Pet Friendly Guide: What To Do in Franklin, Tennessee With a Dog
Franklin, Tennessee is the pilot city under the Mars Petcare’s Better Cities for Pets initiative. You will find the streets lined with water bowls, plenty of poop bag stations and convenient signs on every business saying if dogs are welcome or not inside. In total over 90 businesses and restaurants are pet friendly.
Franklin is located only a minutes drive south of Nashville, the music city. It features an amazing small town feel, perfect for a weekend getaway or additional stay when visiting Nashville.
Things To Do With a Dog in Franklin:
Walk around Downtown Franklin and the historic Main Street
Stroll along the historic streets of Downtown Franklin. If you are driving into town, take advantage of the free parking in garages located on 2nd & 4th Ave. Make sure not to miss the Franklin Theatre, a 1930s movie hall turned music venue. It is just a great little town to walk around and see how many businesses really do love their dogs.
In warmer weather you have your pick of almost any restaurant in town to enjoy with your pup on the dog friendly patio. Sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon with some drinks and food while watching people walk on by.
Visit the Carnton Plantation
Carnton Plantation is a historic home dating back to the Civil War. Take a stroll through the grounds and learn about its role in the 1864 Battle of Franklin. Dogs are allowed on the grounds but not inside the house on the guided tour. If you would like to enjoy the informative tour, make sure someone in your party is willing to stay outside with the dog.
Walk down Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is a small charming village only a 15 minute drive from downtown Franklin. It is really just one street with a few enchanting businesses to check out. There are several art galleries, an antiques store and of course Puckett’s of Leiper’s Fork, a grocery store and restaurant known for its live music.
On the way either too or from Leiper’s Fork take a pit stop at Leiper’s Fork Distillery for a behind the scenes look at Tennessee Whiskey. Even if you have been on a distillery tour before, this tour is worth it, all for the friendly tour guide, Pops. The tour ends with not only a tasting, but a quick lesson on how to take whisky properly. On a warm day enjoy some time in the sun on their patio with yard games and picnic tables. They were ok with Gordo taking the tour with us, but please confirm your dog is allowed on a busier tour.
Where to sleep in Franklin with a dog?
Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs Hotel
When visiting Franklin there are only a few options on hotels that are dog friendly in the area. We stayed at the Aloft Nashville-Cool Springs Hotel, located a short ride from downtown Franklin, near plenty of stores and restaurants. Upon checking into our room we found some amazing treats for Gordo along with his own pillow and blanket to relax in.
