Discover Rich Heritage in Jackson County

Cherokee Bonfire

Discover Rich Heritage in Jackson County

The Western North Carolina mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva boast a wealth of natural attractions, and beyond the surface visitors will find so much more than just stunning views. These mountain towns are rich in history and heritage from the Cherokee Indians and the Appalachia heritage that runs deep through the region.

Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day

Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day

Autumn is nearly upon us, and that means fall festivals are on the horizon. One not-to-miss fall event is Mountain Heritage Day, which is held each year on the Western Carolina University campus. This annual festival celebrates the Southern Appalachian mountain culture that can be found throughout Jackson County and the rest of the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains. Mountain Heritage Day is a prime example of WCU’s community involvement, drawing more than 15,000 visitors to the area to experience continuous live entertainment, more than 130 food and craft vendors, an interactive children’s area, and nonstop family-friendly activities. Both admission and parking for the event are free, with free shuttle service provided.

Where art meets the mountains: seven insider tips to make the most of Cashiers Plein Air Festival

woman painting the view from lonesome valley in jackson county

Where art meets the mountains: seven insider tips to make the most of Cashiers Plein Air Festival

Experience art live and on location with an elevated summer escape to the mountain hamlet of Cashiers, N.C. where visiting artists will crawl the town and countryside with easels and pallets in tow for five days this July. The Cashiers Plein Air Festival is a celebration of art that comes alive before your eyes — on sidewalks and patios, in gardens and pastures, overlooking mountainsides and scenic vistas. French for “open air,” plein air painting is a rare form of spectator art that’s yours to experience during this year’s festival from July 17-21.

Insider’s Guide To Ebbing And The Filming Of Three Billboards

Insider’s Guide To Ebbing And The Filming Of Three Billboards

The mountain town of Sylva, NC was the primary filming location, and from May 2-21, 2016 transformed to become the town of Ebbing, Missouri, where this dark drama unfolds. Sylva captures the perfect picture of small-town Americana and proves to be a natural setting for the silver screen. With mountain vistas framing the background and storefronts lining Main Street, the town encompasses all the authentic characteristics that the setting of this Oscar® nominated film needed.

Journey to the Art Side with Jackson’s Trio of Outdoor Sculpture Walks

Journey to the Art Side with Jackson’s Trio of Outdoor Sculpture Walks

Molded from metal, chiseled in stone, forged by fire: discover the artistic trove of three outdoor sculpture gardens gracing the mountain landscape of Jackson County, North Carolina. From the homegrown sculptures of the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro to the elevated art experience on the Village Green in Cashiers, the outdoor collections evoke the spirit of the mountains. They run the gamut of moods and mediums, from whimsical copper to brawny steel to poignant marble.