What is your favorite dish or restaurant?

Tatiana: Butter chicken from The Original Chicago’s Pizza and Curry

Julia Reynolds: The lasagna from Our Table American Bistro

Ken: Iozzo’s on Jefferson or The Foundry Gastropub

Mackenzie: Court Street Café

Tracy: Spaghetti marinara with sauteed mushrooms on top at Greek’s Pizzeria

What is your favorite drink and from where?

Tatiana: A dirty martini from The Foundry Gastropub

Julia: Any of the spritz drinks from Pizza & Libations

Ken: Fresh pressed juices at Crow & Clover Café or Fruitful Frog

Mackenzie: Cold brew with hazelnut and almond milk at Coffeehouse Five

Tracy: Half Sun King Cream Ale mixed with half Quaff ON! Six Foot Strawberry Blonde at Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza

What store do you love?

Tatiana: Small Town Girl Boutique and Eclectic Jade

Julia: Faraday Toys

Ken: Farmers markets

Mackenzie: Middle Davids Artisan Candles

How would you spend one perfect day here?

Tatiana: I’d start with coffee at Main & Madison and then walk around the park. Then, I’d have lunch downtown Franklin, watch a matinee at The Artcraft Theatre, and end the night with live music at the amphitheater.

Julia: I would create a coffeehouse crawl in Old Town Greenwood where I could take my time visiting Coffeehouse Five and Fresh Pots, and wander through the town. We also have wonderful parks, and Old Town Greenwood has become very walkable. We have a lovely library, too!

Ken: Enjoying an outdoor concert at one of the local amphitheaters or playing disc golf at Blue Heron Disc Golf Course.

Mackenzie: Walking on the Franklin Greenway Trail and watching a classic film at The Historic Artcraft Theatre

Tracy: If I could have a perfect day, I would shop all the cute shops in Festival Country.

Insider tip?

Tatiana: You can park over by the Franklin Skate Park and walk the trails that will take you over to the east end of town. You can stop at Bojack’s Bar & Grille for a great Bloody Mary before hitting up the vintage shops on that side of town.

Julia: Every Johnson County resident has access to a free library card. We have three library systems in our county, which everyone should take advantage of because literacy changes lives.

Other tips from locals:

• You can purchase concessions from the Artcraft Theatre in Franklin even if you don’t buy a movie ticket. Their popcorn is the best. 

• The homemade chips from Ann's Restaurant in Franklin are a must-try.

• Vino Villa in Greenwood has a bocce ball court in their outdoor patio and it makes for a fun activity while you dine.

• You can get tenderloins and other delicious items from The Legendary Kitchen food truck on select days throughout the warmer months, not just festival days. Check their Facebook page to see when and where they'll be.

• 10 Pins in Franklin partners with Greek's Pizzeria & Tapp Room, so you can order a pizza and enjoy it while you bowl.