5 surprisingly cool spots in downtown Franklin
If you haven’t checked it out lately, downtown Franklin is a pretty cool place.
The city has really polished up the neighborhood around the Johnson County Courthouse in recent years.
Franklin spent nearly $8 million to make downtown-area streets more attractive and pedestrian-friendly.
It spent more than $3.4 million to makeover the streets and parking lots around the historic courthouse.
They’ve done more than just add decorative street lights, brick streets and concrete planters.
The city’s investment has ushered in a wave of revitalization in the heart of Franklin.
Here are five cool things you will find in downtown Franklin.
The Artcraft Theatre
57 N. Main St., (317) 736-6823,historicartcrafttheatre.org.
Built in 1922 as a Vaudeville house and silent movie theater, the Artcraft Theatre is a living museum. The building maintains its classic neon lights and Art Deco curves (added in 1948) that have been faithfully preserved by its owner, the nonprofit Franklin Heritage Inc.
In the days before every home had air conditioning, the Artcraft was the coolest place in town thanks to a massive swamp cooler A/C system, which still works.
The Artcraft shows classic movies most Fridays and Saturdays. It also hosts occasional concerts and live events.
Movie tickets are $5.
Benjamin’s Coffeehouse
49 E. Court St., (317) 736-0048,benjaminscoffeehouse.com.
Benjamin’s Coffeehouse has been keeping downtown Franklin caffeinated for about 20 years.
The shop was already an established brand when owners Ashley and Ben Shivley took over about six years ago.
The decor features works by local artists alongside images of namesake Ben Franklin.
The menu includes “The Poor Richard” ham and cheese and “The Flying Kite” chicken salad. Scones, muffins and pastries are baked fresh daily.
Cool off with cold drinks including Italian soda and iced coffee.
Gray Goat Sports
25 E. Court St., (317) 494-6967,graygoatsports.com.
Gray Goat Sports has everything you need to feel a cool breeze while touring the city’s more than 9 miles of trails. This shop specializes in two-wheeled bikes, but has a unicycle or two on the rack.
The Gray Goat (one of two Southside locations) is devoted to the cycling lifestyle, offering safety tips, equipment checks and organized rides.
Toodleydoo Toys
1 W. Jefferson St., (317) 346-7529,toodleydootoys.com.
Here’s the place to find cool things for kids. Debbi Pierson opened Toodleydoo Toys about a year ago and her shop offers a wide mix of toys, games and books for all ages.
You'll find soap bubbles, puzzles, clothing and more.
Toodleydoo even carries those very popular coloring books for grownups. Yes, adult coloring is a thing, and it’s cool.
The Willard
99 N. Main St., (317) 738-9668,thewillard.com.
Franklin is a city that appreciates history, and nowhere is that more obvious than at The Willard.
The original brick house was built in 1860 and was expanded and transformed into a hotel in 1922.
The original neon sign that once welcomed hotel guests hangs inside.
Now a bar and restaurant, The Willard has been Franklin’s hottest place for a cool drink for the last 25 years.
Call Star reporter Vic Ryckaert at (317) 444-2701. Follow him on Twitter: @VicRyc.