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NC Visitor Guide
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Franklin events and NC Mountains updates |
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Map of Franklin NC: |
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Franklin NC
is a center of history,
heritage and the NC mountain way of life.
Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2005 and
continues to honor it's heritage while embracing the future.
Nestled in North Carolina’s southernmost mountains, the
foothills of the Great Smokies, the
Franklin area offers both a slower pace and a abundance
of things to do. The area is famous for is rural
beauty, but not isolated with
access to major highways US 23/441 and US 64, and major
interstates I-40, I-26 and I-85. Atlanta, Georgia is
just 127 miles to the south, while Asheville is 65 miles
to the east. |
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Smoky
Mountain Host Visitor Center
- The friendly and knowledgeable
staff members are ready to assist
you with all your travel needs.
Spend some time in the gift shop,
featuring a wide variety of
merchandise including gifts from
local artisans.
4437 Georgia Road,
Franklin, NC |
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Did you know the last surrender of Confederate forces east of the Mississippi
took place in Franklin and that the idea for the Thomas Legion was conceived in Franklin?
Learn more about
Franklin's unique connection to the Civil War |
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Franklin is the County Seat of Macon County |
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In a valley surrounded by
some of the oldest mountains on earth, the Cherokee called the
land that is now Franklin “Nikwasi” or center of activity |
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Franklin is
home to an active Gem and Mineral
Society, which operates a
charming museum in a 19th Century jailhouse in downtown
Franklin NC. Mining for rubies and sapphires began in Macon County in 1870. |
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In 2005 Franklin celebrated its 150th Anniversary |
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Little Tennessee Land Trust (LTLT)
conserving the waters, forests, farms and
heritage of the Upper Little Tennessee and the
Hiwassee River Valley |
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Special Events and Festivals in or near
Franklin NC:
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March |
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Presents:
Play James the Giant Peach A Magical Puppet Adventure Franklin NC
James & the Giant Peach: A Magical Puppet Adventure |
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Smoky
Mountains Center Event: Movie: The Lego Batman Movie Presented by Macon County Robotics Club. |
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Smoky
Mountains Center Event: The Nelsons: Ricky
Nelson Remembered |
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April |
Smoky
Mountains Center Event:Shop With A
Cop Benefit Event |
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Smoky
Mountains Center Event:
Anthem Lights |
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Smoky
Mountains Center Event: The
Midtown Men |
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The Smoky
Mountain Center
for Performing
Arts
- Popovich
Comedy Pet Theatre |
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May |
Annual Mother's Day Gemboree |
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Annual airing of the quilts |
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June |
Annual Scottish Heritage Festival |
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July |
4th of July Fireworks in the Park |
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51st Annual Macon County Gemboree |
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August |
Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival |
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Eclipse Block Party in downtown Franklin |
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Franklin
Chamber of Commerce Eclipse Viewing Party |
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Eclipse Viewing Event at Entegra Bank |
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September |
Annual
Macon County Fair |
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October |
Autumn Leaves Craft Show |
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Annual Leaf-Lookers Gemboree |
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Pumpkin
Fest |
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November |
Veteran's Day Parade |
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Winter
Wonderland Nights |
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Annual
Christmas Parade |
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December |
Winter
Wonderland Nights |
Ongoing Events:
Saturday evenings -
Pickin' on the Square Free
live music and entertainment in downtown
Franklin every Sat. night spring through fall. BYO chair
- food vendors on site.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Live music, dance and performances
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Find future and additional
mountain events and Festivals on the
NC Events Calendar |
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Franklin NC Cabins and
Vacation Rentals: |
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Rivendell Cabins offer 3
Cabins, mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, DLS,
dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heat/ac, WIFI (one
cabin with guest computer), phone, VCR & movies, porch
with seating, full kitchens, linens, everything
included.
Read our Cabin Blog
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Timber Frame Rentals are 2 luxury vacation
rental homes located between Franklin &
Highlands. The Pond House sleeps up to 6 with
views of the mountains from almost every room.
The Cottage sleeps up to 10 and sits in the
woods along a natural spring fed stream. Inside
and outdoor fireplaces, upscale furnishings,
quiet, peaceful location but close to all
activities. All the comforts of home and then
some!
See details and more photos |
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Vacation Golf home Overlooking the 17th Hole - 2
bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Deck with golf
view and grill, fireplace, WIFI, exceptionally clean and
nicely furnished. Located at the Whispering Pine Golf
Club in Franklin NC. See photos, details, availability |
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Affordable Cabin Rental with beautiful view - 3 bedrooms, 2
baths, sleeps 6. Serene Valley to Mountains view from large
deck, charcoal grill, gas fireplace, central heat & air, WIFI.
Located in a country setting only 6 miles to Franklin NC.
See photos, details and availability |
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Vacation Rental with Panoramic Mountain View - 2
bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Lower level of large home,
but private. Private entrance, gas fireplace, heat and
air, covered patio with gas grill. 2 miles to downtown
Franklin NC.
See photos, details and availability |
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 Franklin vacation cabin with incredible view
- 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 10.
Amazing 180 views from the wrap-around deck and
covered porch. Hot tub, gas grill, fireplace,
game room, central heat and air.
See photos and availability |
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 Mountain vacation home with beautiful
view of the Smokies - 3 bedrooms, 3
baths, sleeps 8. Lots of deck, grill, stone
fireplace and plenty or room for a family
with children.
Get details and availability |
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Vacation home on the Little Tennessee River
- 4
bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 10. Wonderful river to
mountains view with rolling foothills 6 acre
landscape. Fireplace, hot tub, oversize deck
with gas grill, outdoor firepit. Tube, swim or
fish in the river.
See pictures and details |
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Mountain Cabin with 47
mile view -
3 bedrooms, 3 baths,
sleeps 8. Timberframe cabin
loaded with rustic elegance and
4 spacious decks. Indoor and
outdoor fireplaces, gourmet
kitchen, onsite creek, jacuzzi,
gas grill, HGTV, WIFI. Four wheel
drive, SUVs.
Learn more, see photos, availability |
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Additional Franklin NC Cabins, Cottages: |
A Mountain Swiss Chalet - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,
WIFI, gas fireplace
Angel Mountain Cabin - 2 bedrooms, mountain view, WIFI, 60
private acres
Aunt Dobson's Farmhouse - 2 bedrooms, renovated 100 year old
farmhouse
Bates Cabins - 5 to 7 bedroom vacation rentals, pet friendly
BearPaw Cabin - 1 bedroom, 1 bath, loft, covered porch, wood
stove, log cabin
Big Bear Log Cabins - 2 bedrooms sleeps up to 8, long range
views, WIFI
Carolina
Mountaintop Homes - 2, 2 bedroom cabins, fireplaces, WIFI
Carolina Vacation Home -
3 master suites, 40 mile mountain
view, Internet
Chestnut Creek Cabin - 2 bedroom, 2 bath, private
retreat, fireplace
Colbert's Vacation Homes - 1 bedroom villa style rental on
the golf course
Corrieglen Cottages -
1 and 2 bedroom mountain cottages,
weekly rentals
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For
website links or more information on
these rentals, just send a request to:
info@ClimbEveryMountain.com |
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Franklin NC Inns, Bed and Breakfasts,
Lodges, |
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 Microtel Inn by Wyndham - Rooms and suites with fridge, microwave, WIFI.
Minutes from The Factory and Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts,
near the Whistle Stop Mall. Some of the most affordable
rates in town. Get best current rates and availability |
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Franklin NC Hotels and Motels |
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 Carolina Motel - Guest rooms with
cable TV, WIFI, phones. Outdoor swimming pool,
play area. Complimentary breakfast and morning
coffee. Family owned and operated.
Check rates and availability |
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Comfort Inn Franklin - 60 guest rooms with king
or two queens, WIFI, newspaper. Indoor pool and
spa tub,
fitness center, businesses services.
Complimentary breakfast included.
Check rates and availability |
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 Colonial Inn - Affordable Franklin lodging
with seasonal outdoor pool and free WIFI. 42
guest rooms, guest laundry, fax/copy services.
Pet Friendly. Affordable rates. Check rates and availability |
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Franklin NC Campgrounds and RV Parks |
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NC
Mountain City Guides
Get everything you need
on ONE easy to use page for
each of our 50+ NC mountain cities.
We've done the searching so you don't
have to.
Find a locator map, cabin and
vacation rentals, Inns, camping,
restaurants, maps, weather, attractions,
outdoor activities, galleries, shops and
more.
CLICK
HERE |
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Sports and Outdoor
Activities: |
Franklin Area Hiking
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This is
an area rich in the variety of hiking trails.
This list only covers a few. The
Appalachian Trail (Georgia to Maine) passes
just a few miles West of Franklin, and can be
accessed at many places. The
Bartram Trail also passes through Franklin,
going East-West, and offers many highlights.
A wide variety of trails offers hikes
of different lengths in the Cowee, Fishhawk, and
Nantahala Mountains.
Short Hiking
Trails: Rufus
Morgan Trail, Shot Pouch Trail, Wayah Bald
Lookout Tower, Wasilik Poplar Trail, Laurel
Falls Trail, Mooney Falls Trail, Albert Mountain
Firetower, Whiteside Mountain.
Medium Length Hiking
Trails: Standing
Indian Mountain from Deep Gap, Whiterock
Mountain via Bartram Trail, Park Creek - Park
Ridge Loops, Wesser Bald Observation Tower,
Siler Bald.
Longer Trails: Yellow Mountain Trail, Standing Indian Mountain
Long Loops.
For more information:
Forest Service, Wayah District |
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Tessentee Bottomland Preserve
Experience the richness and diversity of the Upper Little Tennessee in the Tennessee
 Bottomland Preserve. This nearly 70-acre tract of bottomland and river bluff land lies at the junction of Tennessee Creek and the Little Tennessee River. Directions: From Franklin NC - Take the Georgia Rd (US 23/US 441) south for approx.5.2 miles, turn left onto Riverside Rd and follow for 0.5 miles, turn right onto Hickory Knoll Rd and follow for approx. 1.9 miles — the Preserve is located off a private drive (2249 Hickory Knoll Rd) on the right-hand side of the road; parking area is on the left, before the farm gate.
Franklin area Gem Mining:
The "Gem Capital of the
World" began with ruby and sapphire
mining in 1870. Corundum and other
minerals were mined Commercially for use
as abrasives, followed by Mining
Companies hoping to find the source of
the rubies found in the corundum mines.
By the early 1900s the mining companies
departed leaving the any furtuer mining
efforts to rockhounds, gem
enthusiasts and tourists.
Most local "Mines" offer the washing
equipment, instructions and
buckets of gem dirt for sale and charge
an admission. Check with each mine prior
to your visit to determine what type of
experiences you can expect and what you
need to bring with you - baggies,
gloves, etc.
Get a Gem Mine Map |
Franklin Waterfalls: Big
Laurel Falls - Go 9 miles west on
U.S. 64. Turn left on Wallace
 Gap Road
(Old U.S. 64) and go 1.5 miles. Turn
right on F.S. Road 67 (toward Standing
Indian Campground) and go 7 miles (5
miles past Back Country Information
Center). Trail runs along an old
railroad grade. After passing over
bridge, it splits; right ends at Big
Laurel Falls.
Mooney Falls -
follow the directions to Big Laurel
Falls, continuing for .7 mile past Big
Laurel Falls trailhead. A very short
trail descends to Mooney Falls. Roadside
parking available.
Rufus Morgan Falls - This easy one
mile loop trail is named after Rufus
Morgan, a naturalist who was
instrumental in developing the
Appalachian Trail. Take U.S. 64 for 3
miles west of Franklin. Turn right at
Wayah Bald directional sign. Take first
left onto Wayah Road (S.R. 1310). 6.6
Miles and then left of F.S. Road 388.
Trail 2.2 miles on right
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine
Ruby Mine Road, Franklin NC
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Gold City Gem Mine
9410 Sylva Rd, HWY 441 N., Franklin NC |
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Cowee Gift Shop and Gem Mine5315 Bryson City Rd., Franklin NC |
Franklin Golf Course driving range,
pool
255 First Fairway Drive, Franklin NC |
Mason's Ruby and Sapphire Mine
6961 Upper Burningtown Rd. Franklin NC |
Mill Creek Golf Club 18 holes,
dining
341 Country Club Drive, Franklin NC
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Primitive Outback Kayaking & Gem Mining 155 Robin Lynn Lane, Otto NC
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Rose
Creek Mine Rock and Gift Shop
115 Terrace Ridge Drive, Franklin NC |
Sheffield Mine
385 Sheffield Farms Road, Franklin NC |
Tom Hopkins, Fly Fishing Guide
Streams in The WNC Fly Fishing Trail |
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| Franklin NC
area
Attractions |
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T.M.Rickman General Store a part of the 370 acre
Cowee/West's Mill National Register Historic
District was acquired
by the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee
in August of 2007. Since then the
community has been active with fundraising,
making the purchase a reality. 251 Cowee Creek Road, Franklin NC |
Scottish Tartans Museum
A visit to the Scottish Tartans Museum and Gift Shop in the Smoky Mountains is a stroll through the history and culture of
Scotland. The 4800 square foot location on Main Street in
downtown Franklin NC, showcases a large Museum
area as well as an expansive Gift Shop.
86 E Main St, Franklin NC |
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The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
Located in Franklin’s historic “Old
Jail” on Phillips Street across from the Macon County Courthouse, the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum has thousands of
specimens on display including a local ruby weighing 2 Ľ pounds!
The museum was founded in 1974. Located in The Old Macon County Jail, 25 Phillips St., Franklin NC
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Macon County Historical Society and Museum
The Macon County Historical Museum on Main
Street in downtown Franklin is housed in the
J.R. Pendergrass building which is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places. The
building is an excellent and little altered
example of early twentieth century retail store
design. 36 West Main Street, Franklin NC |
Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire
Mine One
of the last native gemstone *ONLY*
mines open to the public. Mine buckets
may contain a virtual treasure
 trove of naturally occurring North
Carolina gemstones, including:
Rubies, Sapphires, Garnets,
Moonstone, Rhodolite, Rutile and
Sillimanite. These gems are
native to Cowee Valley, and many
found are of facet quality. 41 Cherokee Mine Road, Franklin
NC.
Read more... |
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more
NC Attractions here |
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| Franklin NC
Crafts, Galleries |
Jon Houglum
Houglum Fine Art Studio & Gallery
 Artist Jon Houglum captures the beauty of the
Western North Carolina Mountains in his free
lance oil paintings and commissioned work in the
traditions of the old masters. He displays a
masterful and accurate rendering of wildlife in
mountain landscapes that speak to the viewer
both emotionally and visually. Franklin NC |
Don Grant, Fine Art Photography
 Featuring quality fine art photography
for home or office with unique images in
beautiful, tasteful color and elegant
classic black and white. Franklin NC |
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Find more
NC Artists here |
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Franklin Restaurants and Entertainment |
Caffe Rel - Whether you call
this special place a "diamond in the rough"
or say "you can't judge a book by its cover",
just about everyone agrees it's one of the best
places to eat in Western North Carolina - and
that's saying a lot. You'll find a variety of
upscale dishes from homemade Blue Crab Bisque,
to French Pot Roast, to Charleston Shrimp and
grits. There is also a good selection of lighter
fair such as Asian salad and homemade soups.
459 E Main Street, downtown Franklin
NC.
Get more info and read reviews |
 Cash's Smokehouse Barbecue
- "Falls off the bone" ribs and homecooked barbecue - Pulled Pork, Ribs,
Chicken & Brisket and homemade sides.
Primarily take-out with patio tables and
catering.
1281 Georgia Road, Whistle Stop Mall,
Franklin NC
Learn more... |
Big Mamas Pizza House (828)
369-6063
1517 Bryson City Road
Franklin, NC |
The Boiler Room (828)
349-888
1024 Georgia
Road Franklin, NC |
Caffe Rel
457 East Main Street Franklin, NC |
Cody's Original Roadhouse
319 Carolina Mtn Dr. Franklin, NC |
Cash's Smokehouse BBQ
1281 Georgia Road Franklin, NC |
Currahee Brewing Company
100 Lakeside Drive, Franklin NC |
Dooley's Deli
1256 East Main Street Franklin,
NC |
Fat Buddies
311 Westgate Plaza Franklin, NC |
Fatz Cafe of Franklin
107 Sawmill Village Lane, Franklin, NC |
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Frog and Owl Mountain Bistro & Wine Bar 46 E. Main Street,
Franklin NC |
Gazebo Creekside Cafe'
44 Heritage Hollow Drive Franklin, NC |
Hot Tommy Dogs
159 East Main Street Franklin, NC |
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
188 W Main Street, Franklin NC |
Lucio's Italian Restaurant
313 Highlands Rd Franklin, NC |
Monte Alban, Inc.
2648 Georgia Rd Franklin, NC |
Motor Company Grill
86 W Main Street Franklin, NC |
Mulligans Bar & Grille
579 Depot Street,
Franklin, NC |
Peking Gourmet
4527 Hwy.441, Holly Springs Plaza |
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Peppermint Patti's Ice Cream & Sweets
17 E. Palmer St., Franklin NC |
The Pizza Factor
1024 Georgia Road Franklin, NC >
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The Restaurant at Mill Creek Resort
345 Country
Club Drive |
Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor
236 Cunningham Rd Franklin, NC |
Stillwater Fish Camp
Whistle Stop Mall, Franklin, NC |
Stillwater Fish Camp
Whistle Stop Mall, Franklin, NC |
Sunset Restaurant & Curb Service
498 Harrison Ave., Franklin |
Willys Bar-B-Que
240 Cunningham Rd Franklin, NC |
Yati's International Bistro
2726 Georgia Road Franklin, NC |
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Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Live music, dance and performances in
a 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility.
Various genres of performance include
country, bluegrass, gospel, pop,
contemporary Christian, and more. The
stunning architecture, technical
facilities, and impeccable acoustics
provide the highest professional
standards for both the audience and the
performers. 1028 Georgia Road in Franklin, NC |
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Franklin NC Shops, Services |
Rose Creek Mine and Gift Shop
Lyle Downs Road, Franklin NC |
Franklin Gemstone & Jewelry Warehouse
3002 Georgia Road, Franklin NC |
The Gem Factory
3348 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC |
Franklin Flea and Craft Market
867 Highlands Road. Franklin, NC |
Rosebud Cottage
46 E Main Street, Franklin NC |
Gold City Jewelry and Gem Shop
9410 Sylva Road, Franklin, NC |
Deb's Cats N Quilts
106 W.
Palmer St., Franklin NC |
Macon Furniture Mart
560 Depot Street, Franklin NC |
A Stitch in Time
23 Macon Center Drive, Franklin, NC |
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Cowee Gift Shop
& Mason Mtn Mine (TJ Tocks) 23
Macon Center Drive, Franklin |
Ruby City
130 E.
Main St., Franklin, NC |
Whistle Stop Mall
1281 Georgia Road, Franklin NC |
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Franklin NC Visitor Guide
Log cabin rental on the river - 2 bedrooms,
1 bath, sleeps 6. Swim, fish, raft or canoe right from
your backyard. HDTV, Internet, picnic table and charcoal
grill. 
Franklin cabin with
mountain
view -
3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths,
sleeps up to 9. Mountain views from the wrap-around
porch, grill WIFI.
