Photo Credit: Visit Franklin
The host city of Northstar's Small and Boutique Meetings event in July, Franklin, Tenn., is rife with small-town charm, Civil War-era history and a thriving food scene.
Walk It Out
Explore the city on foot with Franklin Walking Tours. Among the themed walks are Franklin Charm, Grim and Ghostly, and Franklin's Fierce Females. Private tours range from 90 minutes to four hours, allowing groups to customize the experience.
Southern Hospitality
Originally a food truck, Biscuit Love has gone brick-and-mortar in a Victorian Queen Anne-style home, owned by a husband-and-wife team. Open for breakfast and lunch, the restaurant serves Southern staples, such as shrimp and grits, eggs Benedict with sausage gravy, and, naturally, biscuits.
The Ideal
The heart of the 16-block historic district is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated a Great American Main Street. Stroll through the quaint downtown for a glimpse into the past, as you wander into locally owned boutiques and restaurants, such as Gray's on Main.
Two Brews
Curio Brewing Company serves two types of brews: experimental ales and specialty roasted coffee. Whether you're in search of a pick-me-up or a way to wind down, you can find it in their taproom. Cans of cold brew and bags of coffee also are sold online.
Craft Creatives
Roll up your sleeves at Third Coast Clay, where guests can sculpt their own pottery. The finished products are shipped to out-of-towners.