Attractions of Franklin, NC

I live in a town along the Appalatian Trail. We get hikers from spring to autumn, who stop in for a short break in their trek from Alabama to Maine. The beauty of this valley is breathtaking any time of year. But there is a special season in the autumn when people come to view the changing of the leaves. When you visit these hills, go slow. Take time to simply sit and gaze at the beauty of God’s creation.

The only thing more beautiful than the view from my front stoop is the love and cheer of the local people. Those who live here, whether native or transplant, are generally open, honest and friendly. The few who are not tend to stay out of the way or fake it in public. In all the places I have been, and I have been all around the world, I have never ween such a concentration of genuinely nice people as I have in Franklin, North Carolina.

The local music scene is also quite eclectic, with concerts by bluegrass, classical, country, gospel, pop, hip hop, and jazz groups on a regular basis. There may be other forms of music that I have missed here in town. But music of all sorts is an integral part of life in these Smokie Mountains.

We also boast a large number of restaraunts throughout the county. We have restaurants that specialize in local fare, and cousin from all over the world. Whatever it is you have a hankering for, we can feed you in Franklin.

If you want to shop, there are many small stores that sell local crafts, outdoor gear, clothing, tools, and just about everything you would imagine. We also boast some big-box stores like WalMart, K-Mart, etc. If you want to buy something not generally made here it can usually be found in one of those.

One of the biggest attractions in this county is the corundum gems that are just lying around to be found. Within the folds of the mountains in these parts are vast deposits of corundum, the mineral that makes up the gems ruby and sapphire. There are many placer claims where visitors may buy a bucket of sand from the creek and sein it in a trough to wash out small particles. It is then easy to find gems among the other stones, some of which have great value.

I recommend for everyone to visit our little piece of paradise. We’ll welcome you like family and miss you when you go. Y’all come and stay a spell.