The weather is finally cooling down, and Franklin has plenty of fun outings to offer this month. There are crafts shows and farmers markets downtown every Saturday. The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts has shows scheduled nearly every weekend. Ghost Tours have returned. And the best Farm to Table dining experience is right on Main Street!
Gracious Plates On Main has recently introduced a brand new menu of Seasonal Specials. Filled with locally-sourced ingredients, these dishes offer a variety of flavors that will excite and delight. From Asian Shrimp Wraps to Blackberry Baked Brie, Fried Green Tomatoes to the Burrata Cheese Plate, these new seasonal offerings are waiting to be enjoyed. 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
Echoes of the Past Historic Ghost Tours
Downtown Franklin
Various Dates
Historic Ghost Tours have returned to downtown Franklin, and we can’t tell you how excited we are! 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.
Gracious Plates On Main will be open 9:00 am until 9:00 pm on August 3, with plenty of food and drink and outdoor patio seating for the perfect Block Party vantage point. 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-1:00pm
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.
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.
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.
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
September 5 ~ 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!
Artisan Alley Downtown Market
Downtown Franklin
September 7 ~ 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.
Departure: The Journey Tribute Band
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
September 7 ~ 7:30pm
A fan-favorite returns! After more than a decade and a half together, Departure has become the most respected Journey tribute band in the nation. Departure replicates the look, sound and feel of the original 80’s rock super group. The five band members are from the original line-up and have been together from the very beginning. These veteran musicians have developed an amazing on-stage chemistry and pride themselves on giving their audience an incredible high-energy, qualitative stage show from start to finish. Departure plays all the hit songs that everyone knows and loves and was voted “Best Local Entertainer” for 2011, 2012 and 2014 by Gwinnett Magazine. Performing approximately one-hundred shows annually, Departure brings the very best of Journey to audiences of all ages.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
September 14 ~ 10:00am
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
September 19 ~ 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!
Who Wants To Be A Star Talent Competition
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
September 21 ~ 7:00pm
Over twenty acts will be selected for this exciting evening of talent, fun, entertainment and laughs where a GRAND PRIZE OF $1,000.00 WILL BE GIVEN TO THE 1ST PLACE WINNER! Scoring will be based upon 50% audience votes and 50% guest judges votes. Bring your family and friends to cheer on your favorite act! Performances to include singing, dancing, comedy, bands, variety and more! All proceeds will benefit the ministry of missions. Please visit www.innoflastresort.org for more information about the presenter of this event.
Phillips Street Market
Downtown Franklin
September 28 ~ 10:00am
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.
John Schneider
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
September 28 ~ 7:30pm
Known to all from his indelible role as “Bo Duke” on The Dukes of Hazzard, John Schneider’s acting career has endured far beyond the day of Dukes. Stand-out roles as “Jonathan Kent” on Smallville, “Jim Cryer” on Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, and recurring roles on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, Nip/Tuck, The Secret Life of the American Teenager and Dancing with the Stars have combined to a long and enduring career.
As an independent filmmaker, John combines his multi-faceted talents to write, direct and star in 13 films at his independent studio in Louisiana, including *Christmas Cars* (2019), *Stand On It* (2020), *Poker Run* (2021), and *To Die For*. John has also had roles in a series of cross-generational smashes including *Smokey and the Bandit* (Burt Reynolds) to *Felicity: An American Girl Adventure* (Shailene Woodley) and *Sydney White* (Amanda Bynes) preceded Lifetime’s 2021 holiday hit, *Christmas In Tune* in which he co-starred with country superstar, Reba McEntire with five #1 singles on the Billboard Country chart. John’s talent as a singer-songwriter continues to accompany his multi-faceted acting career. He also has over 20 albums to his credit, including his most recent two, *Southern Ways* and *Recycling Grace*. John’s vocal prowess and passionate delivery create an authentic and intimate connection with his audiences.
At the age of 23, John became a co-founder of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, which has since raised more than $8 billion dollars for children’s medical research. He continues serving CMN today.
Presented with special guest, Cody McCarver.
