
Summer is still in full swing here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and Gracious Plates On Main is right in the middle of all of the fun! Did you know that our downtown area is now an official Social District? That’s right, that means you can take your wine, beer, or cocktail to go in one of our special cups and enjoy it while you stroll around downtown. How awesome is that?
And have you checked out our Seasonal Specials yet? From our Baked Brie with Blackberry Preserves to our Asian Shrimp Wraps or one of our traditional favorites, there’s something on our menu for everyone. Whether you’re dining inside or outside on our covered Main Street patio, you’ll find that our friendly service is the perfect finishing touch for any meal. In fact, Gracious Plates On Main is open 7 days a week with all of your favorite Farm-to-Table dishes, unique cocktails, and premium wines. And we’re committed to exceeding your expectations. Check out our list of local happenings below to see what else you’d like to do around town before or after you enjoy your next meal at Gracious Plates On Main!
Local Highlight
80z Nation
Downtown Franklin
August 3 ~ 8:00pm
80s Block Party! Pull out your 80s pageant gear, and take a trip up the mountain for the 10th year of Totally Awesome 80’s Party (featuring 80z Nation). Brought to you by 80’s Flashback Weekend: Always The First Weekend Of August where 80z Nation will be back again bringing you the best 80s tunes from the decade that never dies! So dust off those pumps and moon walk better than Michael Jackson in a Billie Jean Video sweating your leg warmers straight off so that you have to peel them off after the night of dancing. Be there 8pm Aug 3rd.
Gracious Plates On Main will be open 9:00 am until 9:00 pm on August 3, with plenty of food and drink and outdoor patio seating for the perfect Block Party vantage point. See you downtown!
Weekly Wine Tasting
Gracious Plates on Main
Wednesday Evenings ~ 5:30-7:30pm
Every Wednesday, Gracious Plates On Main welcomes a guest Sommelier from a different wine distributor and offers a guided wine tasting at individual tables throughout dinner service. Joining Wine Club and attending the tastings are both free.
Macon County Farmers Market
Downtown Franklin Gazebo
Saturdays ~ 9:00am-1:00pm
The Macon County Farmers Market is downtown by the Gazebo on Saturdays, May through November. The market features local growers, bakers, and makers, as well as family-friendly educational activities. Gracious Plates On Main is a proud sponsor of the live music at the market from local and regional artists.
Watercolor Wednesdays with Maryellen Tully
Uptown Gallery
Wednesdays ~ 4:15-6:00pm
Join fellow artists of this translucent medium in a step by step approach of delightful seasonal subject matter. All levels are welcome. These classes are led by instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcomed! Materials list is available. Class fee $30 members / $40 nonmembers. Materials fee: $20.00 if not provided by student. Email, mtully1001@gmail.com to RSVP.
Thursday Painters – FREE
Uptown Gallery
Thursdays ~ 10:00am-2:00pm
Join MCAA Member Artists at the Uptown Gallery from 10am-2pm every Thursday for a fun time! Bring a bagged lunch and your art project that you would like to work on. Bring your own art materials, as this is a free and open to the public event. Contact Pat Mennenger at 28734pm@gmail.com for any questions.
Trivia
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub
Wednesday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts Trivia every Wednesday evening, and the proceeds from the fun always go to a local nonprofit chosen by the winning team! They offer a full espresso bar, an array of craft beers, and fresh baked goods.
Yarn & Fiber Classes
Silver Threads and Golden Needles
Various dates
Silver Threads & Golden Needles is a friendly and fiber obsessed yarn shop located in the Historic Downtown shopping area of Franklin, North Carolina. Whether you are a local or taking a vacation in the Smoky Mountains, we are your one-stop destination for all things yarn and fiber!
Book Club
A Novel Escape
August 1 ~ 6:30pm
On the first Thursday of every month, A Novel Escape hosts Book Club. It’s a fun group that delves into a variety of different genres, with each month’s book selected by popular vote. And to make it even better, each month’s chosen book is 15% at the bookstore!
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
August 3 ~ 9:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.
Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
August 3 ~ 7:30pm
After being awarded a full Rotary International scholarship to study music and voice and being selected to sing as the voice of John Denver in the CBS Television Movie “Take Me Home, the John Denver Story,” there was no doubt that Jim Curry would continue to sing the praises and songs of America’s Troubadour – John Denver. As a life-long fan, Curry dedicated himself to continue John Denver’s legacy of songs and his message of love and caring for our planet to future generations.
Jim continues to perform John Denver’s heartfelt songs on Cruise Ships in Symphony halls and in Performing Arts Centers to growing audiences all over the world. “Jim Curry was over there sounding like John Denver… I closed my eyes and went back to the times when I worked with John.” – Pete Huttlinger, guitar player for John Denver.
Creedence Revived: The World’s Premiere CCR Tribute Band
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
August 10 ~ 7:30pm
Creedence Revived has rapidly become one of the most highly sought after tribute bands in the world. Playing all over the globe for crowds upwards of 30,000, and with a track-record of selling out shows everywhere they go, this group is the real deal. Representing America across the globe, Creedence Revived has toured Europe and Malaysia. Talent buyers and event coordinators often boast about their results and the group frequently gets re-hired year after year to return to the same events with fans walking away in awe of the group’s performance.
“We pay tribute. We play the music as if we wrote it. We perform as if we were the original band. CCR is legendary.” – Rich Perez, Lead Vocalist.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
August 10 ~ 10:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.
Mountain City Playhouse Learning Enrichment Center – Community Day of Giving
Gracious Plates On Main
August 15 ~ 11:00am-9:00pm
We are proud to announce that we’ll be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit the Mountain City Playhouse Learning Enrichment Center on Thursday, August 15. Small Plates will be BOGO 1/2 off from 4-6PM and we’ll have our Fish & Chips Special! 10% of all sales from the day will go directly to the nonprofit. So come out and eat for a good cause.
Silent Book Club
A Novel Escape
August 15 ~ 6:30pm
Here’s something new for 2024 – Silent Book Club! Join us for an hour once a month and read silently amongst your fellow book lovers! There will be a “settle-in” period from 6:30-7pm, silent reading from 7-8pm, and a short exclusive shopping period from 8-8:30pm. Bring your pillow, blanket, or any other items to help you feel comfy while reading. Don’t forget your book!
On A Dream & A Wish: A Royal Celebration
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
August 23 & 24 ~ 7:00pm
You are cordially invited to the coronation of Queen Cinderella. All the heroes and princesses of the land are joining together to celebrate with stories, songs and gifts. But beware, a few jealous villains are upset about not being invited and might try to crash the party.
Come dressed as your favorite hero or princess and join in the opening parade, festivities and a dance party finale. This event will take place outdoors. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit near the elevated stage. Concessions will be available for purchase. In the event of rain, this event will be moved indoors. Please watch the theatre website for updates and information. Presented by The Overlook Theatre Company.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
August 24 ~ 10:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin. We have quilts, candles, resin art, baked goods and so much more. All locally handmade right here in Macon County. So, bring your friends and family and browse the Artisan Alley Market and see what goodies you can take home.