It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Carter House gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Franklin, TN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Francie, thank you so much for the brief visit. It was a pleasure to meet”
“I've been working at Always Best Care Nashville for a few months now, and I”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I can't speak”
“"Best care" was definitely our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. After a family”
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. ”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's”
“Francie, thank you so much for the brief visit. It was a pleasure to meet you and have the opportunity to give you my honest assessment of your company and Lisa in particular. From the moment I met Stacy and outlined our needs until I first met Lisa I felt comfortable and felt positive about your company and the staff. You and your staff are very sincere and compassionate. Lisa is a dream come true. She is gracious and kind and extremely well-trained. You only have to request something once and she remembers. She is thoughtful and precise about her work and helps in any way she can. She is the BEST" at her job should be held as the gold standard. Thank you for the beautiful flowers. We enjoyed them very much. Sincerely, Pam W”
“I've been working at Always Best Care Nashville for a few months now, and I can confidently say it's been a fantastic experience. The supportive and collaborative environment here truly stands out. The team is made up of dedicated professionals who genuinely care about providing the best care for our clients. If you're looking for a caring and professional organization to work for or to seek care services from, I highly recommend Always Best Care Nashville. It’s been a pleasure to be part of such a committed and compassionate team!”
“I have had the pleasure of working with Always Best Care, and I can't speak highly enough about this amazing organization. The team is incredibly wonderful and compassionate, going above and beyond in every aspect of their work. From the very first interaction, it's clear that they truly care about their caregivers and the community they serve. Their dedication to providing top-notch senior services is evident in the genuine relationships they build and the thoughtful care they deliver.”
“"Best care" was definitely our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services. After a family member visiting Nashville was stranded in a hotel room following a fall, we were desperate for help. Friday evening at 7PM isn't a great time to go looking for help, but Stacey jumped in and by 9PM we had the support we needed to get us to the next morning's flight back home. Our nurse Eunice was friendly, communicative, anticipated our needs and made us immediately at ease. Ours wasn't the typical case, but I'm sure the urgency and care Stacey and Eunice showed us IS typical for them!”
“We so appreciated the team at Always Best Care was amazing! Stacie listened to what I needed and helped me find just the right fit AND has continued support as I navigate all the details!! Fantastic organization!”
“Hello! I've just retired from ABC Senior Services - Philadelphia PA I was with the company for 7 years 3 months as a caregiver. I've learned much from each and every client l've served and have found the work to be very gratifying and rewarding. During my time, I have formed lasting bonds with several of my former clients and their loved ones.”
“Amazing company!!!!”
“I have found Always Best Care to provide exceptional service with caring, responsible Caregivers. The office communicates great with the family members involved and they are all very professional I would recommend their services to anyone looking for a great support team for their loved one.”
“Great response time! They did a great job meeting our needs.”
“I been with them for over7 years”
“I have been a caregiver for this company for 8 years plus. The office staff are incredible and the caregivers pour their whole hearts into caring for others. We're all very passionate about what we do and take so much pride in that. Love my company and highly recommend for any of your needs rather that be needing care or wanting to become a caregiver”
“I am extremely grateful for the home care services ABC offers. Their staff is absolutely phenomenal. Very professional, dependable and caring. The support staff for scheduling and billing are very courteous and easy to do business with.”
“I’d like to take a moment to thank you and everyone at Always Best Care for the assistance and great care provided to my mother following her stroke. After a lengthy stay in a rehabilitation center, mom was very clear that she wanted to go home. The stroke had unfortunately robbed her of her independence, and to go home, we would need round-the-clock care. Always Best Care came into our family at that point and made it possible for mom to be at home for over 20 months. Maintaining continuity of care and finding the right match of caregivers is no east task. There are so many moving parts that go into making that happen day after day, and somehow your team made it look easy. Coordinating staffing around last-minute callouts, illness, incompatible personalities, holidays, family dynamics, etc. These and other challenges did arise, but the important thing is that you reliably found solutions. Through a challenging state in my mother’s life, and for our entire family, your caregiver and office staff provide the support and peace of mind we needed. We’ve been very fortunate along the way to have many wonderful caregivers, and I’ve personally enjoyed getting to know them, I want to emphasize that you have very special people on your team. Thank you for supporting our family and caring for my mother!”
“We have been accessing Always Best Care’s wonderful staff in recent months to go along with my husband to doctor’s appointments. I’ve lost track of how many times, but it’s been frequent. And every one of their caregivers have been outstanding. So wonderful to know you can rely on the people at ABC!”
“Can't say enough nice things about the caregivers from ABC. Professional, personal, reliable, we feel so fortunate to be working with them.”
“I was in need of someone to be with my husband for 8 hours while I had to be away from home. I was a little nervous since we had never used this type of service before. The two ladies who interviewed us and explained the procedure could not have been nicer and more professional. When the caregiver Rhonda arrived, she immediately put us at ease. She was very efficient in making sure she had my husband’s medicine doses correct and in asking questions pertinent to his Parkinson’s. When I returned home, they both seemed to have had a great time looking at my husband’s extensive photography collection and watching westerns on TV. We will most definitely use Always Best Care again!”
“Always Best Care goes above and beyond! They treat you and your loved ones like family. When faced with the difficult decisions that come along with caring for a senior, they showed compassion and helped guide us with confidence. My family can not recommend them enough!”
“A very kind review from a client's family member that was received today. We are grateful to have such wonderful families to work with and take care of in addition to great staff like Stacey Leverette. To Whom it May Concern, I would like to recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. My experience with them has been great! My father had advanced Parkinson's disease as well as some other physical problems. He finally got to the place he needed some assistance. I contacted Stacey and she came out and met with my dad and myself. She was very knowledgeable and thoroughly answered all the questions and concerns for us. More than anything else, she calmed all the concerns that my father had. In a very short time Stacey had someone on site. We've had days where we needed to change the day or time of service because of appointments, holidays or something else. When that occurs, I simply call Stacey and give her the information and she makes the adjustments in a seamless manner. If you work with her for a little bit, you will see quickly that she is very good at what she does. It has been a very good experience. I recommend Always Best Care. Yours Sincerely, Bill A.”
“This is an amazing company! I work at a senior living community and we love having ABC come in our community to be an extra support to our residents. Casie will take good care of you!”
“Stacey is so knowledgeable and a great resource for senior care.”
“The best company I've ever worked for, we're all a team and strive to give the best care we possibly can to our clients and families!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
“Always Best Care exceeded my expectations! Their caring staff helped make mine and my family's lives so much easier when we were in need of help! My father was well taken care of and developed a great relationship with his ABC caregiver. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for caregiving help!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pinkerton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Cork & Cow or visit Lotz House Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Franklin, TN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Franklin, TN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Franklin, TN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
In-N-Out Burger has officially confirmed a new Middle Tennessee location, signaling that its long-awaited debut in the Volunteer State is about to become reality.RiverGate Mall Approved as New Tennessee SiteAccording to Fox 17, the Metro ...
In-N-Out Burger has officially confirmed a new Middle Tennessee location, signaling that its long-awaited debut in the Volunteer State is about to become reality.
According to Fox 17, the Metro Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved two key resolutions to pave the way for an In-N-Out Burger location at the RiverGate Mall in Goodlettsville and Madison, just north of Nashville. This decision includes a $300,000 contribution from the burger chain and approval for necessary sewer main modifications — both steps that bring the project closer to breaking ground.
While a specific opening date has not yet been announced, demolition of the current RiverGate Mall structure is slated to begin later this summer. The site is part of a broader redevelopment effort aimed at revitalizing the shopping center and the surrounding area.
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The Tennessee expansion is more than a business decision — it’s a personal one for In-N-Out Burger President Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson. Speaking at the Feb. 4 Nashville Business Breakfast hosted by Lipscomb University and the Nashville Business Journal, Snyder-Ellingson shared the spiritual and emotional motivations behind the move.
“[My husband] just started talking about Tennessee, and then God started working on my heart. I started bringing it to the office, ‘I think we’re supposed to go to Tennessee,’” Snyder-Ellingson explained. “It was really just a God thing. And then of course the more I’ve come here, I’ve fallen in love with really the whole state, but there’s something very quaint about especially the Franklin area.”
In-N-Out Burger’s $126 million eastern regional headquarters is under construction in Franklin, Tennessee. Slated to open in 2026, the facility will span over 100,000 square feet and employ approximately 200 people. It marks the brand’s first major corporate infrastructure project outside the Western United States, according to KTLA.
This Franklin hub will support up to 35 planned In-N-Out locations across Tennessee, making it the company’s largest single-state expansion to date. Among the cities on the radar: Franklin, Goodlettsville, Antioch, Lebanon, Mt. Juliet, Madison, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, Clarksville, Cookeville, Jackson, Morristown, and the Tri-Cities area (Bristol, Johnson City, and Kingsport).
Each new restaurant is expected to employ an average of 100 workers, which could mean as many as 3,500 new jobs for Tennesseans in the coming years.
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When In-N-Out Burger first announced in 2022 that it would expand into Tennessee, some fans were skeptical. The brand had long emphasized staying close to its West Coast roots, with locations only in states within driving distance of its California-based distribution centers.
But with the company’s Texas hub now fully operational, supporting more eastern locations is logistically viable. Tennessee represents the brand’s most ambitious eastward expansion yet, following successful entries into Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, and Texas. The first Washington state location is also on track to open this summer.
The decision to move into Tennessee was also driven by Snyder-Ellingson’s direct involvement and passion. Her public statements have emphasized a values-based approach to business and expansion — something that appears to be resonating with Tennesseans and state leadership alike.
With a corporate headquarters in the works and dozens of new locations in development, In-N-Out Burger is setting the stage for a transformative chapter in its legacy. What started as a small drive-thru in Baldwin Park, California, in 1948 is now one of America’s most recognizable fast-food brands.
Tennessee will serve as the litmus test for further East Coast expansion. And if the Volunteer State proves successful, Snyder-Ellingson has hinted that other states may be on the horizon.
For now, fans in Middle Tennessee can look forward to getting their first taste of Double-Doubles, Animal-Style Fries, and hand-spun shakes very shortly. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or curious newcomer, the arrival of In-N-Out Burger marks a significant milestone in the state’s fast-casual dining landscape — and a potential turning point for the brand’s national footprint.
When it comes to charming small towns, Tennessee has them in abundance. From their tree-lined main streets, historic downtowns, and mom-and-pop shops to their local restaurants, antique stores, and galleries, each small town has something different to offer travelers who are passing through.Get to know these small towns, from Bell Buckle to Franklin an...
When it comes to charming small towns, Tennessee has them in abundance. From their tree-lined main streets, historic downtowns, and mom-and-pop shops to their local restaurants, antique stores, and galleries, each small town has something different to offer travelers who are passing through.
Get to know these small towns, from Bell Buckle to Franklin and Collierville to Bristol in the heart of The Volunteer State. Filled with hospitality, community, and small towns we love revisiting year after year, Tennessee has a knack for making you feel right at home. Here are the best small towns to visit on your next trip to Tennessee.
This tiny town is nestled in central Tennessee's horse country. It began as a railroad village and is now a cozy spot where you can find a home-cooked meal at the Bell Buckle Café, a scoop of ice cream at the neighborhood parlor, and an afternoon's worth of browsing at antiques shops and galleries. It's also where you can find the annual RC Cola-MoonPie Festival.
Located on the border of Tennessee and Virginia—and next door to the Virginia city of the same name—Bristol is a small town with outdoor adventure. You don't want to miss Bristol Caverns, The Pinnacle for open-air shopping, and Steele Creek Park. In-town enjoyment can be had at Paramount Bristol, Lost State Distilling, and Elderbrew, among other charming places.
Collierville can be found near the Tennessee-Mississippi border. In addition to the historic town square, travelers love visiting Herb Parsons Lake, Lichterman Nature Center, and Shelby Farms Park. No trip is complete without a cup of joe from Square Beans Coffee, lunch at Dyer's Café or Mensi's Dairy Bar, and pizza from Lost Pizza Co.
Located south of Nashville, Columbia is a destination for shops, galleries, and the arts. From the Town Square to the town's lively Main Street, there's so much to enjoy, including Smith and York Co., The Linen Duck, Goon, Fork of the South, and Loblolly Interiors. Muletown Coffee Roasters will help you start your day. Head to Amber Falls Winery & Cellars for award-winning wines. Outdoor enthusiasts will find recreational activities like biking, kayaking, and fishing. There's also a lively arts scene.
Sit back and enjoy breakfast on the front porch at Gap Creek Coffee and Café and take in the views of the Pinnacle Overlook. The free little library out front begs guests to stay awhile. Explore the Cumberland Gap Historic National Historic Park’s 85 miles of trails and 14,000 acres where Native American tribes settled, Civil War soldiers battled, and Daniel Boone led European settlers to the west. Visit the town in fall for small crowds and spectacular leaf peeping.
You'll find Franklin, one of the state's most charming small towns, south of Nashville. It has a great downtown area surrounding a tree-lined Main Street, which is home to antiques shops, galleries, and restaurants. Shop downtown at places like Avec Moi for new and vintage gifts, Landmark Booksellers, and the unique shops and restaurants at The Factory at Franklin while you're in town.
This small Appalachian town may feel large thanks to millions of visitors each year, but the population is less than 4,000. The charming downtown village is home to candy stores, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. There’s plenty of adventure too. At the Anakeesta mountaintop park, catch panoramic views from the SkyLift or follow the 14 bridge Treetop Skywalk 60 feet above town. For a slower pace, escape to a quieter locale to search for waterfalls or cast a line.
If you're seeking a slower pace that makes you feel like you've suddenly arrived in yesteryear, Granville fits the bill. Nicknamed "Tennessee's Mayberry," you will be lured in by the endearing quality of the buildings, the people, and the local businesses. Take a tour of the town by purchasing a ticket from T. B. Sutton General Store, and explore further sites such as the Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum, Whistle Stop Saloon, and Sutton Homestead.
Known as the "Storytelling Capital of the World," Jonesborough is located in northeast Tennessee near Johnson City. Its red-brick downtown is home to the International Storytelling Center and hosts the National Storytelling Festival every autumn. Don't miss shops like Boone Street Market for local produce, Crystal Raven for crystals and jewelry, and Mill Spring Makers Market for goods from local artists and makers.
This town boasts a surrounding area that is rich in nature's glory. This is especially true at South Cumberland State Park, a locale that features over 30,000 acres of lush woodlands, gorges, and waterfalls. You'll be tempted to spend your entire visit on this property, but swinging through town has its perks as well. You will be drawn in by Mountain Goat Market's tasty menu and intrigued by the handcrafted goods found at Hallelujah Pottery.
When in Paris, it's impossible to miss the town's replica of the Eiffel Tower. Enter Eiffel Tower Park, and you'll have photo ops aplenty as well as opportunities to splash around a water park, fish in the trout pond, and bike and hike area trails. Shop the historic downtown and visit nearby Paris Winery for a wine slushie or a wine tasting. Pick up a souvenir Eiffel Tower wine bottle to bring home.
Millions of visitors flock to Pigeon Forge for its small-town Southern charm, family-friendly fun, and outdoor excursions. Thrill seekers will enjoy Dollywood, an amusement park with rides, shows, shopping, music, and Southern food. The Island’s Ferris wheel is a great spot for panoramic views, and guests can also enjoy more amusement park rides, moonshine tasting, and a show fountain. Nature lovers will want to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park for its scenic landscape and waterfalls.
This tiny college town and the nearby community of Monteagle make for a fun road trip stop in central Tennessee. Don't miss the views from Sewanee's forested overlooks. Browse through shops like Taylor's Mercantile for blooms and gifts, Mooney's Market and Emporium for vintage and yarn, The Lemon Fair for jewelry and clothing, and Mountain Outfitters for outdoor apparel. Stop for a meal at Blue Chair Café and Tavern or Shenanigans, a local gathering place, before you leave town.
Lumber Liquidators has opened a new store in Franklin, TN at 1124 W McEwen Dr. Opened May 9, 2025, the location offers hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and more—plus expert design help and installation. CEO Jason Delves says the new store reflects the brand’s commitment to quality flooring at great prices. With hundreds of stores nationwide, Lumber Liquidators continues to lead in flooring value and service.Franklin, TN, June 03, 2025 --(PR.com)-- New location mar...
Lumber Liquidators has opened a new store in Franklin, TN at 1124 W McEwen Dr. Opened May 9, 2025, the location offers hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and more—plus expert design help and installation. CEO Jason Delves says the new store reflects the brand’s commitment to quality flooring at great prices. With hundreds of stores nationwide, Lumber Liquidators continues to lead in flooring value and service.
Franklin, TN, June 03, 2025 --(PR.com)-- New location marks continued growth and commitment to expanding is presence across the US.
Lumber Liquidators, a national leader in high-quality flooring at great prices, is excited to announce the grand opening of its newest store in Franklin, Tennessee, located at 1124 W McEwen Drive. The store officially opened to the public on May 9, 2025, offering customers a wide range of flooring options, accessories, expert design guidance, installation services, and exceptional service.
“We’re thrilled to bring Lumber Liquidators to Franklin and continue our mission of bringing you the right floors at the right price,” said Jason Delves, President and CEO of Lumber Liquidators. “This new store opening is proof positive that Lumber Liquidators is back and better than ever. We’re proud to be a trusted name in the industry, and we’re going to continue showing why we’re the best in the flooring business.”
The Franklin location joins hundreds of Lumber Liquidators stores nationwide and features a curated selection of trend-forward flooring products across the hardwood, vinyl, laminate, and resilient categories. The opening underscores Lumber Liquidators’ ongoing commitment to nationwide expansion and delivering unbeatable value to homeowners, builders, and contractors alike.
About Lumber LiquidatorsLumber Liquidators is your go-to destination for high-quality hardwood, waterproof, and laminate flooring at unbeatable prices. As the nation’s largest independent flooring retailer, Lumber Liquidators offer a wide selection, expert service, and professional installation to make your flooring project seamless. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you find the perfect flooring at the perfect price for your space. Visit us today for the best deals and hassle-free installation.
From the Culinary Institute of America in New York to Lake Tahoe in Nevada, Aubrey and Tyler O’Laskey’s lives have been surrounded by food.Now they are bringing their European-style bakery and rotisserie to downtown Franklin.After graduating from the cooking school in Hyde Park, New York, the couple relocated and tried several ventures before opening their own storefront in Nevada.“When we moved to Lake Tahoe, we became private chefs because there wasn't a huge private chef population,” Aubrey O&r...
From the Culinary Institute of America in New York to Lake Tahoe in Nevada, Aubrey and Tyler O’Laskey’s lives have been surrounded by food.
Now they are bringing their European-style bakery and rotisserie to downtown Franklin.
After graduating from the cooking school in Hyde Park, New York, the couple relocated and tried several ventures before opening their own storefront in Nevada.
“When we moved to Lake Tahoe, we became private chefs because there wasn't a huge private chef population,” Aubrey O’Laskey said. “After that, so many people asked us to cater, so we created a catering company.”
They also began to bake their own bread to serve with their meals. After they realized that many customers wanted to buy just the bread, they took the next step and opened a bakery, Perenn.
“It was a tiny little bakery with only 800 square feet to begin with,” Aubrey O’Laskey said. “It was just a way of us seeing what was kind of needed in the community, and then we expanded into opening the grocery.”
After 10 years operating in the Southwest, the O’Laskey’s decided to pack up their four kids, two dogs, a cat and even a support beta fish and move to Williamson County.
“We were interested in moving because we really missed the growing seasons on big farms,” Aubrey O’Laskey said. "We had been looking into Idaho and Utah, but just by chance, a customer from Franklin convinced us.”
One of their local customers had recently relocated to Reno from Franklin and said that many people in the area would love to have a bakery like Perenn.
“Three days later, we flew here to explore for 48 hours and fell in love.”
Since relocating, the O’Laskey’s have connected with local farms, including Bloomsbury, and created Bread Rover, a mobile truck that drives around the downtown Franklin area delivering freshly baked bread.
“ We're incorporating a little bit more of those grocery goods, so there's things that you can take home to eat, as well as grab breakfast or lunch,” O’Laskey said.
Their European bakery and rotisserie, has grown to several locations and even has a location in Nevada called Claio that is described as “Perenn’s fun little sister.”
With Claio being such a big hit, some have asked if the new Franklin location will also play host to it.
"Everyone was asking, 'Are you bringing Claio to Nashville?'” O’Laskey said. “Maybe one day we will, but for now, we've incorporated aspects such as the rotisserie into Perenn.”
With the date of their grand opening approaching, Franklin’s newest residents are ecstatic for locals to come in and try some of their baked goods and recipes.
They officially open their doors at 94 E. Main St. on May 31.
A Nashville location, which serves as their bread production kitchen along with retail and pastry, will be located at 2934 Sidco Road, Suite 130. An opening date has yet to be announced.
Ken Means spent three decades carving carousel animals by hand, creating a rare attraction that now benefits Williamson County through the Circle of Giving non-profit.Franklin's new handcrafted carousel supports community with every $5 ridePosted 8:15 AM, May 21, 2025FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new carousel at The Factory at Franklin will soon bring joy to families while supporting the local community, thanks to an artist who has spent nearly 30 years handcrafting the attraction.Ken Means is the artist behin...
Ken Means spent three decades carving carousel animals by hand, creating a rare attraction that now benefits Williamson County through the Circle of Giving non-profit.
Franklin's new handcrafted carousel supports community with every $5 ride
Posted 8:15 AM, May 21, 2025
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new carousel at The Factory at Franklin will soon bring joy to families while supporting the local community, thanks to an artist who has spent nearly 30 years handcrafting the attraction.
Ken Means is the artist behind the new carousel, a project that has been his passion for more than three decades.
"I started these about 30, 31, 32 years ago," Means said.
The carousel represents a rare artistic achievement in today's world, according to those close with the project. Carousels aren't as common as they once were, which means this new one brings a whole new level of excitement to the community.
"Carousels are a dying art," said Brandy Blanton, the President and CEO of the Circle of Giving non-profit. "Especially ones that are carved by one man. So there are less than 200 carousels in the United States today and years ago there were as many as 2,000."
The Circle of Giving non-profit will operate the carousel, with proceeds going to local causes.
"They will pay a $5 fee (to ride the carousel) and at the end of the year, the net revenue gets poured back in the Williamson County community," Blanton said.
For Means, creating the carousel was about building something meaningful and lasting.
"I wanted to create something that people will enjoy and last a long time," Means said.
Each animal on the carousel has been meticulously handcrafted by Ken and his wife, Betty.
"A lot of people my age, or even younger, all have positive memories of the carousel. And that's what we're trying to do," Means said.
The carousel holds special significance for Means personally—it connects to his own love story with Betty, whom he met in 1968.
"My wife is as much a part of this as I am," he said. "She did some of the nicest carving I've ever taught. She's probably one of my top students."
Their first date even involved a carousel ride, creating a story that has now come full circle.
"I was trying to think of something I could do that would be different than other guys that she might have been dating," he said. "So I cleaned up my motorcycle, went over and picked her up, and we went to the Griffith Park Carousel. That was our first date."
The couple's daughter grew up surrounded by pieces of the carousel as it was being created. At the carousel's opening, she finally got to experience her father's creation.
"How does it feel to be on the carousel after my dad has worked on it for all these years? And it's absolutely incredible," said their daughter, Tsainina Lohmann.
The opening day was a family affair, with multiple generations of the Means family present to witness Ken and Betty's dream become reality.
"Like my grandson is here – two of 'em. My daughter's here. My wife is here," Means said.
From first dates to first rides, this carousel is now carrying generations forward, thanks to Betty and Ken Means' artistic vision and dedication.
The carousel will open to the public on May 31. To learn more, click here.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Happy Birthday to the YMCA of Middle TN. They just celebrated their 150th anniversary! A lot has changed with the Y over the years. I have personally seen some of that firsthand when I was a long-time board member at the Northwest Family Y and part of their Black Achievers Program. Forrest Sanders has a look back.
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