Family is a beautiful thing, but raising one isn’t always a peace and quiet sort of thing. Now that your kids have flown the nest and are off to make their own way, you can take a deep breath and enjoy your own glorious freedom.
It’s high time for a laid-back, ambling, refreshing vacation to ring in this new stage of life, and we believe the mountains of Franklin, North Carolina have just the thing.
Get cozy in an old-fashioned bed and breakfast
Once you’ve decided to get away, choosing the right home base is absolutely key to a first-time empty nest vacation. Franklin has so many to choose from, whether you want the historical richness of the Franklin Terrace or the roomy remoteness of Cat Creek Lodge.
Natural views without the hike
While many North Carolina visitors don’t count a vacation complete until they check out the hiking trails, you may want to take a more laid-back approach. Stops like Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are visible from the road and have convenient parking access for one-stop waterfall chasing.
Scenic drives are in surplus, too! Soak in the mountain views from the comfort of your seats as you wind your way around the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.
Wine, beer, and whiskey
Sure, the kids are grown and might be old enough to join you, but why not pamper yourself and your spouse with a vineyard or distillery tour? Savor the local wines within an hour’s drive of Franklin at Biltmore Winery, 12 Spies Vineyards and Farms, Deep Creek Winery, or Hightower Creek Vineyards.
If beer is more your speed, look no further than our very own breweries a stone’s throw from Main Street! The Lazy Hiker is just down the hill from the shops and gazebo, and Currahee Brewery is a short drive down to the base of town hill where the Little Tennessee flows.
Whiskey on the mind? Check out the stronger stuff at R.M. Rose and Co. Distillers or Moonrise Distillery for local flavor that’s sure to astound you.
The Biltmore Estate
America’s very own castle, the Biltmore Estate’s rolling grounds and lush gardens are prime spots to soak up any season. The Biltmore Winery is open for tasting, and be sure to tour the inside of the Vanderbilt’s breathtaking home! The Estate is just over an hour away from Franklin by car, and you can even catch a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway while you drive!
Antiquing and local history
With all that time saved from doing kid-centric activities, it’s time to dive in to the sort of treasure-hunting that can only be found when you go antiquing. Franklin has many different stores and specialties to offer, and you never know what sort of unique finds are in store.
Be sure to explore our many historical sites, too! Franklin has a wild and wonderful history that you certainly wouldn’t expect from a seemingly quiet and demure mountain town—let us surprise you!
Need help planning your trip?
Look no further than our 3-day Franklin getaway, also on the blog! We can’t wait to have you, and we hope it will be a memorable first-time empty nesting experience!
