German immigrant and master craftsman Johann Albert Lotz built this home near the Carter House in 1855 as a showcase for his woodworking talents. Filled with the Lotz family’s fine antiques and artwork, its beauty belies the horrors of the Civil War battle that raged around it. Though Lotz repaired damage to the house, scars such as cannonball holes are still visible. Guided tours take you through each stunning room of the home, which also contains displays of Civil War artifacts. Battlefield tours also are available.
If your Tennessee vacation falls near the last weekend of April, a day trip to Franklin can include the Main Street Festival, which includes live music on four stages. With more than 200 artisans displaying handmade works, it’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs of your trip. Carnival rides and its Kids Street offer lots of fun things to do with kids.
iStockphoto.com / DebbiSmirnoffPuckett's Grocery & Restaurant
120 4th Ave. S.
Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll find Southern favorites in a country store atmosphere at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant. Fuel up for a day of sightseeing with Bubba’s Eggs Benedict, a split biscuit with bacon or sausage, fried eggs and gravy on a bed of home fries. At lunchtime, choose from meat-and-three offerings, salads with house-made dressings or sandwiches such as the Music City Hot Chicken Sandwich. For dinner, start off with fried green tomatoes before digging into slow-cooked barbecue or chicken fried chicken with white pepper gravy, then stick around and enjoy live music.