Indy is packed full of attractions and eateries, but sometimes, you want to venture outside of the city to explore new places. While there are a lot of interesting towns located around Indianapolis, this historic town south of the city is so charming, you’ll think it popped straight out of a fairy tale.

Just south of Indianapolis, you'll find the large town of Franklin— a charming, bustling town that appears to have popped straight out of a storybook.
Jim Grey/Flickr
This picture-perfect town offers a great mix of rural heartland and downtown intrigue, with quaint attractions and shops worth exploring.
OzinOH/Flickr
The town was named after Benjamin Franklin and is located in Johnson County. Franklin has rolling farmlands and open rural spaces to boot, but also boasts a historic downtown area that's filled with local shops and eateries.
Shopping local is huge to the residents of this fairytale town.
Bernardo F./TripAdvisor
You'll find freshly made coffee and pastries at Benjamin's, whimsical, original toys and games at Toodleydoo Toys, antiques and thrifts at Vintage Whimsy, and clothing that supports a great cause at byTavi Boutique.
Nearby, you'll find the Historic Artcraft Theatre, where you can still catch retro movies on the big screen.
BWChicago/Flickr
This theater is also the site of frequent community events and lights up the downtown square at night.
The Willard restaurant is a historic staple in Franklin, originally constructed in 1860.
Carol1631/TripAdvisor
Known as the place "where friends meet," this beloved dining establishment is a mecca for social events, parties, and nights out. It's also the perfect place to grab a drink or bite to eat. You'll find killer wings, pizza, and other bar foods here.
Franklin has plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, like Province Park.
Franklin Parks & Recreation/Facebook
This green space offers 50 miles of stunning nature areas, including trails, playgrounds, sports fields, and shelter houses. There are also spaces for fishing and swimming in warmer weather.
This park is also enchanting to behold in the wintertime and can still be a charming place to walk, weather permitting.
Franklin Parks & Recreation/Facebook
This town is also the home of Franklin College, which is well known for its sports and arts achievements.
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Franklin College is a great place to catch a game or view an art gallery showing throughout the year. The college grounds are expansive and beautiful to walk (especially the 31-acre woodland).
Michael Kappel/Flickr
From it's storybook downtown storefronts to its historic architecture and stunning natural spaces, Franklin is a charming town that you'll find yourself falling more in love with each time you visit.

Have you ever been to this fun town near Indianapolis? For another neighboring town worth visiting, check out this nearby town that turns into a winter wonderland every year.

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