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Franklin

Explore Franklin, NC, a charming mountain town known for its outdoor adventures and friendly locals. Hike to stunning waterfalls, shop for unique crafts at the local boutiques, and enjoy delicious Southern cuisine at the quaint restaurants. Don't miss the annual Pumpkinfest celebration in October for a true taste of Franklin's small-town charm.

From the Community

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Recommendations

Landmark4.8/5

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Culture4.7/5

Macon County Historical Museum

Culture4.8/5

Gem & Mineral Museum-Franklin

Discover the Gem & Mineral Museum-Franklin, where the rich history of gem mining and stunning mineral exhibits showcase the region's vibrant geological treasures, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and treasure hunters alike.

Shop4.7/5

WHISTLE STOP DEPOT ANTIQUES & RV PARK

Whistle Stop Depot Antiques & RV Park is a treasure trove for travelers! Nestled along the picturesque River Road in Franklin, NC, this charming spot combines vintage finds with a cozy RV park. Explore quirky antiques, unwind by the scenic river, and feel right at home in the great outdoors. A delightful pit stop for adventurers and collectors alike!

Eat$$$4.6/5

Caffè Rel

Nestled in the charming town of Franklin, Caffè Rel is a cozy coffee shop serving up delicious brews and tasty snacks. With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it's the perfect spot to recharge during your adventures in the Smoky Mountains. Don't miss their famous lattes and homemade pastries!

Eat$$$4.4/5

Motor Company Grill

Eat$$$4.5/5

Lucio’s Restaurant

Franklin Italian restaurant with pasta, veal and chicken Parmesan. Meals start with a shared salad bowl and garlic rolls swimming in garlic butter.

Cafe$4.6/5

Gazebo Creekside Cafe

Eat$$$4.4/5

Thai Paradise

Cafe$$4.8/5

The Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub

Stays

Stay$$$$4.35/5

Hampton Inn Franklin

Rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, refrigerators, work desks, free toiletries, microwaves, TVs, and wardrobes. Additional amenities include showers. Guests enjoy a fitness centre, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. The hotel offers a lounge, fitness room, lift, 24-hour front desk, minimarket, daily housekeeping service, electric vehicle charging station, business area, full-day security, and express check-in and check-out services. An American buffet breakfast is provided by the property, highly praised by guests for its quality and variety. Located in Franklin, the hotel is 46 km from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 117 km from Asheville Regional Airport, and near attractions such as Creative Framing (3.7 km) and Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum (4 km).

Stay3.95/5

Franklin Terrace Bed and Breakfast

Franklin Terrace Bed and Breakfast in Franklin offers private bathrooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and garden or terrace views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, TV, and parquet floors. Guests can enjoy a fitness room, picnic area, and free WiFi throughout the property. Additional amenities include a fireplace, seating area, and streaming services. A full English or Irish breakfast is served à la carte, highly praised by guests. The property also provides a private entrance and free toiletries. Located 119 km from Asheville Regional Airport, the bed and breakfast is near Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum (6-minute walk), Uptown Gallery (600 metres), and Creative Framing (1.7 km). Activities include fishing and hiking.

Stay$$$3.4/5

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Franklin

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Franklin in Franklin offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and mountain views. Each room includes a tea and coffee maker, hairdryer, shower, TV, and wardrobe. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a lounge, outdoor seating area, and a business area. Additional amenities include a paid shuttle service, 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, room service, and full-day security. Located 2.9 km from Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum and 46 km from Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, the hotel is also close to Uptown Gallery and Creative Framing. Asheville Regional Airport is 122 km away. Guests appreciate the convenient location, attentive staff, and clean rooms.

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

7 h

Rainforests and Waterfalls of Western NC

Unlike standard sightseeing trips, this tour is carefully curated to showcase a variety of experiences in a single day—from quirky museums to historic landmarks, tranquil lakes, vibrant mountain towns, and some of the most iconic waterfalls in the region. With Magnolia Heritage Tours, guests enjoy the personal touch of a private guide, smaller groups for a more intimate experience, and thoughtfully chosen stops that highlight both the well-known wonders and hidden gems of Western North Carolina. It’s not just a tour of sights—it’s a journey that tells the story of the mountains, blending history, culture, and natural beauty into one unforgettable day. *Please note that in the winter some roads may not be accessible, but your guide will make plans to visit alternate sites if necessary.

$300.00

4.6/5

Carolina Waterfalls and Highlands Private VIP Boutique Tour

Escape into the beauty of Western North Carolina on this full-day private mountain adventure featuring waterfalls, charming towns, scenic overlooks, and natural treasures. Departing Asheville, your day begins with a scenic drive to the historic Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva for panoramic mountain views. From there, we’ll head toward Highlands, stopping at Cliffside Lake for an optional easy stroll. Nature takes center stage at Dry Falls, where guests can walk behind a roaring waterfall, followed by iconic Bridal Veil Falls. Guests will have time for lunch and exploring Highlands before continuing through the Pisgah region toward Brevard, known for its white squirrels. The adventure continues with Pisgah Visitor Center, an easy visit to Looking Glass Falls, and an optional sweet treat at Dolly’s Dairy Bar before returning to Asheville. Because this is a private tour, the pace is flexible and tailored to your group.

$325.00

5/5

Private North Georgia Wine Tour – Your Day, Your Wines!

Leave the crowds behind and discover North Georgia wine country your way! Enjoy a private, personalized wine tour designed around you and your group. Visit three carefully selected wineries while taking in beautiful mountain scenery and discovering both popular destinations and hidden gems. From pickup to return, your day is relaxed and hassle-free. Your personal guide handles the driving, logistics, timing, and local knowledge, allowing you to focus on the wine and the experience. Unlike large group tours, I stay with you throughout the day—not simply drop you off and disappear. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, wedding, girls' getaway, couples' trip, or simply looking for a memorable day in the mountains, I'll tailor the experience to your interests whenever possible. Come for the wine. Stay for the views, stories, people, and memories. Your day. Your group. Your wines.

$150.00

4.6/5

1 h 45 mins

Guided Horseback Ride through Flame Azalea and Fern Forest

The flame fern trail ride combines the Majestic Flame Azalea and the lush Fern Forest for a really enjoyable trail ride for everyone. You start up the mountain traveling through a hard wood forest filled with wild Flame Azaleas. After the hardwoods, you enter an enchanting white pine forest just like in the Star Wars movie.

$109.50

8 h 30 mins

Blue Ridge Parkway Self-Guided Tour: Cherokee to Asheville

Drive one of America's most celebrated scenic roads with this self-guided driving tour covering 45 narrated stops across 60 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville through mountains over a billion years old. Climb to Waterrock Knob at 6,292 feet for a four-state panorama, stand at Richland Balsam — the highest point on the entire 469-mile parkway — and discover the powerful history of the Cherokee people whose homeland these mountains remain. Hike Black Balsam Knob's windswept summit for views rivaling Scotland, cool off at Skinny Dip Falls, and explore forests harboring more biodiversity than almost anywhere in the temperate world, including the planet's densest salamander population. End near the Biltmore Estate, America's largest private home. From ghost forests of Fraser fir to wild blueberry meadows at Graveyard Fields, this self-guided tour transforms a beautiful drive into an unforgettable journey through geology, Cherokee heritage, and Appalachian ecology.