Franklin Tennessee is the site of one of the most important events in the Civil War. In 1864, one battle in a small agricultural town just outside Nashville became a turning point in the victory of the Federal Army. The Battle of Franklin has been called the bloodiest five hours of the American Civil War. Today, the historic town of Franklin Tennessee draws travelers from all over the country to commemorate the Battle of Franklin and the estimated 9,500 soldiers who were killed that fateful night.

During that battle so many years ago, many existing buildings in historic Franklin were converted into hospitals for the hundreds of injured soldiers. Two homes, however, played primary roles in the medical care during the Battle of Franklin: Carter House and the Carnton Plantation. These historic landmarks offer tours of the respective houses and grounds, including bullet holes and bloodstains that remain to this day. At the Carter House, visitors can learn how the Carter family sheltered from the battle in the cellar beneath their house and tour the actual battlefield of the Battle of Franklin. At Carnton Plantation, visit the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the largest private Confederate cemetery in the United States, where 1,500 soldiers are buried, 558 of them still unknown.

In November of each year, the Carnton Plantation of Franklin Tennessee hosts Blue Gray Days in commemoration of the bloody battle and the slain soldiers. Reenactments of the battle help viewers understand what happened between the two armies, while an illumination ceremony of 10,000 candles give a breathtaking tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives.

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Today, Franklin Tennessee is a revitalized and growing town with a population estimated at nearly 60,000. Only twenty miles south of Nashville, it is officially considered part of the Nashville Metropolitan area. The pedestrian friendly area of Historic Franklin along Main Street retains the charm of American small towns, including boutique shops, restaurants, and a town square with a monument to the Civil War in the center. The more developed area of Cool Springs offers visitors a more modern feel, including one of the largest retail malls in the southeastern US, the CoolSprings Galleria. Also popular stop is The Factory at Franklin, a former stove factory that has been converted into shops and restaurants. The Factory also hosts the town's Farmer's Market and frequently displays art by local artists.

There are many standard hotels in Franklin Tennessee to choose from. However, if you're looking for something a little different, consider Aloft Nashville, one of the newest and most popular hotels in Franklin Tennessee. Aloft Nashville is a chic, modern boutique line managed by Westin and it draws a hip young crowd with modern style and decor. The hotel also offers a pool, a bar, a game area, and beds comfortable enough to easily meet the Westin standard. If funky isn't your taste, Blue Moon Bed and Board has been one of the most well-liked hotels in Franklin Tennessee for years. This popular Nashville B&B offers quiet privacy, a well-stocked kitchen, home-cooked food, a luxurious bathtub, and romantic décor.

One of the easiest ways to get around Franklin is the Franklin Trolleys. These fun red and green trolleys carry passengers between all of Franklin's areas of interest, including CoolSprings Galleria, Historic Franklin, and the Factory at Franklin. Franklin's proximity to Nashville makes it a popular place for budding artistic talent. Many Franklin establishments feature local music bands and art collections. Franklin's Annual Main Street Festival showcases more than 200 artisans. Even several Hollywood films have premiered in Franklin, so if you’re interested in learning about more than just the area music scene, this is the place to be.