Our Tours . . .

Think you hate history? That's because you've never experienced our special blend of education and entertainment we call edu-tainment.  Sometimes we think that a lot of history is just gossip that's over 100 years old! We offer a variety of tours for just about every age and interest and put our special "stamp" on Franklin's history that you won't get anywhere else. 

Daytime Tours

• Our Classic Franklin tour is a daytime walking tour that provides an enlightening look at the town's past.  This tour provides an overview of Franklin's history. 
• For visitors who are interested in The Widow of the South, a special Widow of the South tour package with Carnton Plantation explores the real people, places and events that appear in the novel. 
• Visitors will learn about those who have gone before as well as funerary art and symbols on our Rest Haven and City Cemetery tour. 

Ghost Tours

After dark we explore the other side of Franklin with our popular ghost tours.    

• Our family-friendly Haunted Franklin  tour is suitable for most ages.
• Not all of Franklin's history is appropriate for the young 'uns.  Our Ghost and Gore tour combines ghost stories with tales of crime from Franklin's past.   

Old postcard of the statue on the square, ca. 1914

The late Mrs. Mosley occasionally makes an appearance at her former home, above, on Third Avenue, now Franklin Marketplace

Children's Tours and Programs

Children are some of our best customers and they love our tours! 

Brownies and Girl Scouts:  Need help with your Listening To the Past Try -It or your Local Lore badge?  We offer

The Listening To the Past Try-It begins in the old city cemetery where we examine old tombstones and draw old markers.  Then it's down to Franklin's town square to learn about old buildings, hear some fascinating stories, and play a bit of I Spy.  We'll be together for about an hour.

The Local Lore badge begins at the Heritage Foundation office where we learn about historic preservation and the uses for old buildings.  Then we explore the town and learn about the different architectural styles in some of the buildings in Franklin. This program takes about 90 minutes.  

Each program costs $7.50 per participating scout, with no charge for non-participating siblings or leaders.  The tours are scheduled by the troop leader at the troop's convenience.  

I Spy!

I Spy Downtown Franklin can best be described as a scavenger hunt for the eyes. Children who participate in I Spy count objects and find dates, make a brass rubbing, learn about and draw historical doors, look for architectural details on buildings around the Square and down Main Street, and have fun!.  It's an active, hands-on program that takes about an hour. 

I Spy is great for kids who are at least beginning to read (usually ages 5 - 6) through about age 10 or 11.  Children who do not yet recognize letters and numbers generally do not find the program engaging.  

I Spy costs $5 for each participating child.   There is no charge for non-participating younger siblings and parents.  Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  

I Spy is available by arrangement for groups of 6 or more.  Think scout outing, birthday party, or neighborhood event.  Give us a call at 615- 400-3808 to schedule your tour. 

   Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts:  Cubs love the I Spy program.  We'll schedule it for your troop of six or more boys.  We'll give Boy Scouts in uniform a discount off the regular price of the Classic Franklin tour.

For information only, contact us at franklinonfoot@comcast.net.

Heritage Classroom Program

Under the aegis of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, Franklin on Foot brings a number of local history programs to public, private and home schools in Williamson County.  For a complete listing of the programs available, click here.  

To guarantee a place on your tour, you must make a reservation: call 615-400-3808. Cash and checks welcomed at the time of the tour. Click here to purchase tickets by credit card now.

Franklin is a Preserve America Community