Planning a Visit to the STM

**wingedferret** · 29th July 11, 07:24 PM

I'm planning a trip to the Scottish Tartans Museum at the beginning of September

. I know quite a few of you lads have been there before, so any advice on Hotels and other activities would be appreciated.

It will be the wife and myself, so some non-kilt related stuff would also be good.

Any particularly good B&B experiences?

**Mael Coluim** · 29th July 11, 08:49 PM

The Hampton Inn is where I stayed and I was content with it.
But I do recommend stroll to the Rathskelter for a pint of Bellhaven Scottish Ale.

Here’s my photolog on my 2010 kilted vacation to Carolina.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 30th July 11, 04:41 AM

While you are here some other highlights you might want to check out...

If you can drive up to WCU and see their Mountain Heritage Museum (right by their main entrance) there is a nice exhibit on the Ulster Scots migration to the area.

If you are into Native American Heritage at all, you can't miss the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, in the town of Cherokee, which is not far from Franklin. In Franklin itself we have the Nikwasi Indian Mound, just a stone's throw from our museum.

Of course there are the requisite antique shops, and loads of hiking to do. We are not far from the Smoky Mountain National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, et al.

September is a great time to visit, you should have a wonderful time!

**wingedferret** · 30th July 11, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

If you are into Native American Heritage at all, you can't miss the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, in the town of Cherokee, which is not far from Franklin. In Franklin itself we have the Nikwasi Indian Mound, just a stone's throw from our museum.

Ooh A wonderful suggestion. thanks to both of you.

**fluter** · 30th July 11, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by wingedferret

Any particularly good B&B experiences?

AFAIK the only bed and breakfast in Franklin proper is Oak Hill Country Inn; I have not stayed there, but it looked nice from the Web site. Searching for Sylva, Waynesville at ncbbi.org will yield a few more.

A drive through Nantahala or Pisgah National Forest tops my list of things to do.

**fluter** · 30th July 11, 08:37 AM

P.S. Seconding Mael Coluim's recommendation, the Rathskellar has really, really good coffee as well.

There are a number of good & interesting restaurants around Franklin. My info is a few years old, but ask around.

**cavscout** · 30th July 11, 08:56 AM

Great time of year to be in the Smokey's.

A drive up Clingman's Dome would be worth your time. You'll go through Cherokee on the way so it would be a nice day trip out of Franklin. You can catch views of Lake Fontana below and the Smokey Mountains all around you from the observation tower on top. If you fancy a bit longer "stroll" a walk out to Andrews bald will get you just far enough from civilization to feel secluded but not so far that you can't get back to a hearty meal.

Bryson City is another great little town nearby on the waters of Deep Creek. Some nice waterfall trails in Bryson City.

If you want a good read related to the area you can check out Our Southern Highlanders by Horace Kephart. He also wrote several other books about Appalachian life.

**cavscout** · 30th July 11, 09:10 AM

Let me add Mingus Mill to your list of things to see while passing through Cherokee. You'll go right by it on your way up to Clingman's.

Here's a shot of the path along the feeder sluice in October

**Ryan Ross** · 30th July 11, 09:12 AM

My parent's always stay here:

http://www.blainehouse.com/

It's a really nice B&B and you can walk to the museum from it, if you'd like to.

**fluter** · 31st July 11, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

My parent's always stay here:

http://www.blainehouse.com/

It's a really nice B&B and you can walk to the museum from it, if you'd like to.

Thanks for that, Ryan. I'm glad to know that is there.

It'll be a nice brisk walk (1/2 mile uphill), but I'd be game. As long as the heat index is below 112F.