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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Wayah Bald Outlook Tower ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© tanawat/stock.adobe.com

2. Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

© Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine

What you are reading: Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina This Weekend


3. The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© The Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

4. The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© The Lazy Hiker Brewing Company

5. Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

© Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine

6. Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
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Best Attractions & Fun Stuff:


7. The Scottish Tartans Museum

Category: Museums & Culture for Couples
© The Scottish Tartans Museum

8. Currahee Brewing Company

Category: Nearby Food & Drink
© Currahee Brewing Company

You are reading: Things to Do in Franklin, North Carolina Near Me Today


9. Sheffield Mine

© Sheffield Mine

10. Bartram Trail

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Shannon Dunaway/stock.adobe.com

11. The Little Tennessee River Greenway

Category: Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Nongnuch Leelaphasuk/stock.adobe.com

12. Macon County Historical Society and Museum

Category: Affordable Local Attractions
© Macon County Historical Society and Museum

More for Adults, Couples and Families:


13. Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine

Category: Shopping & Stuff
© Cowee Gift Shop and Mason Mountain Mine

14. The Factory Franklin

© The Factory Franklin

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Thousands of years ago the movement glaciers and ancient rivers left a rich deposit of precious gemstones buried in the soil around Franklin, NC. Today people come from near and far to visit the “gem mining capital of the world” and get their own ruby, sapphire or other precious stone to take home. There are several gem mining operations in the area which offer visitor the chance to have fun and find a beautiful gemstone. Other activities include visiting a few really different museums, catching a concert or show at the Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts or visiting a couple of local craft breweries. Outdoor enthusiasts can pull on their hiking boots and hit the Bartram Trail or take a less strenuous walk along the Little Tennessee River Greenway.

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