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Situated within the Nantahala National Forest, the city of Franklin, NC, is a popular spot among travelers wanting to explore the sprawling nature reserves of the state. If you are looking for the best offroad destinations you can visit in your brand-new 2022 Ford F-150, here are three nearby state parks you can reach in less than one hour by car. Explore Nature With Your Ford: 3 State Parks Near Franklin, NC 1. Black Rock Mountain State Park Featuring a visitor center, cottages, family campgrounds, and breathtaking mountain views, Black Rock Mountain State Park is a fantastic place to spend a weekend with your friends and family. Open year-round between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm, this public recreation area is located just over 20 miles south of Franklin and can be reached in about half an hour via Georgia Road. Encompassing an area of over 1,700 acres, Black Rock Mountain State Park sits in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides scenic overlooks. On sunny days, four different states are visible from the high points of this state park: South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia. Some of the activities you can enjoy here include boating and fishing at Black Rock Lake, wildlife watching, and birding. 2. Oconee State Park A rustic mountain park offering access to a small lake and welcoming nature lovers from all over the region, Oconee State Park is an excellent spot to visit and enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. Created and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, this place features several historic structures that were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Oconee State Park is located about 45 miles southeast of downtown Franklin and can be reached in about one hour via route NC-28. This place is a well-known destination among local anglers, offering great opportunities to catch large specimens of bream, bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, and bluegill. Other popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, camping, and wildlife watching. 3. Tallulah Gorge State Park Located a little under 35 miles south of the Franklin city center, Tallulah Gorge State Park is one of the most scenic destinations you can visit while exploring the region. Boasting a series of impressive waterfalls and a 1,000-ft. gorge, this place is a magnet for nature lovers and a wonderful spot to spend a day away from the city. This place offers great opportunities for rock climbing, swimming, and whitewater paddling. If you are planning a visit to these and other beautiful nature reserves, having a reliable, all-wheel drive vehicle is a must. Visit us today at Franklin Ford, check out our extensive lineup of new and used models, get a quote, and apply for financing with the assistance of our friendly sales agents.

Franklin, NC is home to some stunning nature activities for you and your friends to check out, as well as some amazing dessert places for you to stop by afterwards. After you've been on a long hike and are looking for something sweet and refreshing, take your 2022 Ford Edge, enjoy its intelligent AWD that will help make your drive extra smooth, and go check out one of the great ice cream shops located nearby! 1. Brain Freeze Fun Frozen Custard Brain Freeze Fun Frozen Custard is a family-owned and operated shop that is open Tuesday-Sunday. The shop's menu includes cups, cones, and sundaes and has both 2. Main Street Coffee and Yogurt Main Street Coffee and Yogurt is open daily and serves frozen yogurt, coffee and tea, frozen fruit blasts, donuts, pastries, chais, hot chocolate, and more. The shop offers 24 toppings that you can pair with its frozen yogurt, and past available frozen yogurt flavors include Georgia peach, country vanilla, strawberry, Dole pineapple, and classic chocolate. If you're more in the mood for a drink, be sure to try one of Main Street Coffee and Yogurt's frappes! 3. Jack the Dipper Jack the Dipper is a family-favorite shop that sells old-fashioned, hand-dipped scoops and warm waffle cones. The shop is open daily and its menu includes waffle cones and bowls, 32 scoop flavors, banana splits, shakes, malts, and more. Available scoop flavors include chocolate chip cookie dough, pistachio almond, mint chocolate chip, and homemade vanilla. If you're looking for a low-sugar flavor option, Jack the Dipper also offers no-sugar-added butter pecan. 4. Cinnamon Hill Gelato and Pastries Cinnamon Hill Gelato and Pastries specializes in Italian gelato and European pastries and is open Wednesday-Saturday. The shop's gelato treats menu includes cake cones, waffle cones, cups, sundaes, Italian ice, and more. Available European pastries include French fruit tarts, swan eclairs, Lebanese baklava, Neapolitan cookies, and pecan cinnamon rolls. If you're looking for an extra filling treat, be sure to try Cinnamon Hill's Mount Vesuvius. Now that you've had a refreshing treat, it's a great opportunity to look for the new car you've been wanting. Stop by Franklin Ford today and browse through our assortment of new and pre-owned Ford vehicles! We believe that building strong relationships with our customers matters, and we look forward to helping you in any way we can to make sure that your dealership experience is a great one.

After a long day at work and spending all of your time inside, what could be better than enjoying the great outdoors around Franklin? By driving to nearby local parks, you're embracing the great outdoors and being more physically active. Here are some of our favorite spots you can drive to near Franklin, NC, for outdoor enjoyment. Macon County Recreation Park Macon County Recreation Park is a great place to go if you want to enjoy the great outdoors. The park has over 300 acres of land and is located on the banks of the Macon County Reservoir. This is a great place to go if you want to spend some time with your friends or family. There are plenty of different activities that you can do at this park, including hiking, fishing, and boating. You can also enjoy picnics here or bring your own food and have a cookout! Cullasaja Park Cullasaja Park is a beautiful place to hike or picnic. The park is located about an hour from Franklin. This park offers both waterfalls and mountain climbing. The Cullasaja River runs through the park and has several waterfalls that are easily accessible for all ages. There are also several hiking trails through the forest and up the mountain that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Tassee Shelter This park is located at 675 Park Road and features plenty of green space for kids to run around or play games. There are also basketball courts, tennis courts, and playground equipment for both adults and children to enjoy. The picnic shelter is also great for hosting family gatherings or birthday parties! There are lots of trails and paths through the woods, including some great overlooks with views of Lake Norman and other lakes in the area. The shelter itself is beautiful, with great picnic tables and plenty of shade! Franklin Town Square Franklin Town Square is a great place to visit if you're looking for a more traditional park. It's a small but very well-maintained park with lots of grass and trees. There are also plenty of benches and tables, which makes it an ideal place to sit down and have a picnic. The playground has some swings, slides, and climbing equipment that kids will love. You can easily walk around the entire park in less than 10 minutes, but you'll want to spend more time here than that so you can enjoy the scenery. Franklin Town Square is located at 21 South Main Street in Franklin, 27850. Each of these spots has its own unique experience to offer, and each should be worth the detour if you're in the area. Before you hit the road, however, make sure to schedule your routine service appointment at Franklin Ford to keep your Ford vehicle in perfect running condition.

Franklin is home to gorgeous scenery, fantastic trails, and fascinating gem mines that provide numerous recreational, educational, and entertainment options. But after taking in everything this unique town has to offer, there's still plenty more to explore within driving distance to keep the adventures going. Read on to learn about a few fun day trips that you can take near Franklin, NC. 1. Athens, GA Athens is a little under two hours from Franklin and is full of character and charm. Offering art and culture opportunities, a stunning botanical garden, tasty restaurants, and recreational opportunities, this town is a gem. Check out the Georgia Museum of Art or the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. If you are visiting with kids, visit Memorial Park and Bear Hollow Zoo for fun and adventure. If you would like to shop while in town, visit downtown Athens for an eclectic and unique shopping experience or Georgia Square Mall if you are looking for larger retailers. 2. Asheville, NC Asheville is just over an hour away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. If you enjoy craft beer, stunning mountain scenery, historic architecture, and a laid-back vibe, you will love Asheville. Visit Pack Square Park for beautiful green space and walking paths. The park also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Or visit the Biltmore Estate. This sprawling property offers so many things to do and see that are incredibly impressive. In addition, be sure to check out the Walking Ghost Tour and take in a little haunted history. 3. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC Perfect for a quick trip, you can choose from many towns to visit within the Smoky Mountains, including North Carolina and Tennesee. If you are a nature lover, this is a trip you have to take. Between the breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, recreational and entertainment options, and neat towns, you can't go wrong with a trip to the Smokies. Choose from staying in cabins, hotels, and resorts, or take in the outdoor experience and go camping in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, to name just a few options. Visit the shopping districts and hiking trails, or take a helicopter ride during the day. Then check out the unique entertainment and food options at night, such as dinner shows or comedy acts. Don't forget to stop by Dollywood to round out your trip. 4. Chatuge Lake, GA Are you ready for some fun in the sun? Then head out to Chatuge Lake and enjoy all the area has to offer. Located less than an hour away is a picturesque lake that offers swimming, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities for the outdoor lover. Rent a boat or bring your own. Camp lakeside or in the woods in a more secluded setting. Spend the day hiking, swimming, or horseback riding. No matter what the outdoor adventure, the odds are you can find it at Chatuge Lake. With public swim areas, playgrounds, and a nearby golf club, the area offers fun for the whole family.These are just a few fantastic nearby places that will keep your adventures going. And we have the perfect car, truck, or SUV to keep you exploring! Visit Franklin Ford today and let our friendly staff find the perfect vehicle for you!

When you need to power your morning, the all-new 2022 Ford F150 is tough enough to handle any job your day may bring: but nothing gets you going personally like a great cup of coffee. Start your day strong by visiting some of the best coffee shops in Franklin, NC. 1. Main Street Coffee & Yogurt In the center of Franklin on Main Street, you will find a quality coffee and yogurt shop. Main Street Coffee and Yogurt serves premium coffee drinks, delicious frozen yogurt, and a variety of other beverage options. They also offer locally baked goods. Inside you will find a nicely decorated shop with friendly staff. If you're looking for the ultimate coffee experience to get you through the day, you should try this spot next. 2. Crabtree General Store & Coffee Vault Deliciously fresh coffee drinks, cool and refreshing ice cream cones, and quality local goods are what you will find when you visit the Crabtree General Store and Coffee Vault. This lovely shop is located in the center of downtown Franklin and offers visitors a nice lounging and shopping experience. If you are new to the area, you will feel completely immersed as the location does a great job of providing an experience that is both pleasing and authentic to the community they serve. You will love the friendly service you receive when you stop by this favored coffee shop in Franklin. 3. Frog Quarters If you think the best way to start the day is with exercise, fresh air, and coffee, this may be your new favorite spot. Frog Quarters is beside the Little Tennessee Greenway. The shop sells delicious coffee and tasty food. On the greenway, you can walk or bike along the Tennesee River, enjoy the butterfly garden, or stop by the park for a nice relaxing break. Try this location the next time you need a day to recharge. 4. Just Donuts! Donuts and coffee are a classic combination, and if this is the only way you want to start your day, consider this shop your new favorite spot. Here you will find breakfast sandwiches, invigorating coffee drinks, and a variety of freshly-made donuts. We recommend trying your coffee with a maple bacon donut, which makes the ultimate morning treat. 5. Bent Willow Baking Co Bent Willow specializes in providing the local community of Franklin with high-quality, hand-crafted baked goods and delicious coffee. If you want to take your coffee routine to the next level, you should give this spot a try. You will enjoy friendly service, divine coffee, and wonderfully crafted goodies every time you visit Bent Willow. We hope you have found your next favorite local coffee spot on our list. If you are looking for a quality vehicle to make your morning commute even better, then we would love to help. Contact us today at Franklin Ford, and we can help you find a vehicle you will love. We hope to see you soon!

If you are ready to treat yourself to a delicious dessert, then you will find many great spots around Franklin, NC. Luckily, with the powerfully responsive touch-screen in your new 2021 Ford Ecosport, you will have a blast navigating to all these hidden local gems. Just make sure you have a chance to try them all. Here are our favorite local places to grab a treat. 1. La Toluca Bakery When you arrive at La Toluca Bakery, you will be blown away by the variety and quality of the delicious treats you can find inside. From the outside, it seems like just a small humble bakery, but inside you will find everything your sweet tooth desires. The customer service is amazing and bilingual too. We are sure that you will absolutely love this little local spot. 2. Juanitos Ice Cream Shop Are you looking for a spot with unique flavors, a huge menu, and great service? You won't be disappointed with Juanitos Ice Cream Shop. Here you can find a cold treat or a savory snack. There are options for vegan and dairy-free diets too. You will love the atmosphere at this friendly local ice cream shop. You won't leave hungry or disappointed after a visit to Juanitos. 3. Just Donuts! If you are looking for a nice selection of freshly baked old-fashioned donuts, look no further. Just Donuts! is the spot you have been looking for. Aside from donuts, customers can find coffee, muffins, and more at this lovely little local shop. With great service and reasonable prices, you absolutely have to stop in and give this place a try. 4. Bent Willow Baking Co Delicious premium coffee drinks, artisanal bread, and baked goods made with precision and care are exactly what you will find at Bent Willow Baking Co. You will love the warm, calm, and inviting atmosphere inside the shop, and you will find yourself wanting to try everything on the menu. Luckily, this bakery is committed to the community it flourishes in, and welcomes you back each and every time. 5. Jack the Dipper Ice Cream If you're looking for a cold sweet treat, then Jack the Dipper is a must-try. You will love the delicious hand-dipped ice cream served in warm, freshly made waffle cones. Jack the Dipper is a local favorite with shops in other areas around western NC, and we can see why. With 32 ice cream flavors and a variety of options for the cones, you are sure to find your new favorite at this local ice cream parlor. We are proud to be a part of this lovely community, and we love sharing information about the wonderful businesses in Franklin. If you are looking for a new vehicle, financing, or quality service, then we would love to help with that, too. Contact us today at Franklin Ford, where we believe that the people in our community deserve great customer service and care. We looking forward to working with you!

It's hard to find anyone who doesn't love pizza, and here in Franklin, NC, there are some great places to get the best pizza. We have all the regular chains, but sometimes you want a local spot that knows how to do things right. When tonight's a pizza night for you, try one of these local spots. Vito's Pizza & Italian Tavern You'll find Vito's over at 607 Highlands Rd, and they're open from 4 pm until 8:30 pm from Wednesday through Sunday. They are actually inside Mountain Spring Spas & Pools, Inc, so don't let that throw you. They don't do delivery, which is a shame, but the dine-in experience is great, and you can always order curbside pickup. The setting here is clean, bright, and comfortable. Staff and owner are friendly, and we think you'll appreciate the service. They offer 12", 14", 16" and 18" pies with clearly marked based, one-topping, two-topping, three-topping, four-topping, and five-topping prices. There's also a deluxe topping option where you can choose seven delicious items to spread on your pizza. Our favorite toppings are the red onions, banana peppers, feta cheese, and spinach. Papa's Pizza to Go Papa's has no dine-in option, so you'll be taking your pizza out or getting delivery. They're located at 38 Palmer St. Cir and open from 11 am until 8 PM during the week and until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. They are closed on Sunday. This place has really good service, and the food is fresh and delicious: Papa's is widely considered Franklin's finest crust. In addition to the pizza, be sure to try their chicken wings. As far as pizza goes, though, we love their Papa's Premiers. These are square pizzas with a crust that goes on for miles, and The Hundred Pounder is a legend. We're talking about an 18" pie here, with 100 slices of pepperoni and an entire pound of cheese. We also love their Philly Steak pizza, the All Meat, and the Chicken Fiesta, which comes with ranch sauce and bacon. Jaxon's Downtown Jaxon's is a great family-owned place that's been around since 2015. This is delicious brick oven pizza, and it's all cooked to order (and to perfection). You'll find them at 381 Depot St, and they're open Tue and Wed from 11 am until 2 pm for lunch and for dinner at 5 pm until 8 pm. On Thur and Fri they open for dinner at 4:30 pm, and one Saturday they're open all day from 11 am until 8 pm. They are closed on Sunday and Monday. They offer three sizes of pizza: 10", 14", and 18". Their Margherita is absolutely amazing, but the Buffalo Bleu is also a killer. It's got an alfredo base, buffalo chicken and bleu cheese, red onions, jalapenos, and buffalo sauce. The Carnivore is great if you love meat (and it has meatballs), and they also have gluten-free crust if you need it. Enjoy some pizza tonight at one of these great places! Then come visit us at Franklin Ford and get the best service and selection of vehicles in town.