On nice summer evenings when temperatures drop down with the sun, and the mountain breeze picks up, there is no better place to dine in Jackson County than in a beautiful outdoor setting. Whether you’re looking for a table for the whole family to try some delicious local fare, a romantic date night under the stars or a cool place to enjoy a flight of craft beer, there are plenty of dining options to set the perfect scene in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva.
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 […]
Tap into the secret inventory of mountain bike sweet spots in the N.C. mountains of Jackson County. Whether it’s thrills or tranquility you crave, our mountain bike trails have you covered. Technical single-track and downhill bombing runs. Casual forest trails with stunning views and waterfalls. Climbs that run the gamut from gnarly to novice. And a meandering riverside greenway that fits the bill for the littlest of pedalers. Jackson County does road biking, too. Test your limits with epic climbs, bestowed with ominous names like “Ring of Hades” or “Spurs of Death” by local riders. Head up to the high-elevation cruising altitude of the Blue Ridge Parkway or ramble along country roads and river valleys. Unwind with an after-ride toast on the Jackson County Ale Trail. Don’t worry, the craft breweries won’t mind that mud on your pant cuffs. As an outdoors town, our motto is “Play On” and we name our beers after trails. With spring leafing up the mountains, it’s the perfect time to strap on the bike rack, pump up your tires and kick off the riding season with getaway to Jackson County, N.C. Here’s a quick guide to the local cycling scene to help you hit the ground pedaling. Gear up for the Great Balsam Bike Relay Adventuresome cyclists can experience the perfect marriage of both in the Great Balsam Bike Relay, a bodacious 12-16 hour journey coming August 11. Teams of four will take on the top trails and road routes of Jackson County and […]
Reconnect with your sweetheart during Valentine’s season with a romantic retreat to the picturesque mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva. Paint the town red at our cocktail lounges, wine bars and craft breweries. Shake off the mid-winter doldrums with a dose of the great outdoors. Or relax under a Smoky Mountain sunset with a vase of roses by the hot tub. From upscale resorts to rustic hideaways, and chic hotels to intimate bed and breakfasts, Jackson County delivers a diverse array of accommodations. The only hard part is picking one.
With stunning summits, expansive rivers, spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, Jackson County, North Carolina’s 494 square miles of natural beauty shines no matter what time of year. Along with the wealth of natural wonders, the man-made treasures, culinary offerings and cultural attractions elevate the experience even further. The mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva in Jackson County, North Carolina await. The picturesque views that surround the county may change colors with the seasons, but the beauty of the destination never fades.
With towering trees, snowcapped mountaintops and a close-knit community, Jackson County has been a picturesque holiday getaway for more than a century. A Christmas here shines with tradition, including caroling on the steps of the historic courthouse and candle-lit luminaries lining the way to shops in Dillsboro and Sylva. The two towns take on a storybook quality, with lights outlining buildings and lamp posts, and holiday ribbons and greenery everywhere. Perhaps the most spectacular sight at Christmas is Sylva’s stately old courthouse (now part of the Jackson County Library), which features candles in the windows, candy-cane wrapped columns and at least a dozen Christmas trees adorning its stately lawn. In earlier days, however, Christmas perhaps meant more, because it broke the monotony of dark winter days. Families went into the forest to cut a fresh evergreen, traditionally a cedar, to decorate for their Christmas tree, and planned a festive meal to be shared with extended family. Children dreamed of Santa Claus and what they might find under the tree on Christmas morning. While eating is still a big part of the holidays, in the early years of the 20th century, the delicacies, like everything else, were mostly homemade. The late Alberta Zachary, who lived in Cashiers, said that Christmas seemed more special back before 1920. “We used real candles to light the tree, and a tree decorated with real candles is the most beautiful sight. Of course, the grown-ups never left the room when the tree was lit, and the […]
When cold weather blows into Jackson County, this haven for outdoor recreation turns to the snow. You’ll find plenty of exciting activities to enjoy in the wintertime, including skiing that is perfect for beginners, snowy zip lining and plenty of cozy spots to stay for the weekend.
Having trouble narrowing down your holiday shopping list this year? Ditch the mall crowds, the stress of picking out the perfect item off the shelves and the mess of wrapping paper, and give the gift of adventure and the great outdoors by booking a visit to Jackson County, NC. – from stunning winter scenes with glistening white snow to hot chocolate by the fireplace in your very own cabin, Jackson County is the perfect getaway for the adventurers on your list.
Discover the magic of the season with a choose-and-cut Christmas tree adventure to the N.C. mountains of Jackson County. Visit a jolly elf village, sit on Santa’s lap, take a hay ride, and sip hot cocoa while you watch your prized tree get loaded onto your car. The glory and luster of a hand-picked Christmas tree is the center of holiday revelry in every home. So make it yours with a journey right to the source. Jackson County is the land of Christmas trees, home to 70 tree farms and more than 3 million Christmas trees.
While most people who prefer to do their exploring by car know the Blue Ridge Parkway offers unparalleled sightseeing and hiking opportunities – especially during October’s spectacular leaf show – not everyone realizes that it’s possible to turn a Parkway experience into a scenic loop through eastern Jackson County.
