Summer will officially begin this month, and you can already feel the change in temperature all around us. Fortunately, Gracious Plates On Main is here to help you beat the heat with fresh salads full of healthy crisp veggies; refreshing craft cocktails; and our full menu of farm-to-table dishes. And remember, our Appy Thursday special has been extended to every weekday! Buy one, Get one 50% off appetizers Monday-Friday, 4-6 PM.
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 Highlights
Taste of Scotland Festival
Downtown & Macon County Fairgrounds
June 14-16
The Taste of Scotland Festival will take place on Father’s Day Weekend. It all starts with a Celtic Parade downtown by the Gazebo on Friday evening. Then you’ll find an array of activities and demonstrations at the Macon County Fairgrounds starting first thing Saturday morning. The fun will include Highland Games, Scottish foods, music and Bagpipers, dancing, ax throwing, Border Collie and falconry demonstrations, and so much more! This annual event is sure to provide loads of fun memories for folks of all ages, so add it to your calendar.
After you’ve worked up an appetite having fun at the festival, be sure to come on over to Gracious Plates On Main for all of your favorite farm-to-table dishes. 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-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. And thanks to a sponsorship from Gracious Plates On Main, there will be 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 welcome. These classes are led by instructor Maryellen Tully. Libations and snacks are also welcomed!!! Materials list is available.
Class fee $30 members/$40 non-members
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!
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
June 1 ~ 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
June 6 ~ 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!
The Nashville Celts
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
June 7 ~ 7:30pm
Top Irish and Scottish musicians have united with the finest Nashville players to create the fiery new sound and energy of The Nashville Celts. Described as Americana Irish music, The Nashville Celts combine Irish music instruments such as uilleann pipes, Irish whistle, and bodhran with American folk instruments like the 5-string Banjo, mandolin, and dobro. The Nashville Celts also blend their keen American pop songwriting skills with traditional Irish reel instrumental breaks.
When asked about their musical style, leader of the group Ric Blair says, “I wanted to assemble not only great musicians from both sides of the pond but also great songwriters to form The Nashville Celts and I think we’ve done that. Irish music was a huge influence towards the development of American Bluegrass, Country and pop music. So, our goal was to bring the music back full circle, but to also combine the emotion of ancient Irish instruments with the pop sensibility of American music.”
The Nashville Celts pack concert halls around the world including The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, The Lincoln Center, and Performing Arts Centers, Theaters and large Casinos across the country; including multiple appearances on NPR, WSM Radio, PBS shows like Music City Roots and The Bluegrass Underground. Later this year they are set to appear on the Woodsong’s Old Time Radio Hour which also airs on PBS. Blair credits much of their success to their exposure on PBS. The group has shared the stage with Vince Gill, Cathy Jordan, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altan, Ricky Skaggs, Tim O’Brien, Patty Loveless, just to name a few.
Grains of Sand Band: Beach. Soul. Motown.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
June 14 ~ 7:30pm
The Grains of Sand Band are a diversified seven-piece show band that plays your favorite Soul, Beach, and Motown music from the 60’s, 70’s with just a splash from the 50’s. Sing along to favorite classic tunes as the band takes you on a stroll down memory lane. A definite fan favorite!
Taste of Scotland Festival
Downtown & Macon County Fairgrounds
June 14-16
*See Local Highlight section above.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
June 15 ~ 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.
Silent Book Club
A Novel Escape
June 20 ~ 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!
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
June 22 ~ 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.
Comedian Henry Cho: From Here to There Tour 2024
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
June 29 ~ 7:30pm
On February 11, comedian Henry Cho was inducted as the 229th member of The Grand Ole Opry. This prestigious honor has not been extended to a comedian since 1973. Henry’s TV credits include appearances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, CBS’s The Late, Late, Show, and NBC’s Young Comedians Special. He served two years as host of NBC’s Friday Night Videos and had many guest roles on various network sitcoms. Henry was co-creator, co-producer and co-writer of “The Henry Cho Show” on GAC. Henry’s one-hour Comedy Central Special, “What’s That Clickin Noise?” Was also on Netflix. Henry can also be heard daily on Sirius, XM, Blue Collar Radio and Pandora. Some of Henry’s film credits include Universal’s McHale’s Navy with Tom Arnold and David Allen Greer; Say It Isn’t So with Heather Graham and Sally Field; and Material Girls with Hilary Duff and Angelica Houston produced by Madonna. Henry was the keynote entertainer for The 59th Annual Radio & Television Correspondents’ Dinner and has worked extensively with Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Willie Nelson, Carrie Underwood, Reba and many others. Henry’s clean comedy is so versatile that he can headline Vegas and then tour with Michael W. Smith.
Henry filmed the Faith-based Indy film “Saving Faith” in which he co-starred and also co-producer was released by Lions Gate. Henry has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film by the International Christian Film Festival. Henry recently completed filming a Hallmark movie “The Farmer and the Belle- Saving Santaland”.
