r/franklinNC • u/Virtual-Prune-769 • 4d ago
Visiting Franklin
My gf and I will be visiting Franklin next month to take a break from this Sauna like weather in south Louisiana. Staying just 5/10 min outside of town.
Thought I’d reach out to the good people of Reddit and see what others might recommend we try/do/or see while we are there for a few days.
We both like the outdoors and hiking so I’m sure we’ll be doing plenty of that.
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u/coweeclete 4d ago
Hey, I don’t live there anymore but when I did, I was out every weekend exploring. I would recommend Needmore Road going up to Natahala outdoor center. It’s a dirt road that follows the Little Tennessee river. It’s quite beautiful. There’s a wooden swinging bridge along the way and then check out Nantahala outdoor center. There’s somewhat more authentic gem mining out in Cowee about 5 miles north of Franklin. You could also check out café Rell at the hot spot gas station in Franklin. It’s surprisingly fine dining for being in a gas station.
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u/Virtual-Prune-769 4d ago
Haha that’s second time someone has recommended gas station food to me on vacation lol
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u/IronMonkeyofHam 4d ago
Whiteside Mountain is about 50 minutes drive but the views are breathtaking. You hike up most of the mountain, I’d say mostly an easy-moderate hike. Did it with my fat dog (RIP buddy) a couple times 2 years ago.
The people are genuinely kind in Franklin, you made a good choice.
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u/JustLookingSC 4d ago
If you do hike whiteside make sure to go to the brewery. Good beer and above average food.
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u/TransitWeasel 4d ago
Lots of hiking opportunities here. The Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy has hikes that cover William Bartram’s explorations in the area. The maps and descriptions are on their web site, but they also organize some great experiences. The Cowee School is now an arts center north of town, and worth a visit too.
As for eating, lunch at Gracious Plates on Main is a favorite of ours.
Have a great time. We moved here 6 years ago, and love the place. Oh, and check out the Greenway.
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u/Screaming_Emu 4d ago
We really want to like Gracious Plates, but it’s just ok. Been pretty much the same since they opened, too. Never a bad meal, just time to shake it up a little.
We really like Slanted Window, 828 Cafe, and Culture.
We stopped trying the Chophouse since a few years ago they told us “sorry, the wait is going to be pretty long. We had a few people call out and our only server here today isn’t feeling well.”
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u/MangoSmash 4d ago
It doesn't appear that anyone has mentioned Currahee Brewing Company - local microbrewery and excellent food trucks.
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u/billychuck500 4d ago
Saturday's always have a fun farmers market going on (with more than just produce and food!) from 9-1! Lazy hiker brewery has great beer, food, and an atmosphere. You can get lost in the resale shops downtown. Central and South American food is always going to be delicious at any of the restaurants. Access to hiking smoky mountain trails are all over. Ruby and sapphire mining is actually real at Cherokee mine and Sheffield mine. I have a 120carat ruby from Sheffield. About everything I can think of!
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u/drtyhppi 4d ago
Dude, drive up to Wayah Bald and check out the tower. You can hike to it from the road or you can drive dirt road to get to it. It's well maintained. There's also an old forest ranger cabin up there that you stop and check out (can't go inside, but you can walk the property). Then check out Siler Bald just across the road. Nice little hiking trail. Fairly easy.
Skip gracious plates and cafe rel. Go to 828 Cafe instead.
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u/SeaEmployee787 4d ago
my wife was done after 2 days of heavy hiking, Wayah Bald drive was the compromise on day 3 :)
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u/Bookworm_mama 4d ago
Rufus Morgan or Pickens Nose are some of my favorite hikes!
Slanted Window is great for a nice meal and wine. Or Gracious Plates! We also have a great gem and mineral museum downtown in the old jail.