A secret world lies beneath Franklin’s soils, a world of sapphires and rubies, emeralds and garnets. In 1895, the little town now known as the gem capital of North America attracted attention from Tiffany and Co. and the jeweler’s famed gemologist George Kunz. The company purchased 1,500 acres surrounding the old Mason Ranch, and unearthed many precious stones.

Today, the Mason’s Ranch mine still operates as a tourist attraction, offering the opportunity to sift through buckets of native dirt in search of rhodolite, garnet and quartz.

Franklin’s pre-mining history dates back to the Cherokee peoples, as the town is located near Nikwasi, the largest of the ancient middle towns of the Cherokee. The Cherokee controlled vast townships and agricultural lands stretching along the wide, fertile mountain valley created by the rivers that converge here.

In the middle of downtown Franklin stands an ancient Cherokee mound, which would have once been used not as a burial mound, but as the site of the village’s council house. In 1946, encroaching development endangered the mound, prompting the formation of the Macon County Historical Society, which fought for the mound’s protection. Similar mounds are dotted along the Little Tennessee River where the Cherokee created V-shaped stone formations in the water to trap fish. Some of these formations are still visible.

Many of the names of rivers, creeks, mountains and communities around Franklin are Cherokee words that have been adapted to Southern Appalachian accents. While they roll off the tongue for locals who have made them their own, words like Cartoogechaye, Nikwasi, Cullasaja might seem hard to pronounce at first.

Attractions

• The Scottish Tartans Museum — The only American extension of the Scottish Tartans Society, this museum explores the Scottish heritage of the region, replete with kilts, weaponry, and Scottish history. Not only can visitors pick up a can a haggis to go, but also they can learn more about the hearty settlers that helped lend Western North Carolina its grit. 828.524.7472. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 86 E. Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Gem and Mineral Museum — This quirky little museum exhibits local gemstones, minerals and Indian artifacts. The museum is located in the town’s old jail, used from 1896 to 1971. One of the jail’s cells is open to visitors. 828.369.7831. Monday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 25 Phillips St. off Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Factory — Located just south of Franklin, this is a huge establishment with games, mini-golf, bowling, go-carts, laser tag and an indoor playground, plus restaurants. It’s a great place to burn some energy when the weather turns wet or for the young and old who’ve spent too much time cooped up in the car. The Factory is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Located on U.S. 441 South. 828.349.8888.

• Gem mines — In addition to the Mason Ranch mine, local operations such as Sheffield Mine offer native gems and natural soils for serious miners looking to find their souvenirs the hard way. Other gem mines abound, each with their specialties, some accommodating tour bus sized groups, and yet more selling “guaranteed find” buckets enriched with stones from around the world. For more information visit the Chamber of Commerce or head over to the Gem and Mineral Museum.

• Little Tennessee River Greenway — The greenway has several picnic shelters, signage identifying native plants, grassy play areas and beautiful bridges crossing the river. There’s also a native marsh area. There are several access areas for the greenway. A playground is at the Big Bear Shelter off Main Street. Be sure to stop in Frog Quarters for coffee, gifts and internet access.

• Macon County Historical Museum — Located in the old Pendergrass Store, the first department store in Franklin, this museum features old typewriters, locally made quilts, wooden nickels and more that have been collected over the years. Visitors looking to trace their ancestry to Macon County should head here for a genealogical records search. The museum also is a great source of information about the town’s Sesquicentennial events. 828.524.9758. Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 36 W. Main Street in downtown Franklin.

• The Whistlestop Mall — This collection of restaurants, offices and craft display booths also features one of the largest indoor antique stores around. Here you’ll find everything from old farm tools to first edition books, jewelry to NASCAR memorabilia, furniture to Civil War relics. Ditch the kids at The Factory, located just across the street on U.S. 441 South, and spend a few hours searching for your own personal treasure.

Dining & Nightlife

• The Boiler Room — Located inside The Factory, The Boiler Room offers an incredible dining experience. Serving lunch and dinner. Highway 441. 828.349.8888.

• Boone Thai Restaurant — Authentic spicy Thai cuisine. 553 Highlands Rd. 828.524.1111.

• Caffe Rel — Cajun inspired cooking. Don’t let the Hot Spot location fool you. 457 E. Main St. 828.369.9446.

• The Chef & His Wife — A Triple Diamond Award winner from AAA, a full service restaurant serving lunch and dinner. Chef Mark R. Wilkins, ACF, prepares all meals with the freshest ingredients available. 15 Courthouse Plaza. 828.369.0575.

• Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ — The name says it all. Said to be some of the best barbecue in the South. Recently featured in Southern Living Magazine. 311 Westgate Plaza. 828.349.4743.

• Frog and Owl Mountain Bistro and Wine Bar — Gourmet dining in casual setting featuring cuisine from around the world. 46 E. Main St. 828.349.4112.

• Gardenia’s Restaurant — Prime rib, fresh seafood, pasta, veal and more. 201 Highlands Rd. 828.349.4519.

• Havannah Bistro — Get a taste of Cuban cuisine and enjoy the outdoor seating overlooking Main Street. 166 E. Main St. 828.369.9900.

• Lucio’s Italian Restaurant — Authentic Italian Cuisine prepared by Lucio of Naples, Italy. Full Italian and Continental menu. Serving Franklin from the same location for more than 20 years. 313 Highlands Rd. 828.369.6670.

• The Rathskeller — A coffeehouse located below Main Street offering light sandwiches, libations and live music. 58 Stewart St. 828.349.0598.

• The Restaurant at Mill Creek Resort and Country Club — Offering delicious cuisine. 345 Country Club Drive. 828.349.0402.

• Sunset Restaurant — Family owned with friendly folks and great country cooking. Curbside service. 498 Harrison Ave. 828.524.4842.

• Willy’s Bar-B-Que — Full menu of Bar-B-Que favorites. Our menu also features steaks, shrimp, salads and more. 240 Cunningham Rd. 828.524.0414.

Visitor Center

• The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is located at 425 Porter St. in Franklin. Also, a visitor center run by the chamber is on Wayah Street. 828.524.3161 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 250 Depot St. 828.524.3219.

• Macon County Public Library — Free Internet access is available on 15 public access computers to all visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 819 Siler Rd. 828.524.3600.

• Urgent Care — Angel Urgent Care Center is located at 195 Franklin Plaza. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 828.369.4427.

Major Festivals and Events

June

• 14 — Annual Taste of Scotland. Street festival with all day entertainment, clans, authentic Scottish foods, music and dancing, Pipe & Drum Bands, parade, Border Collie demonstrations, crafts, shortbread contest, children’s Highland games and many other contests. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Franklin. 828.524.7472.

July

• 4 — Annual July Fun Day and Fireworks. Activities begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at dark with the largest fireworks display in Western North Carolina. Macon County Recreation Park. 800.336.7829.

• 5 — Annual Sweet Corn Festival. Enjoy the best BBQ and the sweetest corn in the mountains while listening to the sounds of the Patton String Band and the Nikwasi Dulcimer Players. Also enjoy homemade pies topped with old-fashioned ice cream, fun and games for children and quality handmade crafts. Begins at 11 a.m. 216 Roller Mill Road in Franklin. 828.524.4910.

• 18-19 — Annual Franklin Folk Festival. A celebration of Appalachian heritage in Downtown Franklin. Over 40 living exhibits of authentic mountain living, food, entertainment and more. 828.369.7411.

• 18-19 — Early Farm Days Antique Engine & Tractor Show. Macon County Fairgrounds.

• 19 — Annual Singing in the Valley. Guests include Kingdom Heirs from Augusta, Dendy Family from Franklin, and Blood Brought Quartet from Asheville. Barbeque dinner. 6 to 10 p.m. at the Community Center on Ruby Mine Road in Cowee.

• 24-27 — Annual Macon County Gemboree. One of the largest and oldest gem & mineral shows in the southeast. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 800. 336.7829.

• 24-27 — G & LW Wholesale Gem Show. Wholesale gems and jewelry. 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. at the Watauga Festival Center north of Franklin. 601.879.8832.

August

• 9 — Annual Smoky Mountain Shrimp Boil. All you can eat boiled shrimp and lots of other goodies. Held in Franklin. Benefit for Habitat for Humanity. 828.369.3716.

September

• 6 — Gem Capital Auto Club 22nd Annual Car Show. Macon County Fairgrounds. Registration begins at 8 a.m. 828.349.0945.

• 17-20 — Annual Macon County Fair. Macon County Fairgrounds. 828.524.3267.

October

• 9-11 — Autumn Leaves Craft Show. Macon County Fairgrounds. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. 828.524.3267.

• 16-18 — Annual Smoky Mountain Art & Craft Fest. Featuring 80 of the finest and most unique artisans. Live music, great food and more than 100 free door prizes donated by the artists and crafters. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Macon County Fairgrounds. 828.524.6630.

• 17-19 — Annual Leaf Looker’s Gemboree. Gem and mineral dealers from across the United States converge on Franklin to sell their wares. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 800. 336.7829.

• 24-25 — Annual Pumpkin Fest. Hayrides, treats for the kids, street dance all in East Franklin Shopping Center on Oct. 24. Street festival along Main Street and crafts with lots of contests, autumnal decorations with all day entertainment, Pumpkin Roll down Phillips Street, costume parade and contest, pumpkin cooking contest, pumpkin decorating contest, scarecrows and more on Oct. 25. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 828.524.0476.