Downtown Franklin, Indiana

Downtown Franklin, Indiana has made something of a name for itself for its charming and well preserved architecture, unique and fun restaurants and shops, as well as Franklin College, a respected higher learning facility.

In a section of the Midwest where Americana reigns supreme, Franklin has become well know as a city that loves and nurtures its heritage. Nowhere is that more apparent than in its well preserved architectural treasures, many of them lining the streets of downtown Franklin, right along with the gracious trees.

Inside those buildings, fans of Franklin shopping can find unique shops and eateries that make a fun excursion out of what is usually a chore. Check out Clementine’s Dry Goods, for example, or Imagination Station for Franklin kids. You can even get a tattoo or piercing, then turn around and hunt for treasures in the various downtown antique stores.

The Franklin’s Heritage, Inc. organization, a non-profit civic group dedicated to preserving and improving historic Franklin neighborhoods, has had a great deal to do with the success of downtown Franklin.

But this is a community that works together for the common good. Take “Fourth Fridays,” for example. That’s when the whole town throws a party every summer month, with classic car shows, a classic movie at the Artcraft Theatre and tons of fun things to do in downtown Franklin, where the stores stay open late for the parties.

The Farmer’s Market on downtown Franklin’s courthouse square draws visitors from nearby towns. Even city folks from Indianapolis will show up for the fresh, locally grown produce and the all hand-crafted merchandise that vendors display.

Make sure to see the Johnson County Museum of History when you visit downtown Franklin to take in the wonders of Franklin history. This building, which contains many historical treasures, was once the home of the Masonic Temple.