The best book, hobby & craft shops in Franklin

Part gift shop, part book nook, Bourbon & Bacon is where Franklin folks grab charming Tiny Notes, seasonal stationery like the Autumn Cozy line, and watercolor workbooks, then snag a sweet fix from the candy, chocolate or popcorn stash. Bonus points for playful collections like Good Dog and Mountain Wildlife.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 8, 2026

Need a last-minute lab manual or just an excuse to show some SCC pride? Southwestern Community College Bookstore keeps students and locals covered with new, used, and digital textbooks plus school-branded merch that looks good, a handy stop when classes ramp up or you want a quick gift that says, yep, I'm from here.

From the Sylva newsletter, October 11, 2026

Cozy and Content is Franklin's indie nook for new and used reads plus a small-batch Appalachian apothecary, tarot decks, and curious gifts. The storefront closed on September 26, 2026, but the shop lives online with local pickup, plus thoughtful recs via Jenn’s Picks and The Lantern.

From the Franklin newsletter, October 23, 2026

Whether you're chasing Appalachian fiction and poetry, great outdoors guides, or a Staff Pick that actually hits, City Lights Bookstore keeps shelves stacked with local voices, used-book treasures, and even audiobooks/ebooks. Plus, trade your well-loved reads for store credit and keep the cycle rolling.

From the Sylva newsletter, October 23, 2026

Underground Sylva is that downtown spot where you pop in for a record and leave with new or vintage vinyl, a weirdly perfect cassette, a stack of CDs, maybe a crystal, a tropical plant, and a killer tee. Curated, cool, and very Sylva... you’ll probably bump into friends.

From the Sylva newsletter, October 15, 2026