FEATURE DESTINATION: Franklin, Tennessee
What makes Franklin a great place for faith-based meetings?
Situated just 17 miles south of Nashville, we are a destination fit for small to medium-sized groups looking for an intimate, curated experience. With many faith-based organizations headquartered in Franklin, from Lifeway to K-Love, we are well-positioned to host you. Our team works closely with planners to simplify the process, from venue matching to local service partners, so leaders can stay focused on their purpose. That hands-on support, paired with a welcoming spirit, creates an environment where attendees feel seen and cared for.
Beyond logistics, Franklin offers a deeper sense of meaning. Whether it’s gathering on our historic square, engaging with initiatives like The Fuller Story, or simply sharing a meal on Main Street, groups find opportunities for reflection and conversation that go beyond the agenda. It’s a place where faith, history, and hospitality come together in a way that feels both grounding and uplifting.
What are some of Franklin’s unique and major meeting spaces?
At the heart of Riverside is our award-winning Convention Center—an intimate, walkable facility with over 68,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. Groups love the expansive outdoor plaza, large exhibit hall, and multitude of meeting spaces, which offer an inspiring setting for worship, fellowship, and community meals. Just steps away, venues like the Fox Performing Arts Center and the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa offer one-of-a-kind backdrops for keynote sessions, concerts, or evening services. Whether you’re planning a regional conference or a multi-day retreat, Riverside’s venues are designed to be welcoming, versatile, and easily accessible.
What are some cultural and recreational experiences that faith-based groups would enjoy?
Franklin makes it easy for groups to spend meaningful time together outside of scheduled sessions. Many faith-based groups are drawn to our historic sites, where stories of courage, sacrifice, and resilience naturally spark reflection and conversation. Walking tours through downtown or visits to preserved Civil War homes create shared moments that feel both educational and personal.
For more relaxed connection, groups often head to places like Arrington Vineyards for picnics and live music or take a scenic drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway. If adventure is on the mind, unique excursions like fly-fishing, hot air balloon rides, or horseback riding are within easy reach in the rolling Tennessee hills. Even something as simple as an evening on Main Street, listening to live music or sharing a meal, becomes an experience that brings people together. It’s not about filling time; it’s about creating space for fellowship, and Franklin does that effortlessly.
What are new enhancements of interest to event planners?
One of the most notable upcoming projects is the new Carter House Visitor Center and Museum, an expansion of our Civil War history offerings set to open in 2026. This expanded space will enhance group touring experiences with more immersive storytelling and educational opportunities, especially for groups seeking richer historical context. At the same time, our county continues to see strong investment and growth in hospitality and experiences, from luxury accommodations like Southall Farm & Inn to a new boutique hotel opening inside The Factory at Franklin. These enhancements aren’t about changing what makes Franklin special; they’re about elevating it, giving planners more options while preserving the authenticity and sense of place that groups value most.
