Franklin, Tennessee

This not-so-small-town of 58,000 (as of 2007) has a lovely downtown commercial district radiating from a large traffic circle. While it still has the feel of a small town, Franklin is being encircled by growth of the greater Nashville metropolitan area. The town was founded in 1799 and named after Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s upscale downtown area is indicative of its economic stature. It is currently the richest town in Williamson County, which is the 18th wealthiest county in the United States. Franklin’s expansive 15-block historic district offers visitors a multitude of quality eateries and interesting shops. For those historically-minded, the community provides Carnton Plantation and the Battle of Franklin Civil War battlefield sites. A trolley bus runs every hour between downtown Franklin and surrounding attractions. Pedestrian-inclined visitors can partake in daily guided walking tours of historic downtown. EARNS OUR HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.