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Franklin is a city in Venango County, in the Erie Region of Pennsylvania, in the United States of America.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By air

Franklin Regional Airport (FKL) [1] offers cheap flights between Franklin and Cleveland, Ohio. Call 814-432-5333 for more information.

[edit] By car

Route 322 runs through Franklin from the east and west, and Route 8 travels through Franklin from the north and south.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Get around

[edit] On foot

Liberty Street contains shopping areas, the Barrow Civic Theater, the Courthouse, and the parks, making it a great place for those travelling on foot. St. John's Episcopal Church is also nearby, so visitors can see all of these without having to drive around however, not all of the sites are in walking distance, so those hoping to see more than the downtown area will need to take the bus or drive.

[edit] 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. For Two Mile Run County Park and Tri-City Speedway, drive down Rocky Grove Avenue. Rocky Grove Avenue becomes Route 417 outside of the city, but they are the exact same road.

[edit] By bus

Franklin is served by the VenanGO Bus [2], which also has stops in Oil City and the Cranberry Mall. It costs $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for children ages 6-11. Children 5 and under, as well as Senior Citizens with PA Transit Passes, can ride for free. Buses operate from 8 AM to 4 PM and generally arrive at each stop once per hour, making it most convenient for shopping trips.

[edit][add listing] See

• Saint John's Episcopal Church, 1141 Buffalo Street (Across the street from the Public Library on the righthand side), ☎ 814 432-5161, [3]. From the outside, the church looks much like any other church however, inside the church you'll find some of the most beautiful examples of authentic Tiffany glass in the world. All of the windows in the church were made by Tiffany, and the one above the 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. To get a guided tour, you must call to make a reservation. There is a $4.00 donation request for the guided tour, but if you just want to see the windows, you can go to a church service for free.  edit

• Barrow-Civic Theater, 1223 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-437-3440, [4]. 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. Prices vary depending on the production. Children's theater shows are typically $7, while other productions typically range from $17-$20.  edit

• DeBence Antique Music World, 1261 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-432-8350, [5]. The museum is open from April 1 to October 31 (groups over 20 may arrange visits during other times). Open from 11 AM to 4 PM. 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. Admission is $8.  edit

• Tri-City Speedway, 3430 Route 417, ☎ 814-676-0477, [6]. Races are held on Sundays. Gates open at 4 PM, laps start at 5:15, and races begin at 6 PM. A race track hosting a variety of events, from the typical racecars to motorcycles and bus races. Prices vary by event, ranging from $11-40.  edit
• Franklin Antique Mall & Wild West Museum, 1280 Franklin Avenue, ☎ 814-432-8577. 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 everytime you visit. Entrance is free.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• Two Mile Run County Park, 471 Beach Rd., ☎ 914-676-6116, [7]. 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").  edit

• Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Bike Trail, ☎ 814-432-4476, [8]. 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 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. 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.  edit

• Lucky Hills Golf Course, 136 Warren Road, ☎ 814-432-3900. A reasonably challenging nine hole golf course. There is also a driving range. $12-$14.  edit

• Masterson's Family Lanes, 1244 Buffalo Street, ☎ 814-432-4310. Open 5 PM to 12 AM Mon.-Thurs, 5 PM to 2 AM Fri., 10 AM to 2 AM Sat., 2 PM to 9 PM Sun. 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.  edit

• Seneca Skating Rink, Brandon Rd, Seneca, ☎ 814-677-5700. A roller skating rink with great music from today, as well as dance hits from the 90s. 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.  edit

[edit] Events

• Franklin on Ice, ☎ 814-437-1619. Held in Fountain Park on the first Saturday in February. 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!  edit

• Taste of Franklin. 11 AM to 4 PM. An annual festival held in Fountain Park on the first Sunday in August, Taste of Franklin features a variety of local foods to sample for very reasonable prices. You simply purchase tickets and use them to get the the foods you want to try. They offer meals, such as Chinese food, pizza, and vegetarian food, as well as desserts and snacks.  edit

• Applefest, ☎ 814-432-5823, [9]. Held annually on the first weekend in October, beginning Friday. 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, jewelry, and much more. 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 carriages 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.  edit

• Light Up Night. Parade begins at 6 PM followed by fireworks. 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.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

In Downtown Franklin, most of the shops are located along Liberty Street. Many of the shops are typical of those you'd find anywhere else, but the street itself has a nostalgic feel that makes browsing pleasant. A few of the more unique shops are Something Clever, offering unique clothing and accessories, Franklin Press with a variety of toys and games, and the antique shops, Liberty Street Antiques and DeBence Antique World.

• Cranberry Mall, 6945 US Route 322, ☎ 814-676-3406, [10]. 10 AM to 9 PM Mon.-Sat., 12 PM to 5 PM Sun. 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 located within the mall and was recently rennovated.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Deets Sugar House, 182 Tarr Rd (across from the entrance to Tri-City Speedway), ☎ 814-676-1097. 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.  edit

• Leonardo's Restaraunt and Pizzeria, 1267 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-432-8421. One of the most popular restaurants in Franklin, serving excellent pizza and hot subs, as well as other Italian dishes.  edit

• Cozumel Mexican Restaurant, ☎ 814-676-2640. The most authentic Mexican food in the area, Cozumel's serves both delicious and affordable food. The menu contains a wide variety of food options, as well as alcohol. Complementary chips and salsa. The restaurant was once the entrance to a small amusement park. As a result, you can enjoy a game of miniature golf outside for $5. Costs approximately $6-$10.  edit

• Bella Cucina, 1234 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-432-4955, [11]. Lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM, Dinner 5 PM to 9:30 PM. Closed Sun. An up-scale restaurant that features dishes inspired predominantly by Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are particular popular. Lunch specials range from $8-12. Expect to spend $15-$30 for the dinner menu.  edit

• Kings Family Restaurant, RR 2, ☎ 814-437-6997, [12]. Open 6 AM to 10 PM Sun. through Thurs., 6 AM to midnight Fri. and Sat. 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 its one of Franklin's most popular restaurants, and it also stays open later than most others.  edit

• French Creek Cafe, 1242 Liberty St, ☎ 814-437-6860‎. 11 AM to 3 PM Mon., 7:30 AM to 3 PM Tues. through Sat.. Often mistaken as a French restaurant, the French Creek Cafe is actually named after French Creek, one of the rivers that runs through Franklin. What is actually served here are a variety of panini sandwiches. While the name may be confusing, the food served is undisputably delicious. Be aware that this is a lunch and breakfast restaurant only, as it closes at 3 PM. Paninis cost about $6.  edit

• AmaZing Foods Cafe, 1327 Elk St, ☎ 814-437-3663, [13]. Open 8 AM to 2 PM Mon. through Fri. This breakfast and lunch cafe changes its menu daily, as dishes are adapted to incorporate in-season ingrediants. In general, you'll find various quiches, scones, and pancakes for breakfast and pastas, wraps, and a varieyt of sandwiches for lunch. Cooking classes are offered. Those interested must call in advance, as a limited number of students are accepted.  edit

• Rochelle's Family Restaurant, 1233 Liberty St, ☎ 814-432-2625. More popularly known as Fox's Pizza Den, Rochelle's is a pizzeria serving the typical varieties.  edit

• The Uptown Bistro, 1235 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-432-8900. A grill serving burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There is a nice selection of desserts for those with room, with a various pies and cheesecakes to choose from.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• The Bricks, 135 North 13th St., ☎ 814-432-7665, [14]. Open Fri. and Sat. from 11 AM to whenever, Mon.-Thurs. 11 AM to 10 PM, Sun. 11 AM to 9 PM. Franklin's most spacious bar, complete with darts, pool tables, and big screen TV's to watch Steelers and Penguins games. Typically draws a younger crowd. Karaoke every Friday night at 9 PM. Most dishes sell for $5.99, alcohol from $2.35-3.75.  edit

• FoxTales Pub, 1117 Liberty Street, ☎ 814-437-6636, [15]. Open weekdays from 11 AM, Sat. from 3 PM, and Sundays from 12 PM. Although it's rather small, it's quite popular with the locals.  edit

• Lona's Restaurant & Pub, 1213 Liberty St, ☎ 814-432-7010, [16]. Better known by its former name, Oskie's, it's one of the most popular eateries in town, it is a nice place to take your family in the daytime and your friends at night. During the warmer months, there is seating outside, as well as inside. Because it is within walking distance of Foxtales Pub, many people begin their nights here and then go to Foxtales later on in the night. Sandwiches and burgers $6-$8, dinners $12-$20.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Hager's Peach Basket Bed and Breakfast, 1501 Liberty Street, ☎ (814) 437-7699, [17]. Guest rooms are spacious in comparison to most hotels, and its location near the downtown is also a perk. Since the hotel is located in an old Victorian home, the rooms feel more like real bedrooms rather than hotel rooms. Those who come to see the Victorian houses may particularly enjoy the Peach Basket, as you get to live in one, too. $85-$120.  edit

• Idelwood Motel, 1566 Mercer Road, ☎ 814-437-3003, [18]. Located between the airport and downtown. Offers typical accommodations with air conditioning and TV. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available. There is an outdoor pool open during the summertime.  edit

• Quality Inn and Conference Center, 1411 Liberty Street, ☎ (814) 437-3031, [19]. checkin: 2:00 PM; checkout: 11:00 AM. 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. Most rooms cost $90-$100 per night, some up to $160.  edit

• Super 8 Motel, 847 Allegheny Blvd (Located off Route 8), ☎ 814-432-2101, [20]. checkin: 2:00 PM; checkout: 11:00 AM. An affordable motel located in Reno, between Franklin and Oil City. While most rooms permit smoking, non-smoking rooms are also available. Rooms hold 2 to 4 people. Prices range from $65-$70, except for the King Bed Suite, which costs about $140.  edit

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 225 Singh Drive, Seneca, ☎ 814-677-2640, [21]. The newest hotel in the area, the Holiday Inn is quite clean and comfortable. Serves complementary breakfast to all guests. Has an indoor swimming pool. All rooms are non-smoking. Prices range from around $130-$200 per night.  edit

• Two Mile Run Farmhouse and Cottage, 471 Beach Rd, ☎ 814-676-6116, [22]. checkin: 4:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. 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. Ammenities 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. The cottage costs $105 per day or $470 per week, the farmhouse costs $132 per day or $594 per week.  edit

• Two Mile Run Campgrounds, 471 Beach Rd., ☎ 814-676-6116, [23]. checkin: 4:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. Check in with Park Official to check out. 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. Prices range from $13-$21 per night depending on whether your site has hook-ups or not and $79-$125 per week.  edit

[edit] Contact

Internet access is available at the Franklin Public Library.

[edit] Get out

• Titusville
• Oil City
• Meadville
• Conneaut Lake
• Erie
• Butler
• Pittsburgh

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