All Aboard the Polar Express: Why Jackson County is the Perfect Holiday Home Base

All Aboard the Polar Express: Why Jackson County is the Perfect Holiday Home Base

If you’re planning a family trip on the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC, why not stay just a short 15-minute drive away in Jackson County? A collection of idyllic mountain towns and picturesque mountain vistas, Jackson County offers an unbeatable combination of convenience, fun and affordability, making it the perfect base for your holiday adventure. Not only will you be close to the train station, but you’ll also have access to a wide range of activities to enjoy before or after your magical journey. All aboard! Explore Sylva and Dillsboro Jackson County is home to Sylva and Dillsboro, two charming mountain towns with less than three miles between them that offer a lot more than just a place to stay. Sylva’s historic downtown is filled with locally-owned shops and unique restaurants. Take a scenic walk along Main Street, stop by a charming café for a warm drink and explore some of the best craft breweries in the region​. The iconic Jackson County Courthouse (now Public Library), one of the most photographed buildings in North Carolina, provides a beautiful backdrop to this mountain town​. Just minutes away is Dillsboro with a laid-back village vibe and packed with family-friendly activities. It’s home to artisan shops, galleries and delicious eateries. A must-visit is the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, where you can indulge in handmade chocolates, gourmet treats​ and fresh-brewed coffee. During the holiday season, Dillsboro comes alive with its “Lights & Luminaries” festival, lighting up the town with thousands of twinkling lights​. Outdoor […]

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 […]

Avoid the Crowds and Ring in 2019 Mountain Style

balsam falls in jackson county

Avoid the Crowds and Ring in 2019 Mountain Style

Why fight the crowds at a huge New Year’s celebration in a jam-packed city when you can escape to the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains for a more low-key, enjoyable experience? In Jackson County, N.C., you’ll find wide open spaces where you can rejuvenate with the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery everywhere you turn. Plus, you won’t encounter the high seasonal prices that commonly accompany a big-city New Year’s celebration and holiday weekend stay.

These mountains are made for biking

These mountains are made for biking

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 […]

Your July Fourth Tradition Starts Here

Your July Fourth Tradition Starts Here

Experience Fourth of July revelry the way it’s meant to be with a summer escape to the mountains of Jackson County, North Carolina. Immerse yourself in the patriotic spirit and a slice of true Americana with a July Fourth vacation in the heart of the mountains. Filled with spectacular fireworks, live music and Southern camaraderie, our idyllic mountain towns of Sylva, Cashiers, Dillsboro and Cherokee are the perfect backdrop for an all-American summer holiday and the makings of a new family tradition.

Celebrate the arts in Jackson County!

Celebrate the arts in Jackson County!

With the cooler weather, the new vibrant colors of the leaves and exciting fall festivals, autumn is more than a season- it’s a time for joy and inspiration for artistic minds. So this fall, get outside, celebrate nature and play on in Jackson County, N.C. A haven for natural beauty and the arts, Jackson County is a must-experience fall escape with a lot more than inspiration alone to offer.