Things to Do in Franklin
This quaint mountain town of Franklin, North Carolina is nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and is the county seat of Macon County, North Carolina. It is situated an hour away from Asheville and merely a couple of hours from the cities of Atlanta, Knoxville and Greenville. Its proximity to these urban areas conveniently and strategically places this town at the center of it all, yet the exquisite waterfalls, vibrant streams, magnificent hills and mountains and picturesque valleys make it the top choice for those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of big-city life.
Besides being the trade center of Southwestern North Carolina, Franklin's outstanding educational and recreational facilities further enhance the community's appeal to new residents. Franklin provides excellent educational opportunities for all ages from preschool through retirement. Its strong public school system is managed by the Macon County Schools and parents' have several choices from top-rated public schools such as Cartoogechaye Elementary School, South Macon Elementary School, Macon Middle School, Macon County Early College High School and Franklin High School. Facilities for higher learning are also accessible with Southwestern Community College only 20 miles away and Western Carolina University, about the same distance from Franklin. Other nearby colleges/universities within 50-mile radius of the town includes University of North Carolina, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, South Wesleyan University, Tri-County Technical College, Clemson University and Furman University.
Fun activities that everyone in the family can enjoy are part of Franklin's multi-faceted appeal. Gem mining has always been a favorite activity and most mines are open almost year-round. You can find gemstones in every color from white to black but ruby, garnet and sapphire are among the native stones that are frequently found in the area. Popular gem mine sites include Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine, Jackson Hole Gem Mine, Gold City Gem Mine, Cowee Mountain Ruby Mine, and Old Cardinal Gem Mine, to mention a few. For those who want extensive information about gem mining - including its colorful history, spending time at the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum and the Ruby City Gem Museum would provide a vivid and informative description of the "what-where-how" of gem mining.
Hiking trails also abound in the area from short 1 to 2 mile trails to long trails of up to 10 miles. Two famous ones are the Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail. Franklin is a true cycling paradise with its winding terrain and endless trail possibilities that never fail to thrill motorcyclists and biking enthusiasts. Another way to explore the area is through horseback riding with four trails ranging from 3.5 to 8 miles. The famous Nantahala and Ocoee Rivers, as well as the Little Tennessee River provide water activities and sports such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting and tubing. In addition, you can also find some wonderful trout streams and fishing holes. Of course outdoor fun wouldn't be complete for golf enthusiasts without some golf courses. Franklin has several options for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Franklin Golf Course and Mill Creek Country Club are top choices, located right in the town itself. Courses within 15 miles from the center of Franklin include Highlands Country Club, Sky Valley Country Club and Smoky Mountain Country Club, to name some.
For the more culturally inclined and those who prefer indoor recreations, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is definitely the place to be. This state-of-the-art facility is mainly focused on family entertainment with the finest world-class performances that include plays and drama troupes, dance and choral festivals musical productions, recitals and a lot more.
Everything You Need to Know About Communities in Franklin
Franklin is a great place for people who want to invest in living in a community with new homes for sale homes. 0 new home communities offer 94 available new homes, ready to build, starting at just $. With spacious floorplans featuring up to bedrooms in square feet, home shoppers can live comfortably in their new home.
Buy Your New Home Today!
Browse through the most recent listing of gorgeous new homes and properties in the Franklin area. NewHomeSource will see to it that you acquire your new home with the least hassle and best possible deal. You can simply discover and enjoy the beauty of Franklin, North Carolina and the quality life that awaits you there!