Guidebook for "The Bear Cottage" Franklin, NC
Food/ Brewery Scene
This is our favorite bar/ brewery in Franklin. There's always a good crowd and they have outdoor spaces & games, and live music. Even food trucks in the parking lot!
117 habitants recommandent
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main StThis is our favorite bar/ brewery in Franklin. There's always a good crowd and they have outdoor spaces & games, and live music. Even food trucks in the parking lot!
Haywood Smokehouse
79 Elysinia AveBest Barbecue in Franklin! Famous for their brisket.
Boone Thai Restaurant
553 Highlands RdDelicious, authentic Thai food.
Fantastic, gourmet, local farm-to-table organic food! Love it there!
11 habitants recommandent
Gracious Plates on Main
46 East Main StreetFantastic, gourmet, local farm-to-table organic food! Love it there!
Outdoor Activities
One of our favorite hikes to recommend in the Franklin area is "Siler Bald". Its a great way to experience part of the Appalachian Trail. Its about 4 miles out & back, and there are different elevations, forests, and of course the beautiful top of Siler Bald with picturesque, almost 360-degree views. You can find this hike on the "All Trails" app or on google. You can also go down to the Siler Bald Appalachian Trail Shelter, but the highlight of this hike is to hike up to the summit of the bald.
6 habitants recommandent
Siler Bald Shelter
Appalachian National Scenic TrailOne of our favorite hikes to recommend in the Franklin area is "Siler Bald". Its a great way to experience part of the Appalachian Trail. Its about 4 miles out & back, and there are different elevations, forests, and of course the beautiful top of Siler Bald with picturesque, almost 360-degree views. You can find this hike on the "All Trails" app or on google. You can also go down to the Siler Bald Appalachian Trail Shelter, but the highlight of this hike is to hike up to the summit of the bald.
Guests from around the world love the Nantahala Outdoor Center! The adventure sport opportunities there are plenty! Everything from whitewater rafting & kayaking to zip-lining and mountain biking and hiking the AT, which goes right through the outdoor center. They also sell river boats & outdoor equipment. They also have 2 restaurants and 2 bridges to overlook the boaters. Look up the NOC online & book your next adventure today!
446 habitants recommandent
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 U.S. Highway 19Guests from around the world love the Nantahala Outdoor Center! The adventure sport opportunities there are plenty! Everything from whitewater rafting & kayaking to zip-lining and mountain biking and hiking the AT, which goes right through the outdoor center. They also sell river boats & outdoor equipment. They also have 2 restaurants and 2 bridges to overlook the boaters. Look up the NOC online & book your next adventure today!
Silver Run Falls is our absolute favorite waterfall & swimming hole in all of Western NC. Its a great place to beat the heat in the summer! We've had family picnics there, taken our friends of all ages there, and really enjoy it every time. Also, the drive there is gorgeous - one of the most beautiful roads in all of Western NC. You can find directions online, just google Silver Run Falls, NC. Its a short easy hike, but off-the-beaten-path enough that it's never been too crowded when we were there, compared to other spots in the area. Sometime, we are the only ones there! Its part of the National Forest too. Plan on having lunch or dinner in Cashiers, a cute little historic town with lots of great places to eat & shop.
45 habitants recommandent
Silver Run Falls Trailhead
Silver Run Falls is our absolute favorite waterfall & swimming hole in all of Western NC. Its a great place to beat the heat in the summer! We've had family picnics there, taken our friends of all ages there, and really enjoy it every time. Also, the drive there is gorgeous - one of the most beautiful roads in all of Western NC. You can find directions online, just google Silver Run Falls, NC. Its a short easy hike, but off-the-beaten-path enough that it's never been too crowded when we were there, compared to other spots in the area. Sometime, we are the only ones there! Its part of the National Forest too. Plan on having lunch or dinner in Cashiers, a cute little historic town with lots of great places to eat & shop.
Shopping
These guys have the best outdoor gear store in all of Western NC! They are also friendly & helpful to everyone who needs advice about their outdoor equipment of any kind. We love to shop at Outdoor 76! They are fantastic at helping you find the correct fit of hiking boots, trail running shoes, etc...
23 habitants recommandent
Outdoor 76
35 E Main StThese guys have the best outdoor gear store in all of Western NC! They are also friendly & helpful to everyone who needs advice about their outdoor equipment of any kind. We love to shop at Outdoor 76! They are fantastic at helping you find the correct fit of hiking boots, trail running shoes, etc...
This little gift store is such a great place to shop! The owner is so nice, and he knows A LOT about the local history of the area, including the rich Native American history of the region. Check it out if you are in historic downtown Franklin!
Doodlebugs
52 E Main StThis little gift store is such a great place to shop! The owner is so nice, and he knows A LOT about the local history of the area, including the rich Native American history of the region. Check it out if you are in historic downtown Franklin!
If you like Flea Markets, then you'll love Uncle Bill's.
11 habitants recommandent
Uncle Bill's Flea Market
5427 US-74If you like Flea Markets, then you'll love Uncle Bill's.
Gem Mining
This is the ONLY place you need to go if you are interested in North Carolina Gem Mining. The Johnson Family has owned this mine since the 1800’s. They are honest, considerate, knowledgeable, good people. Ask for Ginger or Kirsten in the shop, tell them Amanda sent you. They’ll give you a 10% discount! We have never left their mine without finding a valuable sapphire or ruby. Its truly incredible!
7 habitants recommandent
Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain
5315 Bryson City RdThis is the ONLY place you need to go if you are interested in North Carolina Gem Mining. The Johnson Family has owned this mine since the 1800’s. They are honest, considerate, knowledgeable, good people. Ask for Ginger or Kirsten in the shop, tell them Amanda sent you. They’ll give you a 10% discount! We have never left their mine without finding a valuable sapphire or ruby. Its truly incredible!
Conseils sur la ville
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Highlands Road is a must see!
The road between Franklin & Highlands is fantastic. It follows the famous "Culasaja Gorge" and is part of Nantahala National Forest. There are many roadside waterfalls along the way. Drive carefully & slowly around the curves to see more! There are beautiful views and places to pull over and get out to peak down into the gorge or walk down to the waterfalls. Wear good hiking shoes & bring your bathing suit in the summer! Lots of great swimming holes in the area, you can't miss them. The best way to make it a fun trip is to plan for lunch or dinner in Highlands, a cute historic town with charm.