The month of November begins the transition from leaf season to the holiday season! It often brings a change of focus for us Franklinites. October was full of bustling community events and lots of visitors. But in November, we shift our attention to family, friends and celebrations. Now more than ever, spending time with close friends and family matters. In spite of the recent events in and around Asheville due to Hurricane Helene, we still have so much to be thankful for here in Franklin.
For those still trying to find that perfect venue or catering for your November gatherings, Gracious Plates On Main welcomes you to one of our tables, or in fact to as many tables as you need, in order to bring your co-workers, friends or family together in one place to celebrate or give thanks and enjoy each others’ company. Contact us for custom Catering and Event Hosting at (828) 369-2690.
Gracious Plates On Main is open 7 days a week with all of your favorite Farm-to-Table dishes, unique cocktails, and premium wines. 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. 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
Main Street - Downtown Franklin
November 30 ~ 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Join with the Town of Franklin as we ring in the holidays with Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is held on the two consecutive Saturdays after Thanksgiving from 5:00 to 8:00 each evening. The November 30th edition of Winter Wonderland, which is also Small Business Saturday, includes our Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Gazebo on the Square! Remember, our Downtown Merchants are open late both nights of Winter Wonderland with great gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list! And Gracious Plates On Main will be serving dinner and cocktails both inside the restaurant and outside on the patio until 9:00pm.
You'll find there's no holiday quite like a mountain holiday in Franklin, NC, so bring the family and enjoy all the music, lights, fun and holiday cheer of Winter Wonderland in Historic Franklin, North Carolina. Winter Wonderland is held rain or shine but subject to snow.
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.
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 non-members
Materials fee: $20.00 if not provided by student.
Email, mtully1001@gmail.com to RSVP
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.
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.
The Franklin Gem & Mineral Society
Educational Offerings
Various Dates
The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society is dedicated to sharing and promoting cultural, educational, and scientific interests in rocks, minerals, fossils, and the lapidary arts. This nonprofit offers youth education and activities through the JUNIOR ROCKHOUNDS for students, ages 7 through 17. The society also offers adult education, including field trips and classes. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday from 12:00-4:00pm.
Echoes of the Past Historic Ghost Tours
Downtown Franklin
Various Dates
Listen for “Echoes of the Past” and learn about the local legends of downtown Franklin, NC. Experience our histories and mysteries on an immersive walking tour through one of the most historically diverse and haunted places in America. From stories of pre-Columbian explorers to the Civil War to modern day, each one hour ghost tour is appropriate for all ages.
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
November 1 ~ 6:30pm
Straight from the television show America's Got Talent, the Puppy Pals comedic stunt dog show is a hilarious presentation for the whole family and the dog lover in all of us. Full of surprises and laugh-out-loud canine comedy, Puppy Pals is a fan favorite for children and adults of all ages. This is not only a show loved by all, but a family-fun experience as in every performance, they invite the audience to take part and maybe even jump in the action with the furry friends.
Featuring mostly rescued dogs, Puppy Pals is an over-the-top tale of what can happen when humans and animals come together in kindness, comedy, compassion and cooperation. Approximately one hour in length.
Downtown Franklin
November 2 ~ 9:00 am
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 are 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.
A Novel Escape
November 7 ~ 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!
Marty Haggard: A Tribute To Merle Haggard
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
November 15 ~ 7:00pm
Marty was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Of course, everyone knows his Dad, Merle Haggard. Marty considers his dad the greatest singer/songwriter ever and I’m sure a lot of people agree with that. Growing up, Marty was able to travel with his dad and witness the writing and recording of all his great songs. He also had the opportunity to know many of the country greats, like Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, and Johnny Cash, just to name a few.
It’s obvious Marty was influenced by the legendary artists and their music while traveling with his dad. In 1979, Marty began touring with his own band, signing with Dimension Records in 1981. From 1983 to 1985, Marty toured with his dad, playing guitar and singing harmony. Marty signed with MTM Records in 1986 and released Trains Make Me Lonesome, which garnered him a nomination as best new male vocalist. Marty signed with Critique/BMG in 1995 and after some time decided to leave the Nashville lifestyle behind.
In 1999, Marty and his wife, Tessa, formed Marty Haggard Music and Marty began writing and singing spiritual songs inspired by his life spent with his Grandma Haggard after his mom and dad were divorced. There were also many struggles growing up the son of such a famous father. For the next ten years, Marty traveled the country with his wife and son, Jamey, not as a preacher, but just to sing and proclaim his love and personal relationship with Jesus. He still found time to go back to his roots and play country venues, also.
Marty’s love for his dad and his music eventually inspired him to begin a new project, which he titled A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad”. In 2010, he recorded the first album of this project with a 15 song CD of Hag classics. This led to a tribute show in Branson, Mo, where he performed for two years. In 2011, Marty released A Tribute to Merle Haggard “My Dad’ Volume 2. He then took the show on the road throughout the country plus Canada, Ireland, Scotland and England.
As Marty’s song Apple proclaims, “the apple never falls too far from its tree.”
A Novel Escape
November 21 ~ 6:30pm
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!
Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge: The Musical
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
November 22 & 23 ~ 7:00pm
Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time and money. However, on one particular Christmas Eve, he is visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways and the outcome of his actions if he chooses to continue in such behavior.
Based on the classic tale by Charles Dickens, this two-act live stage presentation will entertain, enlighten and remind us all that blessings come when you least expect them from the most unexpected of places.
Written and directed by the award-winning songwriting team behind the Annie Moses Band, “Merry Christmas Uncle Scrooge,” is a powerful original musical adaptation of the Christmas classic.
Presented by Annie Moses Foundation
