Franklin: Gem mining, Native American history and a beautiful downtown

Located just a hop, skip and a jump from neighboring Georgia, Franklin boasts many transplants and seasonal residents from that state.

Traditionally known for its gem mining, this Macon County town attracted attention from Tiffany and Co. and the jeweler's famed gemologist George Kunz. The company purchased 1,500 acres surrounding the old Mason Ranch and unearthed many precious stones.

The town is located near Nikwasi, the largest of the ancient middle towns of the Cherokee. The Cherokee controlled vast townships and agricultural lands stretching along the wide, fertile mountain valley created by the rivers that converge here.

In the middle of downtown Franklin stands an ancient Cherokee mound, one of many sights visitors to Macon County can enjoy. Among those visitors? Hikers off the Appalachian Trail. The town of Franklin was recently designated an Appalachian Trail Community, and holds a series of events each year honoring the nearby AT and its hikers.

Attractions

• The Scottish Tartans Museum — The only American extension of the Scottish Tartans Society, this museum explores the Scottish heritage of the region, replete with kilts, weaponry, and Scottish history. Not only can visitors pick up a can a haggis to go, but also they can learn more about the hearty settlers that helped lend Western North Carolina its grit. 828.524.7472. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 86 E. Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Gem and Mineral Museum — This little museum exhibits local gemstones, minerals and Indian artifacts. The museum is located in the town's old jail, used from 1896 to 1971. One of the jail's cells is open to visitors. 828.369.7831. 25 Phillips St. off Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Factory — Located just south of Franklin, this is a huge establishment with games, mini-golf, bowling, go-carts, laser tag and an indoor playground, plus restaurants. It's a great place to burn some energy when the weather turns wet or for the young and old who've spent too much time cooped up in the car. The Factory is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Located on U.S. 441 South. 828.349.8888.

• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts — This 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility presents the finest in performing arts. Performances include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals, and various genres including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian and more. The stunning architecture, technical facilities and impeccable acoustics provide the highest professional standards for both the audience and the performers. Located on U.S. 441 South. 828.524.1598.

• Cowee West's Mill Historic District and Rickman's store — Located off N.C. 28 North, you'll discover man-made structures dating back more than 1,400 years and many other great finds including T.M.Rickman General Store. The store was a mainstay in the Cowee Community for many years. Constructed in 1895 by John Hall, Thomas Rickman purchased the store in 1925 and operated it until his death in 1994. Many of the original fixtures are still in place, including wormy chestnut paneling upstairs. 828.524.2711. Rickman Store is located on Cowee Creek Road just off of Highway 28 (Bryson City Rd) approx. 6 miles North of Franklin.

• Gem mines — In addition to the Mason Ranch mine, local operations such as Sheffield Mine offer native gems and natural soils for serious miners looking to find their souvenirs the hard way. Other gem mines abound, each with their specialties, some accommodating tour bus sized groups, and yet more selling "guaranteed find" buckets enriched with stones from around the world. For more information visit the Chamber of Commerce or head over to the Gem and Mineral Museum.

• Little Tennessee River Greenway — The greenway has several picnic shelters, signage identifying native plants, grassy play areas and beautiful bridges crossing the river. There's also a native marsh area. There are several access areas for the greenway. A playground is at the Big Bear Shelter off Main Street. Be sure to stop in Frog Quarters for coffee, gifts and Internet access.

• Macon County Historical Museum — Located in the old Pendergrass Store, the first department store in Franklin, this museum features old typewriters, locally made quilts, wooden nickels and more that have been collected over the years. Visitors looking to trace their ancestry to Macon County should head here for a genealogical records search. 828.524.9758. 36 W. Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Whistlestop Mall — This collection of restaurants, offices and craft display booths also features one of the largest indoor antique stores around. Here you'll find everything from old farm tools to first edition books, jewelry to NASCAR memorabilia, furniture to Civil War relics. Ditch the kids at The Factory, located just across the street on U.S. 441 South, and spend a few hours searching for your own personal treasure.

Dining & Nightlife

• The Boiler Room — Located inside The Factory, The Boiler Room offers an incredible dining experience. Serving lunch and dinner. Highway 441. 828.349.8888.

• Caffe Rel — Cajun inspired cooking. Don't let the Hot Spot location fool you. 457 E. Main St. 828.369.9446.

• Hidden Gem Café — Formerly The Chef & His Wife, this Triple Diamond Award winner is a full service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. 15 Courthouse Plaza. 828.369.0575.

• Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ — The name says it all. Said to be some of the best barbecue in the South. Recently featured in Southern Living Magazine. 311 Westgate Plaza. 828.349.4743.

• Lucio's Italian Restaurant — Authentic Italian Cuisine prepared by Lucio of Naples, Italy. Full Italian and Continental menu. Serving Franklin from the same location for more than 20 years. 313 Highlands Rd. 828.369.6670.

• The Rathskeller — A coffeehouse located below Main Street offering light sandwiches, libations and live music. 58 Stewart St. 828.349.0598.

• The Restaurant at Mill Creek Resort and Country Club — Offering delicious cuisine. 345 Country Club Drive. 828.349.0402.

• Sunset Restaurant — Family owned with friendly folks and great country cooking. Curbside service. 498 Harrison Ave. 828.524.4842.

• Vito's Pizza — In Franklin since 1998, enjoy pizza in a laid-back atmosphere. All meals made from scratch. 607 Highlands Rd. 828-369.9890.

Visitor Center

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is located at 425 Porter St. in Franklin. Also, a visitor center run by the chamber is on Wayah Street. 828.524.3161 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 250 Depot St. 828.524.3219.

• Macon County Public Library — Free Internet access is available on 15 public access computers to all visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 819 Siler Rd. 828.524.3600.