Franklin, North Carolina, is a welcoming mountain town rich in history and natural beauty. Set in the heart of the Smokies, Franklin is known for its picturesque landscapes, gem mining heritage, and vibrant downtown. Visitors and locals alike enjoy exploring the charming shops, cozy cafes, and lively festivals that celebrate the town’s Appalachian roots. With its abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking to river rafting, Franklin offers a perfect mix of adventure and small-town charm, making it a delightful destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Building A Home In Franklin, NC
Franklin, NC
Mosscreek, the Right Designer
Building a MossCreek designed home creates the perfect way to live in harmony with your surroundings. Every home is designed to fit carefully within its natural setting while offering the best in contemporary living. See “Custom Design” in our menu above to learn more about us and how we can help you realize a MossCreek designed home.
Finding a Builder
MossCreek has a network of builders in Franklin that we regularly work with and would be glad to introduce you to them. We are also happy to work with the builder of your choice.
Why People Are Building In Franklin, NC
Scenic Beauty Abounds
Franklin and its surrounding areas offer several spots with breathtaking views that showcase the natural beauty of the region. Here are some of the best places to enjoy amazing views: These locations provide stunning vistas and are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the natural beauty of the Franklin area.
Fishing
Franklin and the surrounding areas offer excellent fishing opportunities. Here are some of the best places to fish: These spots offer a mix of stocked and wild fish, ensuring a variety of fishing experiences in the beautiful surroundings of Franklin.
Museums and Galleries
While Franklin is primarily known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, there are also several museums and galleries in and around the area that offer cultural and artistic experiences. Here are some of the best:
- The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts (Highlands, NC): Located a short drive from Cashiers in Highlands, The Bascom is a well-regarded art center featuring rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art, art workshops, and community events. The campus itself is beautiful, with a covered bridge and scenic grounds.
- Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens (Highlands, NC): This facility focuses on the natural history of the Southern Appalachians. It includes a nature center with exhibits on local flora and fauna, as well as botanical gardens with native plants
- Cashiers Historical Society and Zachary-Tolbert House: The Cashiers Historical Society operates the historic Zachary-Tolbert House, a preserved 19th-century home showcasing antebellum architecture and period furnishings. The site offers tours and hosts events that delve into the region’s history.
- The Village Green: While primarily a park and community space, The Village Green in Cashiers often hosts art shows, craft fairs, and other cultural events where local artists display and sell their works.
- Highlands Playhouse (Highlands, NC): This historic theater in Highlands offers a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and films. It’s a great place to experience live entertainment and local culture.
- The Carolina Gallery of Fine Art (Highlands, NC): This gallery showcases a variety of works by local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, and other fine art pieces.
Hiking
Franklin is a fantastic destination for hiking, with numerous trails that showcase the area’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to hike around Franklin:
- Whiteside Mountain: This popular trail offers stunning views from dramatic cliffs and is about a 2-mile loop. The summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Panthertown Valley: Often called the “Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley has over 30 miles of trails that take hikers to waterfalls, mountain overlooks, and through lush forests. Notable trails include the Schoolhouse Falls Trail and the Greenland Creek Trail.
- Yellow Mountain Trail: This challenging 12.3-mile out-and-back trail leads to the summit of Yellow Mountain, where you’ll find a historic fire tower and breathtaking 360-degree views.
- Glen Falls: Located near Highlands, this 2-mile round-trip trail takes hikers to a series of cascading waterfalls. The trail descends through a lush forest to viewpoints of the falls.
- Fairfield Lake Trail: This 6-mile loop around Fairfield Lake in the Sapphire Valley offers scenic lake views and is relatively easy, making it great for families and casual hikers.
Where People Build
The homes in Franklin are built in both developed neighborhoods and on private properties. Developments to consider include: Also, discover the following geographic areas to build your new home: Large and small parcels of land are also available to build your own private estate.
Shopping
Franklin offers a variety of charming shops and boutiques that cater to a range of tastes and interests. Here are some of the best places for shopping in and around Franklin:
- The Village Green Commons: This community space in the heart of Cashiers hosts seasonal markets and fairs, including the popular Village Green Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and artisan goods.
- Cashiers Farmers Market: Located on Highway 107, this market offers fresh local produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and a variety of other locally-made products. It’s a great spot to pick up picnic supplies or unique gifts.
- Rusticks: A favorite for home decor and furnishings, Rusticks offers a curated selection of rustic and elegant items, including furniture, art, and accessories that reflect the mountain lifestyle.
- Vivianne Metzger Antiques: For antique enthusiasts, this shop features a wide range of high-quality European and American antiques, including furniture, artwork, and decorative items.
- High Country Wine & Cheese: Located in the Cashiers Commons, this shop offers a carefully curated selection of wines, cheeses, and gourmet foods, perfect for creating a luxurious picnic or enjoying a taste of local flavors.
- Acorns Boutique: Situated in Highlands, just a short drive from Franklin, Acorns Boutique offers a range of stylish clothing, jewelry, and accessories, as well as home decor items.
- The Bascom: This art center houses marvelous galleries with rotating exhibits.
- CK Swan: A lovely shop featuring handmade gifts and lovely items, as well as gorgeous pieces from as far away as Scotland.
- Reclamations: We are an Architectural Salvage and Antique store located between Highlands and Cashiers, NC. We have a wide selection of unique and one of a kind items. Our business ours are as seen here, but weather conditions may affect them.
- Scudders Antique Auction Gallery: Fine Furniture, Jewelry, Rugs, Art, Collectibles. Store open Mon- Sat. Closed Sunday. Auctions Thurs- Sat 8pm June – Dec.
- Mirror Lake Antiques: A treasure trove for antique enthusiasts.
- The Carolina Gallery of Fine Art: Fine art in a serene setting.
- The Highlands Gem Shop: We are a family run store that has been serving the Highlands, NC and surrounding communities for over 70 years. In 1952 we began as one of the first rock shops in Macon County, NC. We have gradually expanded our inventory to include fine jewelry, artisan jewelry, lots of gift items, rock & minerals, a kids department and much more! We have a little something for everyone! Come and visit the 2ND OLDEST retail establishment in Highlands. We have seen generations come through our doors and would love to keep the tradition going!
- TJ Bailey for Men: A hidden gem for men’s clothing and accessories.
Restaurants
Franklin offers a variety of dining options that range from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Here are some of the best restaurants in and around Franklin:
- The Orchard Restaurant & Events Barn: Known for its farm-to-table approach, this restaurant offers a menu featuring Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The setting is charming, with dining available in a historic farmhouse or outside in a picturesque orchard.
- Randevu Restaurant: This casual dining spot in Cashiers offers a diverse menu with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great place for a family meal or casual dinner.
- Slab Town Pizza: A popular spot for pizza lovers, Slab Town Pizza offers a variety of delicious pizzas, salads, and sandwiches in a casual, family-friendly setting.
- Cornucopia Restaurant: Located in a historic building, Cornucopia offers a relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu features a variety of American dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and entrees made from local ingredients.
- The Ugly Dog Public House: With locations in both Cashiers and Highlands, this gastropub offers a lively atmosphere, craft beers, and a menu of pub favorites like burgers, fish and chips, and creative appetizers.
- Whiteside Brewing Company: This brewery and restaurant offers a casual atmosphere with a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, and other pub fare. It’s a great spot to enjoy a craft beer and a meal with friends.
- Ristorante Paoletti: Known for refined Italian cuisine, their Tiramisu is a must-try.
- Lakeside Restaurant: Enjoy seafood and craft cocktails with a beautiful lakeside view.
- Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro: Try their trout, lamb and beef tips for an exceptional dining experience.
- Madison’s: American fine dining with dishes like Wagyu burger and trout.
- Wild Thyme Gourmet: Savor crab cakes and other American fusion delights.
- The Ugly Dog Pub – Highlands: A classic tavern with live music.
- On the Veranda Restaurant: Eclectic American cuisine overlooking Lake Sequoyah.
- Oak Steakhouse: A steakhouse experience in the Highlands.
- Villa Amato: Italian restaurant offering delicious food and outstanding service.
- The Restaurant at the Greystone Inn: Enjoy international and contemporary cuisine with a delightful menu.
- Panthertown Cafe: Serving breakfast and lunch in beautiful Lake Toxaway.
- Grand Olde Station: Experience Armenian cuisine with excellent food and service.
MossCreek, Your Natural Choice for Home Design
By Amanda Griffin
Over warm coffee and Zoom, I had a chance to sit down with Allen Halcomb, president of MossCreek, to discuss why so many people choose MossCreek to design their mountain or lake home getaway.
“Every two days, somewhere in the United States and Canada, someone moves into their new MossCreek home.” says Allen Halcomb. “That is extremely rewarding, but building a new home from concept through construction is a complex journey. It’s a process with lots of moving parts involving multiple phases, players, and pieces.”
“At Moss Creek, we believe the journey should be exciting and fulfilling for our clients, not stressful. Our experienced team understands this process, inside and out, and we’re dedicated to creating an experience that is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. We are intensely proud of the fact that we’re small enough to focus carefully on every project, while still delivering world-class results.”
An Unparalleled Standard of Unique and Recognizable Design
During our conversation, it became apparent that a dream home doesn’t need to have style limitations that are dictated by where you live. The designers at MossCreek have knowledge and experience in understanding the regional influences on architectural style, and how to blend those styles to design a home tailored to each homeowner’s aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and vision.
“No doubt MossCreek homes have a unique and identifiable style. We’re best known for our innovative Rustic home designs, and now we are blending them into Mountain Contemporary home styles as well” says Allen Halcomb. “We believe in blurring the lines between traditional living and contemporary living, and our cutting-edge designs showcase that.”
Two Great Ways to Work with MossCreek
Ready to Purchase Home Plans:
Living in a MossCreek home has been made easy with their broad collection of quick, affordable, and easy to modify house plans. These home plans are a great way to obtain a genuine MossCreek home in a streamlined process. You can browse the full collection to find just the right plan for your new home, or to discover new ideas to use in a custom designed home.
Custom Design
Crafting a detailed and intricate work of art such as a custom designed home takes time and personal attention. MossCreek’s custom design services let you realize your dream home as a one-of-a-kind work of art. Through this process, your custom home is carefully designed and tailored to meet your needs and desires. Custom home design by MossCreek is available in two levels of service: Traditional and Comprehensive. See “Custom Design” in our menu above to learn more the differences.
Regardless of which option you choose, you can be confident that your home design is world-class. Don’t just take their word for it, their homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Log & Timber Magazine, and Mountain Living.
“At Moss Creek, we believe that ‘happiness’ is in the details” says Allen Halcomb.
