Whether your idea of a perfect afternoon is sipping a hazy IPA at a bustling taproom or sampling a small-batch whiskey in a historic livery stable, the area around Franklin has you covered. From inventive breweries to classic distilleries and a few hidden gems that locals love, there’s something here for every taste.
Let’s get to it.
Curio Brewing Company
Curio Brewing Company transforms from a coffee roastery in the morning to a craft brewery by evening. They roast their own beans and pour single-origin drip and espresso drinks until the afternoon rush winds down. After that, more than ten rotating small-batch beers take over the taps. Fans often reach for the Setting Sun West Coast IPA or the Barn Cat Farmhouse IPA, though seasonal offerings like spring hazy IPAs and winter barrel-aged ales also make regular appearances.
The signature Woke AF stout bridges coffee and beer with dark roast notes and roasted barley flavors. The taproom mixes industrial chic with leather sofas, board games, and picnic tables on the patio. Kids play in a corner stocked with toys and dogs lounge under tables near water bowls.
Weekly events include Wednesday trivia, Friday bingo and “Curio U Beer” workshops where visitors can experiment with homebrewing. Local food trucks park at the entrance and live music by regional artists fills the space on weekends. The result feels like a neighborhood living room, complete with more hop aromas and limited-release stouts than most homes can offer.
Stable Reserve Distillery
Stable Reserve Distillery occupies a restored 1890s livery stable in Franklin, marking the first licensed distillery within city limits since Prohibition. They have won three World Spirits Awards for their lineup that includes Tennessee whiskey, two bourbon styles and a rye-forward expression with a spicy bite balanced by vanilla. Their gin combines lemon verbena, chamomile and white pepper for a smooth botanical profile.
Winter brings a barrel-aged stout whiskey, while mornings can start with an espresso Old Fashioned or a coffee-tini. Guests can blend and bottle their own cask-strength bourbon in small batches for a truly personalized keepsake. The tasting room features communal tables and seating in original horse stalls, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Live songwriter nights connect visitors to Franklin’s music heritage. An upscale snack menu offers charcuterie boards and pimento cheese. A gift shop carries bottles and branded goods for those looking to take the experience home or add to their shelf.
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
Leiper’s Fork Distillery leans into the small-batch spirit tradition with handcrafted Tennessee whiskey, bourbon and rye. The tasting room occupies a 200-year-old cabin restored for daily tours that last about 50 minutes, followed by a 25-minute spirit flight in a historic setting. This guided experience explores the mash bill, fermentation and barrel-aging processes used onsite.
Guests aged 12 and up can join the tour if they’re supervised, while adults can sample cocktails at the bar. Dogs on leashes are welcome around the fire pit and in outdoor seating areas. Live music often accompanies evening visits, and the grounds offer space for RVs and campers. The entire facility, including the shop and visitor center, is ADA accessible.
A gift shop stocks exclusive bottlings and branded merchandise. With extended hours most days, visitors rarely feel rushed. Larger groups are encouraged to book in advance to ensure seating and tour availability.
Mill Creek Brewing Co.
Mill Creek Brewing Co. delivers on its “Less Fuss. More Beer.” motto with a laid-back taproom and family-friendly atmosphere. Kids run around the patio while dogs rest beneath picnic tables. Trivia nights and local band performances keep the mood lively, but casual afternoons fill with conversation and cornhole games.
The kitchen shines with award-winning fare like the Smashville Burger and occasional pizza nights. All taps serve in-house brews, from the citrusy Lil Darlin’ Wheat to the easy-drinking Easy Daze Lo-Cal IPA. Their 7 percent ABV cider stands out against supermarket varieties.
Outside, guests enjoy cornhole and a golf simulator, and limited releases appear regularly for adventurous drinkers. Mill Creek’s emphasis on community and simplicity shows in every pint served and every event hosted, making it a go-to spot for both families and beer enthusiasts.
TailGate Brewery South Nashville
TailGate Brewery South Nashville livens up the Tanger Outlets in Antioch with over 30 house-made beers, ciders and seltzers on tap. Seasonal favorites include the TENN Golden Lager and Peanut Butter Milk Stout, while kettle sours and a Cerveza Con Lime lager offer lighter, refreshing options. Experimentation is constant, so visitors often find new brews alongside staples.
Inside, colorful murals brighten a spacious taproom and an adjoining covered patio welcomes dogs on leashes with water bowls provided. Food arrives as scratch-made pizzas—options range from Burrata Margherita to Spicy Vodka Pizza—alongside fries, salads and snacks to pair with any pour.
Non-alcoholic house lemonade and sweet tea cater to all ages, and legal THC seltzers are available for those who want an alternative buzz. TailGate South doubles as a neighborhood hub, balancing a wide beverage lineup, casual dining and a pet-friendly layout that keeps regulars coming back.
