Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
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Top 8 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Wayah Bald Lookout Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By CZiegler04 - Wingate, United States
We found ourselves visiting the Wayah Bald Lookout Tower quite by accident Sunday afternoon. We were searching for the Rufus Morgan Falls (which we NEVER found) and decided to take a slight detour. We drove and drove and drove some more, but the view was worth the drive. It was peaceful and so beautiful, and the abundant wildflowers in the area were buzzing with bees. The drive is actually less than five miles, and the gravel road is in excellent condition. The curving climb makes it seem much longer than it is, but don’t let that deter you. It’s free, and there’s hiking if you’re interested.
7. Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By mirraFlorida - Fort Lauderdale, United States
We visited here a few times during a recent visit to North Carolina. The bartender was very friendly and gladly gave us samples of what we were interested in. They have a food truck in the parking lot.You can also bring your own food in. They have a wide range of types of beers and the staff is knowledgeable. On weekends they have music. They have great atmosphere.
8. The Factory Franklin
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 171 reviews
Located in scenic Franklin, North Carolina, The Factory is Western North Carolina's premier destination for great family fun and dining.Enjoy over 100 arcade games, the region's largest go cart track, ten bowling lanes, laser tag, indoor mini golf, a kid's play area for smaller children and much more.For your next family fun outing, eat and play with us at The Factory.
Reviewed By shealmorris - Shelby, United States
We took a group of foster kids to the Factory in Franklin and they were SO good to us!!! They couldn’t have been more welcoming, and went above and beyond to give us a good experience. It was so fun and they have so many things to do. And the coffee shop is such a cozy place; one of our girls loves to go just to sit and read in the cafe while the other kids play. Very thankful to the Factory for a great day!
