The Virginia Assembly designated Blue Ridge Institute and Museum as State Center for the Blue Ridge Folklore in 1986. The institute promotes an understanding of regional folklore of past and present for all ages. 
Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes called "America's Favorite Drive", is the most visited unit of America's National Park System. A drive down the Parkway provides stunning, long-range vistas and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is designed as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience, so please don't be in a hurry. 
Booker T. Washington National Monument. On April 5, 1856, a child who later called himself Booker T. Washington, was born in slavery on this 207-acre tobacco farm. The realities of life as a slave in piedmont Virginia, the quest by African Americans for education and equality, and the post-war struggle over political participation, all shaped the options and choices of Booker T. Washington. Washington founded Tuskegee Institute in Alabama in 1881 and later became an important and controversial leader of his race at a time when increasing racism in the United States made it necessary for African Americans to adjust themselves to a new era of legalized oppression. Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience firsthand the life and landscape of people who lived in an era when slavery was part of the fabric of American life. 
Ferrum College is a private four-year liberal arts college that is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
At Smith Mountain Lake vacationers come from all over to fish, enjoy the water sports and play on the 500 miles of shoreline. Friendly people and genuine hospitality make everyone feel welcome. There are world-class historical sites, unique shopping opportunities, and fantastic dining/entertainment options available.
Franklin County is fortunate to have quality camps, conferences, athletic leagues, community events, classes, cultural art activities, and parks and recreation facilities. Franklin County Parks & Recreation System has 14 miles of new canoe trails, two tennis courts, skate/rollerblade park, and soon to open Smith Mountain Lake Park.
Fairy Stone State Park, the largest of the original six state parks that opened on June 15, 1936, is home to the mysterious "fairy stones." The park's cross-shaped, namesake stone is prevalent in the region, which also features beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational opportunities that make Fairy Stone a favorite. The park's land was donated in 1933 by Junius B. Fishburn, former president of the Southwest Virginia Trust Co. and former owner of the Roanoke Times. The park is 4,868 acres, making it the largest of the six original parks and one of the largest to this day. The park, its lake and many structures still in use, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Philpot Reservoir is a 2,880-acre impoundment located near Martinsville in Franklin, Henry and Patrick counties. This reservoir is situated in the mountains of Patrick and Henry Counties, which is a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Philpot Reservoir is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is managed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. There is no residential development along its shoreline, but there are numerous boat landings and facilities scattered throughout the reservoir.
Franklin County Historical Society is now located in the historic Flora Morris House, 460 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA, and the research library is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Monday thru Saturday). The Franklin County Historical Society's museum is free to the public and offers many items that chronicle the County of Franklin and Town of Rocky Mount past. For more information, call 540-483-1890.