A Weekend of Southern Charm: Family Time in Franklin and Nashville

You know those perfect family weekends where everything just clicks? That’s exactly what happened during our recent adventure with Rich’s parents and cousin Aiden in Tennessee. We managed to squeeze in some of our favorite spots while discovering new gems along the way.

TL;DR

Don’t miss the street view and architectural information about the unique, beautiful 10k sq ft home called “Small World”!! 🤯🤩

Starting in Franklin

We kicked things off at Puckett’s Restaurant in Franklin, and y’all, the food was incredible. We went all out – crispy fried chicken, tender pork, smoky brisket, and juicy steak with all the Southern sides you could imagine. Since we were celebrating Aiden’s birthday, we had to get the cobbler for dessert. Let me tell you, that warm, fruity goodness was worth every single calorie!

A Nashville-inspired sandwich with beef and sauce in a hoagie roll, served alongside seasoned fries on a white plate. Napkin in the background.
On a wooden table sits a plate featuring Nashville-style fried chicken, complemented by creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, savory macaroni and cheese, and a flaky biscuit.
A Nashville twist on comfort food: a skillet of macaroni and cheese crowned with breadcrumbs, resting over shredded meat with BBQ sauce, served alongside toasted bread.
A Nashville twist on a classic: a sandwich featuring sliced beef, onions, and green peppers topped with tangy sauce, all served with a side of crispy fries on a plate.
A Nashville-inspired plate with pulled pork, sweet potato fries, half a grilled sandwich, coleslaw, and a small bowl of macaroni and cheese sits invitingly on a rustic wooden table.
A smiling man and woman snap a selfie inside a Nashville gem—a rustic restaurant with wooden walls and a "Puckett's" sign above them. Guitars and framed pictures adorn the cozy space, capturing the city’s musical spirit.
A bowl of apple cobbler, Nashville-style, crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream awaits, accompanied by four spoons.
Plate with Nashville-style fried chicken, green beans with bacon, a biscuit, mac and cheese, and potato salad on a white plate.

Downtown Franklin Explorations

The Harpeth Hotel

After rolling ourselves out of Puckett’s, we wandered through downtown Franklin and stumbled into The Harpeth Hotel. Rich and I couldn’t help but dream about staying there someday – it’s absolutely gorgeous! They even had fancy fruit-infused water in the lobby, which made us feel fancy just walking through. The location is perfect, right in the heart of everything.

Two armchairs and a small coffee table in front of a wall-mounted geometric art piece evoke the vibrant spirit of Nashville. An umbrella stand is thoughtfully placed on the right.
Spacious modern lobby with wooden floors, seating areas, and large windows overlooking Nashville. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling while people sit on the left, and outside stairs are visible through the bright windows.

Local Shopping

We popped into Purple Butterfly, this adorable children’s boutique that had me wishing I could shrink and wear everything myself. It’s one of those stores that just makes you smile, filled with the sweetest little outfits and accessories.

A charming two-story building in Nashville features signs reading "Flowerpot Press" and "Purple Butterfly." The entrance, marked by a purple door and lush plants, welcomes visitors with stylish clothing displayed on rails outside.

Scenic Drive

One of my favorite parts of the day was just driving around Franklin and Brentwood’s neighborhoods. I’m not going to lie – I totally caught myself daydreaming about living in one of those stunning mansions! There’s something so fun about imagining the stories behind each beautiful home we passed.

If you’re like Rich, you’ll probably want to check out the architect Anecdote Architectural Experiences who built this 10,000 s.f. Private Residence. You can also see the street view on Google Maps below and take a drive by when you’re in the area. It’s a really neat place to see in person! It is actually just across the street from the entrance to Percy Warner Park Chickering Rd entrance.

Nashville Adventures

Shopping & Coffee

Next up was helping Rich’s mom spend her gift card at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. She was like a kid in a candy store with all those kitchen gadgets! Then we hit up Bongo Java East for some much-needed coffee. This place is so cool – they have board games everywhere! This was definitely a highlight and a vibe.

Dinner Done Right

We wrapped up at Five Points Pizza, and if you follow our adventures, you know this place is my weakness. Their New York-style slices are just perfect – the right amount of sauce, plenty of cheese, and that amazing fold-worthy thickness that makes you forget you planned to eat just one slice.

Looking back, it was one of those days that remind me why I love this area so much. Franklin’s charm, Nashville’s energy, good food, and even better company – it doesn’t get much better than that. Plus, seeing everyone having such a great time together made my heart so happy. These are the kinds of days I want to bottle up and keep forever. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the streets, I couldn’t help but soak in every moment. The laughter and stories shared among friends painted a perfect picture of a quintessential Nashville weekend experience. With the sound of live music filling the air and the warmth of camaraderie surrounding us, I realized these memories are what truly make this place feel like home.

Three people are posing and smiling while holding coffee cups near an intersection in Nashville, with traffic lights and a gas station visible in the background.

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