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Franklin On Foot explores the fascinating history and sometimes-scandalous past of this memorable town, now known for its authenticity and eclectic atmosphere. Join one of our dynamic tour guides as you delve into one city’s rich heritage—either by foot or on two wheels! Most tours are offered daily by reservation. Some special tours are as noted below.

Call now at 615-400-3808 for information or to make your reservation!

To schedule a tour or for more information:

Call 615-400-3808. If I don't answer right away, it's probably because I'm on tour and have the phone turned off. (I won't answer the phone during your tour either!) But I will get back with you as soon as possible.

Email themargie@comcast.net

Margie Thessin, FOF

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Classic Franklin History Tour Civil War Tour Bike Tours

Haunted Franklin Tour Murder & Mayhem Tour Food Tours

Ghosts of the Battlefield Tour at Lotz House

Private Tours Grave Matters in the Cemetery Scout Programs

Children's Tours and Activities

School and Home-school Programs Step-on guide service

Southern Style Food Tour

Downtown Franklin is home to over 20 locally-owned and operated restaurants, from fine dining and Cajun to meat 'n threes and the best-tasting food truck fare ever. We'll visit six of our favorites, and you’ll get both a taste of the food and a helping of history.

Next tour: May 18, 2:00-5:00pm. Or call with your group of 4 or more.

Click here for more information or call 615-400-3808.

Lizzie's War

Lizzie's War is my new children's historical novel that explores life during the Civil War through a child's perspective. The novel follows eight-year-old Lizzie Courtney's early life, from her idyllic childhood all the way through the Battle of Franklin and aftermath when her world became wrought with chaos. The book shows how the Civil War affected the civilian population of the South. Many of the names--Carter, McGavock, Lotz, McEwen and Courtney--will be familiar to students of local history. Trade paperback, illustrated, 140 pp, $12.00. Purchase at Lotz House, Heirloom Shop, Gallery 202, Carter House, Carnton Plantation, Landmark Booksellers and Puckett's Restaurant in Franklin, and The Old Curiousity Book Shoppe in Columbia, or here.

Here's my blog post where you'll see some of the illustrations and can read a passage from the book.

"Margie has thoughtfully captured the essence of Franklin’s Civil War history and written it in a way that children can understand it, appreciate it and learn from it." J.T. Thompson, Executive Director, Lotz House

A town steeped in history…

…with a contemporary vibe. Minutes south of Nashville, Franklin is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the South. The accolades have rolled in for Downtown Franklin with honors that include “Best Small Town in Tennessee,” “America’s Most Romantic Main Street,” “One of America’s Greatest Antique Destinations,” and Southern Living’s #5 “Best Small Town in the South.”

Our most popular tour...

...may haunt you! For years visitors have come for the charm, often unaware of what lies just beneath the town's quaint Victorian facade. Franklin is just crawlin’ with ghosts—and we’re the ones who know the stories behind each tragic tale. Franklin On Foot’s enthusiastic tour guides give you a glimpse into Franklin’s spirited past and leave you with an unforgettable experience! To learn more, click here. Tours are by reservation. Please call 615-400-3808 for more information or to make your reservation.

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Got Ghosts? We Do!

This T-shirt says it all. Sizes are small, medium, large, xlarge and 2xl. Available for purchase at Carnton Plantation and Lotz House Museum or click here.

Ghosts of Franklin

Tennessee's Most Haunted Town

I wrote the book on Franklin Ghosts. Read all about them right here.

Purchase at Heirloom Shop, Landmark Booksellers, Pucketts Restaurant, Carnton Plantation, Lotz House Museum, Gallery 202/Clouston Hall in Franklin or click here. 181 pp., trade paperback.