Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
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Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Franklin, North Carolina (NC)
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. Where Shadows Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Where Shadows Walk offers a wide variety of tours in the South. Our tours are the perfect blend of ghosts, mystery, lore and history. Please visit our website for a full listing of all tours available.
2. Old Cardinal Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
We are a little rustic gem mine in Franklin NC , We welcome you to our gem mine. Thanks Darcel Charles, Morgan & Isaiah
Reviewed By epsharon - Muskego, United States
This place is off the beaten path but don’t let that deter you. Our kids had a blast and Morgan really went above and beyond to make the experience memorable. You have the choice of mining for gems or fossils and different size buckets at different price points. You can take your time and Morgan was able to help us identify our finds and took the time to separate the different gems into zip lock bags and label them for you. You won’t find that level of service from those tourist trap mines. It is family owned and operated. They even offer a service (done by owner) to cut the gem of choice and convert into a jewelry piece which they will mail to you or you can pick up later in week if staying in area. This was definitely a highlight so far of our vacation and that is after staying in the Gatlinburg area and doing a bunch of fun stuff already.
3. Pickens Nose
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By jdl50cc
The views from the end of this short hike are breathtaking. However, this hike, as short as it is, would more properly be classified as "Moderate," not "Easy." There is a relatively steep climb over uneven terrain with tricky footing, which disqualifies the "Easy" classification. Nonetheless, it is worth every step. Tip: Enter Nantahala National Forest from I-64 in the North, not from Otto in the South. The former is a little longer but the road is easily navigable and beautiful. The road from Otto is windy and bumpy, and has one or two spots where high clearance is recommended. We had a 4WD truck so it presented no problem for us, but we took the northern route out and it was much more pleasant.
4. Smoky Mountain Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
NC visitor center on Hwy 441N coming into NC from GA. Country Store in same facilities as public restrooms.
Reviewed By 646lorit - Dawsonville, United States
This rest area is much nicer than the ones along the interstate highways. The restrooms have upscale wood and glass walls, like a mountain lodge. The visitor info center has helpful guides, lots of brochures, and a very nice gift center with some local products. I got a beautiful recycled paper birthday card for less than $4. Outside there are several picnic tables under shady trees. This is a great place to stretch the legs.
5. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Housed in the Historic 1850 Macon County Jail, the museum has approximately 6000 items on display in 8 separate rooms on two floors. The displays cover the history of mining in Western North Carolina, fossils, Indian artifacts, fluorescent minerals and gems and specimens from all 50 States of the USA and various countries of the world.
Reviewed By ooooopplll
Interesting museum in antique Jail Good variety of minerals and fossils Nice gift shop and reasonable prices
6. Mason's Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Mason's Sapphire Mine is an all-natural, dig your own sapphire mine that has been in operation since 1942 in Franklin NC. We also offer enriched buckets so everyone can find something to love! Masons mine is a safe, fun, and unique experience to add to your family trip! We will open for the Season March 19th 2020
Reviewed By 38marcyp
Amazing place!! My boys have been wanting to gem mine for years and they really wanted to dig the dirt and sluce it. This is the place. We got to fill our buckets all day and look for gems. Our biggest haul was 1-3g sapphire and 1-6g sapphire which are currently being turned into necklaces. I highly recommend this place. We had a blast. Also staff was very helpful and friendly
7. 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.
8. Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 209 reviews
Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine is Macon County's ONLY 100% Unsalted Gem Mine, located in the heart of the beautiful Cowee Valley of North Carlolina's Smoky Mountains. NOTE: Cherokee Mine is currently CLOSED for the season, and will re-open on 01 May 2020.
Reviewed By bigc2207 - Miami, United States
We had a good time gem mining here. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful, and they double-check your gravel to make sure you don't miss anything. We found several nice pieces for our collection, and one or two we might get cut. Overall it was a nice day out.
9. Rose Creek Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Mlatherton - Spencer, United States
This gem mine offers you many options. You can fill your bucket with dirt from the mine or purchase salted buckets. We tried both and were happy with the experience. Their sluice table overlooked a marsh filled with beautiful plants, dragonflies and an abundance of singing birds enjoying the bird feeders. Soooo very peaceful! The owners were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming.
10. Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By szarekjohn - Franklin, United States
Beautiful theater, many excellent musical groups and a quaint hometown theatre group. Wife and I recently moved to this area and this Center was definitely one of the major selling points in our decision to purchase a home in the area. We enjoy the shows enough that we even joined as advanced members instead of buying a ticket or two as they come out. We’ve seen an outstanding comedian whose name escapes me. Saw Steven Curtis Chapman Christmas show, LeAnn Rimes and many others. We have tickets pending for the Newsboys & Mandisa and others we look forward to seeing. Definitely, highly recommend.
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