Franklin
The county of Venango was established in 1800 with Franklin as the county seat. The town retained its rural atmosphere until the start of the oil boom in 1859. Drilling began in Franklin shortly after Edwin Drake's successful well came in near Titusville. Refineries were started, and Franklin's population more than tripled in the 1860s; three railroads came into the community, new businesses flourished, hotels were built and Franklin became a city in 1868.
Displays about local history can be seen at the Venango County Historical Society at 307 S. Park St. in the Egbert-Mullins-Koos House, a circa 1860 building; phone (814) 432-8260. Thirty Tiffany stained-glass windows adorn St. John's Episcopal Church on Buffalo Street; phone (814) 432-5161. The Barrow-Civic Theatre, a restored 1913 vaudeville house, features performing arts; phone (814) 437-3440 or (800) 537-7769.
Walking and bicycling can be enjoyed on the Allegheny River Trail and the Samuel Justis Trail.
Applefest, held Friday through Sunday the first full weekend in October, is an arts and crafts festival with live entertainment, a 5K race, an apple pie baking contest and an antique and classic car show. Apple orchards can be found in the surrounding area, but the main connection Franklin has with the fruit has to do with folk hero Johnny Appleseed's ties to the area. The festival draws nearly 100,000 to the Victorian downtown.
Visitor Centers
Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 1255 Liberty St. Franklin, PA 16323. Phone:(814)432-5823
Self-guiding Tours
Booklets outlining a walking tour can be obtained at the chamber of commerce for $1.
Shopping
A farmers market is held on 12th Street on Wednesdays and Saturdays 8-1, May-Oct.