A New Visitors’ Guide to Franklin

Downtown Franklin during the annual holiday parade.
Image courtesy of Festival Country Indiana

Franklin, Indiana, is known for its Hoosier hospitality and has been voted the Best Main Street in Indiana. As soon as you enter the city, you're welcomed by neighborhoods of historic homes and local art displayed on lamp posts that illuminate Jefferson and Main Streets.
 
If you plan to visit Franklin this holiday season, welcome! We have so much in store for you. This city and the surrounding area have been my home for many years, and I'm excited to share a few of my favorite places, so you can make the most out of your visit.
 
Note: Downtown Franklin has so many amazing treasures. Though I can't list every business in this blog post, you can find a list of the many local businesses in the downtown area on the Discover Downtown Franklin map. When you are in town, you can also stop by the Festival Country Visitor Center at 66 S. Water Street. I'm writing this post as if you were planning to visit on a Friday or Saturday, but many places are also open on most weekdays. Just make sure to check their hours!
 
Where to Shop
Friday or Saturday afternoon shopping in Franklin is a delight! You could spend hours shopping in the locally owned and unique antique shops and boutiques. Salvage Sisters Antique Market, Wild Geese Bookshop, and Madison Street Salvage are three shops where you often can find me. Whether you are looking for your next cozy read for winter, a festive holiday decor item, or a gift for a loved one, you'll find that these shops and many others downtown will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
 
If you are looking for activities around town, I love the experience of pouring my candle at Woven Co. Candle Studio. Not only was I able to create a custom-scented candle, but the owners, Andrea and Austin, made the whole process a breeze! They walked me through each step and made the experience delightful. Booking an appointment for larger groups is encouraged, but they welcome walk-ins. I also love The Grove — Botany Boutique's succulent bar.

Richard's Pizza Kitchen

Chorizo Fireballs at Blue Cactus

Melting chimichanga at Blue Cactus

Where to Eat
Whether you are looking for a casual lunch spot like Main & Madison or a classic sit-down dinner, the downtown Franklin area has you covered.
 
Richard's Brick Oven Pizza never disappoints when I am grabbing a meal before heading to a movie. Their authentic brick oven, nestled in the middle of the restaurant, was built by Richard's father and local masons. The pizzas are baked Neapolitan style and feature more than 30 fresh toppings. You can dine on their beautiful patio in the summer, looking out over the art garden and courthouse. In the winter, you can enjoy the warmth of the brick oven. You can't go wrong with their artichoke spinach dip with flatbread. My go-to dish is the three-cheese tortellini with Alfredo sauce and grilled chicken. They also have an amazing gyro calzone and Mediterranean pizza topped with lamb, red onion, pepperoncini, goat cheese, and olive oil sauce.
 
Another great place to find dinner on Friday or Saturday night is Blue Cactus Tacos & Tequila Bar. The restaurant has a lively and welcoming atmosphere; the staff is attentive and provides a great experience. You are served a basket of fresh, warm tortilla chips and house-made salsa as soon as you sit down. Their authentic Mexican dishes are so delicious! I enjoy ordering their chorizo fireballs with house-made chorizo, cream cheese, and jalapeños as starters and their melting chimichanga stuffed with steak, pinto beans, melted cheese, and cilantro white rice.
 
Most restaurants can be quite busy on the busy weekends in town. It's best to arrive early to eat so you don't miss your movie!

Sweet treat varieties at Hoosier Cupboard

Where to Find a Sweet Treat
My family's tradition is to visit Hoosier Cupboard on an evening out on the town to get some candy or ice cream. The wall of nostalgic candies, like cinnamon bears, orange slices, malted balls, and jawbreakers, will leave you mesmerized. They also have a collection of sodas, international candies, delicate chocolates, ice cream, and the Smith family's homemade fudge.

Greg Potter's mural featuring art from Breakfast at Tiffany's located on the wall of Franklin Jewelers.

Where to Take Photos with Art
The streets of Franklin come alive with vibrant art. The city is home to an impressive collection of murals and public art displays and boasts two Instagram-worthy alleys, perfect for your next photo opt. One of the newest murals in town is on the side of Franklin Jewelers and features Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's! Kuji Alley, located between Courthouse Coneys and Old Towne Beer Hall & Growler Co., was painted by local artist Greg Potter and pays homage to Franklin's sister city of Kuji, Japan. The Artcraft Ally will also leave you starstruck with more than 200 stars that twinkle against a black light at night. Learn more about Franklin's Art District.

The Historic Artcraft Theatre is a great experience for your day in Franklin!

Movie Time!
The climax of your day is seeing a movie at The Historic Artcraft Theatre! Doors open 60 minutes before showtime at the theatre. It's time to get in line, grab your popcorn, and take a seat! If you plan to attend a showing of one of the Christmas movies this holiday season, get your tickets early and arrive at the theatre with plenty of time to settle into your seats. Most of the Christmas movie showings sell out, so plan ahead!
 
Tickets are now on sale for Elf, A Christmas Story, and White Christmas for the general public, and Holiday Affair ( an Artcraft members exclusive show), National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Die Hard are on sale for members with general public on sale Nov. 13. Get your tickets now!

10 Pins offers duckpin bowling and a variety of beverage options!

Where to Hang after the Movie
Do you want to keep your night going after the movie? A few places in town are still open, like mini bowling at 10 Pins or many of the distilleries and cocktail lounges.
 
Where to Stay
If you are an out-of-towner, you'll need a place to rest after your fun day out in town. If you want to rent a house, stay in one of Franklin's many AirBnBs or Vrbos downtown. Then, do yourself a favor, park your car in the driveway, and walk to most of your downtown destinations. This city is full of hidden gems and gorgeous neighborhoods. Walk around and just see what you come upon! Along with Historic Greenway Trails, Franklin is also home to many beautiful parks and amenities, like pickleball courts and an amphitheater. You also can stay in hotels in the surrounding area.
 
_____
 
Are you planning your visit to Franklin? Find everything you need at the Festival Country and Discover Downtown Franklin websites, and don't forget your Discover Downtown Franklin map of downtown!