The best arts & culture spots in Williamson County

Swap your usual routine for an hour of living history at Carnton, the 1826 farm that sat at the heart of Franklin’s 1864 battle. From classic house and behind-the-scenes tours to a powerful Slavery & the Enslaved Tour and Tennessee’s only All Men Are Created Equal Tour, it’s time well spent.

From the Spring Hill newsletter, October 5, 2026

Craving a screen break? Carter House drops you into an 1830 farm turned Civil War command post. Guided tours cover the house and grounds, the Franklin battlefield, and the lives of those enslaved here, plus an All Men Are Created Equal deep dive fueling a new visitor center opening in 2026.

From the Franklin newsletter, August 18, 2026

Skip the textbook and spend an afternoon with the guides at Battle Of Franklin - Civil War Museum, where Carter House, Carnton, and Spring Hill’s Rippa Villa bring three families’ Civil War stories to life through classic house tours, battlefield walks, and specialty deep dives like Slavery and the Enslaved.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 21, 2026

Just up the road in Franklin, Lotz House was built in 1858 and sat at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin; you can still spot cannonball scars inside.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 1, 2026

The Franklin Theatre is a restored historic movie house with a full bar and real-deal concessions, and it packs the calendar with live music, movies, theatre, dance, and the occasional songwriter showcase, making it the kind of unplug-and-enjoy night that feels perfectly Franklin.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 15, 2026

Enjoyable events focused on murder-mystery comedies for which attendees dine and try to solve the crime.

McLemore House brings Williamson County’s African American history to life with curated artifacts, photographs, and exhibits from the African American Heritage Society of Williamson County. Spend an hour here and you’ll walk out a little prouder of where you live... and with fresh stories to share at dinner.

From the Franklin newsletter, September 24, 2026

This week, if your home or storefront is giving beige energy, Murals & More turns blank walls into local conversation starters. From exterior and interior murals to canvas pieces, signage and graphics, decorative finishes, and recreational facility murals, they design art that actually fits your space.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 7, 2026