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Franklin

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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18 places match

  1. Do

    Barrow-Civic Theater

    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

  2. Do

    Tri-City Speedway

    A race track hosting a variety of events, from the typical racecars to motorcycles and bus races.

    Races are held on Sundays. Gates open at 4PM, laps start at 5:15PM, and races begin at 6PMPrices vary by event, ranging from $11-40

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    4th of July Festivities Week

    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.

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    Allegheny River and Samuel Justus Bike Trail

    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.

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    Applefest

    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 annually on the first weekend in October, beginning Fri

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    Buffalo Street Lanes

    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.

    Fri-S 7PM-11:30PM

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    Franklin on Ice

    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!

    Held in Fountain Park on the first Sat in February

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    Light Up Night

    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.

    Parade begins at 6PM followed by fireworks

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    Lucky Hills Golf Course

    A reasonably challenging nine-hole golf course. There is also a driving range.

    $12-14

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    May Garden Mart

    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.

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    Outdoor Alleghent River Services

    OARS provides an exciting way to experience the Allegheny River and French Creek with their kayak and canoe rentals.

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    Rock In River Festival/PA Stone Skipping Championship

    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.

    Held the last Sat of August

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    Skate Capital

    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.

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    Taste of Franklin

    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!

    11AM to 4PM

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    Two Mile Run County Park

    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").

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    Walking Tours

    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.

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    Wanago Golf Club

    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.

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    Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

    Excellent 9-hole golf course.