North Carolina Weekends

Rubies and sapphires? Did someone mention rubies and sapphires? You bet, and with good reason: the Cowee Valley, located north of Franklin on N.C. 28, is one of two spots in the world where rubies and sapphires occur in the soil. In the late 1800s, Tiffany’s of New York and the American Prospecting and Mining Company set up commercial operations in Franklin, convinced that the mother lode lay waiting to be discovered somewhere in the valley. Indeed, the world’s largest ruby, on display in the Smithsonian, was found in the area. Knowing this makes you want to go to Franklin and start mining, doesn’t it?

The area has numerous private operators; all you have to do is decide whether you want to pan “native” soil or “enriched” soil. Because I was a skeptic, I chose native soil, and what do you know, I found a perfect little ruby just right for setting.

If hunting rubies and sapphires doesn’t pan out, don’t worry. Franklin is near some great trails and is a terminus of the state’s best waterfall drive. You can also while away the day in grand style by wandering the streets of the downtown.

You won’t go hungry in Franklin. One place to try is BJ’s Ribs and BBQ. For Italian/Mediterranean fare, visit Lucio’s. For upscale dining downtown, try The Chef and His Wife.

Franklin’s website lists all of the area’s gem mines, and the chamber of commerce can also provide information about mining opportunities (see the “More Resources” section on page 328). If you go mining, go prepared. Take snacks; not all mines offer them. Consider taking a plastic leaf bag to wear as a poncho, so you’ll stay somewhat clean. If the day is sunny, take a hat and/or sunscreen. Wear shoes you won’t care about when you splash muddy water on them. Most mines are open seasonally; some are closed on Sunday. Will you find something? Could be!

Franklin Golf Course (828-524-2288), Mill Creek Resort and Country Club (800-533-3916), and Parker Meadows Golf Course (828-369-8008) are all open to weekend golfers.

The “Old Jail”—the former Macon County Jail—houses the Franklin Gem and Mineral Museum. Be sure to go into what was once the solitary-confinement cell, which now displays fluorescent minerals. From May through October, the museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. and Sunday from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.

The J. R. Pendergrass Store, located on Main Street, houses the Macon County Historical Museum. It is open Saturday from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. May through October.

Standing Indian Recreation Area, located west of Franklin, provides many opportunities for hiking, trout fishing, and mountain biking. To find it, drive nine miles west from Franklin on U.S. 64, turn right on Rainbow Springs Road, and go 1.5 miles to F.R. 67, the main road into the recreation area. For a short walk on the Appalachian Trail, park at Rock Gap, the first parking area you’ll see after entering Standing Indian, and hike to Wallace Gap, a mere 0.6 mile north. Winding Stair Gap, also to the north, is a 7.4-mile round-trip hike. The Wasilik Poplar, reportedly the second-largest yellow poplar in the United States, can also be reached from Rock Gap. The tree isn’t very pretty, but the whopping base, eight feet in diameter, is astonishing. The entire walk is 1.4 miles round-trip. If you’d like an easy waterfall walk, continue down F.R. 67 for seven miles. A 1.2-mile round-trip hike leads to Big Laurel Falls. The streams in Standing Indian Recreation Area are open to trout fishing; licenses are available in Franklin. Of course, all of the forest service roads are open to mountain bikers unless otherwise marked.

Tidbits

Standing Indian Recreation Area’s name comes from Cherokee legend. A warrior charged with watching for an evil, winged monster was remiss in his duties, allowing the creature to swoop down and carry away an Indian child. The Great Spirit then sent a tremendous thunderstorm. Lightning from the storm killed the monster, transformed the mountain bald into rubble, and turned the warrior, who was standing nearby, into a stone pillar.

In 1773,William Bartram, America’s first native-born artist-naturalist, set out to wander the southern Appalachians alone, cataloging the plants and animals he saw for an English patron. A poet, Bartram had the ability to write about what he saw in a grand, lyrical style. The record of his journey, Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, East and West Florida …, published in 1792, stands today as one of America’s most significant pieces of nature writing. The North Carolina Bartram Trail Society built and maintains a long-distance hiking trail that approximates as closely as possible Bartram’s wanderings through the state.

You can reach the Franklin Chamber of Commerce by calling 866-372-5546 or 828-524-3161 or by visiting www.franklin-chamber.com.

For area trail information, contact the Wayah Ranger District by calling 828-524-6441.

For other nearby activities, see the “Weekend in Cullasaja Country” and “Weekend in the Outdoors Capital” chapters.

May	Gem and Lapidary Wholesalers’ Gem Show
Summer	Weekend evenings are the time for “Pickin’,” a gathering of folks at the courthouse for music, dancing, tailgating, and, on occasion, mule-pulled covered-wagon rides for the kids. Those attending are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair.
September	Antique Appraisal Fair
Mid-October	The Smoky Mountain Fall Harvest Craft Festival is held in downtown Franklin.