The April showers sure did bring May flowers, and we love seeing the color all over town! And do you know where else you can find some great color? In our refreshing farm-to-table salads, filled with ingredients sourced from local growers. With the weather finally warming up, it’s the perfect time to indulge in all of the fresh fruits and vegetables that are sprouting up in farms all over our region. AND, to make the start of season even better, we have decided to extend our Appy Thursday special and now offer 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
Macon County Farmers Market
Downtown Franklin Gazebo
Saturdays ~ 9:00am-2:00pm
The Macon County Farmers Market will launch its 2024 season downtown by the Gazebo on Saturdays this month and run through November. The market will feature 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.
After you’ve worked up an appetite shopping at the market, be sure to come on over to Gracious Plates On Main for all of your favorite farm-to-table dishes. We’ll serve our brunch menu starting at 9am, lunch starts at 11am, and our dinner menu begins at 4pm. See you downtown on Saturdays!
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.
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 $30members/$40nonmembers
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
May 2 ~ 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!
Macon County Farmers Market
Downtown Franklin
May 4, 11, 18, 25 ~ 9:00am
See our Local highlight section above.
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
May 4 ~ 10:00am
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.
The Dance Arts Co-Op Recital 2024: Traditions & Tiaras
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
May 4 ~ 2:00pm and 6:30pm
Step into the enchanting world of dance with The Dance Arts Co-Op’s captivating showcase, Traditions & Tiaras! Embark on a mesmerizing journey through classical ballet, contemporary flair, rhythmic tap, sizzling jazz, vibrant hip-hop, and spirited African dance pieces.
Join us for an exhilarating two-hour extravaganza where youthful exuberance meets timeless elegance. Experience the magic as students, aged 3 to 18, pour their hearts into each performance, expressing themselves through the language of movement.
Prepare to be swept away by moments of pure joy, contagious laughter, graceful elegance, and heartfelt emotion. Traditions & Tiaras promises to be a delightful affair for all ages, offering an unforgettable fusion of tradition, talent, and sheer artistic brilliance.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
May 11 ~ 12:00pm
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.
Brothers of the Heart
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
May 13 ~ 7:30pm
What began as four award-winning, talented friends making music together has quickly become a nationally-renowned band. Brothers Of the Heart (Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers) reimagine country, gospel and pop classics, including “Ring of Fire,” “Desperado,” “Precious Memories” and more. Showcasing impeccable arrangements and seamless harmonies, Brothers Of the Heart reminds the audience there is nothing greater than the joy of listening to great music.
Silent Book Club
A Novel Escape
May 16 ~ 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!
Lee Greenwood
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
May 24 ~ 7:30pm
From beginning to play the piano at age seven and saxophone at age twelve, music has always been a part of Lee Greenwood’s life. As an American country artist, he bridged the gap between traditional and contemporary country music and is best known for his patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” The iconic song,which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023, went far beyond what Greenwood expected when he wrote it in the back of his tour bus in 1983. The song has been in the top five on the country singles charts multiple times, giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also #1 on the pop charts after 9/11/01. Greenwood says, “USA is the song I always felt I needed to write. I wanted to have something that would unite Americans from coast to coast, and I wanted to instill pride back into our country.” While Greenwood could easily talk about the accomplishments in his life, this high-energy entertainer prefers to continue writing and recording with the same passion and integrity that has always fueled his amazing career. Greenwood continues to tour across the country and performs for many charitable events, lending his time and name to numerous organizations including Helping A Hero, of which he is the National Ambassador. Helping a Hero provides specially-adapted homes for wounded warriors and their families.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
May 25 ~ 12:00pm
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.
Spheres Bubble Show
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
May 28 ~ 7:00pm
Spheres Bubble Show is one of the most unique and amazing visual displays that you will ever see! If you like Cirque Du Soleil and Blue Man Group, you will love Spheres! The show’s creator, bubble phenom and Guinness World Record holder Blaise Ryndes from Season 13 of America’s Got Talent, describes the show as a comedic and mysterious fusion of art, science and magic! This is truly a show for all ages! Kids love the gigantic formations of bubbles and foam wafting over the audience, while adults appreciate the beauty and complexity of the unbelievable bubble sculptures. Fog, high energy music and lasers enhance these incredible effects.
