Hunt for precious gems in Franklin, a historic town set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Founded in 1855, the town combines pioneer charm with a beautiful setting in the Nantahala National Forest. Shop and dine in the lively downtown district, search for sapphires at local mines and hike on the famous Appalachian Trail.
Things to do in Franklin
Franklin is a gateway to the legendary Cowee Valley, where you’ll find dozens of gem mines. The town is nicknamed the “Gem Capital of the World” and is a great base to hunt for precious rubies, garnets and sapphires. Learn more about the booming industry at the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum housed in a historic jailhouse.
Downtown Franklin swaps big box stores for small businesses. Stroll along Main Street and browse galleries, antique stores and independent boutiques. Enjoy brunch in a cosy cafe and try North Carolina classics like baked mac ‘n cheese, fried green tomatoes and peach cobbler at mom-and-pop diners. Head to the local brewery to try creative IPAs, ales and porters.
Discover the town’s British roots at the Scottish Tartans Museum. It’s a branch of the original museum in Scotland and charts the history and cultural significance of the patterned cloth. Learn about the different styles of tartans and their meanings, then use the database to track down your own family tartan.
Hike, kayak and enjoy stunning mountain scenery in the Nantahala National Forest. Some of the tallest peaks rise more than 1,500 metres over the valley. Tackle bite-sized sections of the Appalachian Trail and watch Whitewater Falls plunge almost 250 metres down a rocky cliff. A short hike from the parking lot takes you to Wayah Bald Lookout Tower, where you can enjoy impressive views over the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Getting around Franklin
Downtown Franklin is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Macon County, a 2.5-hour drive from Knoxville and 3.5 hours from Charlotte. Rental cars are the best way to visit Franklin and explore the region at your own pace. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a 3.5-hour drive away.