I think that I found the perfect weekend getaway for pet parents. The small, historic town of Franklin Tennessee is paws down one of the most welcoming to dogs with its pet-friendly hotel, restaurants and shops. Walk into most any pet-friendly shop and your fur baby will be offered treats and water. Just minutes south of Nashville, Franklin even offers pet-friendly ghost tours. Named after Benjamin Franklin the town is designated a Great American Main Street and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During our weekend trip, we stayed at the Harpeth, a boutique hotel by Hilton, which is centrally located. The hotel has a restaurant, breakfast café, and lobby bar that was hopping with guests as a live band played country music. Check-in was a breeze. We opted for a room with a balcony which was furnished with a table, chairs and lounging sofa. The outdoor courtyard/atrium in the center of the hotel is the perfect place to have a drink and relax.
The hotel has a full-service restaurant, 1799 Kitchen, which we did not get to experience due to a lack of reservations. Our first night we unpacked and headed to dinner. We dined at Culaccino, an Italian restaurant, just around the corner from the hotel. The food was a little different than the Italian that I have savored in the past. I ordered the Cannelloni stuffed with butternut squash, spinach, parmigiano, amaretti and caramelized brown butter sugar on top—it was savory and sweet. My hubby ordered the Rigatoni with pancetta, tomato, garlic and chili topped with a fried farm egg. I sampled his dish and found it delicious. The chili added just the right amount of spice. Of course, we saved room for dessert… who could pass up Tiramisu. We ordered one helping of the Tiramisu, which I’m glad we did because it was a hearty portion. It was plenty for two people if not three, in my opinion.
We opted to dine on the large outdoor patio, which is on a first-come basis, and it’s pet friendly. Reservations are strongly recommended for the indoor dining— probably because the space is small. After a relaxing two-and-a-half-hour dinner, we stopped by a quaint bookstore, Landmark Booksellers, on the way back to the hotel. We noticed that the ghost tours started here, and the guide told us that pets are welcome. Though we were not up for a tour we shopped inside and found a few interesting books. We quickly perused some of the rare, out-of-print books as well as some new bestsellers as they were closing for the evening, but they are open seven days a week. I highly recommend a stop here.
The next morning, Saturday, we ordered breakfast at the hotel’s McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions. The bistro style restaurant offers breakfast and lunch; however, you do have to order at the counter… there was often a line but it moved fast. They do bring your food to your table. I couldn’t decide if I wanted Avocado toast, a ham and cheese croissant or the lemon pancakes… decisions, decisions. I opted for the ham and cheese croissant which was delicious. My hubby ordered eggs, bacon, toast and potatoes which was a hearty breakfast.
After we filled up on breakfast, we were ready to tackle the shops on Main Street. The stores that allow pets typically have a pet-friendly sticker on the window. Scarlet was happy to walk inside each shop as each was a place to cool off and get a treat. At one point we had to decline the treats as Scarlet was getting her fill and we wanted to be responsible pet parents. Scarlet does have to watch her figure— Fiddle Deedee.
From the historic Franklin Theater to quaint shops with home goods, clothing, antiques, estate jewelry, Polish pottery and exotic plants, we enjoyed shopping for hours. I found some great kitchen and candle finds at Hester & Cook and some Polish Pottery. I was also intrigued by the Rose of Jericho plant and the Venus fly traps at the Little Plant Shop.
After our exhausting shopping tour, we drove a few miles west to the quaint little town of Leiper’s Fork which is also on the National Register of Historic Places. An old police car that reminds me of the Andy Griffith Show and the town of Mayberry sits on the side of the road as you enter Leipers Fork. This is where the famous Fox & Locke offers mouth-watering Southern comfort food and live music. We had the BBQ sandwich which was delicious and filling. I’m told you might even see a famous singer take the stage every now and then. Most recently Carrie Underwood showed up for an impromptu performance.
After a short walk, it was hot so we stopped in a little wine shop, Wines in the Fork, to sample some local juice. Singer Isabella Ullo was playing memorable tunes as we sipped our wine under the shade trees by a bubbling creek. Scarlet even enjoyed this relaxing stop.
As we headed back to the hotel for the evening, we made a quick stop at Leipers Fork Distillery where they produce Tennessee whiskey in small batches. They do not allow pets, so we quickly browsed the area and drove back to Franklin.
There’s a lot of history in these two small towns, but we were there for the food and shopping. Scarlet walked until her dogs were tired. No doubt about it… we all had a doggone, howling good time in Franklin. Scarlet gives it two paws up!
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