Franklin, Indiana has a beautiful downtown for you and your date to explore. Here you will find restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, bowling, and movies all within walking distance of one another. You will also find beautiful parks and tons of outdoor festivals to explore. In nearby Whiteland, challenge your spouse to mini golf or take them out for a craft beer. There are plenty of date night choices in these fun towns.
Restaurants
Twisted Sicilian Market and Eatery
175 N. Morton Street, Franklin
The Twisted Sicilian is serving up delicious family recipes. This is Sicilian and Italian food for you to spice up your next romantic picnic. Pastas, Panini, and salads are all available. Be sure to grab some cannoli to share with your sweetheart. A small market with other local and Italian items is also available.
Big Woods Franklin
1800 E. King Street, Franklin
Big Woods is an awesome place for a date night. Not only does Big Woods have a delicious menu (try the pulled pork nachos!), they also serve beer from their brewery Quaff On and spirits from their distillery Hard Truth. The Franklin location is located at Hillview Country Club, but don’t worry, you don’t have to be a member. Live music is often available and there is patio seating in addition to the indoor restaurant and bar seating.
R.F.D. Franklin
55 W. Madison Street, Franklin
R.F.D. is located in a historic old post office which gives this restaurant a unique ambience. Their motto is real food and fresh dining. Picture beautifully plated dishes with fresh crab cakes, scallops, and steaks not to mention decadent desserts. The innovative cuisine is perfect for any date night and especially one where you have something to celebrate! There is a ton of history to this building so take not when you see the original mailboxes inside the dining room. Gorgeous outdoor dining is also available.
Court St. Café
39 E. Court Street, Franklin
At Court St. Café, food is meant to be shared with those you love. They put love into their cooking and have created a cozy environment with scratch made food for you to enjoy with your sweetie. They have become known for their over-sized burgers. On Saturdays, they have a special menu with all of your breakfast favorites plus some new stars of the show. Try a breakfast flatbread or stuffed pancakes for a brunch date.
The Willard
99 N. Main Street, Franklin
This restaurant is a staple in Franklin and is filled with historic charm. The brick building was built in 1860 and many elements are still present today. Take note of the marble fireplace and spiral staircase; these are original to the building. If you aren’t sure what to order try the pizza or wings. Try out a Reuben or pulled pork sandwich. You can’t go wrong with any of the choices. This is a great place to take a date because of the amazing atmosphere and quality menu.
Outdoor Activities
Franklin Family Aquatic Center
396 Branigin Boulevard, Franklin
It’s true that kids have tons of fun at the Franklin Family Aquatic Center but adults can too! Take advantage of the smaller crowds and lower price admission by going during the Twilight Hours. Enjoy the Olympic size pool to get some laps in and grab a snack from the concession stand. This is a great way to cool off on a hot summer afternoon.
Rascal’s Fun Zone
629 US Highway 31, Whiteland
My husband and I love including mini golf in any date night. It is a great way to have a little competitive fun without it being high pressure. It is easy to spend the evening chatting and laughing at each other. Rascal’s has excellent mini golf choices. There are two 18 hole courses with many features like palm trees, waterfalls, and jungle animals.
Dollie’s Farm
3961 N. 425 E., Franklin
This lavender farm is the ultimate romantic location to take your next date night. It is breathtaking to see all of the lavender growing. The farm is picture perfect and there is a perfectly decorated shed with all sorts of lavender products to take home. In addition to picking out the perfect blooms to take home, you can also sign up for special events like Dollie’s Pick and Painting Parties or private massages (coming soon).
Province Park
389 E. Monroe Street, Franklin
Province Park is ideal for you and your date to bring a picnic. (Remember to get your treats from The Twisted Sicilian!) This park is large and in walking distance to downtown Franklin. You will find nice paths for going on a stroll and a romantic gazebo.
Canary Creek Cinemas
870 Mallory Parkway, Franklin
Another classic romantic date night! Canary Creek Cinemas is a family run cinema that not only has an indoor theater but also an outdoor screen for drive in movies throughout the summer. Load up your vehicle with blankets and pillows to create a relaxing atmosphere while you watch the movie.
Indoor Activities
The Artcraft Theatre
57 N. Main Street, Franklin
The light up marquee will take you back in time and the selection of classic movies will make for a unique take on the typical movie date night. Before the movie starts, you will experience some preshow activities to get the crowd excited. There will be themed prizes and a skit. For certain movies, beer and wine are available but regular concession are always available.
Hi-Way Lanes
400 N. Morton Street, Franklin
On Friday and Saturday nights, head out to Hi-Way Lanes to enjoy their Cosmic Bowling. Disco lights and upbeat music set the stage to make your ordinary bowling night next level. This is a great place for a double date. Compete against the other couple to see who can get the highest scores. Grad a pizza or some concession stand snacks to enjoy while playing.
10 Pins
27 W. Monroe Street, Franklin
Duckpin bowling in downtown Franklin is an awesome way to start or end any date night. If you are looking to switch things up, duckpin bowling is the way to do it. Think of it as mini bowling but the challenge of using a small ball makes it so fun! Splurge and grab a Greek’s Pizza while you bowl!
Antiquing in Downtown Franklin
Multiple stops along Jefferson Street and Madison Street
Grab a coffee and prepare to visit a whole slew of antique shops. There are at least 6 within walking distance of each other. Take your partner on a real life treasure hunt and find those hidden gems in all of the stores. My husband and I love finding things from our childhood and unique decorative items for our home. Check out the following stores: Madison Street Salvage, Salvage Sisters, Teri’s Treasures, Vintage Whimsy, Thanks for the Thyme, and Primitive House & Garden.
Johnson County Axe Throwing
6001 N. US Highway 31, Suite 9, Whiteland
If you and your spouse are looking for something new to do try out axe throwing. Johnson County Axe Throwing does an excellent job of helping people learn how to accurately and correctly throw an axe. They can teach you a few different games to play. Pair this with a night out at Nailer’s Brewing Company which is very close by.
Sweet Treats and Cold Drinks
Nailer’s Brewing Company
6001 US Highway 31, Suite 14, Whiteland
Nailer’s Brewing Company is bringing locally made craft beer to the Whiteland community. They are cementing their spot as a must visit brewery and will be expanding to include a distillery very soon. They have amazing beers such as the Peanut Butter Stout, Blueberry Pilsner, and Blood Orange IPA. They also have a menu with sandwiches, wings or head over on Tuesday for $2 tacos!
1823 Bakehouse
25 E. Court Street, Suite A., Franklin
1823 is a must visit bakery. Everything is out of this world delicious and scratch made. Did you know that it is all gluten-free? You would never know! Grab some treats to take over to the park or enjoy a coffee while you stroll through the lovely downtown boutiques. Don’t miss out on the cinnamon rolls on the weekends. Or get lunch to go to enjoy in the shade at the park.
Main and Madison Market Café
100 N. Main Street, Franklin
This beautiful coffee shop is ready to handcraft you an amazing beverage. I absolutely love a good coffee date and of upmost importance is high quality coffee. Hand pressed espresso from Lavazza coffee is the star here, so pick a latte or cappuccino. You can’t go wrong. You can also pick up some unbelievable pastries and breakfast sandwiches or quick lunch. The café has a romantic rustic appeal to it that will make the start of a perfect date.
Shale Creek Brewing
178 W. Jefferson Street, Franklin
If you and your partner have been exploring downtown Franklin, then you probably need a place to stop and grab a drink. Look no further than Shale Creek Brewing. Located in the heart of downtown Franklin, this brewery offers a wide variety of craft beer. A full food menu is available as well. Items to note are the desserts. Choose from ice cream or caramel cake both dripping with salted beer caramel, a fun twist on a classic.
Old Towne Beer Hall & Growler Company
55 E. Court Street, Franklin
This place is so fun! You and your date could definitely spend all evening here trying out different beers, wines, and cocktails. Everything here is on tap and the walls are lined with those taps. Here you pay for your drinks by the ounce, giving you the opportunity to try all of those drinks you never wanted to pay full price for. The staff will help point you in the right direction for things you may enjoy. You will wear w wristband while in the bar that you will scan to unlock and pour your drinks.
