When your oldest grandson graduates from high school and when you have a Mother's Day and birthday celebration waiting for you, those occasions add up to a perfect chance for splurging a little extra, don't you think?
Luke's graduation was from Independence High School in Thompson's Station outside Franklin, TN., and I always enjoy visiting Franklin. A stay at The Harpeth in downtown Franklin was my lodging of choice, and my son treated us to lunch at Perry's. Both had been on my radar for quite a while, and both lived up to (and EXCEEDED) expectations completely.
THE HARPETH HOTEL
The Harpeth Hotel on 2nd Avenue North in Franklin is in the perfect location for shopping and for attending the many wonderful festivals on Main Street. You will receive a warm greeting and find a clean, comfortable room with all the nice amenities of a luxury hotel -- robes, signature toiletries, beautiful decor, and more.
The lobby has attractive gathering spaces and two restaurants on-site.
Just a short walk away you can make your shopping, browsing, and dining choices on Main Street.
And, using a convenient sidewalk to venture a few blocks further out, you'll come to The Factory. It has been undergoing extensive renovations, but a good number of businesses are already open and waiting for your arrival. Two of my favorites are Five Daughters Bakery (think 100-layer donuts) and Third Coast Clay where you can make and paint your own pottery creation.
For breakfast at The Harpeth, follow the rich aroma of coffee to McGavock's Coffee Bar & Provisions, which is much more than a coffee-and-muffins kind of place. Hint: the walnut and blueberry pancakes are to-die-for.
I strongly suggest that you use the valet service for parking when you stay at The Harpeth. It is relatively inexpensive, and the attendants are prompt and courteous.
Make your plans and your reservations well in advance for the most popular festivals, such as Dickens Christmas. I'm quite sure The Harpeth fills up rapidly.
PERRY'S STEAKHOUSE & GRILLE
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille has its roots in Texas, but there is one location in Alabama at The Summit and one in Tennessee in the Cool Springs section of Franklin.
The ambiance is rich and upscale, but the food puts this place over the top. Perry's is known for its steaks, but I can't imagine anything better than the pork chop Steve and I shared. It was amazing!!
Perry's is open seven nights a week for dinner but only on Fridays for lunch. Matt ordered the Steakhouse Brick Chicken, and it looked delicious, too. He raves about Perry's coffee-crusted steaks served at dinnertime. Next time -- again when he's paying -- I'll try one. :)
The Rocky Road Bread Pudding with a gigantic toasted homemade marshmallow on top was worth every calorie, and the portion size was most certainly shareable.
If you have a special occasion coming up, I hope you'll consider The Harpeth and Perry's. I believe you'll be glad you did.