North Carolina celebration

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2005

* Set against a backdrop of mountain peaks and ridges, the town of Franklin, North Carolina, is gearing up for its 150th anniversary this year. The main event of the year-long celebration takes place Memorial Day weekend with a parade, costume contest, Civil War re-enactments, and living history demonstrations.

Local men will sport beards, while ladies will wear dresses reminiscent of 1855. More festivities follow on Fourth of July weekend. The area, a good base of operations for exploring the Nantahala National Forest, is known to rockhounds for its gem mines. Contact: Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, (866) 372-5546; www.franklin-chamber.com.