasty tamales. Catch live music on frequent Saturdays, or take to the stage yourself during Friday night karaoke.
After dinner, go ghost hunting at Octagon Hall. Constructed in 1847, the hall was used as a hospital during the Civil War. This paranormal hotspot is considered one of the most haunted places in the South! While most tours are only available by day, they also host nighttime “novice ghost hunts” every other month (or so).
Join forces with other amateur investigators to learn about previous sightings and the history of the building. Bring your own paranormal equipment to detect electromagnetic energy, sweep radio frequencies, or take full-spectrum video as you travel the dark house. You may even visit the two onsite cemeteries. Keep an eye out for the ghosts of Civil War soldiers or young Mary Elizabeth Caldwell, who passed away here in the 1850s after getting too close to the kitchen fire.
For a different kind of thrill, test your luck at The Mint Gaming Hall at Kentucky Downs. Their gaming floor jingles with over 1,000 machines, including Buffalo, All Aboard, and Wheel of Fortune. Sip a Bourbon Sangria from Center Bar as you try to outdo the hall’s record-setting $780,307 jackpot.
barbecePlace bets and watch simulcast racing on 50 widescreen TVs, or catch high-stakes Thoroughbred racing at the seven-day meet each September, including the Nashville Derby. Cap off your night with live performances like comedy shows and live music in the Event Center.