Franklin, North Carolina

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5 Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Summer in Franklin

Thursday, 04 August 2016 by Beth Payseur
Biking the Greenway in Franklin, NC

Its just about time for the kids to head back to school, but before your daily routine turns into bagged lunches and carpools, pack the kids up and head to the mountains for a quick weekend getaway to end Summer with a bang.

Franklin is the perfect weekend get-a-way as it is just a few hours from Asheville, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Greenville and with endless activities for the whole family, its a great way to have one final relaxing weekend before getting back into the swing of things.

1) Beat the heat floating the Little Tennessee RiverGreenway

The Little Tennessee River is a 135 mile stretch of water that flows right through the heart of Franklin with access points all along the river, there are numerous opportunities for a quick dip or a day’s trip seeing Franklin by boat. Franklin’s business community has grown to cater to the asset of the river so you can rent a tube or boat at Primitive Outback in Otto or rent a stand-up paddle board from Outdoor 76 on Main Street and explore the Little Tennessee.

2) Gem Mining

After all, Franklin is the Gem Capital of the World, so what better way to see all the town has to offer than to stop in at any one of Franklin’s dozen gem mining shops to try your luck at finding some authentic mountain gems. Mining for ruby and sapphire began in Macon County in 1870.

3) Take a hike!

Franklin sits right off the Appalachian Trail making it an ideal location to get some mud on your boots and get lost in the woods. Franklin has hiking for all experience levels ranging from short .3 miles just out side of town to day hikes that can turn into a camping trip such as the Standing Indian Mountain Long Loop. Franklin is known for a trail town and the businesses and locals alike are natural pundits when it comes to steering you in the right direction.

4) Take in a show

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is in the middle of their summer line ups and still have a full schedule of gospel greats, country favorites, and world class tribute acts slated for the Summer. Before a night of entertainment at the center, stop into the Factory of Franklin and let the kids try out the newly opened trampoline park to burn off some energy.

5) Annual Mountain High BBQ Festival & Car ShowDSC_0115

Nothing screams summer in Franklin more than the annual BBQ festival held at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center. This year’s two day event is scheduled to kick off on August 12 and makes the eight annual festival and will feature  authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, a car show, crafters and tastin’ tent!

Whether you’re planning a day adventure, a weekend escape or a week’s vacation in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Franklin has plenty on the schedule to keep the whole family entertained and happy this Summer.

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Gem Mining in Franklin, North Carolina

Friday, 09 May 2014 by D'Anne Maddox
Gem Mining in Franklin, NC

Gem Mining in Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin, North Carolina is renowned as the “Gem Capital of the World” for good reason. Spanish Conquistador Hernando de Sota ventured through the area in the 16th century, searching for gold and other treasures. That exploration established a tradition in Franklin, which morphed into gem mining in the late 19th century. During that time several companies constructed mines to discover and capitalize on the source of Franklin’s ruby and sapphire explosion in the 1870s. Ever since, folks have traveled to Franklin in search of precious gems, and quite possibly, a chance at finding the next big one. That person could be you!

Franklin and the surrounding area have various gem mines for families and individuals to choose from. Although Mother Nature seems to have bypassed spring altogether this year, the weather of late is perfect for those looking to continue the gem mining tradition in a beautiful part of Southern Appalachia. Just don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty!

Below is a list of mines in the Franklin area. Contact them for operating hours and rates. Good luck and enjoy!

Cherokee Ruby & Sapphire Mine

Located in the Cowee Valley at 41 Cherokee Mine Road off Ruby Mine Road

828-349-2941.

Rocky Face Mine

Located three miles North of Franklin at 268 Sanderstown Road

828-524-3148.

Rose Creek Mine

Located five miles North of Franklin on Highway 28 at 115 Terrace Ridge Drive

828-349-3774

Gold City Gem Mine

Located about seven miles North of Franklin off Highway 441 at 9410 Sylva Road

828-369-3905

Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine

Located about five miles from Franklin, at the foot of Cowee Mountain at 6771 Sylva Road

828-369-5271

Jackson Hole Gem Mine

Located near Cullasaja Falls between Highlands and Franklin on Highway 28 and US 64

828-524-5850.

Sheffield Mine

Located at 385 Sheffield Farms Road

828-369-8383.

Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine

Located in Burningtown off Route 28 North

828-369-9742.

Old Cardinal Gem Mine

Located at 72 Rockhaven Drive

828-369-6673.

Mason Mountain Mine & Cowee Gift Shop

Located at 5313 Bryson City Road

828-524-4570.

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