In Full Bloom: Your Ultimate Guide to the Flowering Season in Jackson County, N.C.

In Full Bloom: Your Ultimate Guide to the Flowering Season in Jackson County, N.C.

Ideally situated in the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County is home to rare and endangered species, colorful wildflowers and lush forests. Because of our elevation, we have one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the temperate world! With more than 1,500 species of flowering plants spread across 494 square miles of spectacular landscape, Jackson County offers endless opportunities to experience the season’s most picturesque blooms. We’ve created this Ultimate Guide to the Blooming Season to help you along your journey. So, grab your hiking boots and prepare to immerse yourself in nature and discover the spectacular flora that comes alive each spring! Here’s what you’ll find: Rhododendron (March – July) – A stunning, evergreen shrub known for its brilliant blooms, Rhododendron ranges in color from pure white to deep red and purple. One of the best places to find this iconic flowering plant is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to a variety of Rhododendron species, including the Pinxter, Catawba and Carolina. Specifically, the Oconaluftee River Trail, Mingus Creek Trail and the Clingmans Dome Trail are popular areas to see rhododendrons in bloom during the spring and early summer. Dutchman’s Breeches (March – June) – This wildflower is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves and unique, pantaloon-shaped flowers that resemble tiny pairs of breeches hanging upside down from a clothesline. Dutchman’s Breeches prefers moist, shady habitats, and can often be found growing in the understory of deciduous forests and along the edges of streams and creeks. Whiteside Mountain Trail […]

Your Guide to the Best Springtime Celebrations in the N.C. Mountains

festival with a lot of people in jackson county

Your Guide to the Best Springtime Celebrations in the N.C. Mountains

Spring has sprung in the Western North Carolina mountains, making it a fantastic time to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. One of best ways of doing just that is by attending the popular Greening Up the Mountains festival in downtown Sylva. Now in its 22nd year, this highly-anticipated annual event celebrates the arrival of spring, making it the perfect time for a spring weekend getaway.

Stay Inside and Play On!

Stay Inside and Play On!

Jackson County is known for its beautiful outdoors, but there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors, too – especially when Mother Nature brings cool or rainy weather. To help you navigate those inside days, we’ve created this Guide to Amazing Indoor Adventures in Jackson County, NC! Catamount Jaxe – Cullowhee Can you hit the bullseye? A new addition to the Jackson County entertainment landscape, Catamount Jaxe Axe Throwing Social House offers the thrill and fun of competition. Located in Cullowhee within the Prospect residential community, Catamount Jaxe is a professionally designed venue combining the rustic charm of a lodge with the vibrant energy of a social hangout. It’s the perfect place for a date night, a group outing or a special celebration. The venue features a full bar, special trivia and karaoke nights as well as patio games (when the weather allows). “Axe-perts” are on hand to guide you through the skill of axe throwing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. (Children age 10 and older are permitted to axe throw with a waiver signed by their parent.) So, unleash your inner lumberjack in a mountain setting and get ready for an “axe-ceptional” time! The Zachary-Tolbert House – Cashiers Learn about early settlers to the Cashiers Valley! Located on 107 S., the historic Zachary-Tolbert House is home to the most extensive collection of “plain-style” furniture in the world. The house itself — an outstanding example of a vernacular, Greek Revival residential structure — has remained largely unaltered […]

Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC

Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC

February is the month of love, and there’s no better place than the North Carolina Mountains to celebrate your valentine. Against our spectacular mountain backdrop, it’s easy to fall in love all over again during your romantic getaway to our quaint and charming towns. We’ve made planning your escape easy with our Six Ways to Celebrate the One You Love in Jackson County, NC! 1 – Sweets for Your Sweetie Whether it’s the exclamation point at the end of a fine meal or a token of affection, a Valentine’s Day sweet treat is the perfect touch to your romantic celebration. Jackson County has two chocolatiers waiting for you: Baxley’s Chocolates in Sylva or Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, where you’ll find a variety of small-batch, handmade confections. Indulge in truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, caramels, fudge and more, all guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Take home treats in small box that are much tastier than what you’ll find in a big box store! 2 – Table for Two Our thriving culinary scene means Jackson County offers plenty of romantic choices for an intimate table for two. Consider The Orchard Restaurant in Cashiers, a 1900s-era farmhouse featuring dining featuring seasonal dishes with Southern flavor. In Sapphire, Mica’s Restaurant & Pub has been a local favorite for more than 35 years, offering a full menu served year round. Enjoy the warm blazes of the stacked-stone fireplace in the large dining room while dining on prime steaks, fresh-caught trout or even made-from-scratch NY-style pizza. At Lulu’s […]

Our ‘Secret Season’ Is Whispering to You

Our ‘Secret Season’ Is Whispering to You

Jackson County, NC has a secret – one that’s well worth sharing. A visit to the area between winter and early spring offers benefits you won’t find any other time of the year. From lower lodging rates to clear mountain views to amazing dining and winter sports experiences, you’ll find it here, during our serene “Secret Season.” Here are our top suggestions for taking full advantage of it! Lower Temps = Lower Rates Let’s start with pricing. As the temperatures fall, so do the rates for lodges, hotels, cabins and cottages. Simply put, you’ll get more mountains for your money! Additionally, many properties offer seasonal specials. Consider the iconic High Hampton Resort, which offers its lowest rates of the year during January and February. Or the 20% discount when you book three nights at Hotel Cashiers, a pet-friendly mountain inn. In Whittier, close to the national park, Outland Chalet & Suites Great Smoky Mountains also offers a discounted rate for stays of three nights or more. Cozy Cabins and Cottages Speaking of lodging, let’s talk about how wonderful it feels to snuggle next to a crackling fire with views of snow-capped mountains on the other side of your window. No other time of year offers the same feelings of coziness and relaxation. Whether you prefer a log cabin, historic lodge, charming cottage or unique hotel, it’s waiting for you in Jackson County. Select a property with a hot tub, fireplace or fire pit and create that perfect mountain moment. Pick […]

Resolve to Explore the N.C. Mountains in 2024

Resolve to Explore the N.C. Mountains in 2024

Life is short. You only live once (or YOLO). No matter how you say it, the notion that time and opportunities pass quickly is not new. January offers us a brand-new year and the perfect time to make resolutions and plans. So, make it your 2024 New Year’s resolution to visit Jackson County, N.C.! To help plan the perfect getaway and cross off those “bucket list” items no matter what time of year you visit, we’ve created this Jackson County, N.C. Guide to its Must-See Sites Each Season. Winter: Clear Views to Clear Your Mind   It’s happening now. From December through early April, our mountains offer quiet solace, fewer crowds, open views – and the chance of a snow flurry or two. Without the leaves, it’s your chance to see how the mountains rise and fall. This is a great time to hike the trails that usually see more foot traffic. Pinnacle Park tops this list and comes with a special designation: the state’s only Certified Nature Forest Therapy Trail. Located in Sylva, Pinnacle offers more than 1,500 acres of unspoiled natural beauty and contrasting options for trail experiences. Looking for a challenge with a great payoff? Then, choose its seven-mile West Fork Trail that ascends more than 3,000 feet in elevation from the edge of the Plott Balsam mountain range. Here, you’ll find “the pinnacle” for which the park is named – a sharp-topped ridge perched above 5,000 feet. Its panoramic view is the exclamation point at the […]

Give Those You Love Handcrafted and Handmade Items from Jackson County, N.C.

Give Those You Love Handcrafted and Handmade Items from Jackson County, N.C.

Elevate your seasonal shopping experience by visiting the mountain towns of Jackson County, N.C.! Here, you’ll find hand-crafted treasures and artisan creations as you merrily make your way down the small-town sidewalks, past the storefront windows adorned for the holidays. We’ve created your perfect Gift Guide for those one-of-a-kind items guaranteed to delight your friends and family members. Make it a complete “gifting getaway” by booking a stay at one of our hotels, cabins, cottages or lodges! And if you can’t decide exactly what to purchase, a gift certificate gives the perfect excuse to make the return trip with them to Jackson County! The Artisan Village of Dillsboro For abundant holiday cheer, one need not look any further than the Village of Dillsboro, recently named one of the “Five North Carolina Towns That Belong in a Christmas Movie,” by Our State magazine. Strolling the village sidewalks, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to simpler days. Listen for the train whistle as the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad delivers passengers to the town as part of its holiday rides. For hand-crafted items that honor Appalachian tradition, don’t miss Dogwood Crafters. A cooperative showcasing mountain arts, crafts and gifts, Dogwood has been a staple in Dillsboro since 1976. Enter the log cabin-style galleries to find handmade treasures created by more than 85 regional artists who keep craft traditions alive. The ever-changing inventory in its 12 rooms includes corn shuck dolls, wooden bowls, handmade quilts, knitted items, stained glass and delightful novelty […]

Walking (or Hiking) in a Winter Wonderland

Walking (or Hiking) in a Winter Wonderland

As the seasons change and the temperature lowers, so do the mountain views which open  up after the leaves fall. Hikes can become winter wonderlands, with frosty mountaintops and icy cascades from area waterfalls. As the temperatures fall, so do the prices of lodges, hotels, cabins and cottages – a bonus during this “Secret Season.” While hiking, always remember the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace®: 1 – Plan ahead and prepare. 2 – Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3 – Dispose of waste properly. 4 – Leave what you find. 5 – Minimize campfire impacts. 6 – Respect wildlife. 7 – Be considerate of other visitors. The experience of hiking to a frozen fall is not without some risk, so take precautions as you explore. Be aware of slippery rocks and trails. Remember: Take no chances, only photos for memories (from a safe distance, of course). Here are our Top 5 Waterfalls for Winter Wonder! Whitewater Falls – Sapphire, N.C. Our list starts off big and tall – 411 feet, to be exact. Iconic Whitewater Falls nestles in the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers and Sapphire. One of the highest cascades east of the Mississippi River, it embraces its larger portion of winter weather each by creating glorious, large ice sculptures. An easy, quarter-mile hike takes you to the viewing platform. Have your camera ready! Pro Tips: Bring cash for the nominal parking fee and plan to arrive early to enjoy the amazing views without a crowd. For […]

Kick Off the Holiday Season at a Jackson County, N.C. Celebration

Kick Off the Holiday Season at a Jackson County, N.C. Celebration

Experience the spirit of the season in a Jackson County, N.C. mountain town, where the magic comes alive amidst the lights, parades and holiday markets!   Old-fashioned holiday scenes and the joy and laughter of your loved ones will surround you as you celebrate the season in our mountains. Our Holiday Calendar is packed with family-friendly events, and we have all the details here. So, plan your holiday getaway today!   Gobble on the Green   Before you gobble your Thanksgiving meal, get in some exercise in Cashiers at Gobble on the Green!    This 5K run/walk will be held at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23, beginning and ending at The Village Green. The course will canvas Frank Allen Road and circle around Cashiers Lake.   Kids can get in on the fun by participating in the Junior Warrior Course, a free, scavenger-hunt type of activity to be held at The Village Green Playground.    The cost is $35 plus a $3.50 sign-up fee. Packets may be picked up early on Wed., Nov. 22, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Village Green Lewis Hall.  Click here to register!    Christmas Tree Lightings   Jackson County features two festive tree lighting events: Fri., Nov. 24, in Cashiers and Fri., Dec. 1, in Sylva.   In Cashiers, The Gazebo area of The Village Green will light up as part of a lively and heartwarming celebration featuring s’mores and cider and a dramatic entrance by Santa Claus. Festivities begin at 5:45 p.m., with the lighting after sunset. Pro Tip: […]