Shopping in Jackson County
Whether you are in the market for homemade artisan arts and crafts, upscale antiques or one-of-a-kind mountain goods, you’ll find everything you’re looking for on a shopping adventure in Jackson County, North Carolina. This guide outlines all the ways you can find something special to take home for yourself and your loved ones.
Pottery
Jackson County embraces many mountain traditions, and one of the area's most longstanding customs is the art of pottery. Local potters showcase their talents in shops scattered about the county. Search the shelves for the perfect piece, from Japanese-influenced drink mixers to face jugs, raku beads to horsehair pottery made with dark black and red colors. Each potter in Jackson County tells a special story in their work that you can add to your collection. And if you’re looking for things to do in NC and you love pottery, be sure to mark your calendar for the annual WNC Pottery Festival, which takes place each fall.
Handmade Artisan Goods
Jackson County’s location makes it a prime spot to find handmade treasures of old-time Appalachian culture, like wooden bowls, quilts, soaps, woodcarvings, garden décor, hand-woven baskets and so much more. Stroll down Main Street Sylva and Historic Dillsboro, and step into the independent shops along the way where you are sure to find local goods worth making the trip home with you. You can also take a trip through the Blue Ridge Craft Trail, which highlights local artisans specializing in Appalachian folk art, as well as attend various festivals throughout the year that highlight the beauty and craftsmanship of Appalachian art.
Art
With natural beauty surrounding the area, artists in Jackson County have plenty of inspiration to keep them busy. The art galleries in Jackson County highlight local, regional and national artists in works of portraiture, wildlife, still-life, photography, sculptures and more. Every week, you can also connect with local artists and watch them create their works at the Jackson Arts Market, a free art and music festival that takes place every Saturday from 1-5 p.m.
Antiques
Jackson County is an antiquer’s and decorator’s haven. Several shops, each with their own specialty, cater to visitors who are looking to discover original home finds. Some shops feature reclaimed wormy chestnut and other woods, others focus on unique architectural accent salvage, and still more offer handcrafted iron and stone works. There are also shops that focus on estate jewelry where you can find gently used gems and beloved heirlooms alike. Each store’s staff are all extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their collections. Visitors are encouraged to search the shelves for the perfect piece for their homes.
Boutiques
If you’re looking for something brand new, Jackson County has you covered in that department as well. Jackson County has an assortment of clothing stores to appeal to any fashionista’s taste and budget, including women’s and men’s boutiques like TJ Bailey’s and Carly & Cass, which carry high-end brands, unique gifts and accessories. The shopping scene also includes many home furnishings boutiques to peruse as well.
Outdoor Gear
Check out Tuckaseegee Fly Shop and Brookings Outfitters to pick up essentials for fishing, like handmade fly rods and flies. Black Balsam Outdoors and Highland Hiker have you covered for hiking, camping, backpacking, trail running and other outdoor-specific pursuits.
Foodie Finds
If you’re looking to take away a taste of the mountains, you can find many local shops that specialize in handmade goods and tasty treats, perfect for savoring your trip. A must-visit is Dillsboro Chocolate Factory or Baxley Chocolates, which offers take-home fudge, truffles and more to satisfy any sweet tooth. Locally sourced produce and products can also be found at the local farmer’s markets.
Whatever you're shopping for, you’ll find exactly what you want—and more—in Jackson County. For a complete listing of specialty shops in the area, visit the Jackson County Chamber and Cashiers Area Chamber websites.
