I made it a goal this year to visit all 100 counties in North Carolina, so a few weeks ago, David and I decided to take a drive up Capital Blvd. in Raleigh and head to neighboring Franklin County. While it is a close drive for some parts of Wake County, it took us about an hour to get there. Follow along for some stops to make in Franklin County NC and where we’ll visit on our next trip!
If you’re interested in other North Carolina road trips, check this page for travel guides by counties.
This mural features the North Carolina state motto which means “to be rather than to seem.” This is available in downtown Louisburg right near the Franklin County courthouse.
An Afternoon Trip to Franklin County, NC
Shop at Mercantile on Main
I’ve been following Mercantile on Main for a while now, so I was excited to stop in the store and check it out. They have such a great selection of locally made products, beautiful bouquets, and hilarious gifts.
Mercantile on Main is located at 4 N. Main St., Franklinton.
Grab Lunch at Mason and Main
This cute spot offers a variety of coffee drinks, sandwich and side items, plus a grocery. We’ll definitely be having lunch here the next time we’re back in town! They also sell artwork created by local artists and feature live music.
Mason and Main is located at 2 N. Main St., Franklinton.
Coming Soon: Owl’s Roost Brewery
On the other side of Mercantile and Main, there is Owl’s Roost, a brewery & pizza spot, opening soon. We look forward to checking this out on our next trip! I’ve been following along and they’ve hit some delays because of supply delays; however, they are optimistic to open soon. Be sure to follow along to see when their grand opening will be pending completion!
Owl’s Roost Brewery is located at 20 N. Main St., Franklinton.
Take a Drive to Louisburg & Enjoy the Views of the Tar River
The drive from Franklinton to Louisburg is a quick, pretty drive. As you drive into town, you’ll be greeted by the Tar River, which runs right through the center of town. We parked and walked back over the bridge to check out the views. We noticed that there is plenty of grassy area to enjoy a picnic if you wanted to spend a day.
Check out more information on Louisburg parks here.
Grab a Beer at Tar Banks Brewery
Tar Banks Brewery Co. is a great, welcoming brewery located right in the heart of downtown Louisburg. They normally have food trucks on weekends and post about which ones will be joining on their social media channels. Tar Banks brews their own beers and makes their own seltzers, while also featuring guest taps, popular seltzer brands, and wine, too.
Tar Banks Brewery Co. is located at 108 N. Main St., Louisburg.
We are looking forward to making a return trip back to try some of the places that are opening soon and Rustic Roots, a farm to table restaurant that came recommended to us in Bunn.
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How would you spend an afternoon in Franklin County NC? Let me know in a comment below!
