Monica used her hometown of Franklin, North Carolina, in the novel. In addition the nearby towns of Highlands and Asheville were found in the pages. Below is a list of recommended places to visit from the book. If they had a different name in the pages, it is noted. Have fun and tell them you found them in the pages of Kissing Hollywood!
Alex and Alison come out of this theatre in the opening of the novel.
2097 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-2076
Alison’s coffee shop, Perk Up, is actually Main Street Coffee and Yogurt.
24 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-0244
Crabtree General Store & Coffee Vault is actually where you will find the real Lillie Tallent. In the novel she is the owner of Addington House Tea Room. Lillie owned a steakhouse with her now deceased husband in downtown Franklin for years, Tallent’s Steakhouse. After selling the endeavor, she worked at The Boiler Room Steakhouse, where Monica also worked as a pastry chef with Tim, Becky, Faith, and Millie. You’ll find Lillie behind the counter at Crabtree’s Monday through Thursday.
41 Iotla Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-3660
Alex picks up her cake pan and other kitchen essentials at this amazing kitchen store.
72 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-2956
Martha Holbrook, mentioned as a catering job in the novel, owns Blackberry Market (and Mossy Rock, across the street). Monica and Martha have been friends for years. Visit this great boutique and take home something you just cannot live without.
76 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 369-0244
Suzanne and company provide a book lover’s dream. Get lost in the cozy stacks. You might even spot a certain bookstore curled up nearby. You can pick up all of Monica’s novels here as well, as there will always be signed copies available.
60 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 369-7942
Go for a great meal and enjoy a glass of wine while watching traffic travel down main street. You’ll feel like a spoiled local.
77 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 369-3663
Whatever outdoor adventure you seek, get your gear here. Monica likes their Suncloud eyewear.
35 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 349-7676
The only museum of it’s kind. Definitely worth spending some time there.
86 E Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 (828) 524-7472
Then there is the place to get wonderful chocolate. Alex uses the selections for Michael and Kelly’s cake.
Mountain Valley Health Foods
111 Highlands Road, Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 524-8144
Tammy is most likely who you will encounter on the phone, or Earl Jr., at
Ramsey’s Auto Clinic
967 Roller Mill Rd, Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 369-9507
Go see Troy and Devin for your next slick ride or if your ride has a case of the hiccups. These guys make you make feel like family. They also have GSI Motorsports for those of you who like to go fassssttttt!
5084 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
(828) 349-1688
HIGHLANDS, North Carolina
If you like gems and minerals with a touch of lovely whimsy, then stop and see Matthew, Laura, and Suzanne (also known as That Sloan Woman). You can pick up a piece you’ll adore and wear every day.
4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 524-2767
Buck’s Coffee
384 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-0020
Have a slice of Chocolate Heaven, by Krysti Henderson, while you’re there.
Dutchman’s Designs
342 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-8864
http://www.dutchmansdesigns.com
Plan on spending some time here. There is so much to fawn over for your home. Take a Tangelo candle with you and some rose hips.
CK Swan
233 N 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741
Antiques and hospitality at their finest. Plan on spending some time here as you explore all that Ashleigh has to offer in her shop.
Paoletti’s Restaurant (Call ahead for reservations, especially during high season. Yes, it’s that good.)
440 Main St, Highlands, NC 2874
(828) 526-4906
A Relais and Chateaux property. Book your next stay in Highlands at:
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina
Chelsea’s and The Village Tea Room unfortunately has closed. But Monica recommends the The Corner Kitchen, just across the street from where Chelsea’s once was. Williams-Sonoma, also a top favorite of Monica’s is also located in Biltmore Village. Take your time and enjoy walking around all the great shops to be found.
http://historicbiltmorevillage.com
This is a destination all of it’s own. Whatever the season, you’ll want to take your time and enjoy every detail. Stay on the Estate, savor meals and fine wine. Plan your trip today at