Summer is upon us, and it’s the perfect opportunity to spend special time with friends and family. There are so many fun activities and outings to choose from in Franklin this month, so why not choose more than one? From theater shows to festivals, downtown markets to art classes, you’ll find something for everyone in this special town we all know and love. And Gracious Plates On Main is here to make sure that all of your dining experiences are top-notch!
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
Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Franklin
July 4 & 5
The Town of Franklin, North Carolina invites you to join us for our Independence Day Parade & Celebration on Thursday, July 4th beginning at 11:00 a.m. Franklin hosts one of the few July 4th parades that visitors and locals alike can actually participate in! If you would like to be part of the parade, be in the lower parking lot of Town Hall at 10:30am for lineup. Entrants can walk, drive or ride and are encouraged to don red, white, and blue. The same applies for pets. THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE! Just come join in the fun! The Parade will travel down Main Street and disband at First Citizens Bank. Following the parade, the Town of Franklin will be serving free cold watermelon as long as it lasts! Plus there will be FREE inflatables for kids, a water feature from Franklin Fire & Rescue and lots of great food and snacks.
Our celebration of Independence Day continues on Friday, July 5th, with a special afternoon and evening of live music, great food, and concluding with “Fireworks Over Franklin”. Activities get underway at 5:00 p.m.
Gracious Plates On Main will be open 11:00 am until 9:00 pm on both July 4 and July 5 with plenty of food and drink and outdoor patio seating for the perfect vantage point. We’ll also be featuring our Let Freedom Ring cocktail. It combines Passion Fruit Rum, House Made Lemonade, Blue Curacao, and Grenadine for an amazingly refreshing experience! We will be offering Buy One Small Plate and Get one Small Plate 50% Off all day on July 4th! See you downtown!
Weekly Wine Tasting
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-2:00pm
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
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!
Independence Day Celebration
Downtown Franklin
July 4 & 5
*See Local Highlight section above.
Independence Day Specials
“The Gemstone Gallery” & “Highlands Road Gem Mine”
Week of July 4
“The Gemstone Gallery” & “Highlands Road Gem Mine” will be Celebrating all week with specials for the Fourth of July. They are offering Store Wide Sales with 20% off all merchandise. Check out their Gemstones, Jewelry, Rock Specimens, Geodes and Carvings! And 10% off on all the Gem Dirt Buckets.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
July 6 ~ 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.
Book Club
A Novel Escape
July 11 ~ 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!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
July 12, 13, 19, 20 ~ 7:00pm
One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. This magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles and is appropriate for all audiences and groups.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
July 13 ~ 1:00pm
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.
Franklin High School Cheerleading Squad – Community Day of Giving
Gracious Plates On Main
July 18 ~ 11:00am-9:00pm
We are proud to announce that we’ll be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit the Franklin High School Cheerleading Squad on Thursday, July 18. 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
July 18 ~ 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!
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
July 20 ~ 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.
Christmas in July
Downtown Franklin
July 27
‘Tis the summer season for SAVINGS! Check that list for who’s naughty and nice because Santa is coming to Franklin…and he’s wearing sunglasses. Get started on your Christmas list and enjoy a great time for the whole family on Main St.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
July 27 ~ 1:00pm
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.