Take a scenic drive on America’s most visited Parkway! Two points of entry give you many options for a full day or scenic overlooks, history, and adventure. Take the Balsam Gap entrance to Cherokee passing Water Rock Knob with view east and west, down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the end of the BRP. Stop in the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and see how life was like in the early days of the park. Wait until dusk to see the elk that bed down in the wide-open field there at the edge of the center.

Franklin is located at the crossroads of several great motorcycle rides in Western North Carolina. The Moonshiner 28 is one such ride, a 103-mile trail that begins at the Tail of the Dragon on US 129 at Deals Gap, and winds southeastward along NC 28 through Franklin and Highlands, NC. It continues southward on NC 28 into North Georgia and ends in Walhalla, SC. The Moonshiner 28 got its name from Moonshine runners traveling from South Carolina to Tennessee on the twists and turns of this back road to avoid the police. This is a great alternative to other more crowded routes, with sections every bit as twisty as the more popular routes. There are also great views and scenic attractions along the way, including three of Western North Carolina’s most popular waterfalls between Franklin and Highlands, NC – Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, as well as many other pull offs and scenic stops. Whether you’re on a motorcycle, in a car, or in the family van, you’re sure to enjoy the mountains and scenery that you’ll pass through.

There’s always something happening on the weekends here in Franklin. Our Calendar of Events is a great place to find local festivals like Mountain High BBQ Festival & Car Show, Gem Shows, The Taste of Scotland Festival, Appalachian Heritage Festival,  Franklin Folk Festival, Westside Merchants Block Party, and more. You can almost always find a festival or fun event on our community calendar or come by the Chamber & Welcome Center at 98 Hyatt Road, Franklin NC  28734 and see what we have posted on our events board!

Many folks in our local community like to get outside and get involved. So that means a lot more than just taking a hike or going for a bike ride. Many local organizations will have fund raising events or fun activities planned for kids and families too, to get together for a good cause. Whether it be a 5K Fun Run or a donation collection – there’s lots to get out and experience. Then of course, you HAVE to get on a trail or take a waterfall journey that will take you to places of natural beauty and wonder. If your  a hard core hiker or more of a walker, don’t worry, we’ve got your trail and information on it!.

Franklin is known historically as the “Gem Capitol of the World”, so what better place to take the family to try your hand at any of our nine active mines, sifting through the dirt and finding native gems and precious minerals such as, rubies, sapphires, garnets, quartz and more. Get your hands on a big bucket of dirt, a screen, and get sifting! It’s a good idea to wear old clothes and tennis shoes or boots and bring a plastic bag to put your muddy shoes in and an extra pair to wear in the car. Bring a picnic lunch, most mines provide a place to eat out of rain or sun, plan to spend the day! And you will need to bring the camera for those pictures to show friends you played in the mud in North Carolina and found beautiful gem stones.

The Franklin area is rich in its history and our area museums tell the stories both personally and visually. Start the day off at Ruby City Gem Museum where you can see rare gems, ivory carvings, artifacts and more. Don’t miss the “World’s Largest Sapphire” weighing in at 385 lbs. and the 162-carat ruby! Head over to the Scottish Tartans Museum, the only museum of its kind in the United States. See the displays of Scottish Tartans, as you walk through displays of culture, dress, migration, and military. Next, head to the Macon County Historical Museum to learn about the history of Macon County. The museum is located in the J.R. Pendergrass building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an excellent example of an early twentieth century retail store design. From there, make your way to the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum in Franklin’s old jail. There, you will find thousands of specimens on display, including those found right here in Macon County and around the world. Next, hop in your car and head over to Wilderness Taxidermy on Highlands Road. Their state of the art wildlife museum is home to a collection of animals from throughout the world. Finish up the day with a scenic drive out to Cowee Valley to the historic Cowee School. Built in 1943 on the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the Cowee School served thousands of students until it was closed as a school in 2012.

Make your way to Currahee Brewing Co. on Lakeside Drive and sample the latest tastes from their taps. After enjoying some craft beer along the Little Tennessee River bank, make your way up Main Street to sample some of Franklin’s most delicious eateries. Lunch or dinner, the fine fare selections are numerous. Once you’ve had your fill of good eats, you can walk off some of that food as you browse the many specialty shops along Main Street. Locally made arts & crafts fill up The Gilded Willow and specialty shops like Blackberry Market Boutique & Gifts offer a personal touch to your shopping experience. Need a cup of coffee or frozen yogurt? Head over to Main Street Coffee for some delicious treats. Further down Main Street you’ll see the Lazy Hiker Brewing Co, Franklin’s first craft brewery. If you’re there during one of their weekend shows, bring a lawn chair and enjoy great music, family atmosphere, and large selection of their flavorful beers. Head to Town Square on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Fall for the free Pickin’ On The Square weekly concerts.