Holiday shopping feels a little different in Jackson County, North Carolina. Across Sylva, Dillsboro and Cashiers, independent shops offer everything from locally made Appalachian crafts and pottery to books, outdoor gear, clothing and plenty of treats worth taking home.
Shopping local offers another way to experience Jackson County while finding gifts that feel a little more personal. Whether looking for something made in the mountains or trying to cross the hardest person off the list, these 10 shops across the county are worth a stop.
Dogwood Crafters – Dillsboro
For a gift with a connection to the mountains, start at Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro. The longtime cooperative showcases the work of more than 100 local artisans and has helped preserve Appalachian craft traditions since 1976. Its ever-changing selection includes pottery, jewelry, home décor, paintings, ornaments and other handmade finds, making it an easy place to shop for someone who appreciates locally made goods.
Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop – Dillsboro
It’s hard to write a holiday shopping list without including a store devoted entirely to Christmas. A Dillsboro fixture for more than 50 years, Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop carries holiday décor year-round, with rooms filled with ornaments, stockings, Santas and other seasonal finds. It’s an especially fitting stop for anyone looking for a new ornament or decoration to bring out for holidays to come.
Dillsboro Chocolate Factory – Dillsboro
Some of the easiest gifts to give are the ones that can be eaten. Dillsboro Chocolate Factory offers chocolates, fudge and truffles made in the shop, along with coffee and other treats that work just as well for a host or teacher gift as they do for a stocking stuffer. Pick something up for someone on the list and perhaps a little extra for the drive home.
The Fox’s Burrow – Dillsboro
The Fox’s Burrow brings the outdoors inside with a collection of American-made and handcrafted goods inspired by nature and wildlife. Owned by former National Park Service rangers who have lived in four national parks, the shop carries everything from wildlife-themed art and plant-based candles to STEM activities for children and gifts for cats and dogs. The variety makes it a good stop when there are several very different people left on the shopping list.
City Lights Bookstore – Sylva
For the reader on the list, head to City Lights Bookstore in downtown Sylva. The independent bookstore carries titles across a range of interests, including books from regional authors and works focused on the surrounding area. A locally connected title can also make a fitting gift for someone who loves Western North Carolina or wants to learn more about the region.
NOON – Sylva
For something less likely to be found everywhere else, NOON focuses on thoughtfully curated, well-made and handcrafted goods, many of them made locally. Items are stocked in small quantities, while the brick-and-mortar shop carries additional finds such as framed art, plants, pottery, glasswork and vintage pieces. It’s a worthwhile stop for anyone shopping for the home or looking for a distinctive handmade gift.
Carly & Cass – Sylva
Carly & Cass offers plenty of options for the style-conscious person on the list. The downtown Sylva boutique carries women’s clothing and accessories along with gifts and home goods, including items such as candles, puzzles and beauty products. The Carly & Cass DIY Studio on Mill Street also gives visitors the chance to create something themselves, adding a more personal option to holiday gifting. The mix makes it easy to browse for anything from a small stocking stuffer to a larger gift.
Black Balsam Outdoors – Sylva
Jackson County’s trails provide plenty of inspiration for holiday gifts, too. Black Balsam Outdoors in Sylva carries apparel, gear and accessories for hiking, camping, backpacking, trail running and other outdoor pursuits. For someone who would rather spend the weekend on a trail than inside, new gear can provide a head start on the next mountain adventure.
Highland Hiker – Cashiers
Outdoor enthusiasts have another shopping stop in Cashiers at Highland Hiker. The shop carries premium outdoor clothing and hiking gear along with locally inspired gifts, making it a good place to browse for hikers and travelers who spend plenty of time outside. It’s also an opportunity to pick up something that can be put to use on a future trip to the mountains.
The Corner Store – Cashiers
For the youngest people on the shopping list, The Corner Store in Cashiers keeps things classic with toys, games, puzzles, books, dolls, cars and other kid-friendly finds. Rather than scrolling through another online toy aisle, visitors can browse the shelves for something that matches a child’s age and interests.
Shop Local Across Jackson County
There’s no need to tackle all 10 shops in a single day. Downtown Sylva and historic Dillsboro make it easy to browse independent businesses on foot, while Cashiers adds another collection of shops to explore farther into the mountains.
Shopping locally also gives visitors a chance to experience more of Jackson County’s small towns, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a meal or spend some time outdoors along the way. Most importantly, holiday purchases made locally support the small businesses, artists and makers that help give each of Jackson County’s mountain towns its individual character.
Discover more places to shop, dine and explore at DiscoverJacksonNC.com.