While Eric and I were in Nashville over the holidays, we went to the totally charming town of Franklin, which is just south of the city and full of its own history. There are few things in life I like more than strolling through small towns, so I definitely had an awesome time.
We started with lunch at Puckett’s Grocery, where I had the most delectable fried chicken sandwich, enjoyed mayonnaise for the first time in my life (I know!), and made the questionable decision to eat a gigantic piece of pie (worth it!)
After all that, a stroll was definitely in order!
I was charmed at every turn.
And not least by this amazing bookstore. I adore businesses in old houses, and this one was teeming with all kinds of goodies…
…and was steeped in history as well.
I also really liked their sign.
And I found these two scholarly gentlemen reading inside. 
After we’d seen most of the town, we had our own private tour of Franklin’s civil war history, given by Eric’s brother, who is awesomely knowledgable about it. We stopped by the Carnton House, where he used to give tours, and got a behind the scenes look. Pretty rad. This house served as a field hospital during the war. There are still blood stains on the hardwood floors. Creepy! But it’s fantastic that it’s been so lovingly preserved.
And finally, I didn’t fail to notice that Franklin has really pretty fire hydrants. I am sure these colors have some municipal meaning…
But to me they just add to the beautiful rainbow of Franklin.
I have to say I NEVER think about going to Nashville, just through the Nashville area on my way to somewhere else. But you have shown me the error of my ways. I knew Franklin was quaint and charming, But I NEED to get inside that bookstore. And the hydrants are adorable! Also, I love seeing places where you have had a great time!
It was really awesome! I would happily spend much more time there, and you guys should go for a fun weekend or something! I bet you could find a really cute VRBO!
Having been THROUGH Nashville for at least the last 50 years, I too see that a stop in Franklin is in order for the next trip. Thanks for the travel discovery!
Sure, it was really fun! I am sure you and mom could find all kinds of cool things to do there! If you are going, I can forward you the little Nashville guide that Andrew made for us
I knew the stop Kostas and I made at the Frothy Monkey wasn’t enough; I need to go back to Nashville (according to the NYTimes’ Kim Severin, Nashville is the new “it” city, replacing Portland; I should add, however, that this isn’t why I want to go. Ever since I read about Ann Patchett’s new bookstore there, I sensed it might be a place full of kindred spirits)….I’d go anywhere to buy a lot of books, even if they’ll just sit on my shelves, sad and unread, yet loved.
I was totally thinking about the Frothy Monkey when we were there! Eric just told me last night that he had read that same article about Nashville being the new “it” city–we had an awesome time, for sure
I didn’t know Ann Patchett had a bookstore there–will have to put it on the list for next time!