Visitor Rave about Franklin on Foot's tour!

"Margie--I just wanted to thank you for your latest book Lizzie's War. It was a wonderful read. I wish I had this book when I first started working at the visitor center this summer to give me a basic understanding about the Battle of Franklin from the beginning. Reading about the battle from a child’s perspective was entrancing. I couldn’t tear myself away from it. Lizzie’s war painted a picture of the Battle of Franklin in a way I’ve never thought of. It opened up a whole new realization for me of not only what the soldiers and adults had to endure but the impact left upon children as well. Thank you very much for the gift and for the wonderful tale"-- Mary Jane Pope, Visitor Information Specialist, Williamson County Visitor Information Center

"I learned more history on your tour than in four years at William and Mary in Colonial Williamsburg."--Janet, Philadelphia

"Thanks for the photo and for a wonderful and informative tour. You made the history real by connecting it to the present." Ernie V. Campbell, Franklin

"My daughter, Penny, and I had the pleasure of doing two of the Franklin on Foot tours and they were excellent! The Ghost Tour at night was a delight. Anna, our tour guide, brought the "ghosts" to life with her facts and humor! We look forward to going on another tour with her!Our historic Franklin tour was led by a gifted author, Lisa Patton (you must read her book, "Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor"Easter") Lisa has a beautiful 'Southern charm' about her and made our tour so interesting that we look forward to another one with her!
Margie Thessin, thank you for Franklin on Foot and your intriguing book on "Ghosts of Franklin" Can't wait to visit your friendly city again!" Carolyn P., Wichita, KS

"I came on the ghost tour because some of the ladies from church were going, and truthfully, I wasn’t sure about it. But since the ghost tour, you’ve gotten me intrigued about my history, and I’ve started looking into my family’s past. I really appreciate it now." Angie Johnson, Franklin

From Facebook after an I Spy tour: "Thanks for a wonderful tour that was educational and fun. I love what you and your team do for our town." Karen, Franklin.

"Our tour of the Lotz House was the best tour I've ever been on! We started out on Friday night (June 3rd) with a ghost tour of the house. Our guide, Margie, was excellent. She made us so comfortable, it made us feel like we were long lost friends! We were first given a history of the house and the battle by JT. Then Margie began our ghost tour. What an storyteller she is! I had goose bumps almost the entire time I was there and the temperature that weekend was HOT!" Betty, Illinois

"I recently purchased your book, Ghosts Of Franklin, at Landmark Book Sellers. I LOVED the book and was very intrigued by its stories and the history of our town! I am a resident of Franklin and spend a lot of time in the square. I now have a whole new outlook on the town and its so interesting to find out more about it. I think what you're doing is great; spreading history in a fun, interesting way. I've personally taken the ghost tour and look forward to attending more tours in the future! Keep doing what you're doing." F.Z. Franklin

"I read your entire ghost stories book on the road today as we made our way to Memphis. Really enjoyed it. Anna did a great job with her ghost stories. Thank you so much for making our trip so interesting. We will be back sometime in the future." Bill and Judy, Texas

"Kevin's ghost tour was amazing. He brought the stories to life in an incredible way. I loved the tour so much I brought my daughter and her friend back for the tour the next day." Devera, Baltimore.

An email arrived May 29: "My daughter and I visited Franklin on Saturday, May 28th. We chose the Haunted Franklin tour and were delighted. I left Franklin, determined to tell someone that Emily is an excellent tour guide. We had visited many sites in Franklin and had heard the story of the Battle of Franklin from many different tour guides. Emily's was, by far, the most captivating account. She delivered all the facts clearly, with sincerity, and concisely. I have already praised Emily, herself, after our tour. I wanted her fellow workers to know how much we enjoyed spending an hour and a half with her. Very well done." Julie Hurley, Beaver Dam, KY

"Some of our favorite field trips have come at the hands of Franklin on Foot! Engaging guides bring history to life, and children walk away with a new love for the history of their hometown. From small groups to large classes, Margie and her staff have earned an A+ in our book." Amy Smith, Montessori School of Franklin

From a visitor's facebook: "We visited the town of Franklin, the site of a bloody Civil War battle and we visited The Carnton Plantation, which was used as a hospital during that battle. There is a large Confederate cemetery at Carnton Plantation. Our tour guide for the entire Franklin trip was Margie Thessin from Franklin on Foot. Her knowledge of the history of Franklin made the trip fantastic." Gary, Sparta, WI

A review on Tripadvisor.com: "This tour is wonderful! Franklin is a beautiful, historic town worth seeing. The "Franklin on Foot" tour takes you into the details of the town's history - from funny, to heroic, to tragic, to amazing. Margie does a great job explaining how the various events happened and what the people were feeling back then. A morning tour, ending with lunch and a little shopping is the perfect way to spend the day. And everyone is gracious - going above and beyond to be welcoming and helpful."

From a tour operator: "Margie, the client called me to say how wonderful you were. They want to take you with them on all their tours!" Sharon, Sharin' Nashville Tours.

Facebook: "My kids and I did a tour this past week on Tuesday with Lisa and we had the best time! She was wonderful! Thank you Lisa!" Tonia.

"I'm a history and Civil War buff and re-enactor. This tour was awesome!" Spence, 5th grader, Brentwood.

"I'm not a native of Franklin and didn't know much about the history here until I started taking Franklin on Foot's tours. Now I always take out-of-town friends and family on your tours when they visit. We have done corporate events around your tours. This is a great service for Franklin!" Susie Cantrell, Franklin.

"We took Margie's Civil War tour. She really made the history come to life." --Marty and Larry, North Dakota.

"Dear Margie, Thanks again for a wonderful tour of downtown Franklin on Friday. Bob and I fell in love with the kind people in your town and the beautiful scenery. I, of course, couldn't get enough of the Civil War history! Thanks again for a great tour. I plan on coming back soon with my girlfriends who are also Civil War buffs." Barb Nelson, Ohio

"I didn't just hear about history on this tour, I really felt it." --Bill Laney, CA

"Yours was by far the best ghost tour I have ever found. I have been on ghost tours in other cities and they just don't compare. The organization was great, the tour is very accessible, and the tour guide (Mike) was awesome. He had so much insight not only on the ghost stories, but also on the history of the city and just great stories about each building. He made the night extremely enjoyable. I fully plan on reliving the tour again and again. I already have family members committed to taking the tour next year for Halloween when they come to town to visit. My sister is big into ghost tours (Savvanah, Charleston etc.) I told her this tour will blow those away." Signed, an extremely satisfied patron.

"I just went on a ghost tour in Savannah, and this one is far better. The storytelling is superior!" -- Valerie, Brentwood, Tennessee

"This was the best tour we've ever taken. You customized it to our interests and answered all our questions. You could tell it was from the heart!"--Doyle and Vonzille, Anniston, Alabama

"We had a most wonderful and educational time in Franklin. It was not planned at first, but after looking over the brochure, we knew we had to go! I will be writing an article for our local Canadian contingent newsletter and most of it will feature our time in Franklin. We will highly recommend anyone to stop there for a tour of your beautiful city. Thanks again, The Peters Family

"Great Murder & Mayhem tour. I look forward to more tours -- soon! Thank you, great information, loved it." --Bob L., new Franklin resident.

"I've never been a history buff. I never understood when people say they liked history--until now. Your tour was incredible. After today I am just so excited to dive into learning about history!" --Rhonda W., Tillamook, OR

"Thank you so very much for an excellent evening! My husband and I have taken similarly themed tours in New Orleans, Chicago, Savannah, and Charleston. The Haunted Franklin tour ranks as one of the best we have taken. Our guide was very knowledgeable, witty, and entertaining. The material seemed to us to be extremely well researched. Add all of this to a very agreeable night, and I think your tour may be my favorite event we've participated in locally. We will definitely plan on taking advantage of your other tour offerings. Once again, thank you for helping us learn more of our own local story!" Sincerely, The Schrecks, Fred, Karen & Elsa, Franklin

"Having recently relocated to Franklin and desiring to learn a bit about the area, Elizabeth and I have taken three fun-filled and incredibly affordable tours with Franklin On Foot. Outstanding narration of the history of the town, little-known facts of the buildings, events and personalities that have made Franklin what it is, great ghost stories and ghouly happenings add to the fun! This is a "Must Do" activity for individuals and families wishing to know a bit about the town, a bit about history and for anyone interested in a wonderfully informative and fun-filled good time!" -Chuck and Elizabeth S. - new residents of Franklin, TN

"Our book club visited Franklin recently and took your tour. We had visited Carnton and the Carter House, but your tour guide was able to put the battle into the broader context and we all finally understood the significance of the battle and how it all fit together." Deborah, Denver, CO

"As an educator, I am always searching for hands-on, stimulating activities for students. Margie Thessin and Rene Evans have visited my classes several times and have always brought history to life! Their ability to share their wealth of knowledge in age-appropriate and interesting lessons always result in students learning and wanting them to visit again. These two ladies and their talents are true Franklin treasures!" Lorrie Graves, Franklin.

"We recently did the walking tour with Zach, who did an excellent job. He provided just the right amount of history in a very interesting way. By the way, his manners are impeccable. What a fine young man." Beverly Meece.

"The tour was great and we had a wonderful time. We also visited Carnton Plantation. Every chance I get I suggest to travelers to the Nashville area to make sure they check out your website, and take a tour of Franklin and Carnton Plantation. Thanks for the awesome tour. Maybe we'll even take in a ghost tour on our next visit."

"Mike, Our group really enjoyed the Ghost and History Tour you led on Saturday night. Thanks so much. All of them knew little about the town in which we live, so they learned a lot in a short time. You set just the right tone and all of us old farts could hear you, which is a big plus!!" John F., Franklin

"The tour was unlike anything I have ever experienced. I learned so much about Franklin's history, while simultaneously being entertained by the hair-raising tales told by our wonderfully animated tour guide."--Ryan H.

"Your tour of downtown Franklin was incredible. I've lived here almost 10 years and worked downtown for many of those; I never knew so many wonderful/bizarre things occurred there." -Kristi E., Franklin, TN

"You can tell the guide really likes what she's doing....her passion for the subject comes through. Easy to listen to!" - George Hudgens, Cookville, TN

“I expected this tour to be good, but it far exceeded my expectations. Phenomenal!” -John, South Bend, IN

“The tour through Franklin, TN was exceptional! I love history and you made it LIVE for me. I was also thrilled that my grandson, Collin, could appreciate and enjoy the same tour, proving that you spanned the generations very well. My husband and I have often spoken of that day we enjoyed in Franklin, TN, and would do it all over again!” - Chuck and Lois S., Scottsdale, AZ

"We've done ghost tours all over, including in Gettysburg, and you're way better! -A Franklin resident

"Margie, I have been visiting my daughter in Franklin for many years and have driven through the town square many times. But it wasn't until I took the Franklin walking tour that I really appreciated the history of this town. The many interesting facts about the town and its people made everything come alive. It is a tour I would recommend to everyone, young and old." - Judy B., Sarasota, FL

"Your tour was excellent --very interesting and informative. It was one of the highlights of our 6th visit to the Nashville area. We have fallen in love with your town and are looking forward to our next visit." - Lydia and Steve S., San Pedro, Calif.

"What a delight! We would do it all over again." - The Fisher Family, Decatur, Indiana

"We took the Haunted Franklin tour at 7 p.m. and the Ghosts and Gore tour at 9 p.m., all on the same day. We loved it! We would highly recommend either of these tours to anyone with an interest in history, ghosts and wonderful storytelling!" -Three Ladies from Nashville

Your tour was exceptional. --Janet, Dick, Heather and Richard, visitors from New England

"Great night away from the kids! The Ghosts and Gore tour was really amazing. You will be shocked and amazed." -Chris and Jen, Old Hickory, TN.

"Fascinating and intriguing. It will give you a passion for history." - Carolyn A., Franklin, TN school teacher

"We loved it. And if it entertains kids, it will entertain you!" - Ms. Carolyn A.'s students

"The tour was wonderful. Although I've been a Franklin resident since 1956, I learned, on this tour, so many things I didn't already know. - Joan C., Franklin

"I Spy Downtown Franklin was fun! I loved doing the rubbing the best." - Anne Marie A., age 7, Franklin

"Our guide was a wonderful storyteller. It was fascinating and intriguing." -Cynthia, Murfreesboro, TN

"I Spy was really fun. It was fun trying to find all the things on the buildings!" -Emily L., age 8, Franklin

"The best walking tour, bar none, that I have ever been on."-Jim, Santa Rosa, CA

"My college friends and I recently had a reunion in Franklin. We so enjoyed the tour. It was so fascinating hearing all the stories about the people who lived in Franklin in the past." -Margaret R. , Franklin resident

"I have taken ghost tours in Charleston, Savannah and Franklin this summer, and the Franklin tour was the best by far! Great job, Franklin On Foot!”

"As a former curator and docent at a historic house museum in Raleigh, N.C. I enjoy taking tours elsewhere. I am so impressed with the professional and interesting tour you gave. You had so much information and did such a great job telling the stories." --Laura, Nashville.

"I just wanted to tell you how much the girls and I enjoyed our ghost tour with you on Tuesday evening. On the way home, as we were waiting in the airport, we all talked about our trip to Nashville and the highlights. We all decided that our trip to Carnton Plantation and your ghost tour were the best parts of the trip. Being a history buff and consummate ghost hunter, I just had to look for a ghost tour to go on. Well, let me tell you, I couldn't have picked a better tour. We had such a wonderful time, and learned a lot in the process. By the way, I am reading the book your partner wrote, and am laughing as I read the chapters about the homes we went to. Oh, and both Elizabeth and I felt as though "someone" was watching us from Mrs. Mosley's house. We both felt as if the presence wanted us to move on; I think we were disturbing her! Take care. Thank you for a most enjoyable time in haunted Franklin. Most Sincerely, Mary, North Attleboro, Massachusetts."

Comments

We could tell you we provide great tours (and write great books), but we'll let our guests tell you themselves.