Feeling Blue?

Posted on May 22, 2013 by E Haggart
one of the many views from the Blue Ridge Parkway

one of the many views from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Spring has sprung, but in some areas of western North Carolina, it is still a work in progress, and that might have you feeling Blue… Blue Ridge Parkway, that is. With temperatures reaching into the low to mid 80′s over the last few days, green has become the dominant color on the stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs from its beginning, at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in Cherokee, NC, north through Asheville, and beyond.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is THE scenic drive of scenic drives. The 469 mile National Parkway and All-American Road begins (or ends) near Cherokee, NC, where the first entrance is for the Parkway. You can also enter the BRP from Soco Gap, outside of Cherokee on Hwy 19, just past one of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls, Soco Falls. From there, you can follow the Blue Ridge Parkway over and through to the Balsam Gap exit/entrance and drive back to Franklin on US 74 and Hwy 441. From the Cherokee entrance to the Balsam Gap exit is only 26 miles, but with all of the pull offs and scenic overlooks, you could spend half a day, or even longer, taking in the beauty that is western North Carolina. If you chose to continue on the Parkway, the first Asheville exit/entrance is roughly 60 miles from Balsam Gap. You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of gas, as there are no gas stations from Balsam Gap for those 60 miles.

The beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s southern end is something everyone who comes to this area should experience. Whether you catch a stunning sunrise from Water Rock Knob, head up to The Devil’s Courthouse for the incredible panoramic views, a quick drive, or a full day, once you’ve captured a glimpse of the mountains and vistas on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll want to go back again and again.

To get your journey started on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can find more information on their web site at http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ and for more information on the many other scenic drives, lodging, great food and fun things to do in Franklin and Macon County, please visit the Franklin Chamber of Commerce web site at http://www.franklin-chamber.com/.

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A Journey for all to enjoy

Posted on May 15, 2013 by E Haggart
a young black bear cub in Cades Cove, TN

a young black bear cub in Cades Cove, TN

Nestled away in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is a place with such a diverse population of wildlife, rich in historic architecture, and so many opportunities to commune with Mother Nature, you will never want to leave. This place I’m speaking of is Cades Cove, TN. If you’ve never made the journey into this historic settlement, you’re missing out on one of our country’s most beautiful locations, it is definitely worth spending a day, at least, driving around the scenic 11 mile loop road.

Historic homes and other buildings dot the landscape, but even more captivating are the opportunities to view a diverse wildlife population that ranges from Whitetail Deer, American Black Bear, Turkey, Coyote and Grey and Red Foxes. There have also been sightings of a Bobcat as well! You can’t ever know for sure what you’ll see, but you will always see something.

Along with the diverse wildlife and historic settlement, there are a number of trails for hiking, including a 5 mile (roundtrip) hike to Abrams Falls. The trail is rated as Moderate Difficulty and does have a few mildly steep incline and declines. There are a number of shorter, less difficult trails that lead to other great locations as well, you’ll need a couple of days to explore them all.

For more information about Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and all of the opportunities that await you, please visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm and for hiking and scenic drive information in and around Franklin, visit our web site at http://www.franklin-chamber.com/

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Mother’s Day Gemboree

Posted on May 8, 2013 by E Haggart
12th Annual Mother's Day Gemboree

12th Annual Mother’s Day Gemboree

This weekend is Mother’s Day weekend, and there is no better way to say “I love you, Mom” than with a special gift from one of the gem and mineral dealers that will be in Franklin this Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the 12th Annual Mother’s Day Gemboree. This weekends Gemboree is the first of three large gem and mineral shows for the public that happen in Franklin each year, the others are in July and October, respectfully. Known as the “Gem capitol of the world”, Franklin, NC continues to be a literal treasure of fine gems and minerals known the world over.

The Gemboree will be held at the Macon County Community Building located on Hwy 441, just South of town. Hours for the Gemboree are as follow: Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is only $2 for adults and children under 12 are free. Also, be sure to look for the $1 off admission coupons that will be in the local papers. There will be dealers from around the country here selling everything from fine jewelry to cut and rough gems and minerals. In addition to all this, there will be hourly door prizes throughout the day.

The 12th Annual Mother’s Day Gemboree is sponsored by The Franklin Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the gem show and other events going on this Mother’s Day weekend, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website at http://franklin-chamber.com/

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Spring Morning

Posted on May 1, 2013 by E Haggart
New day rising over Franklin, NC

New day rising over Franklin, NC

As you look up and down the Nantahala National Forest and the mountains that surround Franklin, you can see that the transformation is almost complete. The different shades of green that now show themselves from behind the remnants of an early morning fog have replaced the dull colors of the long and seemingly colorless Winter. The streets of downtown Franklin are busy with people stopping in to browse the shops, with their new Spring items, or sitting down for a nice cup of coffee or a meal from one of the many fine eateries that are throughout downtown historic Franklin.

People are about, walking the Greenway or taking the kids to the park for a little time out on the jungle gym. Everywhere you look, the new season is painting its wonderful colors and now is the time to start planning your weekend. Take a ride up to Wayah Bald Fire Tower and catch an amazing sunrise, head over to Pickens Nose Trail for a hike that will make you feel like you’re sitting on the edge of the world, or take a drive up Highlands Road and see what the recent rains have done to the level of the famous waterfalls along the way.

No matter what your interest, there is always something fun to do here in Franklin and the surrounding area and here is a great place to get all the information you need to get started:  http://franklin-chamber.com/ Have a look around our web site and you’ll see, there’s no other place quite like Franklin, NC!

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Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Posted on April 24, 2013 by E Haggart
Sunrise from Clingmans Dome, GSMNP

Sunrise from Clingmans Dome, GSMNP

The moment a lot of people have been patiently waiting for has arrived! After a devastating landslide took out a section of Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Road back in mid-January, the road connecting western North Carolina to the most visited National Park in the country has reopened. The landslide took out an enormous section of road near mile marker 22 on the NC side of the park. For the three months of the road closure, the only way to get to Gatlinburg and points west of there, was to drive out to I-40 and head into Tennessee. If you had any thoughts of going to capture a sunrise, such as the one pictured here at Clingmans Dome, it was an extremely long drive that required a lot of backtracking. With the reopening of Hwy 441, the drive from the Franklin area into GSMNP makes for a wonderful half day round trip scenic drive.

The extremely wet Winter caused lots of damage throughout the park and you’ll need to check with park officials or the website below for trail and/or secondary road closures. However, the reopening of Hwy 441/Newfound Gap Road couldn’t have come at a better time, as the weather in Western North Carolina and the mountains of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is warming up and Spring is painting its beautiful colors up and down the mountainsides.

For more information about the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, please visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm and for more great information about other scenic drives in and around Franklin, visit our web site at http://www.franklin-chamber.com/

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Annie Get Your Gun

Posted on April 17, 2013 by E Haggart
photo provided

photo provided

The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts and The Overlook Theater Company present “Annie Get Your Gun” April 18th – 21st, 2013. Performances will be at 7:30 PM on the 18th, 19th and 20th with a matinee at 2:30 PM on Sunday April 21st. Annie Oakley is the best shot around and when Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show comes to town, he quickly snatches her up to become the star attraction. However, it only takes one glance for her to fall head over heels for Frank Butler, the long-time featured act of Bill’s show. All is well until Frank begins to discover that Annie’s abilities are quickly eclipsing his own, which is good for business but bad for romance. Filled with classic Irving Berlin tunes, hilarious comedy and rousing dance numbers, Annie Get Your Gun solidifies the phrase “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and is a full two-act production.

The Overlook Theatre Company was established in 1996 with the goal of providing quality, family entertainment. Over the years, the company has performed many musicals, plays and special events due to its many committed volunteers and the support of the community. We are thrilled and excited to call the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts our new home and hope that each production will continue to thrill, excite and open up a world of possibilities and imagination. Artistic Director, Scotty Corbin, has been performing his entire life. “I remember the first time I ever went to a real play in a real theatre. I had to stretch to see over the seat in front of me and my feet didn’t touch the ground. The lights went dark and a quiet hush fell over the crowd. For the next two hours I don’t think I breathed or blinked for fear I would miss a single, precious moment of what was taking place before me – complete and total magic. From that moment on, I took every opportunity I could to find a reason to perform.”

Tickets are $15 for adults $10 for students

For more information about the performances and other great events happening at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, please visit http://www.greatmountainmusic.com/

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Beautiful Blossoms

Posted on April 10, 2013 by E Haggart

Trees in Bloom

It’s been a little late arriving, but it’s finally happening. All over Franklin, trees are coming alive with the fresh blossoms of Spring. The grips of Winter seemed to want to hang on for dear life, and after a rather colder than normal few days last week, old man Winter’s grip has seemingly lost it’s strength. The grass is getting a little greener, flowers are blooming everywhere and trees all over Franklin are beginning to glow in the sunlight, reflecting how we’re all feeling. We love the winter, but oh what joy Spring brings! Soccer matches, softball games, cookouts and the sun hanging in the sky a little longer, allowing for more time with friends and family and all the exciting things that are out there to do.

This is the time to start planning your Spring and Summer adventures! Whether you’re a one time visitor, a lifelong resident, or somewhere in between, there are so many activities and events that come with the beautiful mountain weather, you’ll need every minute of daylight that the calendar provides to get in everything on your list!

For information on events, hiking, sightseeing, waterfalls, lodging and more, please visit the Franklin Chamber of Commerce website here http://www.franklin-chamber.com or use the link on the side of the page. The Chamber web site is always full of great information on all the happenings in the area. Have a wonderful week!

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2013 Cullasaja Gorge Clean-Up

Posted on April 3, 2013 by E Haggart
Cullasaja Falls

Cullasaja Falls

WE NEED YOU! Saturday, April 13th, 2013 for the 2013 Cullasaja Gorge Clean-Up! The Franklin Chamber of Commerce, The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, The Highlands Small Town Main Street Committee, Venture Local Franklin and Stay and Play in the Smokies are teaming up for this year’s annual Spring gorge clean-up.

Knowing the importance of keeping our communities clean, and that’s why we need your support AND your presence! The meeting place will be Saturday, April 13th at Pine Grove Baptist Church at 9:00am. From there we will carpool to our assigned areas of the Gorge. After the clean-up is complete, we will all meet at the Cliffside Lake shelter area for a cook-out. If you are interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Jennifer Smathers at 828.526.2112 or Matt Bateman at 828.421.0535

You can also find out more information by contacting the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 828.524.3161

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Happy Easter!

Posted on March 27, 2013 by E Haggart
The Easter Eggstravaganza at First Christian Church is just one of many egg hunts this weekend.

The Easter Eggstravaganza at First Christian Church is just one of many egg hunts this weekend.

Are you looking for an Easter Egg hunt to take your children this weekend? There are a number of free egg hunts this coming weekend at many different locations. Here is a run down of some of the egg hunts, locations and what they are planning to do. They are listed in chronological order:

Easter Egg Hunt at the Rec Park! 10:00 AM Friday, March 29th. Over 15,000 Eggs will be hidden. After the Egg Hunt, head over to The Factory for – Easter Games from 11AM – 2PM and also visit with the Easter Bunny. Make sure to check your Eggs! You may have won: Tickets to play Easter Games, A Prize Bag or a Prize Basket. This event is sponsored by The Factory and The Franklin Chamber of Commerce.

Saturday, March 30, 11:00 am at the Cullasaja Assembly of God, 6201 Highlands Road. Sponsored by:  Pine Grove Baptist & Cullasaja Assembly of God. Over 2,000 eggs including golden prize eggs, lots of candy and other prizes. For additional information contact Pine Grove Baptist or Cullasaja Assembly of God.

Celebrate Easter In Our Yard at the Snow Hill Inn on Saturday, March 30th from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Make sure to bring your basket! Age groups will hunt in specific areas and are as follows: 0-3 Yrs, 4-6 Yrs, and 7-12 Yrs. Over 4,000 eggs with treats. There will also be a “Best Dressed Easter Outfit” Contest, Photos with the Easter Bunny, Games, Craft and Prizes! 531 Snow Hill Road, Franklin. For more information call 828-349-9009.

First Christian Church of Franklin’s Easter Egg-travaganza will be held Saturday, March 30th from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM. A short, child oriented, lesson on the meaning of Easter will be followed by the hunting of thousands of Eggs, which will be separated into groups for children to hunt by age. There will be a bouncy house, games, crafts, face painting along with hot dogs, chips and drinks available.

We wish you and your family a safe and wonderful Easter!

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Bridal Fair and Expo

Posted on March 20, 2013 by E Haggart
2nd Annual Bridal Fair and Expo

2nd Annual Bridal Fair and Expo

Attention Brides, Grooms and families of loved ones planning to get married in the Franklin area: The Second Annual Bridal Fair and Expo is this Saturday, March 23rd, from 11am – 4pm at the Macon County Community and Recreation Building on the Georgia Road. Vendors from all over Macon County will be there on display with everything from custom cake toppers, photographers, wedding venues and cake artisans, to entertainment and those can’t miss trending accessories.

So grab your fiance, Mom and Dad and your list of “must haves” and come and see what our local vendors have available. Representatives will be there all day to help you make plans or you can get some great information to take home. There will also be door prizes, so stop in and register! Best of all, it’s FREE!

The Second Annual Bridal Fair and Expo, everything you need to plan your special day. For more information about the Expo, please call Reva Sanders at (828) 200-2532.

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