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City in Pennsylvania, US
Photo: User: (WT-shared) ChubbyWimbus at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Franklin is a city in Venango County, in the Erie Region of Pennsylvania. Franklin, Titusville and Oil City, make up the Oil Region. Although the town remains rather quiet, the oil boom has left the city with many historic buildings. The architectural features range from Victorian to Gothic Revival; it is said that all of the architectural styles used in the state from 1830 to 1930 can be observed in Franklin. The Appalachian Mountains and forests that surround the area also make it a popular destination for hikers and bikers looking to get out of the cities to experience nature.
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The Episcopal Church also shows off the city's former wealth, with its complete collection of Tiffany Windows and mahogany pews. From the outside the church is a stunning example of Victorian architecture. However, from the inside the church is even more breathtaking. St. John's Church includes one of three complete collections of Tiffany windows in the world. All of the windows in the church were commissioned by St. John's and created by the Louis Comfort Tiffany Studios. The "rose" window above the North entrance is the second largest Tiffany window in the world, also said to be one of Tiffany's personal favorites. The pews of the church are also quite beautiful, as the wood used to make them is all from the Amazon Rainforest in South America. Guided tours are available and may be scheduled by calling the church and making a reservation with a church docent;
A museum dedicated to antiques related to music, such as phonographs, organs, and player pianos. Not only do visitors get to learn about the music-makers, you also get to hear all of them played. It may seem like an odd museum at first, but the tour is quite entertaining. Downstairs is an antique shop open year-round. You can visit the shop without taking the tour if you wish.
The construction of the courthouse was completed in 1868. It was designed by Philadelphian architects and built by a local builder. It was made in the Italianate architectural style, most visible in its uneven towers. Inside the courthouse there are displays of Native American artifacts, such as arrowheads and pottery, from Venango County and nearby areas.
These parks flank the courthouse on both sides, with Fountain Park to the right and Bandstand Park to the left. The parks are over 200 years old, as they were incorporated into the original city layout in 1795. The Civil War Monument was built just a year after the war ended in 1866. It contains the names of over 400 men from Venango County killed in the war. It is one of the oldest Civil War monuments in the state. The Egbert Memorial Fountain in Fountain Park was built in 1886 in memory of Dr. A.G. Egbert who gave a lot of his oil wealth back to the town. Bandstand Park contains a Vietnam Memorial, Revolutionary War Memorial and, of course, a bandstand where the Franklin Silver Cornet Band, one of America's oldest traditional town bands, plays regular concerts every summer. Applefest takes place in these parks every October.
Although most of the items are for sale, this antique mall is also set up as a museum. There are a wide variety of antiques and knick-knacks to look at, from armor to posters to toys. As antiques are sold and new antiques are brought in, you are likely to notice something new every time you visit.
The Hoge-Osmer House is headquarters for Venango County Historical Society, and is also a house museum. The house was built by Thomas Hoge in 1866 at the close of the Civil War. The Newton Osmer family moved into the house in the early 1890s and made many renovations and additions.
Also referred to as Sibley Castle and River Ridge, it is the former residence of Joseph Sibley, the founder of an oil refining company called Galena-Signal Oil (the company building still sits in downtown Franklin today). Sibley gained a lot of wealth from his business and was a known friend of Rockefeller and President McKinley. In fact, President McKinley was traveling with Sibley when he was assassinated in 1901. The Sibley Mansion was built in 1913 and Sibley lived there until his death. Today the mansion is owned by Life Ministries and used for their retreats however, they do offer tours sporadically throughout the year.
A very odd site indeed is the real space capsule from an Apollo CM located in front of the Dairy Queen. Only four of these capsules have not been converted into scrap metal; one is located in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. and another is on display in Cape Canaveral. The one you see in Franklin is privately owned, along with the other which is not on display. If you're interested in learning more about it, enter the Dairy Queen. There is a tv inside displaying information about the capsule (along with ads for various Dairy Queen foods).
With so many historic Victorian buildings, representing a wide array of architectural styles, visitors often come just to walk around the town to view the buildings. There are a few ways in which you can do this. If you just want to see the architecture, you can do the self-guided walking tour. These Walking Tour Guides are available at Franklin City Hall or Franklin Chamber of Commerce. The Franklin Rotary Club offers guided walking tours during Applefest. Those interested should call in advance (+1 814 437-2072) to find out more information about specific tour dates. Other groups, such as the local Garden Club, offer House and Garden Tours during 4th of July Festivities Week.
Two Mile Run is a tucked away just off Route 417 around a man-made lake. You can fish in the lake, boat, and swim at Crosby Beach. Around the beach there are also paddle boat rentals and volleyball nets. Two Mile Run has many different hiking and mountain bike trails for those who are more interested in exploring nature and the surrounding forests. In the wintertime, visitors can enjoy ice fishing and sled-riding or snowboarding on the hill near the entrance of the park. There are pavilions that can be used by the public when they have not been rented. For accommodations, visitors can camp or make reservations to stay at either the cottage or farmhouse (see "Sleep").
Extending through Franklin midway, the 15 mile bike trail spans from Oil City to Emlenton. In Franklin it is borders the Allegheny River. While much of the trail is lined by trees, the trail passes through two old railroad tunnels, abandoned sites from the days of the oil industry, and other natural sites, such as the waterfall near the entrance of the Rockland Tunnel and the Indian God Rock, containing Native American pictographs carved over 1000 years ago (along with name carvings and graffiti). The trail is especially beautiful amidst the autumn foliage. Along with biking, many people also come to walk and roller blade. There are also spots along the trail for picnicking and/or resting. In Franklin, the trail can be accessed along Route 322 just after crossing the 8th Street Bridge. You can bring your own bikes or rent them at the Country Pedaler.
Featuring a variety of theater performances from local actors, as well as comedy acts, instrumental performances, and other special productions. See the website to find out about what will be showing during your visit.
A race track hosting a variety of events, from the typical racecars to motorcycles and bus races.
OARS provides an exciting way to experience the Allegheny River and French Creek with their kayak and canoe rentals.
With only 8 lanes, it's rather small however, this is only a problem during peak hours when it is usually necessary to make reservations in order to ensure you will have a lane. Like most bowling alleys, Masterson's offers cosmic bowling and a concession stand.
A roller skating rink with great music from today, and dance hits from the 1990s. There is a snack bar inside, as well as a small room for kids to dance in. Races are held periodically, which are just for fun, so anyone can participate. It's most popular among youth, but many adults come to skate, as well.
A reasonably challenging nine-hole golf course. There is also a driving range.
The Club's 18-hole course offers a 6134 yard, par 71 challenge. Beauty and character define the course with challenging greens, strategically-placed sand traps and magnificent scenery. Wanango is a course designed by A W Tillinghast.
Excellent 9-hole golf course.
Franklin's "cure for the winter blaughs", visitors gather to watch sculptors turn huge blocks of ice into beautiful works of art! If you find the cold is too much, check out the chili contest to sample the area's best chilis. Visitors can view the sculptures until they melt!
Fountain Park is in full bloom on this first Saturday & Sunday in May. A wide variety of florists and garden suppliers are on hand to supply you with anything you may need to plant, decorate and work in your garden and around your home.
Week-long celebration features concerts each night. The biggest day of this celebration falls on the Saturday before the 4th. This is LibertyFest and features the LibertyFest Parade and the Vogues at Bandstand Park. The week is capped off by a fantastic fireworks display at Riverfront Park.
Taste of Franklin Weekend – Sample the tastes, shops and sounds of Franklin. Shop at the Annual Old Fashioned Bargain Days. Take-in the finals of the Taste of Talent Vocal Competition and the Taste of Franklin on Sunday (first Sunday of August) which features a variety of local foods to sample for very reasonable prices. Franklin is for Foodies and this day is a food lover’s delight!
This River Festival features crafts, a rock decorating contest, kayak rides and the fun of watching amateurs and professionals (including Guinness World Record Holder, Russ Byars) compete for the Pennsylvania state championship of skipping stones across the water.
The legendary Johnny Appleseed was said to have travelled through Franklin spreading his appleseeds throughout the area, and Applefest celebrates the now-abundant apple trees in the area. The largest craft show in Western Pennsylvania, Applefest vendors fill both Fountain Park and Bandstand Park, selling a wide variety of goods, such as woodwork, paintings and jewelry. There are also many food vendors, with some of the biggest sellers being apple dumplings, apple cider, gourmet apples... you get the picture! Along with all of the crafts and food, performances and events are also held each day. Rides in horse-drawn wagons are available throughout the festival, the Applefest Race is on Saturday, and the Sunday car show on Liberty Street ensures that the crowds stay all weekend long.
Held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, Light-Up Night is a favorite celebration of the locals. The festivities kick-off with a parade on Liberty Street and continue with a fireworks display impressive enough to rival many larger cities! Throughout the evening, visitors can buy food and hot chocolate and view the Christmas tree exhibit in the Barrow Civic Theater.
The best place in Franklin for ice cream, Deets is known for giving generous portions! Although most people come for the ice cream, the hot foods, like subs and pizza, are also quite tasty.
One of the most popular restaurants in Franklin, serving excellent pizza and hot subs, as well as other Italian dishes.
An up-scale restaurant that features dishes inspired predominantly by Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are particularly popular.
For those tired of fast food and pizza and hungry for homestyle cooking, Kings is a popular option. Kings is a Pennsylvanian chain restaurant, but it's one of Franklin's most popular restaurants, and it also stays open later than most others.
Pizza and sandwiches.
Quaint, locally owned cafe servig pastries along with a selection of coffees, teas, and speciality drinks. Free wi-fi available.
Although it's rather small, it's quite popular with the locals.
Located right in downtown Franklin, it is the most popular hotel for visitors to Franklin. It offers a wide range of services, and contains a fitness center, bar, and restaurant all within the hotel. The bar and restaurant are open to the public.
Quite clean and comfortable. Serves complementary breakfast to all guests. Has an indoor swimming pool. All rooms are non-smoking.
For those looking to get out of the city and enjoy the areas natural surroundings, Two Mile Run offers the opportunity to rent either a cottage or farmouse. You must stay for a minimum of 2 nights. Amenities include a washer and dryer, clean linens, towels, a bathroom, a kitchen, a fireplace, and air conditioning. The cottage holds 5 people, and the farmhouse holds 10.
Two Mile Run has 72 camping areas, 12 of which offer full hook-ups. Reservations must be made for a minimum of 2 nights and can stay no longer than 30 days.
A typical small town mall, with clothing, electronics, jewelry, nail salon, and a few specialty shops. Food options are limited to the Asian Express, Two Cousins Pizza, and Pretzel Plus. The local movie theater is in the mall.
Franklin's retail incubator: many retailers under one roof.
Feldman's has been in downtown Franklin since 1871 and carries modern and estate jewelry along with distinctive giftware.
Daffin’s Candies, Hallmark cards and gifts, including Precious Moments, Jim Shore, candles, and accessories for birthdays, anniversaries, or any day.
Women’s clothing, unique gifts including Brighton jewelry and Vera Bradley and leather items, along with all types of accessories and decorative home items.
By car
Route 322 runs through Franklin from the east and west, and Route 8 travels through Franklin from Erie to the north and Pittsburgh from the south.
By bike
If you are travelling from Oil City or Emlenton, you can enter Franklin by bike via the bike trail, which passes through Franklin. From there, you can easily travel to the downtown area.
By car
The sites in Seneca, such as the mall and roller skating rink, can be reached from downtown Franklin by travelling on Route 322 East.
By bus
Franklin is served by the VenanGO Bus, which also has stops in Oil City and the Cranberry Mall.75 for children ages 6-11.
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