Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
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Things to do in Franklin, North Carolina (NC): The Best Museums
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. 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
2. Macon County Historical Society and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By StephanieSM2020 - Kings Mountain, United States
This museum is great. The caretaker Robert is very knowledgeable about the artifacts in the museum. They have lots of great artifacts to peruse through. They have a wonderful genealogy section with many records.
3. 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.
4. Down Memory LaneToy Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
60years collecting toys. Cars, construction toys, dolls, trains, pedal cars other types of toys, etc. Something for everyone to reminisce and enjoy. Play area for children. Old toys for sale. We will be open by appointment on our closed days. Just call us. We will be closed for the winter from 15 Dec 2019 to 18 Mar 2020. Call for appointment and we will gladly open for you if we are in town.
5. 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????????????
6. Scottish Tartans Musuem
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey, United States
I was truly surprised by the presence of this museum in Franklin apparently not realizing that the area is the seat of the large Scottish-American heritage community. Originally the museum was established in Highlands, NC in 1988 but in 1994 moved to Franklin. It is not only a tartan museum but also Scottish Heritage Center. It is also here that we learnt there are more people with Celtic heritage in North Carolina than anywhere in the world. Not to be missed by anybody with with Scottish origin.
