Franklin, TN – Downtown, Events, Shopping, Restaurants, Antiques, Living and Entertainment

Historic Downtown Franklin is coming together on Saturday, Nov. 28, to support Small Business Saturday, a national effort to help independently owned merchants gain more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. The 150 shops and restaurants in downtown Franklin will offer special promotions and events the day after Black Friday to encourage patrons to shop local.

“Small Business Saturday is one way the community shows appreciation for our small businesses,” said Kristy Williams, Downtown Franklin Association director. “It’s our hope that we can help create a new tradition for families; a Christmas kick-off day in downtown Franklin that promotes relationships in a fun, non-chaotic, environment.”

Last year, patrons across the country spent $14.3 billion on Small Business Saturday, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

“With our Merriest Main Street Reveal happening just days before—in addition to the Hop & Shop Trolley that will be giving shoppers free round trip rides to Historic Downtown from The Factory at Franklin—it’s never been easier to get out and support local merchants while soaking in the holiday cheer,” said Williams.

The strip will be filled with sights and sounds of the season as merchants and building owners decorate their storefronts to make Franklin the “Merriest Main Street” around.

“The Heritage Foundation and our merchants have done a fabulous job implementing this initiative to give the public an extra dose of enchantment this season,” said Marianne DeMeyers, Downtown Franklin Association president and owner of Tin Cottage. “This will add even more magic to downtown Franklin, and we couldn’t be more excited to see the effect.”

Some of the specials our DFA members are offering include:

• Avec Moi – Morning mimosas

• Ecco Salon  – Refreshments, 10 percent off regular priced products, 20 percent off next three services when booked on Small Business Saturday.

• Finnleys Good Findings – Light refreshments, including mulled cider and fruit. Will also be handing out favors to guests who arrive on the 25th of each hour

• Handy Hardware – Free gift wrapping of purchases from Handy Hardware

• It’s Vintage, Baby – Free ornament ($15 value) for every $150 spent

• Mellow Mushroom – Hot Totties, featuring Bird Dog apple whiskey with a caramel and cinnamon rim, and an apple slice/ cinnamon stick garnish

• Puckett’s Boat House –  Purchase a $100 gift card, get an additional $20 and purchase a $50 gift card, get an additional $10

• Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant  – Buy one bottle of BBQ sauce, get one free; purchase a $100 gift card, get an additional $20 and purchase a $50 gift card, get an additional $10

• Savory Spice – Gift packs containing four jars or more will be buy one, get three free

• Taziki’s – Special catering menu, all items are $5

• The Coffee House – Anyone who brings in a receipt showing purchase from a local retailer will receive a free cup of coffee

• The Shop Around the Corner – Hot cider and muffins

• The Visitor Center – For every $35 spent in the Visitor Center, customers will receive a free Franklin logo mason jar

• Vue Optique – Offering a $100 voucher to use toward a complete pair of prescription eyewear, not covered by insurance

• Walton’s Antique Jewelry – 10% off everything in the store

To learn more about Historic Downtown Franklin and the work of the Downtown Franklin Association, visit its website at www.downtownfranklintn.com.

More About Downtown Franklin Association

Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin’s historic downtown core. We’ve done it by following the four-point program of the National Main Street Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation: Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Restructuring.

Working in partnership with the Heritage Foundation of Franklin & Williamson County–the DFA’s parent organization–and with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, and local businesses in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation’s Main Street success stories. We’ve earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history – a place where community matters.