March is a turning point for our wonderful town of Franklin, NC. The First Day of Spring will arrive this month, and the surrounding landscape will begin to get a little greener and may even begin to blossom. Did you know that consuming local honey can help alleviate those seasonal allergies that may start to pop up this month? And Gracious Plates On Main proudly serves Brothers Honey! In fact, Gracious Plates On Main is open 7 days a week with all of your favorite Farm-to-Table dishes, unique cocktails, and specialty wines.
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
Women’s History Sculpture Unveiling & Downtown Celebration
Women’s History Park & Main Street
March 23 ~ 11:00am
On March 23, 2024 the Women’s History Trail will be unveiling a new sculpture, located in the new Women’s History Park between the two bridges over the Little Tennessee River. The Folk Heritage Association of Macon County is donating the sculpture to the town. The sculpture, created by nationally renowned sculptor Wesley Wofford, represents three of Macon County’s diverse women – a Cherokee woman (Na-ka Rebecca Morris), an African American slave (Salley), and a pioneer woman (Timoxena Siler Sloan) – whose lives and cultures intersected in the early days of Macon County. These historical women are all connected by a specific piece of property that was on the Little Tennessee River across from the Nikwasi Mound.
There will be live music at the Gazebo starting at 12 noon and Main Street Merchants will be providing special displays and sales to celebrate the occasion.
Gracious Plates On Main will offer 50% ALL appetizers and Small Plates from 11am-4pm, so put this awesome event on your calendar and make your reservation early!
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.
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.
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!
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 2 ~ 7:30pm
The Swingin’ Medallions have been making music since the early 1960’s, with roots being panted from listening to the early rhythm and blues acts of the south. The music most often associated with the band is beach, frat rock, R&B, or shaggin’. After a few years of touring colleges from the Carolinas to the Louisiana Bayou, John McElrath took the group to Arthur Smith’s Studio in Charlotte North Carolina, to record “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love)”. The song became a million seller in 1966, and has been a party classic for college students for decades. “She Drives Me Out Of My Mind” and “Hey, Hey, Baby” were top 40 hits in 1966 and 1967, but “Double Shot” remains the signature song of the Swingin’ Medallions.
The members of the Swingin’ Medallions have changed over the past thirty years, but the style of the band has always included around eight members with at least a four piece horn section. The high energy party style stage performance of the first Medallions has been passed down to the band that performs today.The present Medallions stage show has coined them the name “The Party Band of the South.”
Community Day of Giving – Magnolia Mission
Gracious Plates On Main
March 6 ~ 11:00am-9:00pm
We are proud to announce that we’ll be hosting a Community Day of Giving to benefit Magnolia Mission on Wednesday, March 6. All Wine will be 1/2 Off and 10% of all sales from the day will go directly to the nonprofit. So come out and eat for a good cause. Make your Reservation now.
A Novel Escape
March 7 ~ 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!
Introduction to Collage: A Green Apple
Uptown Gallery
March 9 ~ 10:00am
Join Cheryl Harris for a single class lasting approximately 2-3 hours. An 8×8 cradled panel that has been prepared for painting and collaging will be provided for each student. The class includes painting the background of the panel, tracing the image provided on to the panel and underpainting the image before collaging. A variety of stenciled papers will be provided for students to select for their project. Students will learn to select and tear papers used in the collage along with applying the papers to the panel using professional grade adhesive. Upon completion varnish will be applied to the finished projects. Each student will leave with a finished project.
Class fee: $35 members $45 non-members. Must pay in advance to register. $20 supply fee due at class. Materials required and whether provided by instructor or student:
Supplies included: 8×8 cradled panel prepared with sealant and gesso, a variety of stenciled papers to use in the collage, gel medium adhesive, varnish, paint. All supplies are professional grade.
Contact Cheryl Harris at stuff4cheryl@yahoo.com with any questions.
Uptown Gallery
March 9 ~ 3:00pm
Free and open to the public: Join us as we celebrate the talents of Macon County Schools K-12 students with their Youth Art Month exhibit at the Uptown Gallery. Light refreshments will be served. Artwork will be on display for the month of March, but come to support these young artists at the reception. Contact the Uptown Gallery at franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com with any questions.
Spring Ornaments (Heart or Circle) with Carol Lynn Johnson
Uptown Gallery
March 11 ~ 12:00pm
Class Project: Spring Ornaments (heart or circle – your choice). Class fee : $80 MCAA members/$90 non members (includes instruction, all materials and 1 kiln firing). Location: artist’s home studio
Join Fused Glass artist Carol Lynn Johnson for an introduction of and experience in glass fusion. In this class you’ll learn about glass safety, the different types of fusible glass, project design and you will create 3 spring ornaments. Email cljohnson0632@gmail.com to preregister as space is limited.
Alice In Wonderland: The Musical
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 15 & 16 ~ Various times
When Alice is stuck with her sister in a dull and boring park, magic ensues when she follows a very energetic (and late) white rabbit racing to his next destination. Little does Alice know that this one simple act, will send her falling down the rabbit hole to a magical land filled with crazy creatures, sinister sidekicks and a loud-mouthed Queen of Hearts who is determined that everyone should lose their head (both literally and figuratively). Up is down, large is small and nothing makes sense, much to Alice’s frustration, while attempting to make her way back home- and in the process discovers that even in the most simple of experiences and treasures, a true Wonderland can be found.
Filled with fun songs, creative storytelling and a little theatrical magic, Alice In Wonderland brings an exciting twist to the classic book written by Lewis Carroll. Approximately one hour in length. Presented by the Overlook Theatre Company.
Garden Stakes Glass Class with Carol Lynn Johnson
Uptown Gallery
March 16 ~ 12:00pm
Class Project: Garden Stakes. Class fee: $80 MCAA members/$90 non members (includes instruction, all materials and 2 kiln firings). Location: artist’s home studio
Join Fused Glass artist Carol Lynn Johnson for an introduction of and experience in glass fusion. In this class you’ll learn about glass safety, the different types of fusible glass, project design and you will create 2 garden stakes. Email cljohnson0632@gmail.com to preregister as space is limited.
A Novel Escape
March 21 ~ 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!
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 21 ~ 7:30pm
Between 2002 and 2023, Jeremy has released twelve albums, five of them RIAA- certified as Gold. He has sold over 6 million albums with 43 #1 singles across all formats. His music has earned him numerous awards and nominations across the Christian and secular music industries, including five GMA Dove Awards, Grammy nomination, three American Music Award nominations, and four ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards. Camp was named Billboard’s #2 Christian artist of the decade as well. Outside of music, in 2020 Jeremy had an international theatrical movie release called “I Still Believe” which hit #1 in the box office opening weekend. The film depicted his life story of love and loss of his first wife after a battle with cancer. Camp has always written songs about his experiences and continues to write from the deep places of his heart.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
March 21 ~ 9:00pm
A limited number of post-show Meet & Greet tickets are available! Fans who purchase the VIP Meet & Greet will be able to take a post-show photo with Jeremy Camp. Admission to the performance is not included with the VIP Meet & Greet ticket. This is a separate upgrade that must be purchased in advance, in addition to a show ticket.
Winding Stair Farm & Nursery
March 23 ~ 11:00am
Visit Winding Stair Farm & Nursery for their special Anniversary event! There will be special sales, local vendors, educational activities, and more.
The Gem & Mineral Society and Museum
March 23 ~ 11:00am
With over 35+ vendors all located on Phillips Street in Downtown Franklin from 11am till 5pm. 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.
Women’s History Sculpture Unveiling & Downtown Celebration
Women’s History Park & Main Street Downtown
March 23 ~ 11:00am
See our Local Highlight section at the top of this Blog for more details.