Attractions
ANTIQUES
Bright’s World Antique Mall in Franklin, KY offers great variety in a casual browsing atmosphere. (19 minutes away) https://www.brightsantiqueworld.com/
Heritage House Antiques in Portland, TN offers home décor and handmade items. (16 minutes away) Visit their Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069382459809
Bloomin’ Deals in Portland, TN is a unique thrift boutique home to over 40 vendors. (16 minutes) http://www.bloomindealstn.com/
WELL-KNOWN ATTRACTIONS
The Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is a guest favorite. (About 25 miles away) https://www.corvettemuseum.org/
Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. The National Park is about an hour away and offers a full day of activities including Kentucky Down Under for kids. https://www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm
Lost River Cave – Bowling Green, KY – offers historic underground boat tours. 7 mile cave system; hiking & other activities. (About 35 minutes) https://www.lostrivercave.org/
Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Bowling Green, KY - Chaney's is definitely a fun place for the whole family. The family-owned and operated dairy barn offers a self-guided farm tour and huge jumping pillow and playground. Kids of all ages enjoy homemade ice cream made fresh from Chaney's jersey cows. We really enjoy taking our granddaughter there to play. During the summer time on select weekends, they offer “Ice Cream and a MOOOvie” so check out their Facebook page or website. (36 minutes away) https://www.chaneysdairybarn.com/ or follow them on Facebook
Nashville – SOOOO much to do there!! (55 minutes away)
KENTUCKY DOWNS/THE MINT GAMING HALL Kentucky Downs on Nashville Road in Franklin, KY is a popular OTB location, with live races in the late summer. The Mint Gaming Hall is also located here. (About 16 minutes away) https://themintkentuckydowns.com/live-racing/
MAYBE NOT-SO-WELL-KNOWN ATTRACTIONS
Fork in the Road – Franklin, KY – yes, it is actually a “fork” in the road – built by the 2018 senior class of Franklin-Simpson High School. From the town square in Franklin, drive north on US-31 for four miles. Turn east onto SR 1434. Drive two miles. Turn north onto Uhls Rd. Drive two miles to the Fork. (24 minutes)
Octagon Hall – Franklin, KY – is a unique antebellum landmark in KY known for its civil war history and paranormal activity. (23 minutes) https://octagonhallmuseum.com/
OUTDOORS
Portland City Lake and Sumner Sportsman – Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. Kayaking only. (13 minutes away)
Google “Portland Tennessee Hiking Trails” for links to the many scenic trails within a 20-mile radius; the Portland Greenway Trail is great for hiking or biking.
Murals in Downtown Portland – enjoy the local artwork here in downtown
SEASONAL
Portland Farmer’s Market (on Thursdays) at 321 Portland Blvd, Portland, TN – check their Facebook or Instagram page for details and times (@portlandtnfarmersmarket) https://www.facebook.com/portlandtnfarmersmarket/
Middle TN Strawberry Festival, Portland, TN – is held mid-May. Local vendors offer products for sale, car show & parade. Check out the website or Facebook page for exact dates. https://www.middletennesseestrawberryfestival.net/
Bottom View Farms – Portland - a family owned & operated farm with something to do almost year-round – strawberries, blueberries, pumpkin patch, etc. Event space for available. https://www.bottomviewfarm.com/
Evenings on the Square – Franklin, KY – enjoy Friday nights on the square with live music (7-9 pm) and food trucks (5:30 pm); Bring your own chairs or rent chairs there. Local shops are also open extended hours during the event. https://franklinsimpsonrenaissance.com/summer-nights-concerts
DISTILLERIES/WINERIES
Dueling Ground Distillery, Franklin KY is a start-up distillery just a short drive away. Visit for cocktails, whiskey pours, tours, tastings & shopping. https://www.duelinggroundsdistillery.com/
Sumner Crest Winery, Portland, - family owned winery offering tours, tastings, & a gift shop. Visit their website for a schedule of upcoming events. (And visit the Grape Vine Café for some of the best pimento cheese & chicken salad around!). http://sumnercrestwinery.com/
OTHER IDEAS:
Vertical eXcape, Bowling Green, KY – Indoor rock climbing adventures https://www.verticalexcape.com/bowlinggreen/
Adventure Science Center, Nashville, TN – science museum for children with hands-on, interactive exhibits. Check out their planetarium also. https://www.adventuresci.org
Dinosaur World, Cave City, KY – Interactive exhibits with life-sized dinosaurs in a natural setting. Dog friendly! Visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dinosaurworld1/
Nashville Zoo, Nashville, TN – Visit more than 3,000 animals representing more than 325 species at the zoo. Visit their website for lists of special events. https://www.nashvillezoo.org/
Strike & Spare, Hendersonville, TN – Need an indoor activity? Check out the lanes here. Lots of specialty bowling events, party room and more. Family friendly fun! https://strikeandspare.com/hendersonville/
