Franklin - North Carolina - United States. Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels
With just a small population of roughly 3,600 residents, the town of Franklin, in the state of North Carolina, experiences many of the attributes associated with small towns. The quaint town of Franklin is very closely knit and the people are quite friendly. They also work very diligently to organize and present a number of festivals and gatherings to keep the population entertained.
Life in the community is by no means stagnant as the town is actually a rather pleasant place to live. It is also a popular tourist destination and during the spring, summer and fall seasons the population almost doubles as people come from near and far to take advantage of the fantastic climatic conditions and witness the appealing scenery. The town is also the seat of the county and as such has become a well-recognized trade center in the southwestern part of the state. The driving force of the economy in the town is, as expected, tourism.
The breathtaking surroundings also account for the popularity of a number of leisure activities in the area. Common activities to be enjoyed include fishing, hunting, rafting and kayaking in and around the many brilliant lakes and rivers in the mountainous area as well as hiking and simply watching wildlife as the pristine environment lends itself to a cornucopia of activities. The surroundings also occasionally yield very valuable stones as the Franklin area is considered to be one of the richest gem mining areas in the world. While not all stones are extremely valuable there are many very striking stones to be found.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Appalachian Trail that meanders along the crest of the mountains with many networks of trails leading off in all directions. Following the Bartram Trail, visitors can get a first hand look at the flora and fauna of the region. There are numerous festivals that celebrate the mountain heritage passed down through the generations. Some examples of these festivals are Pickin on the Square, a musical event held every Saturday night, A Taste of Scotland that celebrates the Scottish heritage of the people and the largest Fourth of July festival held in the state.
There are ample accommodations to choose from. While many visitors choose to stay at one of the hotels, others love the ambiance of the mountain cabins that are rustic, yet fully furnished with modern conveniences and are often set in secluded areas. No matter what your taste in food, you will certainly be able to find it in Franklin. Thai, Chinese, American, Barbecue and Cajun are just a sample of the cuisines you can enjoy in addition to the usual collection of fast food outlets.