WHITE WATER RAFTING

The Nantahala River offers exciting white-water rafting adventures that are an adrenaline rush for the entire family. Offering Class II and Class II rapids, guides will take you on an exhilarating ride down the Nantahala while you take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forest. Keep an eye out for kayakers on the trip, many who are Olympic aspirants.

GEM MINING

 Franklin, NC has a rich history of gem mining dating back to 1870 when Corundum was being mined in Macon County. Known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” Franklin, NC gem mines give families the unique opportunity to search through the dirt to find rubies, sapphires, and other precious gemstones. Known for healing properties, many gems that are found can be created into jewelry. The gem mines are typically seasonal, and most are open spring through fall.

FOOD & DRINK in FRANKLIN, NC

Franklin, NC has an array of restaurants that offer everything from Southern favorites to Asian, Latin, Italian flavors, and everything in between. Many of the best rated restaurants are centrally located

Lucio’s features a menu of house-made specialties with old world Italian flavors. Offering classic dishes with personal flair, Lucio’s has something that will amaze everyone’s taste buds. Lucio’s dises are all made from scratch including everything from pasta, breads, dressing, sauces, desserts, and everything in between. With great service and a warm atmosphere, Lucio’s is not to be missed.

Thai Paradise offers the best Asian flavors in Franklin. With a huge menu that has anything you could want, That Paradise offers Asian favorites such as fried rice, noodles and stir fry, as well as Chef Specialties which mix local flavors with Asian flair. You do not want to miss this local, family-owned gem.

Sunset Restaurant is a historic Franklin, NC restaurant and has been serving locals and tourists home cooked meals since 1945. Serving southern favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner Sunset has everything from Biscuits and Gravy, Chicken and Waffles, to house favorites such as the Hamburger Steak and Oyster Plate. You can even finish your meal with wonderful homemade pies.

Currahee Brewing Company has a taproom right on the Little Tennessee River and offers a great place to relax and drink a beer with sounds of the flowing river. A dog friendly place with events like live music, food trucks, and trivia, the taproom in Franklin, NC is a great place to try the different local brews and spend time with friends and family.

Slanted Window from SenAmore Vineyard & Farms is Macon Counties only vineyard to bottled winery. Offering limited production wine, Slanted Window is currently at the winery and served in some restaurants local to Franklin, NC. Stop in at the Tasting Station, a cute, transformed filling station where you can taste the local wines and sample many of their “Adult Lunchables.”

STATE PARKS, FISHING, AND WATERFALLS

Black Rock Mountain State Park is Georgia’s highest state park and provides some of the most outstanding backdrop for outdoor activities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. With four hiking trails you can see a little bit of everything; forests, streams, waterfalls, wildflowers, and beautiful wildlife. Camping is available at the state park for both RVs and tents and the Visitors Center offers spectacular views, a picnic area, and a small gift shop.