Franklin

• Franklin Lanes & Skateway - Here's a good, clean, fun diversion if you're looking for a break in your touring. This entertainment center on the US-441 Bypass has bowling, electronic games, mini-golf, roller skating and an excellent snack bar. You can rent almost anything you need for any activity and the total costs are much lower than you would expect. But, then, this if Franklin; things don't cost so much, here. They have a web site at franklinlanes-skate.com or phone them at 524-8567.

Exhibits & Museums

Franklin

• Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum - Visit Franklin's old jail and view an amazing collection of gems and minerals. The collection includes specimens from around the world, not just from Franklin. For more information, visit their web sit at fgmm.org or phone them at 369-7831.

• Macon County Historical Museum -

• Scottish Tartans Museum - The official registry (on computer) of all (publicly) known tartans is available to the visitor. The museum is the American satellite of the official Scottish Tartans Society of Edinburgh Scotland. Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 10a to 5p year round (Closed Sundays & Major Holidays). Admission $2 Adults; $1 for children. 86 East Main St. Franklin, NC 28734. 524-7472

• Tellico Trout Farm - While this is a working, commercial trout farm, visitors are welcome and, if you have never seen a trout farm before, this is one of the finest in the country. Phone: 349-9034.

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Highlands

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Franklin

• Gold City Gem Mine - north of Franklin on US-23/441 (just before you cross into Jackson County), Gold City has added an indoor flume. Talk of the comforts of home! In addition to the gem mining and gold panning, they have a store that is very well stocked, a jeweler for (free) gem certification and can even professionally cut your finds. Visit their web site at goldcityamusement.com or phone them at 800-713-7767 (toll-free).

• Old Cardinal Gem Mine - just off NC-28 on Rockhaven Drive is the Old Cardinal. They, too, can furnish the equipment you might need (at no charge). We couldn't find a web site for them but their telephone number is 369-7534.

• Rose Creek Mine - conveniently located just of NC-28 about 5 miles north of Franklin, Rose Creek is one of only three gem mines licensed by the State of North Carolina. Of course, finding a valuable gem stone is largely a matter of luck but, if you'd like a little assurance, Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Moonstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and a variety of Quartz have been found here by amateur prospectors. For more information, visit their web site at rosecreekmine.com or phone them at 349-3774. By the way, Rose Creek Campground is nearby.

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Franklin

• Little Tennessee River Greenway - currently four-miles long, this 13-foot wide path, much of which used to be the right-of-way of the Tallulah Falls Railroad. The history of how this came to be a public greenway is well worth reading (it is on their web site). Bicycles are welcome as are dogs on leash. At the southern end of the Greenway is Big Bear Park complete with restrooms, barbecue pit and an excellent playground.

Franklin

• Morning Mountain Glides Segway Tour - for an explanation (and photographs) of a Segway plus description of what the tour entails, visit their web site: MountainGlides.com - and/or phone them at 800-979-3370.

• Afternoon Mountain Glides Segway Tour - for an explanation (and photographs) of a Segway plus description of what the tour entails, visit their web site: MountainGlides.com - and/or phone them at 800-979-3370.