Plan a Working - Summer Vacation in Franklin, NC!

Jewelry Designers, Artisans and Mineral Collectors flock to Franklin for the full schedule of Gem and Jewelry events in May and July!  Meet some of the finest vendors from around the world as well as local artists and craftsmen along with Gem Mining! ...some of the most fun you can have while digging in the dirt...and learning about the Earth Sciences!

Creative Moms and Dads - the kids are FINALLY (is it just me?) going back to school - Spring Break is over!  Next up Summer Vacation!!!  ... how about something different this time...Franklin, North Carolina is an affordable getaway that has something that will appeal to even the hardest to please teenagers.

You know the first thing the teacher asks in Fall is "What Did You Do For Your Summer Vacation!"  - can you imagine the stories your children will tell and the fabulous show & tell opportunities!

Aside from the truly gorgeous scenery and natural wonders of the Smoky Mountains, Dad will enjoy the golfing...or he could gather the entire family for hiking or gem mining, and in the evenings relax with the exciting schedule of artists at the Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center.   

The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum is housed in the historic Macon County Jail House and this year they will be celebrating "Jail House Rocks" with hours that compliment the Gem Shows.

So -  depending on work and school schedules - Franklin offers several opportunities to get some Gem & Jewelry action!!!

The Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin has three shows this year: 

10th Annual Mother’s Day Gemboree
May 6-8, 2011
Hours:  Friday & Saturday, 10-6, Sunday 11-4
Admission: Adults $3, children 12 and under free 

46th Annual Macon County Gemboree
July 28-31, 2011
Hours:  Thursday-Saturday, 10-6, Sunday 11-4
Admission: Adults $3, children 12 and under free 

22nd Annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree
October 14-16, 2011
Hours: Friday-Saturday, 10-6, Sunday 11-4
Admission: Adults $3, children 12 and under free 

All three shows are at the Macon County Community Building

Rocky Mountain Bead Bazaar is one of the longest running gem shows and has something for everyone - from minerals to home decor and collectibles to beads and jewelry...

Highlands Road Gem Show

Show Venue: 
NE corner of Highway 441 Bypass and Highlands Road, Franklin, North Carolina 

Show Dates: May 5-8, 2011 and July 27-31, 2011
Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., with many dealers available before and after these hours
Admission: Free to the public

...and for the mom with a Jewelry Design Business...G&LW (Gem & Lapidary Wholesalers) has two dates at the Watauga Festival Center (check website for required credentials):

Franklin Gem & Lapidary
Wholesalers (G&LW) Gem Show

May 7-9, 2010
July 22-25, 2010 

Watauga Festival Center
426 Watauga Road Franklin, NC 28734
Hours: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday 

G&LW Website: http://www.glwshows.com/

Important Links:

Franklin EZ-Guide: http://xpopress.com/NC-show-schedule.html

Map of the Shows:  http://bit.ly/hW3m8O

Gem Mining in Macon County:  http://xpopress.com/NC-gem-mining.html

Franklin Chamber of Commerce: http://www.franklin-chamber.com/