Frequently Asked Questions

 How long is the tour?

Classic Franklin, Murder and Mayhem, Haunted Franklin and Grave Matters tours are all an hour and a half. Our Civil War in Franklin tour is two hours. Our programs for kids -- I Spy Downtown Franklin, Local Lore and Listening to the Past -- are closer to an hour.

How much walking is involved?

The Classic Franklin tour covers about six city blocks spread out over a little more than an hour. We walk a ways and tell a story, walk a little farther and tell another story, and so on.  All the walking is on flat city sidewalks.  There are several benches along the way that can accommodate three or four people, and the last 20 minutes or so of the tour take place in a church with ample seating for everyone.  

Both the Murder and Mayhem and Haunted Franklin tours cover about six blocks as well.  Many of the stops have steps or curbs where guests can sit and listen to the stories.  

The Civil War tour is a bit more strenuous--we'll walk about 14 blocks in two hours on city sidewalks, ending on the grass at the cemetery. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Where can I park?

All of the parking in downtown Franklin is free.  Yes, free.  You can park on the street or in one of the two public parking garages.  One is on Second Avenue South and the other is on Fourth Avenue South.  It is generally easier to find parking in the Fourth Avenue garage.  

Where do we meet?

Classic Franklin tour usually leaves from Landmark Booksellers, 114 E. Main St., Franklin, 37064. 

Directions from I-65:  

Take the Franklin exit #65.  If you are coming from the north, turn right at the end of the exit ramp.  If you are coming from the south, turn left at the end of the exit ramp.  This will put you on  Hwy 96 heading west.  This road will take you directly to the public square in the middle of downtown Franklin.  You will eventually find yourself at a traffic circle facing a statue of a Confederate soldier.  Pull into the traffic circle and take the first exit to the right, which will put you on East Main St.  Go through the first traffic light at Second Ave. and look for Landmark Booksellers on your left.  It is a handsome freestanding building with four big white columns in front of it.  You can park on the street or in the Landmark Booksellers' parking lot.  

Haunted Franklin, Murder and Mayhem  and Civil War tours usually leave from in front of the old courthouse on the square at 305 Public Square, Franklin, 37064. 

Directions from I-65:

From I-65, take the Franklin exit #65.  If you are coming from the north, turn right at the end of the exit ramp.  If you are coming from the south, turn left at the end of the exit ramp.  This will put you on Hwy 96 heading west.  This road will take you directly to the public square in the middle of downtown Franklin.  You will eventually find yourself at a traffic circle facing a statue of a Confederate soldier.  Pull into the traffic circle and take the third exit. This will put you on Main Street heading west.  At the first traffic light, Fourth Ave., turn left.  About halfway down the block on the left is a free public parking garage.  Park in the garage and take the stairs at the back of the garage down to the street level.  Once you walk out of the garage the courthouse will be directly in front of you.  

Grave Matters tours Franklin's Rest Haven and City Cemeteries, at the corner of 4th Avenue North and Margin Street, Franklin, 37064.

Directions from I-65:

From I-65, take Franklin exit #65.  If you are coming from the north, turn right at the end of the exit ramp.  If you are coming from the south, turn left at the end of the exit ramp.  This will put you on Hwy 96 heading west.  This road will take you directly to the public square in the middle of downtown Franklin.  You will eventually find yourself at a traffic circle facing a statue of a Confederate soldier. Pull into the traffic circle and take the second exit (you'd actually be going straight except the statue is in the way). Continue two blocks until the street dead-ends into Margin Street (be careful: Franklin has three separate Margin Streets--don't take the first one you see coming into town). Turn left--you are now driving alongside City cemetery--go one block to Fourth Avenue, and turn right. Park on either side of the street. Your tour begins on the right. 

I'm interested in the The Widow of the South combo ticket for both the downtown walking tour and Carnton Plantation.  Which should I do first?

You can certainly do them in either order, but we recommend that you take the downtown tour first.  It provides a broader view of the town's history and helps to establish a chronology.

What happens if it rains?

If the weather is dangerous -- thunderstorms and lightning -- we will call you to cancel.  (That's why we ask for a phone number when you make your reservation.)  If it's just a bit drizzly, bring an umbrella!  

I'd love to videotape the tour for my private collection of the best tours of America. May I?

No, and we don't want you to audiotape it either. It's extremely distracting! 

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The Classic Franklin tour is 100% wheelchair accessible.  The ghost tours sometime involve going into one historic building without wheelchair access to the second floor.  If you have a concern about wheelchair accessibility, please let us know when you book your tour and we will make every effort to accommodate the wheelchair.  

Do you provide wheelchairs for your guests?

No, unfortunately, at this time we are not able to provide wheelchairs.  

What about tipping the tour guide? 

If you feel you received a great tour and would like to show your appreciation by tipping your guide, we know for a fact she'll appreciate it and tell her family about the fabulous guests she just took on tour.

Can I bring my dog?

Many people walk dogs in downtown Franklin.  Please keep in mind, however, that you may be on a tour with as many as 25 other people.  The Classic Franklin tour spends about 20 minutes inside a church.  If you choose to bring a dog we ask that you use discretion and good judgment.  

Can I take pictures on the ghost tours?

Certainly.  We just ask that you not use a flash in your guide's face while she is telling a story.  It's really distracting.  

I know it says no kids under the age of 14 on the Murder and Mayhem tour, but can't I bring my baby?  She won't know the difference.

We certainly understand that adult content will go over the head of a very young child, but there is nothing in the tour that is engaging for an infant.  Young children quickly become bored.  They squirm and cry and distract other guests who are expecting an adults-only evening.  You will be distracted by worrying about your baby squirming and crying and bothering other guests.  Please plan your Murder and Mayhem tour for a date night.  

Do you offer anything besides walking tours?

Yes!  We can bring a program on Williamson County history to your civic group, newcomers' club, retirement center, scout troop meeting, etc.  We also offer a step-on guide service for tour buses, and have even come dressed in antebellum costume and served as an open house hostess.  

I don't really like history.  Will I like this tour?

Absolutely!  And if you liked history before this tour, you'll LOVE it when we're finished with you!  This is not a dry retelling of facts and dates.  We don't have memorized or canned presentations: boring! 

A Franklin on Foot walking tour is storytelling at its best.  We introduce you to people and events in a way that will make it come alive for you.  Even surly teenagers have fun on a Franklin on Foot tour.

Is there anywhere to eat lunch and dinner in downtown Franklin?

You betcha!  Close to a dozen restaurants cater to a variety of tastes, and some are open for breakfast and/or dinner, too.  Click here for a comprehensive list of eateries in downtown Franklin that are open for lunch and dinner.

What about credit cards? 

We take credit cards but only ahead of time. Click here to purchase tickets by credit card. You may also purchase tour tickets at The Shoppes on Main, 413 Main Street, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. But you still need to make a reservation ahead of time to make sure the tour is available and so we'll know when you're coming. Call 615-400-3808 to do so. 

Do you take cash and checks?

Of course!

I still have questions.  Can I talk to a real live human being?

Please call us at 615-400-3808.  We will be more than happy to answer your questions about Franklin on Foot or anything else that relates to a visit to Franklin.  Please leave a message if you don't get an answer.  We turn off the phone when we're on tour and will do the same for you when you're taking a tour.