Guidebook for Otto - any inaccurate info in our guide book? Let us know! :)
Food scene
Eateries we DO recommend to our guests. Our local restaurants have been closing left and right because they cannot find/keep waitstaff (same reason we have no housecleaning available for purchase; labor force is just not there). What restaurants we do have often keep limited hours, esp during the winter. We urge you to verify they are actually open before heading to their door. Seriously consider looking at their menus on line, and just phoning in your order for pick up (this will easily save you half the time). If they offer reservations, definitely take advantage of that. We are big time foodies, and love to cook. Few chefs in this county can beat our own home cooking .
The BEST restaurant in Franklin. Point of destination. Pay close attention to their hours. Very limited hours in the winter. Do not accept reservations. Cash or check only. At this time, please check to be sure they are open. https://www.facebook.com/CaffeRel/
18 min (10.3 miles) via Georgia Rd. Link to DIRECTIONS: https://goo.gl/maps/9xfcX8mczUHYfCes9
98 persone del luogo consigliano
Caffè Rel
459 E Main StThe BEST restaurant in Franklin. Point of destination. Pay close attention to their hours. Very limited hours in the winter. Do not accept reservations. Cash or check only. At this time, please check to be sure they are open. https://www.facebook.com/CaffeRel/
18 min (10.3 miles) via Georgia Rd. Link to DIRECTIONS: https://goo.gl/maps/9xfcX8mczUHYfCes9
If you're looking for a LOCAL, Southern! Cheap! SMALL town cafe, this is it. The best, cheapest breakfast in town. Lunch (last meal served at 2:00) is a meat & 3 sides for under $9. EVERYTHING made on site. You tell THEM how you want your eggs/hamburger, etc. Same staff for a decade. Great place to overhear the local gossip :). Located in the town of Franklin.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d4687230-Reviews-Normandie-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
Normandie
64 W Palmer StIf you're looking for a LOCAL, Southern! Cheap! SMALL town cafe, this is it. The best, cheapest breakfast in town. Lunch (last meal served at 2:00) is a meat & 3 sides for under $9. EVERYTHING made on site. You tell THEM how you want your eggs/hamburger, etc. Same staff for a decade. Great place to overhear the local gossip :). Located in the town of Franklin.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d4687230-Reviews-Normandie-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
ASIAN. QUIET, relaxing atmosphere. Locally owned. Fresh prepared right there. Really good sushi.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d5086737-Reviews-Sakura_Japanese_Grill_Sushi_Bar-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
13 persone del luogo consigliano
Sakura
57 Highlands RdASIAN. QUIET, relaxing atmosphere. Locally owned. Fresh prepared right there. Really good sushi.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d5086737-Reviews-Sakura_Japanese_Grill_Sushi_Bar-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
The absolute BEST BBQ in Franklin. NO place compares to it!
https://haywoodsmokehouse.com/
191 persone del luogo consigliano
Haywood Smokehouse
79 Elysinia AveThe absolute BEST BBQ in Franklin. NO place compares to it!
https://haywoodsmokehouse.com/
If you love Cracker Barrel, you'll love this place. Locally owned. Consistently good food & service. The owner literally inspects every plate going out of the kitchen, and checks w/EVERY table to be sure they were happy with their meal. Great salad bar as well. https://www.cupboardcafeandgifts.com/
40 persone del luogo consigliano
Cupboard Cafe & Gifts
7388 US-441If you love Cracker Barrel, you'll love this place. Locally owned. Consistently good food & service. The owner literally inspects every plate going out of the kitchen, and checks w/EVERY table to be sure they were happy with their meal. Great salad bar as well. https://www.cupboardcafeandgifts.com/
BEST Mexican food in Franklin. Consistently good food and service. https://mexicanrestaurantfranklin.com/entrees-menu/
12 persone del luogo consigliano
Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant
788 E Main StBEST Mexican food in Franklin. Consistently good food and service. https://mexicanrestaurantfranklin.com/entrees-menu/
Run by a mother and her sons, this place is the REAL deal when it comes to Mexican Street food. https://mexicanrestaurantfranklin.com/entrees-menu/
Rico's Tacos
712 Highlands RdRun by a mother and her sons, this place is the REAL deal when it comes to Mexican Street food. https://mexicanrestaurantfranklin.com/entrees-menu/
ONLY real Italian restaurant in town, with VERY limited hours (only open 5 – 8pm; Wed – Sat). NICE quiet atmosphere. http://luciosnc.com/
22 persone del luogo consigliano
Lucio's Restaurant
313 Highlands RdONLY real Italian restaurant in town, with VERY limited hours (only open 5 – 8pm; Wed – Sat). NICE quiet atmosphere. http://luciosnc.com/
Named after their 1st born, Jaxon's has never disappointed us. Consider splitting your order, as the calazones are HUGE. GREAT salads! https://www.jaxonsdowntown.com/
10 persone del luogo consigliano
Jaxon's Downtown
381 Depot StNamed after their 1st born, Jaxon's has never disappointed us. Consider splitting your order, as the calazones are HUGE. GREAT salads! https://www.jaxonsdowntown.com/
Our favorite Thai restaurant. Locally owned. Staff have been there for a decade. Consistently good food & service. Currently not open for inside dining, so call your order in for pick up. Quick and easy. They are less than 5 miles up 441. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d2242123-Reviews-Thai_Paradise-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
12 persone del luogo consigliano
Thai Paradise
3078 Georgia RdOur favorite Thai restaurant. Locally owned. Staff have been there for a decade. Consistently good food & service. Currently not open for inside dining, so call your order in for pick up. Quick and easy. They are less than 5 miles up 441. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g49146-d2242123-Reviews-Thai_Paradise-Franklin_North_Carolina.html
Our 2nd favorite local Thai restaurant. Consider ordering out. Can be a LONG wait. https://www.zmenu.com/boone-thai-restaurant-franklin-online-menu/
12 persone del luogo consigliano
Boone Thai Restaurant
553 Highlands RdOur 2nd favorite local Thai restaurant. Consider ordering out. Can be a LONG wait. https://www.zmenu.com/boone-thai-restaurant-franklin-online-menu/
We RARELY recommend a business outside of our county, but this restaurant is one of them. VERY popular place!! DO take advantage of their reservation feature. At Fortify Kitchen & Bar, expect great food, delicious cocktails and impeccable service in a comfortable environment. They totally support our local farmers. http://www.fortifyclayton.com/fortifymain/
157 persone del luogo consigliano
Fortify Kitchen and Bar
69 N Main StWe RARELY recommend a business outside of our county, but this restaurant is one of them. VERY popular place!! DO take advantage of their reservation feature. At Fortify Kitchen & Bar, expect great food, delicious cocktails and impeccable service in a comfortable environment. They totally support our local farmers. http://www.fortifyclayton.com/fortifymain/
Locally owned. GREAT restaurant for southern, homecooked food. https://www.msloisrestaurant.com/
13 persone del luogo consigliano
Ms Lois' Restaurant
145 Highlands RdLocally owned. GREAT restaurant for southern, homecooked food. https://www.msloisrestaurant.com/
Locals were delighted when this eatery opened this year (2020)! Franklin's 1st dedicated bagel place, and are we ever HAPPY with it!! Located downtown Franklin. Check out their website for their full menu. https://www.brooklynbagelswnc.com/menu. Consider calling in your order. Take out only. (828) 349-6334
6 persone del luogo consigliano
Brooklyn Bagels
43 Phillips StreetLocals were delighted when this eatery opened this year (2020)! Franklin's 1st dedicated bagel place, and are we ever HAPPY with it!! Located downtown Franklin. Check out their website for their full menu. https://www.brooklynbagelswnc.com/menu. Consider calling in your order. Take out only. (828) 349-6334
This is the ONLY place we'll go to for pizza. The BEST pizza you'll find in Western NC, only 5 miles north on 441. Its SMALL so we strongly suggest you call in for take out. For us, their small is a medium and can easily feed 2 (be sure to ask them to cut it in 6ths). ALL of their dishes are made for you, on the spot. NOTHING comes in frozen there. Locally owned; not a chain. CALL 1ST; they've had sketchy hours due to family and covid.
Hush Pizzaria
2720 Georgia RoadThis is the ONLY place we'll go to for pizza. The BEST pizza you'll find in Western NC, only 5 miles north on 441. Its SMALL so we strongly suggest you call in for take out. For us, their small is a medium and can easily feed 2 (be sure to ask them to cut it in 6ths). ALL of their dishes are made for you, on the spot. NOTHING comes in frozen there. Locally owned; not a chain. CALL 1ST; they've had sketchy hours due to family and covid.
Truly authentic Spanish/Cuban food, comparable to what you would get at The Columbia Restaurant in Florida, but very, very small. Reservations are available, and we would strongly recommend them. 6 miles south on 441. https://www.facebook.com/TheHushCafe/?ref=page_internal
14 persone del luogo consigliano
The Hush Cuban Café & Oyster Bar
Truly authentic Spanish/Cuban food, comparable to what you would get at The Columbia Restaurant in Florida, but very, very small. Reservations are available, and we would strongly recommend them. 6 miles south on 441. https://www.facebook.com/TheHushCafe/?ref=page_internal
BEST COFFEE SHOP IN TOWN: Bent Willow specializes in offering specialty coffee, herb teas, handcrafted batches of slow fermented, wild yeast cultured breads + authentic handmade baked goods. Their products are created with the most simple ingredients and a bit of magic. We believe in honoring each ingredient and the processes we use and feel that food is at the heart of a community, so come as you are, have a seat at our table. Outside and inside seating available.
13 persone del luogo consigliano
Bent Willow Baking Co
473 E Palmer StBEST COFFEE SHOP IN TOWN: Bent Willow specializes in offering specialty coffee, herb teas, handcrafted batches of slow fermented, wild yeast cultured breads + authentic handmade baked goods. Their products are created with the most simple ingredients and a bit of magic. We believe in honoring each ingredient and the processes we use and feel that food is at the heart of a community, so come as you are, have a seat at our table. Outside and inside seating available.
Shopping
Outdoor 76: The BEST hiker supply, outdoor recreation specialist, located downtown Franklin. http://www.outdoor76.com/
23 persone del luogo consigliano
Outdoor 76
35 E Main StOutdoor 76: The BEST hiker supply, outdoor recreation specialist, located downtown Franklin. http://www.outdoor76.com/
Absolutely the BEST place to look for something to take home to a loved one! EVERYTHING locally hand made. Works of over 200 artisans including pottery,baskets,paintings,fabric crafts,wooden items,primitive antiques, etc. Be sure to check out the basement floor as well!!
Located 16min 10.9mi of the cabin via N. US 441 (downtown Franklin). https://www.facebook.com/NC-Mountain-MADE-146580622070509/
Nc Mountain Made
36 E Main StAbsolutely the BEST place to look for something to take home to a loved one! EVERYTHING locally hand made. Works of over 200 artisans including pottery,baskets,paintings,fabric crafts,wooden items,primitive antiques, etc. Be sure to check out the basement floor as well!!
Located 16min 10.9mi of the cabin via N. US 441 (downtown Franklin). https://www.facebook.com/NC-Mountain-MADE-146580622070509/
Everything Else
Highlands Aerial Park: Outdoor adventure at its best! http://highlandscanopytour.com/
99 persone del luogo consigliano
Highlands Aerial Park
9625 Dillard RdHighlands Aerial Park: Outdoor adventure at its best! http://highlandscanopytour.com/
Rose Creek Mine: WONDERFUL way to spend a relaxing day with the family, outdoor. All ages!
http://www.rosecreekmine.com/
12 persone del luogo consigliano
Rose Creek Mine
240 Terrace Ridge DrRose Creek Mine: WONDERFUL way to spend a relaxing day with the family, outdoor. All ages!
http://www.rosecreekmine.com/
Black Rock Mountain State Park: Excellent hiking! This is a particularly good one for us to recommend to our winter visitors because the trail doesn't close down during the winter. http://www.gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain-Hiking
126 persone del luogo consigliano
Parco Statale della Montagna di Black Rock
3085 Black Rock Mountain PkwyBlack Rock Mountain State Park: Excellent hiking! This is a particularly good one for us to recommend to our winter visitors because the trail doesn't close down during the winter. http://www.gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain-Hiking
HORSEBACK RIDING-Happy Hills Acres located right here in Otto.
http://happyhillsacres.com/
happyhillsacres@gmail.com
(828) 593-9567
Happy Hills Acres
906 Hannah Mountain RoadHORSEBACK RIDING-Happy Hills Acres located right here in Otto.
http://happyhillsacres.com/
happyhillsacres@gmail.com
(828) 593-9567
Arts & Culture
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts: Be sure to check their website. Incrediable venue!! http://www.greatmountainmusic.com/
40 persone del luogo consigliano
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
1028 Georgia RdSmoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts: Be sure to check their website. Incrediable venue!! http://www.greatmountainmusic.com/
Sightseeing
Foxfire Heritage Center & Museum: Original pioneer village, recreated. Great way to spend the day with the family, outdoors, at a leisurely pace. Step back in time. https://www.foxfire.org/museum.html
54 persone del luogo consigliano
The Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
98 Foxfire LnFoxfire Heritage Center & Museum: Original pioneer village, recreated. Great way to spend the day with the family, outdoors, at a leisurely pace. Step back in time. https://www.foxfire.org/museum.html
Essentials
Ingles Market: When you're coming from the south, this is your LAST GOOD grocery store. Be sure to stop there and get everything you need. http://www.hours-locations.com/ingles-markets/ga/clayton/
100 persone del luogo consigliano
Ingles Market
176 US-441Ingles Market: When you're coming from the south, this is your LAST GOOD grocery store. Be sure to stop there and get everything you need. http://www.hours-locations.com/ingles-markets/ga/clayton/
Pickin' on the Square - downtown Franklin
NEW SCHEDULE FOR 2022!
Bi-Weekly May 14 to October 15 • 6:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Come to Downtown Franklin to enjoy an evening of FREE entertainment at the Gazebo on the Square. There is a new schedule for 2022. Pickin' will be held every other Saturday night (bi-weekly). Each edition of Pickin' will feature a variety of entertainment (weather permitting). Be sure to bring your lawn chair. Come early and enjoy one of our great restaurants. Food vendors also available.
https://www.townoffranklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html
Andy's Trout Farm. Family owned & operated. Open 10 - 5 daily, 1 - 5 Sundays. YOU catch your dinner, THEY'LL clean it for you for .75! Most fish are ~ 1lb. Cost $4.50. They are closed after Thanksgiving and reopen Mar 1 each year. One of the BEST ways we've ever cooked trout is putting THIN slices of par-cooked bacon & onion slices in the middle and grilling it. Serve that with your own homemade hash browns and onions. If you would like to borrow our fish grill basket, just ask.
16 persone del luogo consigliano
Andy's Trout Farm
116 Andys Trout Farm RdAndy's Trout Farm. Family owned & operated. Open 10 - 5 daily, 1 - 5 Sundays. YOU catch your dinner, THEY'LL clean it for you for .75! Most fish are ~ 1lb. Cost $4.50. They are closed after Thanksgiving and reopen Mar 1 each year. One of the BEST ways we've ever cooked trout is putting THIN slices of par-cooked bacon & onion slices in the middle and grilling it. Serve that with your own homemade hash browns and onions. If you would like to borrow our fish grill basket, just ask.
Come & walk through Southern Appalachian culture from the pages of Foxfire! In Business Since 1996. Open 7 Days A Week. Somewhat of an outdoor thing to do. If it is a light drizzle, just take your rain jacket. There is a short, undulating walk between buildings. VERY family friendly & economical. Volunteer owned and operated. Open in the winter with the following exceptions:
November 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving
December 23-January 1 for Christmas
We will close if there is snow that makes it unsafe to get here. If that happens there will be notification on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/foxfireorg/
54 persone del luogo consigliano
The Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
98 Foxfire LnCome & walk through Southern Appalachian culture from the pages of Foxfire! In Business Since 1996. Open 7 Days A Week. Somewhat of an outdoor thing to do. If it is a light drizzle, just take your rain jacket. There is a short, undulating walk between buildings. VERY family friendly & economical. Volunteer owned and operated. Open in the winter with the following exceptions:
November 27 & 28 for Thanksgiving
December 23-January 1 for Christmas
We will close if there is snow that makes it unsafe to get here. If that happens there will be notification on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/foxfireorg/