Planning your Valentine’s Day in Western North Carolina? There’s certainly plenty of opportunities to make time for romance in Franklin, NC!
These days, the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a large city can make finding opportunities for romance rather difficult for couples. With all of the traffic and the seemingly endless cycle of road construction, just getting to a restaurant or a theatre is enough to stress a couple out before the date even begins. On top of that, you certainly can’t hope to dine at a quality establishment unless you think to make reservations weeks in advance, especially on holidays. And finally, there’s the inevitable multi-vehicle accident that will back up traffic for miles down the highway, blocking the route home at the end of the night. Eventually, the task of planning a successful romantic outing becomes so stressful that it almost just doesn’t seem worthwhile anymore.
Romance in Franklin?
While this may be the story for many living in vast metropolises, the residents of locales with both small-town charm and diverse amenities experience a very different story. Franklin, North Carolina, located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, has built a community of shopping, dining, entertainment, recreation, and more, all while maintaining the small-town feeling that has always made the area so welcoming.
Dining
Located just a few blocks from the quaint streets of Sanctuary Village, Main Street is a hub for leisurely romantic outings, offering an array of wining and dining options. Step up to J.R. Chophouse bar for a selection of hand-crafted, specialty cocktails, or slide into a private, candle-lit booth at Gracious Plates for a delicious dinner. Afterward, be sure to head just down the road to the Slanted Window tasting room for a glass of the only wine bottled in Macon County. It’s said to rival the quality of anything coming out of California.
Entertainment
During the main season, check out the show schedule at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. This state-of-the-art theatre is host to a variety of events including classic musicals, ballet performances, concerts, comedy acts, and more. And if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, just pop into Ruby Cinemas to get a bag of popcorn and catch one of the latest movie releases with your sweetheart.
Outdoor Beauty
If you’re feeling adventurous and really want to get away from the crowds for a romantic interlude, take a couples hike to Laurel Falls just past Standing Indian Campground. The trail is very easy to traverse, winding alongside a river nestled in the forest and ending at a beautiful waterfall. It’s the picture-perfect opportunity to pop a certain question if you know what we mean!
Without question, the small-town vibes combined with the high-quality amenities of Franklin, NC create the perfect atmosphere for romance to bloom in any season. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a birthday, or a first date, Sanctuary Village offers the perfect location from which to experience it all.