Franklin is known for being the county seat of Macon County and, more notably, the Gem Capital of the World. The town’s geography is similar to that of other mountain towns; it is characterized by the mountain scenery, waterfalls, and rivers. What makes the town unique is the abundance of minerals and gems, including rubies, sapphires, and garnets.
The Cherokee Indians referred to Franklin as Nikwasi, or “the center of activity”. It was an ancient and important town to the Cherokee, but, in 1819, the town was opened up for pioneer settlement through the treaty that also opened up Cashiers. Franklin was part of the treaty made with the Cherokee Indians in 1819 that also opened up Cashiers for pioneer settlement.
Almost a decade after the land was acquired, in 1828 the town was made the county seat; it was officially incorporated in 1855. Today, the town is home to nearly 4,000 residents.
Franklin Photos
Franklin Features and Reviews
Snapshot: Franklin, NC
Deep in the mountains of North Carolina is the town of Franklin. When walking down Franklin’s main street, there’s a memorial or sign for every period of history: a sign talking about the town’s role in the French and Indian War,…Read more Snapshot: Franklin, NC
Motor Co. Grill
We arrived at Franklin right around dinnertime, settled into our hostel for the next two nights and immediately asked, where are we going to eat? I had done some research on places to eat in the area, but we decided…Read more Motor Co. Grill
The Pumpkin Roll: The Best Underrated Sport in Franklin
By Samantha Lubliner, 2016 The town of Franklin was bustling but the life of the party was on the outskirts. Hoards of people, young and old alike, crowded around downtown Franklin. A steep paved hill ran through the center…Read more The Pumpkin Roll: The Best Underrated
Review of Willy’s Diner: Franklin’s Most Popular BBQ Joint
By Christian Kowalski, 2016 Willy’s Diner is a small, family-style BBQ restaurant in Franklin, North Carolina. Located a few minutes outside Franklin’s downtown area, Willy’s is home to a variety of Southern style cuisine. Our concierge at the hotel recommended…Read more Review of Willy’s Diner: Franklin’s Most
Finding Warmth in the Crabtree General Store
By Molly Spero, 2016 Before we explored the Franklin Pumpkin Festival, we wanted to warm up with coffee. Crabtree General Store and Coffee Vault was just the place for that. It was an old-fashioned, yet modernized general store, reflecting the…Read more Finding Warmth in the Crabtree General
Janette Franich: Jewelry Artist
By Molly Spero, 2016 Armed with hot chocolate clutched between my cold hands, I was ready to explore Franklin’s Pumpkin Fest. The streets were crowded with rows upon rows of booths that offered handmade crafts from soaps to aprons. A…Read more Janette Franich: Jewelry Artist
Happy Time for Us
By Dani Halliday, 2016 Who doesn’t love puppies? In Franklin, we attended the annual Pumpkin Festival on Main Street. Our favorite sections of the festival were hosted by the Humane Society of Franklin and they had puppies. These puppies were…Read more Happy Time for Us
Exploring Franklin Pumpkin Festival
By Dani Halliday, 2016 Funnel cake, pumpkin bread, fresh local honey, and frog legs were all available for purchasing and eating at the 20th Annual Franklin Pumpkin Festival. This festival is famous for the pumpkin roll, where residents and visitors…Read more Exploring Franklin Pumpkin Festival
Turn a Corner, Discover Bridal Veil Falls
By Rachel Fishman – 2014 When you’re driving along the winding roads of Highway 64, nestled between the lush trees of the mountains, it is easy to expect beauty around every corner. From breathtaking panoramas of treetops so vast that…Read more Turn a Corner, Discover Bridal Veil
Franklin Altruism
By Rachel Fishman – 2014 From the friendly, conversational shop owners to the business models of many stores, it is clear that Franklin is more than just a small town—it is a community. Most of the antique and consignment stores…Read more Franklin Altruism
Oranges and Pimento Peppers
By Alexa Dysch – 2014 In the strangest of places and in the most unexpected of ways, a bit of Florida followed me to the mountains of North Carolina. It started innocently, and crept up slowly. Like a guardian angel…Read more Oranges and Pimento Peppers
Local Franklin Farmer Profile: Joe Deal
By Nicole Esplin and Hillary Dooley, 2013 Seven boxes of apples sit directly to the left of the entrance, and some of the largest sweet potatoes I have ever seen sit in a container in the center of the rustic…Read more Local Franklin Farmer Profile: Joe Deal
Boiler Room Steak House
By Casey Brown, 2013 Across the parking lot from the town of Franklin’s Smokey Mountain Center of Performing Arts is a hometown steakhouse that embraces the area’s long history with the railroad while maintaining a quiet atmosphere for a nice…Read more Boiler Room Steak House