Location: Franklin
Top Things to do in Franklin
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What to do and see in Franklin, North Carolina (NC): The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
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. Rivers Therapeutic Massage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
If you’re looking for a professional massage therapist, you’ve come to the right place. Rivers Therapeutic Massage is located at 185 Church Street in historic downtown Franklin, NC. Our massage studio is located directly behind the First Baptist Church on Iotla Street. My preference is to customize individual massage services based on your current needs. Please contact me with any questions you may have or to discuss which techniques would be beneficial for you. Now open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 7pm at our wonderful new location!
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. 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
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. Attic Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
7. 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!
8. Watauga Creek
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
9. Ruby Cinemas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 269elainac - Tiger, United States
This theater has everything we need without the frills. They always have the movies we want to see at the best prices, and their concessions can't be beat. If you need fancy, this isn't the place for you, but it's certainly perfect for my family. Thank you, Ruby Cinemas!
10. 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.
