That moment the first snowflake caresses the warm mountain earth, winter in Franklin sprouts and entirely new feelings takes over. Beginning with Franklin’s annual Winter Wonderland festival, held the last weekend in November and the first weekend in December, Winter in Franklin might be one of the most majestic times of year to visit Macon County.

Main Street shops remain opening, inviting visitors to shop local and shop small for the holidays. From the Ice Skating Rink in the neighboring town of Highlands, to the countless hiking trails providing the perfect winter adventure, Franklin’s Winter season is as exciting as the rest of the year.

Setting itself apart from other small southeastern towns, Franklin will be ringing in the new year in style this year with the third annual New Year’s Eve Ruby Drop. As the Gem Capital of the World, the only fitting way to count down the new year is while watching a fluorescent  Ruby descend from the sky, right in the middle of Main Street. With live music up and down Franklin’s Main Street, this small mountain town knows how to throw one heck of a New Year’s Eve bash.

With all the leaves gone, revealing barren trees, the endless mountain views extended across states is a site like no other. Its quiet, serene, and paints the perfect picture of warmth and belonging. That is winter in the mountains. Come Discover it for yourself!