
A Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway to Jackson County, NC
A Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway to Jackson County, NC
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County is the perfect destination for a Valentine’s Day escape. Whether you’re celebrating years of love or embarking on a new romantic journey, the area’s charming towns, cozy accommodations and indulgent culinary experiences set the stage for unforgettable moments. Begin planning your thoughtfully curated itinerary for a magical Valentine’s getaway with these tips:
Day 1:
Arrive and Unwind
Kick off your romantic retreat by checking in to one of Jackson County’s delightful accommodations:
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- The Wells Hotel – This boutique property combines modern luxury with mountain charm. With chic rooms, stunning views and a peaceful ambiance, it’s an ideal spot to relax and reconnect in the heart of Cashiers.
- Hotel Sylva – Located on Main Street in downtown Sylva, this stylish, recently renovated hotel offers modern convenience and small-town comfort. You’ll love being just steps away from Sylva’s shopping and dining options, perfect for exploring hand-in-hand.
- Outland Chalet & Suites – Great Smoky Mountains -Tucked away just outside of Sylva, Outland Chalet & Suites offers luxurious, intimate accommodations with a rustic charm. Each suite is thoughtfully designed with couples in mind, featuring private balconies, fireplaces and spa bathtubs.
Dinner
For your first night, enjoy a cozy meal to kick off an amazing weekend:
- Lulu’s on Main (Sylva) – This eclectic café in Sylva serves a variety of flavorful dishes, from farm-to-table salads to hearty entrées. Lulu’s creative atmosphere, with its colorful decor and welcoming vibe, sets the stage for a delightful dinner. Be sure to try one of their signature desserts to make your meal extra sweet.
- Forager’s Canteen (Dillsboro) – Beloved for its rustic charm, Forager’s Canteen offers a delightful mix of Southern-inspired comfort food and creative dishes with a modern twist. Their emphasis on ‘farm-to-fork’ ingredients makes it a delicious and authentic introduction to town.
- Library Kitchen + Bar (Sapphire) – Located just outside of Cashiers in Sapphire, The Library Kitchen & Bar offers a cozy, upscale setting where guests can enjoy craft cocktails, fine wines and a seasonally inspired menu created by Michelin star-trained Chef Johannes Klapdohr.
Day 2:
Explore and Enjoy
Start your day with an early-morning adventure at one of Jackson County’s trails or overlooks:
- Waterrock Knob – For a brisk sunrise hike, Waterrock Knob along the Blue Ridge Parkway is an excellent choice. The 1.2-mile round-trip trail is short and steep but incredibly rewarding, leading to a summit with panoramic east-facing views. The trail is well-maintained, making it suitable for most hikers, and the sunrise paints the surrounding peaks with stunning hues.
- Pinnacle Park Trail – For those seeking a challenge, the Pinnacle Park Trail in Sylva offers a more strenuous adventure. This 7-mile round-trip hike climbs steadily to a dramatic rock outcrop with expansive views of the mountains and valleys below. The effort is well worth it!
- Whitewater Falls – One of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies at 411 feet, Whitewater Falls features a paved path leading less than 0.25 miles to an upper overlook. From there, a staircase of 154 steps descends to a lower viewing deck, offering a spectacular view of the 411-foot drop.
Lunch
After an invigorating morning in the great outdoors, enjoy lunch at one of Jackson County’s beloved lunch spots:
- White Moon (Sylva) – This charming café and bistro located in downtown Sylva is a lovely spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up. Often a gathering spot for work-from-home warriors, students and visitors looking for a charming place to relax and connect, White Moon is a delicious local favorite.
- Haywood Smokehouse (Dillsboro) – For couples seeking a casual yet delicious meal, Haywood Smokehouse in Dillsboro is a must-visit. Recognized on Yelp’s Top 100 U.S. Restaurants of 2024, Haywood is known for its mouthwatering barbecue, slow-smoked meats, hearty sides and homemade sauces in a cozy, laid-back setting.
- Whiteside Brewing Company (Cashiers) – There’s nothing like a crisp ale or cider on a chilly afternoon in the mountains. Whiteside Brewing, located right next door to The Wells Hotel, features plenty of seasonal brews, hearty fare and a beautiful lawn with chairs and firepits.
Afternoon Activities
Spend the afternoon browsing the curious collection of gift shops, art galleries and boutiques in Jackson County. A few favorites include:
- Indulge in a couple’s spa experience: Nothing says ‘Valentine’s Day’ like a tandem spa treatment! The Cashiers Spa provides a tranquil haven with advanced skincare, relaxing massages and custom wellness packages designed to refresh and restore. In Sylva, Fusions Spa combines expert care with a contemporary touch, featuring therapeutic massages, personalized skincare and nail treatments to leave you feeling revitalized. For an extra special afternoon, the Mandara Spa at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee blends Balinese-inspired traditions with modern wellness, offering indulgent massages, facials and body treatments in a luxurious setting.
- Browse for handcrafted keepsakes: There is an abundance of artisan craft shops in Jackson County, perfect for endless browsing. Discover the artistry of Cherokee culture at Joel Queen Gallery in Whittier, where ninth-generation potter Joel Queen creates imaginative works rooted in Eastern Cherokee tradition. In Dillsboro, Dogwood Crafters, a beloved artisan cooperative, brims with locally made treasures such as quilts, pottery, candles and unique gifts. Gabriel – The Art of Living in Cashiers presents an elegant collection of home décor, fine art and luxury gifts, curating distinctive pieces that elevate any space.
- Find a new favorite wine: For a sampling of some of Western North Carolina’s best wine selections, Jackson County offers a terrific array of wine and cocktail bars. Santé – The Wine Barin Sylva provides a cozy, intimate atmosphere with an impressive selection of local and international wines, perfect for casual sipping or pairing with tapas. Just a short drive away, the Enloe House Wine Bar in Dillsboro offers a warm, rustic setting where guests can explore a curated wine list, often complemented by gourmet cheeses and snacks. In Cashiers, Hotel Cashiers Kitchen & Bar offers an elegant wine list alongside delicious meals, making it an ideal destination for food and wine pairing.
Dinner
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a delicious meal at one of Jackson County’s favorite restaurants:
- Ilda (Sylva): Treat yourselves to an Italian-inspired feast with an Appalachian twist. Ilda’s cozy, romantic ambiance, handmade pasta and expertly paired wine selections create the perfect romantic evening.
- Boots Steakhouse (Dillsboro): For a hearty and intimate meal, Boots Steakhouse is a cozy restaurant specializing in expertly cooked steaks, offering a warm ambiance perfect for couples looking to unwind and indulge.
- The Orchard (Cashiers): Nestled in a charming farmhouse, The Orchard offers a refined and authentic Southern dining experience, featuring dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner surrounded by mountain views.
Day 3:
Slow Down and Savor
Before heading home, enjoy a leisurely morning with a final bite of delicious southern fare:
- Lucy on the Rye (Sylva) – A quaint, Southern-inspired breakfast spot with fresh ingredients and innovative takes on classic dishes. Enjoy warm biscuits, inventive scrambles and locally roasted coffee.
- The Dillsboro Chocolate Factory (Dillsboro) – While typically known for its chocolates, this spot also offers a delightful breakfast menu, including pastries, breakfast sandwiches and coffee. A hidden gem for a sweet and savory start to your day in Dillsboro. Of course, grab a few sweet treats for the road before heading home!
- Buck’s Coffee (Cashiers) – Before leaving town, stop by Buck’s Coffee Café, a Cashiers favorite, offering a cozy atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and a delightful selection of coffee, espresso drinks, breakfast, lunch, pastries, beer, wine, and small bites.
Plan Your Valentine’s Escape
With so much to do and see in Jackson County, a memorable Valentine’s Day escape is just a click away. Click here to learn more about lodging, restaurants, shopping, outdoor adventures and everything in between.