City/town information
Franklin NC is a wonderful small town in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Downtown Franklin has many great restaurants (most on Main Street) and shopping. There a few outdoor merchandise stores for the hiking enthusiast. Franklin also has the only Scottish Tartan Museum in the US!
94 locals recommend
Franklin
Franklin NC is a wonderful small town in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains. Downtown Franklin has many great restaurants (most on Main Street) and shopping. There a few outdoor merchandise stores for the hiking enthusiast. Franklin also has the only Scottish Tartan Museum in the US!
A visit to Dillsboro is like stepping back in time. Its five square blocks of century-old stores, restaurants, galleries and inns are a nostalgic reminder of small town America, the way our grandparents knew it. Dillsboro has an interesting array of mom-and-pop businesses specializing in delightful merchandise.
63 locals recommend
Dillsboro
A visit to Dillsboro is like stepping back in time. Its five square blocks of century-old stores, restaurants, galleries and inns are a nostalgic reminder of small town America, the way our grandparents knew it. Dillsboro has an interesting array of mom-and-pop businesses specializing in delightful merchandise.
Highlands is an upscale town with great restaurants and shops.
Highly recommend visiting, our favorites are Wild Thyme Gourmet, the Ugly Dog Tavern and Blue Bike Cafe.
Please note the road to Highlands is winding and narrow, very drivable - but best during the daylight if you’re not familiar with the area.
227 locals recommend
Highlands
Highlands is an upscale town with great restaurants and shops.
Highly recommend visiting, our favorites are Wild Thyme Gourmet, the Ugly Dog Tavern and Blue Bike Cafe.
Please note the road to Highlands is winding and narrow, very drivable - but best during the daylight if you’re not familiar with the area.
Our favorite restaurants are LuLu’s on Main (678 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779), and Balsam Falls Brewery (awesome burgers! 506 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779).
124 locals recommend
Sylva
Our favorite restaurants are LuLu’s on Main (678 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779), and Balsam Falls Brewery (awesome burgers! 506 W Main St, Sylva, NC 28779).
PICKIN' ON THE SQUARE
Pickin' on the Square | Downtown Franklin, NC | Free Event
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce our 2024 Schedule for Pickin' on the Square. For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown. This year's Pickin' on the Square will be held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from May 11 to October 12. Continue reading for this year's schedule ...
All Pickin’ on the Square concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and end between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
May 11 - Jason Passmore (Country / Southern Rock)
May 25 - The Rusty String Band (Bluegrass / Gospel)
June 8 - Paradise 56 (Oldies)
June 22 - Asheville Junction (Bluegrass)
July 13 - The Remnants (Rock / Top 40)
July 27 - Run Katie Run (Country / Rock / Americana)
August 10 - American Blues Club (Traditional Blues)
August 24 - Macon County Line (Country / Southern Rock)
September 14 - Two Weeks Notice (Classic Rock / Country)
September 28 - To Be Announced
October 12 - Carolina 441 (Southern Rock)
94 locals recommend
Franklin
PICKIN' ON THE SQUARE
Pickin' on the Square | Downtown Franklin, NC | Free Event
The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce our 2024 Schedule for Pickin' on the Square. For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown. This year's Pickin' on the Square will be held the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from May 11 to October 12. Continue reading for this year's schedule ...
All Pickin’ on the Square concerts begin at 6:00 p.m. and end between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
May 11 - Jason Passmore (Country / Southern Rock)
May 25 - The Rusty String Band (Bluegrass / Gospel)
June 8 - Paradise 56 (Oldies)
June 22 - Asheville Junction (Bluegrass)
July 13 - The Remnants (Rock / Top 40)
July 27 - Run Katie Run (Country / Rock / Americana)
August 10 - American Blues Club (Traditional Blues)
August 24 - Macon County Line (Country / Southern Rock)
September 14 - Two Weeks Notice (Classic Rock / Country)
September 28 - To Be Announced
October 12 - Carolina 441 (Southern Rock)
Food/Wine Scene
Great local brewery with outdoor patio and live music on most weekends. Food truck onsite.
117 locals recommend
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main StGreat local brewery with outdoor patio and live music on most weekends. Food truck onsite.
Great brewery with outdoor seating overlooking the Little Tennessee River.
66 locals recommend
Currahee Brewing Company
100 Lakeside DrGreat brewery with outdoor seating overlooking the Little Tennessee River.
228 NE Main St
228 Northeast Main Street828 Cafe is a great spot for breakfast and lunch. Unique farm fresh menu items.
Caffè Rel
459 E Main StGreat cuisine, large menu.
459 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Great burgers in a cool 50’s theme diner.
86 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
20 locals recommend
Motor Company Grill
86 W Main StGreat burgers in a cool 50’s theme diner.
86 W Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Haywood Smokehouse
79 Elysinia AveGreat BBQ.
33 Macon Center Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant
788 E Main StGreat food!
788 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Lucio's Restaurant
313 Highlands RdGreat Italian.
313 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Great pastries, coffee and ambience.
473 E Palmer St, Franklin, NC 28734
13 locals recommend
Bent Willow Baking Co
473 E Palmer StGreat pastries, coffee and ambience.
473 E Palmer St, Franklin, NC 28734
Franklin Cafe
1251 East Main StreetGreat breakfast place.
1251 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
Live music most Sunday afternoons in the summer. Check out their website or Facebook page for details.
Its a community market that sells healthy snacks and beer/cider.
eatrealfoodinc.com
https://m.facebook.com/realfolksrealfood/
151 Hillcrest Ave, Franklin, NC 28734
18 locals recommend
Yonder
151 Hillcrest AveLive music most Sunday afternoons in the summer. Check out their website or Facebook page for details.
Its a community market that sells healthy snacks and beer/cider.
eatrealfoodinc.com
https://m.facebook.com/realfolksrealfood/
151 Hillcrest Ave, Franklin, NC 28734
Gracious Plates on Main
46 East Main Street46 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734
1505 Highlands Rd
1505 Highlands RoadThe Net Seafood Eatery - New Seafood Restaurant
Gazebo Creekside Cafe
44 Heritage Hollow Dr44 Heritage Hollow Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
2720 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Serving hand-tossed artisan pizzas and calzones from a double-deck oven. You’ll love the pasta and salads made with the freshest ingredients. They also have delicious classic Italian desserts. Bring your family and enjoy great pizza and pasta!
Nani's Pizza and Pasta Bar
2720 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Serving hand-tossed artisan pizzas and calzones from a double-deck oven. You’ll love the pasta and salads made with the freshest ingredients. They also have delicious classic Italian desserts. Bring your family and enjoy great pizza and pasta!
Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Franklin, NC
1024 Georgia Rd1024 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
867 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC
Patisserie and coffee/tea bar inside the market square emporium at the Franklin Flea shops (great flea market!)
Market Square Patisserie
867 Highlands Rd, Franklin, NC
Patisserie and coffee/tea bar inside the market square emporium at the Franklin Flea shops (great flea market!)
Tasting Station and Restaurant in Franklin, NC is now open! Come enjoy wine, beer, bourbon tastings and variety of delicious sandwiches, charcuterie boards and flatbreads.
587 Harrison Ave, Franklin NC
Our hours are Wednesday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12pm-8pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
We often have live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!
Slanted Window Tasting Station
Tasting Station and Restaurant in Franklin, NC is now open! Come enjoy wine, beer, bourbon tastings and variety of delicious sandwiches, charcuterie boards and flatbreads.
587 Harrison Ave, Franklin NC
Our hours are Wednesday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12pm-8pm (Closed Monday and Tuesday).
We often have live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday!
Vito's Pizza & Indoor Patio
607 Highlands RdGreat Pizza! 607 highlands rd. Franklin, NC
J.R. Chophouse - (formally Root + Barrel) - downtown Franklin, great new restaurant
77 E Main St, Franklin, NC, United States, North Carolina
77 E Main St, Franklin, NC 28734, USA
J.R. Chophouse - (formally Root + Barrel) - downtown Franklin, great new restaurant
77 E Main St, Franklin, NC, United States, North Carolina
Great small winery with nice scenery and ambiance. 550 Black Branch Rd, Rabun Gap, GA 30568
70 locals recommend
12 Spies Vineyards
550 Black Branch RdGreat small winery with nice scenery and ambiance. 550 Black Branch Rd, Rabun Gap, GA 30568
Great wine shoppe in Highlands, you can sit on the patio and enjoy the area.
269 Oak St, Highlands, NC 28741
11 locals recommend
Highlands Wine Shoppe
269 Oak StGreat wine shoppe in Highlands, you can sit on the patio and enjoy the area.
269 Oak St, Highlands, NC 28741
Downtown Franklin on Iotla Street, (by the Gazebo on the Square) every Saturday 9:00AM - 2:00PM
May - November
Franklin Farmer's Tailgate Market
Downtown Franklin on Iotla Street, (by the Gazebo on the Square) every Saturday 9:00AM - 2:00PM
May - November
Sightseeing
Dillsboro River Company provides family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, just outside of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Bryson City, North Carolina. The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time rafters, families with young children (minimum age limit is 4), and those who want more of a relaxing river trip with warmer water and the milder Class I & II rapids.
36 locals recommend
Dillsboro River Company
18 Macktown RdDillsboro River Company provides family-friendly whitewater rafting on the Tuckasegee River, just outside of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Bryson City, North Carolina. The Tuckasegee is the ideal river for first-time rafters, families with young children (minimum age limit is 4), and those who want more of a relaxing river trip with warmer water and the milder Class I & II rapids.
Dry Falls - along scenic hwy US 64 from our cabin to Highlands, NC. It's a easy site to get to, with some stairs and ramps, right from the parking lot. Good for kids.
Also nearby are Glen Falls, Mud Creek Falls, Bust Yer Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Sunset Rock & Whiteside Mountain loop trail!
229 locals recommend
Dry Falls
U.S. 64Dry Falls - along scenic hwy US 64 from our cabin to Highlands, NC. It's a easy site to get to, with some stairs and ramps, right from the parking lot. Good for kids.
Also nearby are Glen Falls, Mud Creek Falls, Bust Yer Butt Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Sunset Rock & Whiteside Mountain loop trail!
A visit to Wayah Bald and Tower is well worth the journey. See the Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1913, Wilson Lick is the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. Continue another 3 miles to Wayah Bald which provides a beautiful view of Franklin. Take a short paved trail to the historic Wayah Bald FIre Tower. The tower offers a great view of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee and both North and South Carolinas. Picnic nearby or hike two long-distance trails, the Appalachian and Bartram Trails that cross the bald at the tower.
**Please note the road to Wayah Bald is seasonal and closed from Jan 1-Mid/late March (once freezing temperatures are done).
86 locals recommend
Wayah Bald
4419 Wayah Bald RdA visit to Wayah Bald and Tower is well worth the journey. See the Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1913, Wilson Lick is the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. Continue another 3 miles to Wayah Bald which provides a beautiful view of Franklin. Take a short paved trail to the historic Wayah Bald FIre Tower. The tower offers a great view of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee and both North and South Carolinas. Picnic nearby or hike two long-distance trails, the Appalachian and Bartram Trails that cross the bald at the tower.
**Please note the road to Wayah Bald is seasonal and closed from Jan 1-Mid/late March (once freezing temperatures are done).
The mountainous southwestern tip of North Carolina is overspread by the 527,486-acre Nantahala National Forest, which features a magnificent river gorge for kayaking or rafting, plus other popular sites for hiking, fishing, camping and boating.
65 locals recommend
Nantahala National Forest
The mountainous southwestern tip of North Carolina is overspread by the 527,486-acre Nantahala National Forest, which features a magnificent river gorge for kayaking or rafting, plus other popular sites for hiking, fishing, camping and boating.
Best place for gem mining in Franklin
5315 Bryson City Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
7 locals recommend
Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain
5315 Bryson City RdBest place for gem mining in Franklin
5315 Bryson City Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Fun indoor/outdoor games for kids/families
1024 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
39 locals recommend
The Factory Franklin
1024 Georgia RdFun indoor/outdoor games for kids/families
1024 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Great horseback riding with views
768 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537
dillardhousestables.com
Reservations: 706-746-2038
49 locals recommend
Dillard House Stables
768 Franklin StGreat horseback riding with views
768 Franklin St, Dillard, GA 30537
dillardhousestables.com
Reservations: 706-746-2038
We have a beautiful greenway along the river you can walk or bike. Park your car at the shelter at 803 Ulco Dr, Franklin, NC 28734. If you follow the river North (to the left), you’ll head into town. The greenway connects into Main Street. If you head south, you can walk for miles.
36 locals recommend
Little Tennessee River Greenway
573 E Main StWe have a beautiful greenway along the river you can walk or bike. Park your car at the shelter at 803 Ulco Dr, Franklin, NC 28734. If you follow the river North (to the left), you’ll head into town. The greenway connects into Main Street. If you head south, you can walk for miles.
Roadside waterfall, a popular spot for swimming and climbing over rocks. Pull off along scenic Hwy 64 on the way to Highlands.
26 locals recommend
Bust Your Butt Falls
Roadside waterfall, a popular spot for swimming and climbing over rocks. Pull off along scenic Hwy 64 on the way to Highlands.
365 Haughton Williams Rd Franklin NC just past airport entrance follow little Rascals Pony Rides signs - only open Wed-Fri 12-5 - call first to make sure 828-421-3308. Fun place for little ones $10/kid. They also have goats, chickens, bunnies as well.
Little Rascals Pony Rides And Petting Zoo
365 Haughton Williams Road 365 Haughton Williams Rd Franklin NC just past airport entrance follow little Rascals Pony Rides signs - only open Wed-Fri 12-5 - call first to make sure 828-421-3308. Fun place for little ones $10/kid. They also have goats, chickens, bunnies as well.
A big park that has part of the Little Tennessee River through it, you can wade in the water, look for rocks etc. Great place for little kids.
4306 Patton Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Parker Meadows Complex
4306 Patton RdA big park that has part of the Little Tennessee River through it, you can wade in the water, look for rocks etc. Great place for little kids.
4306 Patton Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
They offer kayaking and gem mining and also have goats you can pet!
http://primitiveoutback.com/
155 Robin Lynn Ln, Otto, NC 28763
Reservation 828-349-1717
7 locals recommend
Primitive Outback, Inc
155 Robin Lynn LnThey offer kayaking and gem mining and also have goats you can pet!
http://primitiveoutback.com/
155 Robin Lynn Ln, Otto, NC 28763
Reservation 828-349-1717
116 Andy’s Trout Farm Road
Otto, NC 28763
Andy's Trout Farm opened to the public in 1965. It was founded and developed by Andy and Hazel Cope, with some help from their family. In the late 1950's, while Andy was operating a service station in Dillard, GA, many travelers inquired about places to fish and camp. The Copes used some mountain land, which they owned in the Betty's Creek Community, to develop Betty's Creek Recreation Area! Later, they changed the name to Andy's Trout Farm and built rental cabins along the stream. They had found the ideal spot to raise rainbow trout . The cold mountain stream flowing from the mountains of North Carolina into Betty's Creek provided the water needed. It took the family several months to get a hatchery in operation for hatching, and ponds built for growing the trout. They began running the fish farm and selling trout that were caught from the catch-out ponds. They dressed the catch and even had a restaurant across the road from the fishing office! In 1968 Andy and Hazel Cope were granted the "Farm Family of the Year Awards"- in both North Carolina and Georgia!
11 locals recommend
Andys Trout Farm Road
Andys Trout Farm Road
116 Andy’s Trout Farm Road
Otto, NC 28763
Andy's Trout Farm opened to the public in 1965. It was founded and developed by Andy and Hazel Cope, with some help from their family. In the late 1950's, while Andy was operating a service station in Dillard, GA, many travelers inquired about places to fish and camp. The Copes used some mountain land, which they owned in the Betty's Creek Community, to develop Betty's Creek Recreation Area! Later, they changed the name to Andy's Trout Farm and built rental cabins along the stream. They had found the ideal spot to raise rainbow trout . The cold mountain stream flowing from the mountains of North Carolina into Betty's Creek provided the water needed. It took the family several months to get a hatchery in operation for hatching, and ponds built for growing the trout. They began running the fish farm and selling trout that were caught from the catch-out ponds. They dressed the catch and even had a restaurant across the road from the fishing office! In 1968 Andy and Hazel Cope were granted the "Farm Family of the Year Awards"- in both North Carolina and Georgia!
Nice casino in Cherokee, NC with great Gordon Ramsey food court.
330 locals recommend
Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
777 Casino DrNice casino in Cherokee, NC with great Gordon Ramsey food court.
Visit the Welcome Center for great advice on local hikes and places to visit in greater detail and with maps.
233-283 Hyatt Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Franklin Welcome Center
Visit the Welcome Center for great advice on local hikes and places to visit in greater detail and with maps.
233-283 Hyatt Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Highlands Aerial Park
9625 Dillard RdZiplining! 9625 Dillard Rd, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
Live entertainment venue, 1028 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
40 locals recommend
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
1028 Georgia RdLive entertainment venue, 1028 Georgia Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
Fun outdoor family friendly activity center with snow tubing (winter) and gravity driven roller coaster carts, gem mining and trout fishing.
7420 Dillard Rd
Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
United States
73 locals recommend
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdFun outdoor family friendly activity center with snow tubing (winter) and gravity driven roller coaster carts, gem mining and trout fishing.
7420 Dillard Rd
Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
United States
Hike to waterfalls, brave the suspension bridge, take a kayak tour and many more insider tips for visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia.
Two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge is one of the most dramatic canyons in the eastern United States. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of waterfalls.
236 locals recommend
Tallulah Gorge State Park
338 Jane Hurt Yarn RdHike to waterfalls, brave the suspension bridge, take a kayak tour and many more insider tips for visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls, Georgia.
Two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge is one of the most dramatic canyons in the eastern United States. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the rocky bottom, providing spectacular views of waterfalls.
Nantahala Outdoor Center offers premier outdoor adventures in multiple Southeastern locations! Hosting whitewater rafting trips on some of the most-coveted rivers in America, start your search for adventure with NOC across four states. Take on additional adventures like zip lining, mountain biking, and more at our 500-acre adventure campus in Bryson City, North Carolina. While you’re there, enjoy a riverside meal and beverage at two onsite restaurants, pick up the best in outdoor sports gear & apparel at our Outfitter’s Store, and even stay in lodging along the Appalachian Trail.
Address
13077 U.S. 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
446 locals recommend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19Nantahala Outdoor Center offers premier outdoor adventures in multiple Southeastern locations! Hosting whitewater rafting trips on some of the most-coveted rivers in America, start your search for adventure with NOC across four states. Take on additional adventures like zip lining, mountain biking, and more at our 500-acre adventure campus in Bryson City, North Carolina. While you’re there, enjoy a riverside meal and beverage at two onsite restaurants, pick up the best in outdoor sports gear & apparel at our Outfitter’s Store, and even stay in lodging along the Appalachian Trail.
Address
13077 U.S. 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713
3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Clayton, GA
They have a visitor center, hiking trails, stunning mountain views.
126 locals recommend
Black Rock Mountain State Park
3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy3085 Black Rock Mountain Parkway, Clayton, GA
They have a visitor center, hiking trails, stunning mountain views.
If you thought Darnell Farms was just another roadside stand, we got a surprise for you 😉! Nestled in Bryson City, NC, we're a cozy corner of Appalachian magic. Kick off your shoes, breathe the fresh air, and let's make some memories.
Our hayrides are a bumpy hoot, pumpkins ripe for the picking, and a corn maze filled with giggles and adventure. And our Dreamwhip soft serve? Honey, it's a treat you won't forget.
Live music to make your heart sing, baby goats to warm your soul, and swings over the river that'll make you feel like flyin'. And for the little ones, a corn sensory box filled with golden fun – just look at this happy little fella here!
Come sit a spell. You don't have to buy a thing, just enjoy our farm as if it's your own. We're more than a farm, we're a family, and we can't wait to welcome you. www.darnellfarms
2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
49 locals recommend
Darnell Farms
2300 Governors Island RdIf you thought Darnell Farms was just another roadside stand, we got a surprise for you 😉! Nestled in Bryson City, NC, we're a cozy corner of Appalachian magic. Kick off your shoes, breathe the fresh air, and let's make some memories.
Our hayrides are a bumpy hoot, pumpkins ripe for the picking, and a corn maze filled with giggles and adventure. And our Dreamwhip soft serve? Honey, it's a treat you won't forget.
Live music to make your heart sing, baby goats to warm your soul, and swings over the river that'll make you feel like flyin'. And for the little ones, a corn sensory box filled with golden fun – just look at this happy little fella here!
Come sit a spell. You don't have to buy a thing, just enjoy our farm as if it's your own. We're more than a farm, we're a family, and we can't wait to welcome you. www.darnellfarms
2300 Governors Island Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
13908 Highlands Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Popular area for fishing
Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake offer secluded camping, swimming, fishing and hiking – all within minutes of Highlands, NC!
Day Use — Parking – $5/$2.50
14 locals recommend
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area
13908 Highlands Road13908 Highlands Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Popular area for fishing
Van Hook Glade and Cliffside Lake offer secluded camping, swimming, fishing and hiking – all within minutes of Highlands, NC!
Day Use — Parking – $5/$2.50