The holiday season is just getting started, and there’s no better place to celebrate than in the picturesque Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County. While the region’s mountains certainly provide breathtaking scenic views, especially when coated in nature’s snowy blanket, there’s much more to enjoy here throughout the holiday season.
The return of the holiday season means reminiscing on years past, spending time with loved ones and sharing in traditions that are carried on through generations of families year-after-year. One such tradition that we enjoy being a part of in Jackson County is to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Thanks to our county’s elevation, location, quality soil conditions and abundant rainfall, the county is perfectly situated for growing beautiful Christmas trees. In fact, genetics show our trees are the fastest-growing, most aesthetically pleasing trees in the region. As a result, Jackson County is home to many locally and family-owned Christmas tree farms offering a gorgeous selection of these holiday decoration centerpieces.
As temperatures continue to drop, Jackson County in the Western North Carolina mountains is heating up with plenty of things to do, see and experience during a winter mountain getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the clear, brisk conditions in the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Sylva and Dillsboro, where they can get outside to get their blood pumping as they explore the area’s many outdoor activities.
With rolling mountain peaks, tumbling waterfalls and scenic valleys, Jackson County, N.C. is home to a wealth of gorgeous scenery. The panoramic views from the mountaintops are some of the most beautiful in the country – it’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful, but as the sun begins to lower and the sky fills with rich hues of orange, yellow, red and purple, adding a glow to everything in its path, the view becomes more breathtaking than ever.
Calling all pottery lovers! Mark your calendars for what has been named one of the Southeast’s “Top 20 Art Events.” With 44 master potters from 15 different states, this fall arts festival is not to be missed. The ever-popular WNC Pottery Festival will take place on November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Front Street in Dillsboro. Now in its 14th year, this annual event continues to grow and attract thousands of visitors from around the county to the mountain towns of Jackson County, N.C. During this juried festival, participating artists will showcase some of the best handmade pottery in the country. Potters from Treehouse Pottery, Riverwood Pottery, Firemoss Pottery and Zan Barnes Pottery are among the local studios displaying their top-tier craftsmanship during the event. Insider tip: After visiting the festival, be sure to stop into their storefronts located throughout downtown Dillsboro to see even more of their artistic wares. Seven new potters have joined the festival, bringing new life to the event. During the festival, visitors can watch live clay throwing and firing demonstrations right in the middle of Front Street by participating potters. “The talent of the potters we’ve lined up this year is incredible,” said Joe Frank McKee, co-founder of the event and local potter at Treehouse Pottery. “Each year gets better and better, and we’re really excited to see attendees enjoy this year’s mixture of techniques and skills.” The 2018 WNC Pottery Festival’s featured artist is Judy Brater of Knoxville, Tenn. Brater createsContinue Reading
There’s a lot to love about fall throughout the Western N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County: cooler temps, festivals and, of course, the beautiful colors that take over the trees. But there’s something else everyone looks forward to when autumn is upon us: the return of seasonal flavors.
Fall is in full swing in the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County. That means crisp, cool air, breathtaking fall foliage and the annual return of the Shadow of the Bear. This one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon, an actual shadow of a bear, emerges every autumn on Cashiers Valley from behind Whiteside Mountain.
Once the fall colors descend upon the peaks and valleys of the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County, there’s no better way to enjoy this kaleidoscope of color than hitting the area’s many scenic hiking trails. Whether trekking up a mountain or leisurely strolling along a short, family-friendly path that includes vistas, waterfalls, old bridges and more, there’s a trail available for every age and skill level.
(Photo courtesy James Leithart) When it comes to enjoying the beauty of fall’s vibrant colors, nothing beats a leisurely road trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina. The crisp, cool air, scenic views and peaceful serenity allow visitors to take in what many say is their favorite time of year. One of the best routes to explore the area’s brilliant autumnal hues is along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Jackson County. Created in 1936 with the final 7.7-mile stretch completed in 1987, the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed to link the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, the road covers 469 miles, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina. More than 40 miles traverse our county, including the highest section of the entire Parkway. As a result, the area attracts leaf lookers each year who come to take in the rich colors of autumn in the mountains. 2018’s rainy summer will bring out warm hazel tones, siennas and golden yellows throughout Jackson County beginning in September. Dr. Beverly Collins, biology professor at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, is predicting peak color around the fourth week of October and expects color to extend through early November. Unlike portions of the Parkway farther north in the state, the section here is generally much less congested, making it more enjoyable to explore. Plus, because the Parkway speed limit is just 45 mph, with some areas seeing even lower limits, it’s easy to cruise along leisurely while taking in theContinue Reading
There’s nothing quite like the excitement that comes with the first feels of fall. You can smell it in the crisp mountain air, you can see the leaves starting to transform from vibrant greens to sunset hues, and you can feel a sense of general anticipation from the people around you when this popular season starts to peek through.
