Covering 494 square miles of the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County encompasses some of the state’s most beautiful views, signature events, outstanding art and culture, friendly people, and so much more – a combination has led to an amazing 2018 for the area. Jackson County has been quite the happening hot spot in North Carolina, and here is a look back at some of the best moments from the last 12 months:

Outhouse Races: You won’t find a crazier, more entertaining event than this annual tradition held each February featuring homemade outhouses on skis. No wonder it was named a “Top 20” event in the Southeast for February by the Southeast Tourism Society this year!

“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”: The title may say Missouri, but this movie actually was filmed in and around Sylva and other parts of Western North Carolina in 2016. At this year’s Academy Awards, it garnered seven Oscar nominations and took home two Oscars: Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor. Sylva received some well-deserved time on the big screen!

Flags for Heroes at the Jackson County Courthouse by The Rotary Club of Sylva: This new addition to Jackson County’s annual events calendar paid tribute to the brave men and women who serve or have served in the Armed Forces. Anyone was able to sponsor an American flag that was displayed several times throughout the year through The Rotary Club of Sylva.

Completion of the Sylva Mural: Created by artist Eron Hare of Brooklyn, N.Y., the downtown Sylva mural on Mill Street features scenes from around this charming city. It has been a popular selfie spot this year to commemorate visits to Jackson County.

July Our State Issue Features Jackson County: Jackson County was thrilled to be highlighted on the cover, table of contents, and 32 other pages throughout the July 2018 issue of “Our State” magazine. Fly fishing, beer and food are just some of the elements the magazine covered.

New Openings: Jackson County proudly welcomed five new food and drink offerings to its already robust selection. These include Foragers Canteen and Innovation Station in Dillsboro, White Moon and Pie Times in Sylva, and Whiteside Brewing Co. in Cashiers.

Cashiers Plein Air Festival: This biennial event brought in nationally acclaimed painters from around the country to capture their incarnation of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau landscape and quaint mountain lifestyle. The weeklong event raised funds to enhance The Village Green in Cashiers and will return to the area in 2020. On the Cashiers Plein Air Festival off years, the Joy Garden Tour takes place. In 2019, the Joy Garden Tour will take place from July 17-21.

Great Balsam Bike Relay: Another new addition to Jackson County’s annual events calendar, the first-ever Great Balsam Bike Relay combined the disciplines of road biking and mountain biking over a race route comprised of dirt trails, gravel and asphalt. The second annual Great Balsam Bike Relay will take place on August 10, 2019!

Shadow of the Bear: A natural phenomenon that recurs every fall, the “Shadow of the Bear” emerged for a few weeks this past October on Whiteside Mountain near Cashiers. It’s an amazing experience everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime!

Looking ahead to 2019, plan to enjoy these and so many more fantastic events in Jackson County. Begin next year’s travel plans by requesting a free Visitor Guide today.