The Joys of June in the Smokies

As the temperature warms and the trees fill out with endless green leaves, you know that it’s June in Franklin, North Carolina. Many of our guests ask us for recommendations of what to do while visiting Franklin, and as we all know, we have the best of what nature offers with perfect weather for hiking, gem mining, rafting, tubing, sightseeing at waterfalls, or attending festivals. So to answer your question, we decided to put together a list of exciting events for the month of June. We will be publishing a new list each month, so enjoy and feel free to share!

June 8 ~ 5:30-7:30pm
Each month, Gracious Plates On Main offers a "Wine Pack" of 3 exclusive bottles at a reduced rate for our Wine Club members, as well as a tasting of next month's wine pack led by their Sommelier! Joining Wine Club and attending the monthly tastings are both free.

June 10 ~ 6:00pm
For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin from May through mid-October.
Featured Band: Outlaw Whiskey

June 16 ~ 7:30pm
Debbie Gibson burst onto the music scene at 16 and instantly became the youngest artist in history to write, produce and perform a number one hit, “Foolish Beat.” She is still the youngest female and has held the world record for more than three decades. Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums and has starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from Broadway’s Les Miserables to the West End’s Grease.

June 16-18
Get ready for a day of Scottish fun, food, music and culture for the whole family as Franklin’s Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival takes to the streets as we celebrate Franklin’s deep Scottish heritage. Sample authentic Scottish foods, see demos of Highland Games, shop for authentic Scottish apparel and goods, plus you’ll hear plenty of great Scottish and Celtic music.

A parade celebrating Scottish Heritage will take place on Main Street in Downtown Franklin at 6:00pm on June 16. The parade will continue down and around to Stewart Street, where Gracious Plates on Main will be serving their famous Bangers and Mash!

June 17 ~ 1:00pm
Karen Kingsbury is a #1 New York Times Bestselling novelist with more than 25 million books in print. She is America’s favorite inspirational storyteller as her last dozen novels have hit top spot on national bestseller lists. Several of Karen’s books have been the subject of Hallmark movies. In addition, it was recently announced that Roma Downey and MGM Studios are developing a TV series out of 22 of Karen’s Baxter Family books.

June 17 ~ 10:00am - 5:00pm
A Novel Escape, our favorite bookstore, will be celebrating its one-year anniversary on Main Street. They have the best selection of new and used books in town, as well as a magical childrens’ section and a cozy reading room. Be sure to stop in to wish them a happy anniversary and check out all that they have to offer!

June 18 ~ 9:00am - 2:00pm
Treat the special father figure in your life to a hearty Brunch at Gracious Plates On Main. The restaurant will be offering the full brunch menu, which includes favorites like the Main Street Belgium Waffle, Macon Steak & Eggs, and the Franklin Empanada! Reservations can be made on the website or by calling (828) 369-2690

June 23 ~ 7:30pm
Being one of the hottest and freshest additions to American Bluegrass, Authentic Unlimited Band offers a powerful and energetic approach to every performance, complete with a combination of crafted skill, talent and years of experience. Each time AU hits the stage, they give a genuine East Tennessee feel to this beloved musical genre. Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston and Stephen Burwell were members of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver until Lawson announced his retirement. With Lawson’s blessing and guidance, the three decided to pick up the torch and carry it forward. The roster was made complete with the addition of sensational vocalist, John Meador and mandolin extraordinaire, Jesse Brock.

Bragging several IBMA awards, Authentic Unlimited is unique in the fact that the members write, record and produce their own music, which makes each performance crisp, professional and entertaining.

June 24 ~ 6:00pm
For over three decades the Town of Franklin, NC has hosted this FREE event at the Gazebo on the Square in Downtown Franklin from May through mid-October.
Featured Band: Tugalo Holler

June 27 ~ 7:30pm
Headquartered at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base near Knoxville, TN, the Air National Guard Band of the South is the official musical ambassador for the Tennessee Air National Guard, and supports the total Air Force and Air National Guard mission in war and peace by inspiring patriotism and fostering a deep appreciation of the rich history and legacy of the Air Force through exhilarating musical performances. While the Concert Band is the largest component of the Band of the South, other components include two rock bands, a jazz band, and several small instrumental ensembles.

June (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!

Friday & Saturday Evenings
Rathskeller Coffee Bar & Pub hosts live music by various artists every Friday and Saturday evening. They offer a full espresso bar, an array of craft beers, fresh baked goods, and have recently added boiled peanuts to the menu!

Layer 1

Order Online for Pick Up or Delivery

To place an order, please access our menu online.

Days and hours of operation

Monday - Friday from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday from 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sunday from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm