Franklin, NC Day Trip

Day trip to Franklin, NC -- Franklin, NC is a beautiful town in Western North Carolina that is rich in heritage and culture. A day in Franklin is a must to make your North Carolina getaway complete. Begin your day with a bountiful breakfast in Maggie Valley then head over Soco Mountain to Cherokee. From Cherokee take Hwy 74 to Sylva then Hwy 23 into Franklin. Trip time: Less than 1 hr.

		Surround yourself with Appalachian & Contemporary Mountain Arts, Crafts, Books and Music North Carolina Mountain Made — home to over 200 Western North Carolina artisans. This unique gallery showcases original art and handcrafted items on two floors. You will see the largest selection of quilts west of Asheville NC. Original art from some of the nation’s finest artists are displayed along with many prints. Unique to the gallery is horse hair pottery and other functional and decorative pottery pieces. While in the gallery, browse antiques and primitives of NC’s mountain heritage.
36 East Main Street \| Downtown Franklin, NC • Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm

Experience Appalachian food at your choice of many fine restaurants in Franklin, NC. From mom and pop cafes to upscale steakhouses, your dining experience will be superb. Check out the restaurants here.


		Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum View gems and minerals from all over the world and the sea — one of the largest collections in the Southeast. The musem is located in the old Macon County Jail. Also on display are historical relics, fossils, and ancient writings on stone. The hills and mountains of this area are filled with all kinds of gem stones from quartz or garnets to rubies forming a cache of gem mines. Located in the Old Macon County Jail, 25 Phillips St., Franklin NC Hours: May 1-October 31 - Mon-Sat, 12pm-4pm; November 1-April 30 - Saturday, 12pm-4pm

		Whistle Stop Mall - Western North Carolina’s largest antique mall With over 60,000 square feet and over 200 dealers, there is an unmatched selection of antiques to choose from. The Mall also has Specialty Shops that welcome you to an old-fashioned country town setting with diversity and a friendly atmosphere. While you are there, stop at Jer’s Kitchen where you can order up Jerri’s tomato basil soup and her famous bread pudding along with other specialty items on the menu.
1281 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday: 1pm-5pm Closed Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day and Easter Sunday