Things To Do
Franklin
Explore the town where John grew up! Downtown Franklin is a 15 minute drive from our home in Otto. We recommend getting a coffee and snacks from the Rathskellar. Lunch at the Gazebo Cafe. There's a lovely greenway along the Little Tennessee River. Or borrow a few of our discs for a round of golf at Sunny Side.
Nikwasi Mound
In Franklin, you can see the Nikwasi Mound, the spiritual center of the Middle Towns, once surrounded by a thriving town on the banks of the Little Tennessee. It stands at almost its original height, and if you walk around the base of the mound you can appreciate it. You can park at the mound to read its interpretive signage (in English and Cherokee language). The tribe asks that you do not climb the mound. It originally had a townhouse on top, where the sacred fire burned. Hundreds of acres of cornfields, gardens, and orchards surrounded it.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
Another Fun Fact, John was a brewer at this local joint in downtown Franklin. Lazy Hiker offers delicious beers, outdoor seating with a wonderful view, pet friendly, and there's a disc golf putting course around the parking lot.
Little Tennessee River Greenway
Just down the street (east) of the Nikwasi Mound you can access the Little Tennessee Greenway, a six mile walkway along the river which follows old Cherokee paths. You can see native plants, wetlands created by beavers, and a just- planted heritage apple orchard. There is also a picnic shelter with public restrooms.
Clayton
We love walking around, people watching, window shopping, and enjoying delicious meals here. Clayton is about a 15 minute drive from our home. We frequently go to the Universal Joint for a casual and tasty meal. There are also lots of shops downtown and easy walking all around the town.
Bull Sluice
This is a beautiful place to take a short walk down to the Chatooga River for swimming, watching kayakers do fun tricks, or picnic on the beach. Tubes and kayaks can be rented from local outfitters as well.
Pickens Nose Trailhead
This is one of our very favorite hikes. The views are incredible, and it's fairly moderate 1.5 mile hike (round trip). Little known fact, this is where John was planning to propose to Julia, but then she beat him to it.
Highlands
Highlands is a small, beautiful town about 40 minutes from our home in Otto. You'll enjoy beautiful mountain views on the drive too. Highlands is a great place to spend a lot of money at the many shops. Fun fact, John used to cook at a Mountain Fresh, a small grocery store and restaurant which Julia highly recommends.
Whiteside Mountain Road
A few miles past Highlands you'll find the trailhead for Whiteside Mountain, a 3 mile round trip moderate hike with extremely beautiful views. Four thumbs up for this hike. John and Julia like to go for the hike, and refresh on the way home through Highlands at Mountain Fresh.