Things to Do Around Nashville & Franklin
Welcome to the 2027 TAW Symposium! To help you plan your free time, we have curated a list of local favorites, historic landmarks, and craft-centric attractions right around our Franklin venue and nearby downtown Nashville.
Franklin & Cool Springs (Closest to the Venue)
A gorgeous, 16-block historic district just minutes from the symposium venue. It features beautifully preserved Victorian architecture, local boutiques, antique shops, and incredible restaurants along Main Street.
Located just minutes from the Marriott, this converted 1929 stove factory is now a vibrant artisan hub. It is filled with local woodcrafts, jewelry makers, pottery studios, local eateries, and the famous Five Daughters Bakery—making it a perfect match for craft lovers.
A legendary local staple serving up authentic Southern comfort food, slow-smoked BBQ, and live local music in a casual, rustic atmosphere right in the heart of historic Franklin.
Located a short, scenic drive into the rolling hills of Franklin, this premier vineyard co-owned by country star Kix Brooks offers beautiful hillside views, wine tastings, and a relaxing place to unwind after a day of rotations.
A massive, premier indoor shopping destination located right in Franklin, featuring over 150 stores, major retailers, and a wide variety of dining options for convenient post-symposium shopping.
For the history buffs in the crowd, Franklin is home to deeply moving Civil War history. Carnton and the Carter House offer incredible, somber guided tours focused on the 1864 Battle of Franklin and local historic preservation.
Downtown Nashville Classics
The world-famous "Honky Tonk Highway," where live country, rock, and bluegrass music pours out of neon-lit saloon doors from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM every single day.
Known universally as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this historic 1892 venue is sacred ground for music history. It offers fantastic daytime museum tours and unforgettable evening performances.
A massive, state-of-the-art museum in downtown Nashville that preserves the history and evolving traditions of country music through stunning exhibits, stage costumes, and historic instruments.
Housed in a magnificent 1930s Art Deco post office building downtown, this world-class visual arts center hosts a constantly rotating schedule of local, national, and international art exhibitions.
A fantastic way to explore the city's rich history, architecture, and musical roots on foot, with expert local guides leading you through downtown's hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
Greater Nashville & Surrounding Areas
A unique hidden gem for gearheads, housing the country's largest collection of European cars, bizarre engineering prototypes, microcars, and unique amphibious vehicles.
The show that made country music famous. Located near Opry Mills, visitors can book a captivating backstage tour or buy tickets to a live radio broadcast performance featuring a mix of country legends and contemporary stars.
Tennessee's largest outlet shopping destination, featuring over 200 stores, a massive IMAX theater, and numerous family-friendly restaurants right next door to the Grand Ole Opry.
Located in Nashville's Centennial Park, this spectacular, full-scale replica of the original Athenian Parthenon features an art museum and a breathtaking 42-foot gold-leaf statue of Athena.
A world-famous, intimate 90-seat listening room tucked away in the Green Hills neighborhood, where elite songwriters perform their hits in an acoustic, "in-the-round" setting.
Note: Tickets are incredibly hard to get and require advanced planning! Check their site for exact ticket release times.
Located at the start of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, this historic landmark has been serving up iconic scratch-made Southern biscuits, country ham, and sweet tea since 1951.
If anyone brings a vehicle or wants a scenic drive, the northern terminus of this historic national highway is right by Franklin. The double-arch bridge offers breathtaking views of the valley and is a beautiful engineering marvel.
Located about 75 minutes south of Franklin in the historic hollow of Lynchburg, TN, this world-famous distillery offers rich historical tours detailing the old-school craftsmanship of making Tennessee whiskey.