Check out the Museums located in Franklin, North Carolina

Spring has officially arrived in Franklin, North Carolina. The grass is getting greener, daffodils are blooming and the weather is warmer. This is the time of year people start planning their vacations. If Franklin, North Carolina is your vacation destination this year you should consider checking out the numerous museums that Franklin, North Carolina has to offer. All museums listed below are within walking distance of each other.

The Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum– Located at 25 Phillips Street, Franklin, NC, 28734. This museum has eight rooms filled with gems and minerals that are found all over the world.  The museum has many local gems and minerals on display as well. Be sure to check out the 2.25 pound Ruby that was found in Franklin, NC. The museum is located in the historic “Old Jail” on Phillips Street. Admission is free.  Hours of operation are May 1^st – October 31^st Monday thru Saturday, 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. November 1^st-April 30^th open Saturday only from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information please call 828-369-7831 or visit www.fgmm.org.

Macon County Historical Museum– Located at 36 West Main Street, Franklin, NC, 28734. This museum is located in the J.R. Pendergrass building which is listed on the National Register of Historic places.  This museum offers an in-depth view into Appalachian history.  The museum is full of artifacts and photographs illustrating life in Franklin, North Carolina. Admission is free. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. For more information please call 828-524-9758 or visit www.maconnchistorical.org. Also be sure to ask about the “Haunted History Tour”.

Ruby City Gem Museum– Located at 130 East Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734. This museum has a vast collection of gems, minerals and pre-Columbian artifacts. Be sure to check out the world’s largest sapphire weighing at 385 pounds and one of the largest gem quality rubies ever found in Franklin, NC. The museum is also home to an authentic shrunken head. The black light room is a must see. Admission is free.  Hours of operation are April 1^st-December 31^st Monday thru Friday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  For more information please call 828-524-3967 or visit www.rubycity.com.

Scottish Tartans Museum- Located at 86 East Main Street, Franklin, NC, 28734. This museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. This museum is a direct extension of the Scottish Tartans Society in Scotland. This museum focuses on the history of Scottish Highland clothing. The museum also offers an extensive look into Scottish culture, history and migration. Be sure to check out your family tartan. Admission is $2.00 for adults, $1.00 for children age 6 to 12 and free for children under 6. Hours of operation are Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information please call 828-524-7472 or visit www.scottishtartans.org.