You Don’t Know Jack About These Hidden Gems & Fun Facts!
You Don’t Know Jack About These Hidden Gems & Fun Facts!
Whether you’re a frequent visitor or looking to plan your first trip out to Jackson County, there’s so much to discover each time you find yourself in our beautiful area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of our best hidden gems and fun facts. Our mountain towns are home to: The Smallest U.S. Post Office in the U.S. – Nestled in the shadow of Whiteside Mountain in Cashiers you’ll find Grimshawes Post Office, which stands at just 5 feet by 6 feet. This roadside attraction operated from 1878 until 1953 and is still preserved today, so it’s worth the stop-by to snap some memorable photos. It’s also completely free! The Highest Continuous Cliff East of the Mississippi – Laurel Knob is a whopping 1,200 feet of continuous rock cliff. While it’s not safe to climb unless you’re a professional, we recommend that you take the time during your explorations to view this miraculous natural summit from distance. Largest box canyon East of the Rockies – Laurel Knob mentioned above is best viewed from Lonesome Valley, which is a spectacle of its own situated midway between Sapphire and Cashiers. It’s technically a 800-acre private gated community with homes and vacation cottages, but anyone can experience its breathtaking stone mountain views by dining outside at Canyon Kitchen, a fabulous restaurant open to the public serving an award-winning, farm-to-table menu. More Mountain Heritage Trout Waters than Anywhere Else in the State – We’re recognized as the North […]
Leave No Trace™ in Jackson County, NC
Leave No Trace™ in Jackson County, NC
Enjoy the best of the Blue Ridge Mountains and make a positive impact before you leave. Learn how to make the most out of your trip and give back when you Leave No Trace in Jackson County, NC.
Only in Jackson County, NC
Only in Jackson County, NC
Anyone who has ever had the chance to visit our incredible mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva can see that there is something special that stands out about us. Whether it is the mass amounts of towering waterfalls that can be easily accessed, the rivers filled with trout and other fish that are there for the catching, the tasty food and craft beer, or the welcoming locals who are just waiting to tell you about the next best spot in town to discover… there are many reasons that people return here time and time again. This one-of-a-kind destination is home to many attractions and hidden gems that can ONLY be found here.
Instagram as Inspiration for Your Jackson County Trip
Instagram as Inspiration for Your Jackson County Trip
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through photos online and imagining yourself in the place pictured? Rest assured you are not alone! Instagram, for travelers especially, is the perfect resource for gathering inspiration on where to take your next weekend getaway or vacation. One of the top considerations when picking a destination is “going somewhere where I can take memorable pictures,” according to Expedia. In the North Carolina mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, there is no shortage of Instagram-worthy sunsets, waterfalls, and scenic views. To showcase some of the very best traveler photos in Jackson County, we created a new section on our website that one can use as a visual trip planner. Click here to access our new Visitor Galleries. Some tips for using Instagram to plan your next trip to Jackson County: Follow @DiscoverJacksonNC (that’s our official account!) Find a photo you love in our feed that really makes you want to visit. Trust us – you’ll have a hard time deciding on a favorite! If you see a waterfall you want to check or a place that has delicious looking BBQ, burgers or tapas, use the ‘save’ feature (it looks like a bookmark) located underneath the photo on the right. Name the collection something fun like ‘Weekend Road Trip to NC.’ This saves the image to your collection and you can easily find it later when you get here. Explore by geo-tag! See something you like on our page? Click the location name above […]
Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with Jackson County
Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week with Jackson County
The annual U.S. tradition of National Travel and Tourism Week is coming up fast. This year’s celebration, which will take place May 6 – 12, 2018, marks the 35th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week, and it’s all about recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of the U.S. travel community over the course of the last several decades. In honor of this, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners has also proclaimed that week “National Travel and Tourism Week” in Jackson County. With tourism being the largest industry in the county, we are inviting our residents, partners and visitors to partake in celebrating the week with us through this year’s theme of “Then and Now.” After all, without each one of you, being able to create such a positive tourist experience, and in turn, such a large economic impact opportunity to our area, would not be possible! Travel to Jackson County results in more than $188 million annually in visitor spending on lodging, food service, transportation, retail, recreation and entertainment. The tourism industry as a whole supports 1,810 jobs locally and the funding from it helps to improve community projects, events and experiences for locals and tourists alike. To tie into this year’s theme of Then and Now, we delved into some past promotional materials to see how our towns were promoted as a tourism destination and how it has evolved since. We were able to track down old Jackson County brochures and additional marketing materials dating as far back as the […]
What’s in a name?
What’s in a name?
Jackson County is defined by its mountains and waterways. A rough count indicates that the area has 400-plus named summits and streams, and it’s fascinating to ponder how a certain peak or creek acquired its name. Some are obvious. For example, many local streams are named after the people who first settled on their banks. Scott Creek, Greens Creek, Blanton Branch, Johns Creek, Wilson Creek and Watson Branch are good examples. Interestingly, all of these are also the names of roads as well. Other creeks are categorized by geography (East Fork and North Fork), size (Peewee Branch) or by the plants that grow there (Caney Fork, Cane Creek and Locust Creek).
Water, Water Everywhere
Water, Water Everywhere
While the mountains define Jackson County, there’s no question that its many streams are a huge part of its appeal. Best known, of course, is the mighty Tuckasegee, the river that runs south to north through most of the county. Scenic N.C. 107, Jackson’s main state highway, runs beside the Tuck for most of its length as it connects Cashiers with, in “down-the-mountain” order, Glenville, Cullowhee, and Sylva. But the Tuck is not the county’s only river: three others – the Chattooga, Whitewater and Horsepasture – drain Jackson’s southern end, and the Oconaluftee flows through its northern tip.
So Many Mountains
So Many Mountains
Now that the last of fall’s leaves have blown away, our mountains are coming into sharper focus. Gazing up from the valleys, we are surrounded by peaks; looking down from the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals Jackson County’s seemingly endless array of mountains. In fact, winter with its long-range views may be the best time to hike.
Sylva’s Destination Library
Sylva’s Destination Library
Start with Jackson County’s most photographed building add a modern addition in the same architectural style, mix in dramatic views, then fill with books, computers and community gathering spaces. The result; Jackson County’s most photogenic library. Beautifully located on a hilltop overlooking historic downtown Sylva.
10 Reasons to Visit Jackson County This Labor Day
10 Reasons to Visit Jackson County This Labor Day
Labor Day is the only US holiday dedicated to celebrating the working people, so take advantage of the holiday weekend and treat yourself to a trip to the North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County! Not only is it conveniently located in the Great Smoky Mountains just a short drive from the Southeast’s major cities, but Jackson County also provides visitors the chance to try many different activities throughout their stay in the area.