If you really want to know, ask the locals! Meet five residents and follow their tips for the most delicious, memorable and fun experience in Festival Country.
Meet the locals:
• Rob Shilts, Executive Director, Franklin Heritage, Inc.
• Felicia Houston, Festival Country Director of Operations & Creative Services
• Laura Sosinski, Bargersville resident
• Whitney Habig, Festival Country Visitor Services & Community Engagement Specialist
• Shelby Morse, Festival Country Marketing Director
What is your favorite dish or restaurant?
Rob: The Grill Bar and its cheeseburgers or The Willard and its ribeye sandwich
Felicia: Antilogy
Laura: Taxman’s standard menu as well as their rotating menu with seasonal options
Whitney: Crispy Seared Faroe Island Salmon Filet from Our Table American Bistro
Shelby: Main & Madison Market Café and Revery
What is your favorite drink and from where?
Rob: Shale Creek Pub for a cold downtown cocoa brown dark beer and Main & Madison Market Café for their hot white chocolate mocha
Felicia: Smoothies at 1823 Bakehouse
Laura: Haberdasher Distillery’s hibiscus gin and other drinks
Whitney: Other Side of the Tracks at Iozzo’s
Shelby: Brown sugar cinnamon chai at Coffeehouse Five
What store do you love?
Rob: Madison Street Salvage, Vintage Whimsy, going to the farmers market on Saturday mornings and Wild Geese Bookshop.
Felicia: Toodleydoo Toys
Laura: At Home with Heartland
Whitney: Salvage Sisters and Brianne’s Boutique
Shelby Morse: Wild Geese Bookshop
How would you spend one perfect day here?
Rob: Occasionally, I will sneak up to the back of The Artcraft [which he runs] and watch my favorite movies on the big screen. [You can buy a ticket and enjoy the best experience in town with him.]
Felicia: Finding fresh produce and baked goods at the Bargersville and Franklin farmers markets
Laura: My husband and I would start the day playing pickleball at Kephart Park. Then, we would visit Franklin Farmer’s Market. We’d end the day relaxing at Mallow Run.
Whitney: A perfect day in Festival Country would be in the fall, starting by enjoying a coffee flight and pastry at Butter Sugar Flour Coffee and Pastry Bar in Trafalgar. A hike at Betley Woods at Glacier's End in Trafalgar, just around the corner, would be a must with the cool, crisp air. I would end the evening with a casual, laid-back dinner at Taxman Brewing Company, sitting on their outdoor patio by the fire pit.
Shelby: I'd start off with a stop at the farmers market, then I'd eat a tenderloin from The Legendary Kitchen food truck and enjoy a festival.
Insider tip?
Rob: If you can get to Franklin earlier, you can find more parking spots. I suggest you just make a day of it, as Franklin is very walkable, has cute shops, and the historic architecture is worth slowing down for.
Laura: People should attend First Fridays in Downtown Franklin. There is always a good crowd and places to explore. Even though we come here often, we’re always finding or hearing of new places to visit. It’s a lot of fun down here!
Whitney: When planning a trip to Festival Country, plan to stay for two days. If you can plan a trip around fall, it's even better to experience all the tastes, smells and sounds around our county. Plan your trip around a festival weekend such as the Fall Vintage & Handmade Festival or during Franklin's Halloween Town.
Shelby: A great way to make your downtown Franklin stroll even better is by using the Walk Franklin walking tours, which you can access for free from your phone on the website walkfranklin.com.
