The new year is underway, and you know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. While there may be one or two other things on the list, for most folks, New Year’s resolutions usually focus on these four: getting fit, eating healthier, scheduling more “me” time and spending more time with loved ones. And luckily, a getaway to the mountains towns of Jackson County in Western North Carolina is the perfect place to keep up with your resolutions! Given that people today are looking for a quick escape from their everyday lives, Jackson County answers the call. The county’s small-town ambience offers visitors anything they could possibly want: outdoor adventure, shopping, fishing, dining, breweries and much more. It’s easy to maintain good habits even while enjoying yourself on vacation in Jackson County because it isn’t a “one size fits all” destination. Instead, you can customize your visit based on your wants, needs and goals to create a getaway that aligns with your New Year’s resolutions. Thanks to the stress-free vibe of the mountains, you can kick off the new year with a healthy, fresh start. Get Active One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more. Unfortunately, most folks quickly become bored with the gym and the same fitness routine. Given the wide array of outdoor adventures available in Jackson County, you can participate in a new and exciting activity every day of your visit while keeping up with your resolutions. The miles of trails throughout the county’s 494 square miles of terrain give hikers many different options perfect for any skill level and allow you to burn calories while enjoying the surrounding scenic vistas. Want a leisurely stroll to take in the panoramic views? Ready to kick it up a notch with a more challenging and lengthier climb? You’ll find plenty to choose from to achieve whatever goal you set for yourself. Mix it up with additional activities like biking, horseback riding, skiing or snowboarding, and more. You could even practice yoga outdoors at 6,000 feet above sea level while enjoying unreal backdrops. There is no shortage to what you can do to play on in Jackson County.

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Eat Healthier It’s no secret that a well-balanced diet provides many health benefits. In Jackson County, you’ll find a health-conscious culinary scene that not only provides locally-grown and organically-produced food with healthy menu options, but also some of the best-tasting meals available in Western North Carolina. Many restaurants, such as City Lights Café, Randevu Restaurant and Guadalupe Café, focus on creating cuisine with fresh, local ingredients with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. For those interested in doing their own healthy cooking, both Sylva and Cashiers host weekly farmers markets filled with fresh, local produce (although Cashiers is closed during the winter). “Me” Time One of the best things people can do for improved mental and physical health is to make time for themselves. That means more relaxing, less screen time and getting in tune with yourself. A great place to start is at one of Jackson County’s spas, which offer a full range of pampering treatments. Book a full-body massage or go all out with an entire day of relaxation featuring body treatments, facials, hydrotherapy and more. Of course, nothing can rival the great outdoors for improving peace of mind and refreshing the soul. Surrounded by nature’s beauty and breathing in the fresh mountain air, you can’t help but clear your mind. Head to one of Jackson County’s many waterfalls, lakes and streams, where you can enjoy the soothing sound effects of water. Pro tip: these locations are an excellent setting for yoga or meditation. Reconnect with Loved Ones While spending time alone enjoying some quality “me” time is highly valuable, don’t overlook the opportunity to reconnect with loved ones with a family getaway. Whether walking the streets of Jackson County’s friendly small towns, enjoying a picnic together after a waterfall hike, or relaxing in a comfortable mountain retreat, there’s no shortage of fun available for all tastes and budgets. To further ease the stress of planning your trip, check out our Family Friendly Itinerary for great ideas and tips. Keeping up with New Year’s resolutions can be challenging once the newness of 2019 wears off. However, a visit to Jackson County could be just the impetus you need to stay committed. Request your free Visitor Guide today to start planning your getaway. (feature photo courtesy@the_knotty_yogi)