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Williamson County Area GuideWelcome to Williamson County, Tennessee—the scenic, cultural treasure of the heart of Middle Tennessee! Our county is part of the Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin Metro area, situated in the rolling countryside of rich heritage and tradition.
Williamson County is truly close to everything and away from it all—from our county’s borders; residents are within a day’s drive of 75% of the continental United States. Additionally, our county ranks as one of the top 50 locations in which to start a business, best places to retire and our own city of Franklin has rated as the fifth-best small town in the United States by Southern Living magazine. The music and entertainment industries of neighboring Nashville and strong entrepreneurial spirit of Williamson County citizens make the region an exciting place to live and work and a flourishing place to do business. Williamson County is full of culture, history, unique cuisine, sports, academics, preserved natural beauty and wholesome Southern charm. Ideal for families, students, young professionals and retirees alike, our community offers many services and amenities to its residents. Some of the more attractive aspects of life in Williamson County include a low cost of living, a diverse cultural community, unique and affordable residential areas, thriving cultural community, nationally recognized healthcare, no personal income tax, diversity in educational opportunities, a seasonal climate, and an abundance of parks, natural bodies of water and municipal recreation areas. To learn more about life in the Middle Tennessee region, or to find out what Williamson County has to offer your family, please visit: Williamson County Visitors and Conventions Bureau Tennessee Department of Tourism, Middle Tennessee Region Nashville, TN Official Visitor & Tourism Website Nashville Area Maps and Transportation History Williamson County was settled by Europeans in 1798, with many of its early inhabitants being the recipients of Revolutionary War land grants. In the years before the Civil War, Williamson County was one of the wealthiest in the state, due to its resources of timber and rich soil. During the Civil War, Williamson County was harshly affected by the war, becoming the site of three major battles: the Battle of Brentwood, the Battle of Thompson's Station, and one of the bloodiest battles in the war, the Battle of Franklin. During the war, the plantations making up the economic foundations of the county were razed and a large percentage of the young generation becoming casualties of war. Many of these war losses are interred at McGavock Confederate Cemetery, near the Carnton plantation house. This cemetery is the resting place of 1,481 soldiers and is the largest private Confederate cemetery in America. Our region is historically wealthy, boasting the historic homes of early American presidents and iconic American heroes, battlegrounds where our nation was forged, and preserved structures allowing our residents to look into the future while surrounded by the past. Our legacy lives on in the preserved antebellum plantations, classically styled buildings of our downtown area and the more than 180 properties and districts listed on the National Register, as well as 6 regional National Historic landmarks. To learn more about the important historic role our county played in the birth of America, or to visit any of the historic attractions of Middle Tennessee, please visit: The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County Gray Line Nashville Historic Tennessee Tour Gray Line Nashville Historic Civil War: The Battle of Franklin Tour Lotz House Tennessee Civil War Trails Williamson County Archives Museum Winstead Hill Park Leiper's Fork Historic Carnton Plantation Lane Motor Museum Franklin County Old Jail Museum Historic Rock Castle Fort Nashborough Tennessee State Capitol Nashville City Cemetery Fort Negley Belmont Mansion Two Rivers Mansion Tennessee State Museum Stone Hall The Carter House/Battle of Franklin Civil War Stones River Battlefield Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Belle Meade Plantation The Hermitage Parks and Recreation Situated in the center of the Nashville Basin, Middle Tennessee is buffeted by natural beauty on all sides: we are bordered by the Cumberland Highlands and the Cumberland Plateau, with the geography of our communities characterized by fertile farm lands, rich natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The Cumberland River flows through our counties, with numerous tributaries and lakes providing waterfronts in a landlocked state, uniquely beautiful and rare. Whites Creek, Manskers Creek, Stones River, Mill Creek, and the Harpeth River, as well as Radnor Lake, which is often referred to as “Nashville’s Walden” are just a few of the waterways where residents and visitors find a variety of activities and an idyllic retreat from the hustle of the city. Williamson County’s municipal area parks include: Aspen Grove Park, Assault on the Cotton Gin Park, Collins Farm, Del Rio Park, Dry Branch Water Quality Wetlands, Eastern Flank Battle Park, Fieldstone Park, Fort Granger, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm, Jim Warren Skate Plaza and Park, Liberty Park, Pinkerton Park and Winstead Hill. Some of the unique amenities of the community, city, state and national parks of our region include swimming pools, seasonal ice skating areas, skate parks, sailboat marinas, dog runs, senior programs, special population programs, cultural arts classes, hiking trails, nature programs, sports leagues and public art galleries. The 23 state parks of Middle Tennessee include Bicentennial Mall, Cordell Hull, Fall Creek Falls, Long Hunter, Port Royal, South Cumberland, Standing Stone, Radnor Lake, Montgomery Bell, Harpeth River, David Crockett, Bledsoe Creek, Burgess Falls, Dunbar Cave, Henry Horton, Mousetail Landing, Rock Island, Tims Ford, Sgt. Alvin C. York, Old Stone Fort, Johnsonville, Edgar Evins and Cedars of Lebanon, ensuring that for every visitor, there’s something exciting—or relaxing—to see and do outdoors in Williamson County. To learn more about the parks, recreation, sports and activities of Williamson County and the Metro Nashville region, please visit: Franklin Parks and Recreation Brentwood Parks and Recreation Franklin Parks Guide Dog-Friendly Williamson County Parks Franklin Greenways and Trails Brentwood Parks, Trails and Greenways Tennessee State Parks National Parks of Central Tennessee Bowie Park and Nature Center Deerwood Arboretum and Natural Area Centennial Park Natchez Trace Parkway Adventure Science Center Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Radnor Lake State Park Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Sports and Activities Municipal golf ranges of the Nashville Fairways include: Harpeth Hills Golf Course, McCabe Golf Course, Percy Warner Golf Course, Shelby Golf Course, Ted Rhodes Golf Course, Two Rivers Golf Course and VinnyLinks. Middle Tennessee Hot Air Adventures The Crag at Cool Springs Nashville Area Sports and Recreation Forrest Crossing Golf Course Nashville Fairways Golf Metro Parks Metro Region Golf Courses & Country Clubs Centennial Sportsplex Bridgestone Arena Music City Bowl Nashville Superspeedway Nashville Roller Girls Roller Derby Music City Stars (Nashville Broncs) Football Nashville Storm Football Nashville Predators Hockey Nashville Sounds Baseball Tennessee Titans Football Vanderbilt Commodores Athletics Attractions and Activities Williamson County’s famous neighbor, Nashville-Davidson County, is known as both the "Country Music Capital of the World" and the "Athens of the South", a duality of character which has created a vibrant community for the entirety of the Middle Tennessee region. Our county is one where you can take in art exhibits, attend lectures or explore history by day and go “honky-tonkin’” at night, feeling equally at home in either activity. The historic downtowns of our cities, towns and villages are home to some of the most interesting shops, bookstores, coffeehouses and fine dining destinations in Tennessee; and no visit to Middle Tennessee would be complete without a trip to the Grand Ole Opry, one of the institutions that have made our region synonymous with music and traditional Americana. So whether you choose to take a ride on the General Jackson Showboat, take in some tunes at Kimbro’s Café & Pickin’ Parlor, hunt for bargains at The Factory at Franklin or just relax and enjoy a cold one at local favorite Cool Springs Brewery, there’s an adventure or a retreat from the ordinary waiting for you in Williamson County! To learn more about the attractions, activities and leisure destinations of Williamson County and the Nashville Metro area, please visit: Williamson County Arts, Music and Entertainment Grand Ole Opry General Jackson Showboat Tennessee State Fair & Exposition Center The Parthenon at Centennial Park Wave Country Music Row Helistar Aviation Jack Daniel's Distillery Tennessee Wineries Nashville Convention Center Music City Walk of Fame Theatre, Culture and The Arts Centennial Art Center Boiler Room Theatre Towne Centre Theatre Stonebridge Gallery David Arms Gallery Franklin Glassblowing Studio Ryman Auditorium Bluebird Café Nashville Symphony Frist Center for the Visual Arts Nashville Auditorium Tennessee Performing Arts Center Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art Music City Neighborhoods Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions The Factory at Franklin Opry Mills Mall at Green Hills Hickory Hollow Mall Rivergate Mall Coolsprings Galleria Stones River Mall Governers Square Mall 12 South District East Nashville/5 Points Hillsboro Village Grimey's BookMan/BookWoman Williamson County Dining Guide Cool Springs Brewery Kimbro’s Café & Pickin’ Parlor Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant Riff Burgers Mickey Roo’s BBQ Events With easy access to waterfronts and parks, upscale shopping and dining destinations, and a diverse choice of entertainment opportunities, Williamson County has a wealth of opportunities for residents to enjoy daily. Everything from nightclubs and spas to world-class art galleries are available, and Williamson County residents have a busy calendar to choose from. Musical performances, theater events, dance recitals, art exhibits, festivals, and crafts shows are available daily, as well as a bustling musical calendar and community events such as the Civil War Blue and Gray Days, Hohenwald Antique Faire, Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival and Annual Sgt. Alvin C. York Black Powder Shoot. To find out what’s happening during your stay in Williamson County, please visit: Williamson County Calendar of Events Middle Tennessee Events Calendar Nashville Events Calendar Featured Events Convention Calendar Civil War Blue and Gray Days Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival Hohenwald Antique Faire Annual Sgt. Alvin C. York Black Powder Shoot |
