Franklin County, with our rolling hills and waterways, is a beautiful slice of nature year-round. But fall feels special here in the way the fog encompasses the river and the canal early in the morning and lifts with the sunlight to reveal brush strokes of vivid color in the changing trees and native wildflowers. Hiking or biking on one of our many trails, the crisp scent of fall leaves fills your lungs as you breathe deeply. Deer and squirrels hurry across the trail before you, and eagles soar overhead. The stillness of evening brings the crackling of a campfire. Warm sweaters and blankets under which sleepy children snuggle, their eyes heavy with the day’s delights. Adults sip a warm drink before heading to bed in a cozy bed & breakfast suite or comfy, clean hotel room. The entire family drifts off to a sleep filled with the sweet memories of the day.
And what activities help create these special memories, you ask? Franklin County’s fall festivals and events bring a taste of our unique culture and heritage, the likes of which can not be replicated. Fall festivals celebrating our tradition of fried chicken, local agriculture, arts & crafts, and flea market festivals, Franklin County has enough to satisfy all ages and interests. Some festivals have been a tradition for decades, like our Metamora Canal Days festival. Canal Days began in 1969 when a couple of local gentlemen had an idea to set up a couple of tables along the canal in Metamora. Today, Canal Days brings hundreds of hand-crafters, food vendors, and flea market booths for a three-day event that draws tens of thousands of people to the tiny village. The locals have a saying, “If you can’t find it at Canal Days, you probably don’t need it.”
Franklin County organizations and businesses host newer events, as well. Columbia Street Music District in Metamora brings national talent to Franklin County. Visitors purchase a wristband that provides access to the main stage area and two smaller venues. Rocktoberfest at Creek Bottom Brewery in Oldenburg offers a family-friendly event filled with live music, delicious barbeque, and of course their locally brewed beer, ciders and wine. The newest event this fall that you’ll discover in Franklin County is the first annual Haunted Wine Walk and Tour. Held in various historic buildings in Brookville, visitors can hear about the sometimes tragic past events and learn how these may have caused spirits to become attached to these locations. Some Main Street shops are open late and will offer wine tastings as visitors shop, sip, and stroll along our new designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) district.
For those who prefer a more “earthly” experience, our annual Antique Machinery Show is a great way to fill up a day, or three. The three-day event is held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds and features antique machinery with demonstrations, tractor pulls and horse pulls, and lots of vendors offering unique items. It’s a great place to start some early Christmas shopping. This event is a wonderful educational opportunity for children, and the local schools take advantage by scheduling field trips. The same weekend as the Antique Machinery Show, The Great Pumpkin Roll Gran Fondo takes place and offers cycling enthusiasts a great way to ride through the beautiful countryside of Franklin County. The event ends at Third Place for Germanfest, which is open to the public. Enjoy German food and music, and wear your dirndl or ledehosen!
Finally, Franklin County offers many agriculture-related experiences. Plan a day picking apples and watching cider being made. Stop at the local U-Pic flower farm and take home a beautiful bouquet of late summer and early fall-blooming flowers. Venture to Wolf Creek Habitat to see dozens of wolves and even have an encounter, if you choose. Visit one of our wineries and breweries to experience the unique flavors of Franklin County. You are even welcome to pack a lunch to take with you. May we suggest fried chicken from one of our locally owned and operated restaurants? And be sure to check out our lodging, where you can find the perfect place to rest your head after a day filled with all these wonderful experiences!
Franklin County is a small slice of heaven just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. And our local businesses and organizations are very excited to share with visitors all of the things that we love about living here. We can’t wait to see you!
