We’re not out of the cold yet! February is sure to be another chilly month in the mountain town of Franklin, North Carolina, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still have plenty of fun. After a month off, the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is coming alive again with a special Dessert Cabaret. Various venues around town like Winding Stair Farm & Nursery and the Uptown Gallery have specialty classes coming up. And Gracious Plates On Main is open 7 days a week with all of your favorite Farm-to-Table dishes, unique cocktails, and specialty wines.
Come visit us at Gracious Plates On Main for a memorable dining experience this February, and don’t forget to take advantage of our Valentine’s Day Gift Card Special going on right now: Buy $25, get $5 FREE.
Local Highlights
Valentine’s Day Date Night
Gracious Plates On Main
Wednesday, February 14
At Gracious Plates On Main, it’s no secret that we love Date Night. So as you can imagine, Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite days of the year! This Valentine’s Day, we will feature a guest Sommelier who will provide a guided wine tasting at individual tables throughout dinner service. The tasting features specialty wines that you won’t find at the local grocery store, and to make it even better, all wine at the restaurant will be offered at ½ off. Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder to show that special someone how much you appreciate them, so be sure to put Valentine’s Day Date Night on your calendar and make your reservation early!
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.
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
February (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!
Lip Flip Event (Be Our Valentine)
Spa Siobhan
February 1 ~ 1:00pm
Be our Valentine – join us for a Lip Flip Event on 2.1.24 to get the perfect pout just in time for Valentine’s Day!
Tickets are $150 – this covers the lip flip + your choice of any FREE lip product (Jane, Bare, or Buxom), plus a makeup specialist will be available to help you select your perfect shade.
Prior to the event we will have a “Kissing Booth” raffle set up where one lucky winner will win a FREE lip flip during the event.
Appointments are required and will be limited. Message us or call us at 828-349-4338 to claim your spot and save
Book Club
A Novel Escape
February 1 ~ 6:30pm
On the first Tuesday 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!
Fifteen Years of Favorites – A Dessert Cabaret
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
February 1 & 2 ~ 6:30pm
For the past 15 years, the Overlook Theatre Company has called the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts their home, presenting many plays, musicals and special events. Now they invite friends, family and patrons to join them in a wonderful retrospect evening of songs, stories and fun from the last 15 years of musicals and memories, all served on stage with a decadent dessert.
Tables seat 6 people and are open by general admission the evening of the show- reserved seating is not available. Due to the intimate nature of this event, seating is limited. Doors open one half hour before the presentation begins. This event is currently sold out.
Beginner Wire Wrapping with Barbara Rizzo
Uptown Gallery
February 2 ~ 1:00pm
Join local artist Barbara Rizzo as she teaches you all about the basics of wire wrapping. You will learn how to make a bundle, make a ring, and make a pendant. cost of the class is $50 plus a materials fee.
Class is limited to 6 participants, all tools provided by instructor.
Please contact Barbara Rizzo at brdesigns14@gmail.com for more information or questions. Payment for class can be made at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin, NC.
Till Death Do Us Part: A Valentine’s Murder Mystery
McTernan Manor
February 1 & 2 ~ 6:30pm
Join Lost in Time Entertainment and McTernan Manor for a night of mystery and intrigue. This will be a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a friend or a partner. Singles are welcome also. The night will consist of the murder mystery game, appetizers, salad, entree, and dessert. The menu will be posted soon. The cost is $80.00 per person. Click on the link to purchase your tickets. Rooms are also available at the manor for the night or weekend. You will need to purchase rooms by calling McTernan Manor.
Workshop: Love Your Fruit Trees, Learn to Prune
Winding Stair Farm & Nursery
February 3 ~ 10:00am
Learn the art and skill of pruning fruit trees for health and productivity with Adam Bigelow.
Join us for a perfectly timed class on pruning your fruit trees. Adam Bigelow (of Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions) will share his knowledge about various pruning tools and demonstrate techniques for training fruit-bearing trees to optimize their performance in the coming year.
Class will last approximately 3 hours with plenty of time for asking questions about your own trees and for specific advice. Bonus: We’ll apply the same techniques learned to fruiting shrubs, like the Blueberry.
Precious Metal Clay Class with Kathleen Woodring
Uptown Gallery
February 5 ~ 11:00am
Join our jewelry artist Kathleen Woodring to explore working with silver metal in clay form. She will help you design a perfect piece for you to enjoy or to give as a special gift! You will have enough clay to make 2 pieces or a lovely set.
Limited to 5 participants. Cost: $45 members/$55 nonmembers (Inquire with Uptown Gallery if you’d like to join our membership)
Materials Fee: $60 and provided by instructor (clay, findings & chain)
Contact Artist Kathleen Woodring for any questions, or to reserve your spot! kathleenwoodring@gmail.com
Silent Book Club
A Novel Escape
February 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!
Beginner Wire Wrapping with Barbara Rizzo
Uptown Gallery
February 16 ~ 1:00pm
Join local artist Barbara Rizzo as she teaches you all about the basics of wire wrapping. You will learn how to make a bundle, make a ring, and make a pendant. cost of the class is $50 plus a materials fee.
Class is limited to 6 participants, all tools provided by instructor.
Please contact Barbara Rizzo at brdesigns14@gmail.com for more information or questions. Payment for class can be made at the Uptown Gallery in Franklin, NC.
Franklin Chamber of Commerce – Annual Awards & Installation Banquet
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
February 27 ~ 7:00pm
The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the “Annual Awards & Installation Banquet.” Doors open at 6:30pm; Dinner served at 7pm. Table availability is limited. Awards will be presented for 2023 Citizen of the Year, Club/ Organization of the Year, Duke Citizenship & Service Award, Youth Citizenship & Service Award.
Lunch & Learn
Gracious Plates on Main
February 28 ~ 11:00am – 12:00pm
Local Author Chris Jackson will be at Gracious Plates On Main with copies of some of his most popular works. He’ll be conducting a Q&A Session with attendees and signing books upon request.*Copies of Chris Jackson’s books can be purchased at the event
Attending this event is free, but we do recommend making a reservation.
All WINE will be 1/2 OFF and our full lunch menu will be available to order both during and after the event.