#FranklinFairyTrailsandTales

What Is Franklin Fairy Trails + Tales?

“Franklin Fairy Trails + Tales is a seasonal, family-friendly cultural tourism initiative designed to encourage walking, exploration, and repeat visits throughout Downtown Franklin and the Cultural District—especially during weeks when there isn’t a major community event already scheduled.

At the heart of the project is the Franklin Sculpture Park Fairy House Exhibit, where community members of all ages create fairy houses that celebrate creativity, imagination, and environmental awareness. This year, the program expands beyond the park by creating a fairy-themed walking trail and scavenger hunt that connects downtown businesses, public spaces, and cultural partners.

The result is a playful, self-guided experience that draws residents and visitors downtown, keeps them moving between locations, and encourages them to linger longer.”

“Franklin Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Director Cory Shea states, ‘In its second year, we’re expanding the program to more intentionally include downtown businesses and activate community-centered programming throughout the month of May. After seeing the strong engagement and positive economic impact of the A-Wreath of Franklin initiative in December 2025—where creative participation drove foot traffic, increased visibility for local shops, and brought families into the district—we recognized the opportunity to build on that momentum. This next phase is about creating intentional partnerships with businesses, artists, and community groups to offer interactive, creative experiences that encourage residents and visitors alike to explore, linger, and support our local economy.

Cultural tourism plays a critical role in that strategy. When people travel for arts, culture, and community experiences, they don’t just attend an event—they dine in our restaurants, shop in our stores, visit our museums, and return for future programming. That activity generates revenue for local businesses, supports jobs, and strengthens Franklin’s tax base. By investing in creative placemaking and cultural programming, we are not only enhancing quality of life for residents, but also positioning Franklin as a vibrant, welcoming destination that drives sustainable economic growth for the entire community.”