Nov 1, 2008. I cannot believe this has the Days Inn name! I gave it a TERRIBLE rating because it's supposed to be a DAYS INN If I had found it along the highway & paid $30 I would have expected the following & would have rated it "Okay but some problems" Room # 18: GOOD STUFF FIRST: TV &... more

I think they have the best barbecue in town. more

This is your typical 1950's motel. Mom and Pop operation, for sure. Very clean and comforable. Courteous staff. Average continental bkfst. Great value. Perfect for a nights rest, but probably not for a final destination. Good wi-fi. Good shower. more

This is one of the only places in this very rich mining region of North Carolina where one can actually do some mining. Nothing here is sold by the bucket, and nothing is "seeded" or "salted". Noone is guaranteed a find. You have to search, work at it, and, nearly everyone finds something. There is really a challenge and a... more

This was our first time taking a trip to see the fall colors. We decided on Standing Indian Campground in Franklin, NC because they were the only one left with openings that had showers. It was BEAUTIFUL. The campground was great and very peaceful and we were very close to two waterfalls (Laurel and Mooney Falls). There were many hiking... more

We arrived at Mason's Mines on a cool October morning, not ever having mined for gems before. Wesley met us and explained the process to us and before we could get started, Pete, the owner joined us and set us set up. We trudged up the hill, dug our own dirt , and trudged back down the hill. This was... more

Our family rented 2 rooms from Carolina Motel in Franklin NC. The rooms were so clean and nice, we were scared because we had never stayed there before, But to our delight it was a perfect place to stay a few days and tour around and do all the things to do in that area. The whole area was quaint... more

This is definitely "Motel Hell"! I would advise anyone going to Franklin NC to avoid this place. Sleep in your car if you must, but stay away. I was there the weekend of Oct 10, 2008. Since I stopped in to get a room that evening, I accepted the assignment of a smoking room on short notice. I didn't pay... more

My family and I just returned from a fantastic Mining expedition. My wife and I had as much fun as our two sons, 5 years and 3 years, had a great time all day. We arrived at 10am and left at 3:30pm. Yes, that's 5 hours of entertainment for kids (and adults) outside, digging dirt, hauling buckets, and cleaning rocks.... more

We have eaten at Lilli, a French Bistro, several times since it opened last spring and continue to marvel at the quality of Chef Jeffrey Forrest's food. He uses fresh ingredients, local when possible, to produce classic french dishes tailored for American's taste. The wine available for pairings has been well chosen to complement the food and is offered at... more

Our favorite gem-mining place is Mason Mountain. It's a family-run business and has been there a long time. They were very helpful and nice.We were extremely happy with how beautifully they cut the gems that we found at the mine. Out of several large groups of gems, we had one cut into a 4+ carat emerald, one into a 31/2... more

Caffe REL in Franklin, NC is a stop worth making. We are about to make our 4th trip to Franklin and are already planning a dinner at Caffe REL. Cozy and always in demand; Food is amazing, prices are reasonable and the owner (R.obert E. L.ong) is charming! They don't take reservations so plan ahead or plan to wait a... more

My husband and I had seen Sheffield Mine featured on the travel channel, like so many others and we had planned our vacation not just based on the show, but our love of playing in the dirt. We did our research, read all the reviews so we were prepared for extremely rude people, sneaky employees and jaded instructors. Our experience... more

Living in Atlanta, well known for its fine restaurants and delicious foods, we were wonderfully surprised at this gem in the rear of a Hot Spot! An extensive menu backed up by food prepared by an award-winning Chef. The dinners are out of this world, but if you can only go by for the lunch fare, be sure and try... more

Orders are placed at the counter from a menu on the wall and you find your own table and serve yourself for drinks. They have sandwiches and pasta and pizza. Their meat sauce is the best! It's very casual and kid friendly, too. Great spot for a quick lunch. Not open on Saturday evenings or Sunday. more

This was my first trip to any gem mine. I drove for over ten hours from St. Louis Missouri to the mine. Since it was such a long drive I researched it as much as possible to make sure I had the best experience for my daughter (9) my son (7) my wife (not saying) and myself. I am a... more

I read that this hotel was recently remodelled but it looked like new. The staff was very friendly and the room nicely equipped and decorated. more

To: BentleyBoy Mount Dora, FL I think you may have went to Mason Ruby Mines instead of Mason Mountain Mines from the pictures and your description. Check both sites and compare. Mason Mountain has clean restrooms – not porta potty, you sit under the cover, buckets are salted with some items, and the finds are really good. We went to... more

Unlike the two other Mines I wasted my time and money with during my trip to Franklin. This Mine made up for every let down I had experienced! The staff are completely knowledgable about every stone you find, from the stones beginning to how to get it cut and mounted right there in the Gift Shop. I just can't begin... more