Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
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10 Shopping in Franklin That You Shouldn't Miss
Franklin is a town in Franklin Township, Macon County, North Carolina, United States, within the Nantahala National Forest. The population was 3,845 as of the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County. Franklin is an official Appalachian Trail-friendly destination. The Franklin area is rich in gems and minerals and is known locally as the "Gem Capital of The World."
Restaurants in Franklin
1. Outdoor 76
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By brente554 - Nashville, United States
This store has a very good selection of high quality backpacking gear and they are the one's to go to if you need a new pair of hiking shoe's. The staff is always very friendly and super helpful. This has become my first and preferred stop when needing some new gear
2. Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Tom and Ginger Johnson own and operate the mine and shop. The mine has grown over the years to provide you with the best environment for all your rockhounding needs. We offer full access for the handicap to enjoy all the fun as well. Check in at the gift shop for instructions to our access road, so you can drive right down to the flume. At our gem mine we offer strictly native dirt at the dig pile, plus enriched buckets and all the best help so you can start finding gems right away! In our gift shop we carry a wide variety of snacks and drinks to keep you going. There is also a nice deli nearby if you need a little extra and for the really hungry, Franklin is only 12 minutes away. We also have a wide range of rough specimens from all over the world as well as from our "back yard" which is literally our mountain where the mine site is located. You will see many different types of gold and silver mountings and jewelry already manufactured from our jewelry bench that will astound most folks. So stop on in if you can, we will be happy to see you even if it's just to say hi and catch up on things!
Reviewed By U6839YDsharonb
What a fun time! This was our second trip here - the first was 7 years ago. On that first trip we found a few rubies which were gem quality (5, 7, 10 carats) which we had cut. This time we found a 100 ct RUBY! I was so excited when I found it! We did the half day buckets $30.00 for each of us for UNsalted buckets and were able to go through 8 buckets between us. You get wet and dirty and have alot of fun here. I highly recommend this business and will return again! Thanks to Tom & Ginger.
3. Ruby City Gems & Minerals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm. NC's largest Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Store & Museum.Franklin NC's largest and oldest Jewelry store & one stop crystal shop est. 1958. Largest selection of 14k & sterling silver, diamond & gemstone jewelry. Loose gemstones & Diamonds. 1000's of healing stones, rough and natural gems for cutting polishing & collecting. Gem carvings and home decor. "Real" Gem cutting and jewelry making services, ring sizing and repair all done onsite by experts with over 40 years experience. Rock Tumblers & grit, Gem cutting equipment and supplies. Fossils, Specimens, Gold panning & gem mining equipment, gem buckets and bags. MUSEUM of local gems as well as around the globe. World's largest Sapphire, shrunken head, largest privately held pre-columbian artifact collecting in the USA. Cool black light glow in the dark room. Very Educational!
Reviewed By cornsilk64 - Tiger, United States
Although we were super excited to get our rock tumbler, I think our favorite part of discovering Ruby City Gems & Minerals was the Museum. SO AMAZING!!! Staff was exceptional! VERY HELPFUL and welcoming. My goddaughter is 15 and rocks, minerals and crystals are her jam. We started our Saturday adventure here at RCGM and talked about it the entire day! Thanks RCGM for helping us make fun memories!
4. Attic Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
5. Franklin NC Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By tthom2p
These Farmers get out here every Saturday morning, rain, snow or sunshine. Big farms to small farms with specialized products, homemade pies, breads, muffins, fresh eggs, farm raised lamb,shiitake mushrooms. Great selection, something for everyone.
6. Watauga Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
7. Artisan Jewelers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
We offer a extensive variety of rocks, minerals, fossils, gemstones, jewelry, art, gifts and art glass. With over 20 years in the jewelry business, we are sure to meet all your jewelry needs. We have a full lapidary service specializing in natural gemstone cutting. From rough to refined we are sure you will enjoy a visit to Artisans.
Reviewed By manasotajudy
We have gone to Franklin for over 10 years now and love to gem mine in these lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! What an awesome destination. A MUST is to go take our "Finds" from Rose Creek Mine to an outstanding estabishment with a knowledgeable, well trained couple who we now call friends! They have made the most remarkable, unique sets using gems we found at Rose Creek Mine, that you could ever imagine. My appriciation for their artistic creativaty is something to be be greatly admired! Artisan Jewelers and Rose Creek are a destination all of their own.
8. Uptown Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
The Uptown Gallery is a cooperative gallery operated by the Macon County Art Association, a non-profit art organization. We feature local artists and encourage the arts in the community by offering adult and children’s classes, workshops, exhibits and community events.
Reviewed By Flamingazalea - Franklin, United States
The Uptown Gallery offers so much for our small town!! Classes for all ages & abilities!! Convinced my Husband to take a watercolor class! Maryellen Tully was amazing & He loved participating!! Betsey Sloan’s Gourd class was such fun & enjoyed being creative with Betsey’s guidance!! Thank you Uptown Gallery for serving Franklin NC !!! We look forward to 2020????????????
9. Mountain Willow
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 8 reviews
10. Nestfeathers
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 119luannh
Always have the best of primitives and true antiques. The owners are incredible and will always make you feel welcome and share their knowledge of antiques. You must stop at Nestfeathers!
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