The small township of Franklin in Macon County, North Carolina, impresses with its quaint and idyllic downtown area. Its historic district features several museums together with a plethora of bars and restaurants, making it popular with both locals and visitors. Amazing places to stay such as Airbnb vacation rentals and Vrbo vacation rentals are also available. But it doesn’t end there, as there are many other excellent attractions in the area. One can enjoy camping at Cullasaja River RV Park, search for interesting antiques at Franklin Flea & Craft Market, or watch an enthralling show at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Plan your upcoming trip accordingly and check out our comprehensive list of things to do in Franklin, North Carolina.
1. Learn about Scottish highland dress traditions
Who are we? The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc. is a one-of-a-kind tartan museum in the U.S. Our...
Posted by The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center, Inc. on Friday, September 23, 2022
If you’re looking for a thing to do in Franklin, North Carolina, this weekend, visit The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center for a fascinating learning experience. Look into the history of tartans and how kilts came to be. See over 600 tartan displays, some dating back to 1725! It also features exhibits that showcase the experience of Scottish emigrants and how they interacted with the native people of the Southern Appalachians. Make sure to stop by The Scottish Tartan Gift Shop for some souvenirs!
The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center
Address: 86 E. Main St., Franklin, NC 28734
Website: The Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; (closed on Sundays)
Price: Adult: 4 USD (+tax); 12 & under: 2 USD (+tax); 6 & under: Free
2. Find treasure at the Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Wondering what to do in Franklin, North Carolina? Spend a day finding treasures and mining for gems at the Old Cardinal Gem Mine. You’ll be provided with all the equipment you need and with luck, you’ll be finding rhodolite Rubies or sapphire moonstones! They even offer cutting and mounting services to turn that precious gem into jewelry that you can wear. Avail their group rates and make it a group or family bonding activity. If you’re not so lucky, you can also buy gems and jewelry in their shop.
Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Address: 71 Rockhaven Drive, Franklin, North Carolina, 28734
Website: Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Opening hours: Mon - Fri & Sun: 9am - 5pm; (closed on Saturdays)
Price: 20 USD
3. Hike the Appalachian and Bartram trails
If you love nature and enjoy hiking, then you should consider this free thing to do in Franklin, North Carolina, and visit the Appalachian and Bartram trails. It’s a 100-mile (160-kilometer) long trail with a steady but moderate elevation and a scenic waterfall for you to enjoy. Make sure to look around for the beautiful wildflowers if you’re visiting during the summer and bring along your dog as long as you keep it on a leash. Bringing your furbaby wouldn’t be a problem with Franklin’s (pet-friendly cabins](https://trip101.com/article/pet-friendly-cabins-in-highlands-nc).
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Spend an amazing time with your family at The Factory Franklin
PumpkinFest is sponsored by The Factory Franklin! The pumpkins are ready to go for the famous Pumpkin Roll this Saturday.
Posted by Discover Franklin NC on Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Plenty of fun can be had at The Factory Franklin due to its wide range of activities. These include an arcade, go-carts, mini-golf, and a trampoline park. The staff is friendly and helpful and you can expect a clean and safe environment. Furthermore, the kids are going to love all the yummy treats available such as ice-cream, pizza, and tacos sold by the in-house vendors.
The Factory Franklin
Address: 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, United States
Website: The Factory Franklin
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 3pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
5. Go camping at Cullasaja River RV Park
A good way to explore those gorgeous mountainous regions of North Carolina is by trekking with an RV. But you’ll need to stop by an RV park for a certain duration to rest and unwind so check out Cullasaja River RV Park. It’s located next to the picturesque Cullasaja River and features a bathhouse, free WiFi, laundry facilities, showers, toilets, and even a church service on Sundays. Note that they recommend you reserve a slot during July and October.
Cullasaja River RV Park
Address: 6269 Highlands Rd, Franklin, North Carolina 28734, USA
Website: Cullasaja River RV Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: From 35 USD
6. Discover Cherokee Heritage at Nikwasi Mound
There are many reasons to visit North Carolina, but one of the most important is to discover the region’s rich Cherokee heritage. So, take time out of your day to visit Nikwasi (Cherokee Town), which means star, and pronounced as Noquisi by the Cherokee Indians. And what you’ll find here is the Nikwasi Mound that’s a man-made landfill and dates back at least 1,000 years. The Nikwasi Mound also serves as an important cultural landmark.
Nikwasi Mound
Address: Cherokee Town, Franklin, North Carolina
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Mine gems at Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Posted by Mason's Sapphire Mine on Saturday, 4 May 2019
Most of us dream of striking it rich and wish that we could find the right opportunity to make our dreams come true. Well, if you’re heading to North Carolina, stop by Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine as you’ll have an opportunity to find some valuable gems here. You’ll be treated to an authentic mining experience and allowed to sort through large hauls of gems such as garnets, kyanite, mica, rubies, sapphires, quartz, to name a few. This is a kid-friendly activity, too, so take along your kids and watch them enjoy unearthing sparkling gems!
Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Address: 6961 Upper Burningtown Rd, Franklin, North Carolina 28734, USA
Website: Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 15 - 30 USD
8. Turn your gemstone collection into stunning pieces of jewelry at Artisan Jewelers
One of the best jewelers in North Carolina is none other than Artisan Jewelers. What makes this store so good is that it has skilled staff on hand that will help you will all your jewelry needs. If you have a custom design in mind, or simply want to transform an existing piece into something special, then they’re up for the job. Moreover, their prices are competitive, and their service levels are world-class!
Artisan Jewelers
Address: 1105 Walnut St, Cary, North Carolina 27511, USA
Website: Artisan Jewelers
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
9. Take in the breathtaking mountain views on a drive up to Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Those stunning rolling hills and mountain ranges of North Carolina are truly a sight to behold. So, don’t sit around - head over to Wayah Bald Lookout Tower to get the best views of these remarkable works of nature. There’s also walking and hiking trails in the area, which means that you’ll also have an opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying those amazing views.
Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Address: Wayah Road and Forest Service Road 69, Franklin, North Carolina 28734, USA
Website: Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
10. Cycle along Little Tennessee River Greenway
Tennessee River Greenway is a beautiful natural preserve that features parks and trails along the riverside. The main trail is approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) in length and made from asphalt and gravel. Therefore, it’s ideally suited for cycling as well as inline skating, walking, and for differently abled people, as the area is wheelchair-accessible.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Address: 573 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Website: Little Tennessee River Greenway
11. Catch a show at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
North Carolina isn’t only about beautiful mountain ranges as you’ll also find plenty of good entertainment options here. We recommend Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts since it’s an impressive contemporary venue that’s designed and built for the most gripping live performances. Upcoming productions include the Youth Theatre Production of Aladdin Jr., Newsboys United, and Sister Hazel. Remember to check their website for updates.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Address: 1028 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Website: Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 6 - 38 USD
12. Dig for antiques at Franklin Flea & Craft Market
Posted by Franklin Fleamarket on Friday, 23 May 2014
There’s no better way to get to know and appreciate the community of Franklin than by visiting one of its most prominent markets. Take time out of your day to check out Franklin Flea & Craft Market, where you’ll have an opportunity to mix and mingle with the friendly vendors and locals. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of valuable goods and bargains such as antiques, curios, furniture, rugs, toys, and tools, to name a few.
Franklin Flea & Craft Market
Address: 867 Highlands Rd, 28734 Franklin, NC, USA
Website: Franklin Flea & Craft Market
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 9am - 3pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
13. Treat your taste buds with a sumptuous breakfast at Yonder
Wake up from in a plush bed in your luxury cabin and head straight to breakfast at Yonder, a local favorite. This restaurant is indeed a good recommendation since it specializes in delicious comfort food and yummy breakfast offerings that you won’t soon forget. Try out their breakfast bowls, French toast, yogurt bowl with blueberry hemp granola, and their wide variety of fresh fruit drinks. Furthermore, the venue boasts an amazing atmosphere and you’ll be inclined to converse with the cheerful locals and helpful staff.
Yonder
Address: 2720 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Website: Yonder
Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Sat: 8am - 2pm; Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
14. Taste some quality beers at Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Located in the former fire department and town hall of Franklin, one will find Lazy Hiker Brewing Company that was founded in 2015. And, it’s worth visiting if you have a thing for tasty craft beers and a warm beer-loving community. A few of their choice beverages include the Margarita Gose, Night Hike Imperial Stout, Pomegranate Gorge Berliner Weisse, Slack Pack IPA, Trail Mate Golden Ale, Wesser Evil Porter, and Winter Nutterland.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Address: 188 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Website: Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm
15. Enjoy live music on Saturday nights in Downtown Franklin at Gazebo on the Square
Pickin' on the Square Downtown Franklin! Come to Downtown Franklin to enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment at the...
Posted by Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce on Friday, 25 August 2017
Saturday nights can be a lot of fun in Franklin, as there’s always something interesting happening in the downtown area. We recommend Gazebo on the Square, as this is where plenty of live music performances take place on Saturdays. You’ll have an opportunity to experience the blues, Caribbean, classic country, motown, R&B, and rock ‘n roll music performed by talented artists. And the best part, it’s completely free but just remember to bring along a lawn chair so that you have something to sit on.
Gazebo on the Square
Address: Iotla St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
Website: Gazebo on the Square
Opening hours: Sat: 7pm
16. Follow Cullasaja Gorge Run on a spectacular motorcycle ride
Cullasaja River is stunningly gorgeous as it features cascading waterfalls and other natural landmarks that offer visitors plenty of photo opportunities. Luckily, there’s a 165-mile (265-kilometer) looping road that makes it possible for you to conveniently make your way around these landmarks. But there’s no better way to do this, then with a motorcycle ride so that you can negotiate those dramatic sharp turns that cause heart palpitations along the way. Your trip will start in Maggey Valley, and you’ll also stop by Franklin and Brevard.
Cullasaja Gorge Run
Address: Maggey Valley, North Carolina, United States
17. Explore the dark side of Franklin by joining Where Shadows Walk Historic Ghost Tour
Franklin has such a rich history that you can expect to hear some amazing folktales and ghost stories from the locals. One of the best things you can do at night in Franklin, North Carolina, is immerse yourself in the more macabre side of this fascinating place, by partaking in a ghost tour that unveils plenty of horrifying facts that you won’t forget anytime soon. This tour will have you exploring haunted locations during the night and you’ll learn about unsolved murders, strange creatures, witchcraft of the indigenous people, and paranormal activities in the area.
Where Shadows Walk Historic Ghost Tour
Address: Franklin, North Carolina, United States
18. Have a walk down memory lane in Historic Downtown Franklin
Franklin’s historic downtown dates back to 1799 and revitalized in 1984 and considered one of the most eclectic and vibrant neighborhoods in America. And that’s not surprising since it has so much to offer both locals and visitors from out-of-town. Here, you’ll find plenty of modern bars and restaurants, but also many historical gems such as Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum, Macon County Historical Museum, and Scottish Tartans Museum.
Historic Downtown Franklin
Address: Main St, Franklin, TN 37064, United States
Website: Historic Downtown Franklin
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Never a dull moment in Franklin, North Carolina
There’s a wealth of excellent attractions in Franklin that you should never get bored. If you enjoy being outdoors, then there’s bike riding, hiking, and camping options at your disposal. And, if you prefer to spend more time in town, then the historic district and Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts will keep you enthralled and entertained.
Choose among the best cabin rentals or other vacation rentals in Franklin and book your trip now.
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