Press Releases

15th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with 44 Master Potters and a New Location

15th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with 44 Master Potters and a New Location

The 15th Annual WNC Pottery Festival returns to Jackson County, NC, on November 2, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in a brand-new location. Selected as one of the Southeast’s Top 20 Events and regarded annually as one of the most popular arts events in the mountains, the festival attracts several thousand pottery aficionados each year. Set in Bridge Park in downtown Sylva, the festival’s new location provides the perfect charming backdrop for one of the area’s most popular events. “We are incredibly excited to continue the legacy of this popular and nationally-respected event,” said Joe Frank McKee, a Jackson County resident and a well-known potter who co-founded the event. “This year’s new location allows us to showcase more talent than ever before. We are proud to witness and play a prominent role in the tremendous growth of this festival over the years.” All potters compete for slots prior to the start of the festival, and this year’s event welcomes a record sixteen new artisans for a total of 44 potters.  Sylva’s Bridge Park will be lined with tents featuring some of the country’s best handmade pieces. A large variety of styles and techniques will be showcased, ranging from glazed sculptural tree forms to mixed media pottery. “The WNC Pottery Festival brings together some of the most experienced and talented potters from across the country to feature their work,” McKee said. “With artists from 16 different states representing a mixture of talents and skills, this is a must-see event […]

Jackson County, NC (June 19, 2019) –The Cashiers Designer Showhouse one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by The Southeast Tourism Society for July 2019. This award given by STS highlights preeminent annual programs around the Southeast as selected by a panel of travel industry experts.The award-winning Cashiers Designer Showhouse is an annual event that features the work of renowned decorators and designers in the Southeast as designers “take over” a home in the community for a week to work their magic and display their talents, transforming it with their expertise while maintaining the home’s cohesive feel. Leading area landscapers are involved in redefining the areas surrounding the home and in turn creating serene and evocative late summer mountain gardens for showhouse strolling.

 Jackson County Releases 2019-20 Visitor Guide

 Jackson County Releases 2019-20 Visitor Guide

JACKSON COUNTY, NC (April 5, 2019) – The new Jackson County Visitor Guide for 2019-20 is now available on stands across the county and state of North Carolina. The guide, which highlights the best things to do in the NC Mountains, was produced by the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA). It serves as a resource to county visitors as an all-inclusive guide to Jackson County and the surrounding top attractions. The new guide titled “Your 360° Adventure”, serves as a resource to visitors as an all-inclusive guide to Jackson County and the surrounding region’s top attractions. The guide highlights the prime location of Jackson County as being a visitors’ home base for adventure, being in the middle of the most. It showcases all that Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire, the mountain towns that make up Jackson County, have to offer. The updated 72-page guide to Jackson County includes comprehensive accommodation and food & beverage directories. “We are home to a wide variety of accommodations, making it easy for visitors to select the perfect option for their budget and needs,” said JCTDA Executive Director Nick Breedlove. “We hope that when visitors pick up their guide and discover all that there is to do in our county and the surrounding areas, it will encourage them to extend, or schedule another trip to the area.” New to the guide this year, visitors will find an illustrative map and listing of popular attractions in and around Jackson County. Listings include […]

Unique Beer and Chocolate Pairing Created by Jackson County’s Baxley’s Chocolates and Innovation Brewing

Unique Beer and Chocolate Pairing Created by Jackson County’s Baxley’s Chocolates and Innovation Brewing

While most think of chocolate and wine as the perfect pairing, residents in the Western N.C. mountain town of Sylva decided to mix it up and pair the area’s favorite indulgences – chocolate and beer.  Baxley’s Chocolates and Innovation Brewing, both located in downtown Sylva, have joined forces to launch a beer and chocolate pairing just in time for April’s N.C. Beer Month. All handmade chocolates were carefully and thoughtfully paired with some of the county’s best craft beers on tap. Visitors can now pick up a box year-round at Baxley’s or Innovation and sample how well locally crafted beer and chocolate go together. These selections were designed to enhance and complement the flavors found in the beers and chocolates. Each box includes a complimentary solid dark chocolate that pairs with everything, allowing tasters to get creative. Boxes are available for one or two people and are at both Baxley’s and Innovation Brewing in Sylva starting April 1. “There are so many wonderful locally-owned businesses in downtown Sylva, and we are all supportive of each other and always looking for new ways to collaborate to showcase our town in the best way,” said Baxley’s Chocolates co-owner Lauren Baxley. “We loved working with Innovation to figure out which flavors either complemented each other or revealed a hidden flavor that you might not otherwise notice.” Baxley’s Chocolates, located in downtown Sylva, is a local chocolatier that creates premium handmade chocolates in small batches using the highest quality ingredients available. Baxley’s has been […]

Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Receives Tourism Office of the Year Award

Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Receives Tourism Office of the Year Award

The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has been named the Tourism Office of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society at the Shining Example Award Ceremony. This award is one of a dozen Shining Example Awards presented at STS’s annual Connections conference in Daytona Beach, Fla. In addition to the Shining Example Award, STS recently announced that the Jackson County TDA’s Executive Director Nick Breedlove was selected to join its Board of Directors and is one of two people from the state of N.C. to be selected. In addition to serving as a Board Member, Breedlove will also serve on the board’s Education Committee. “We are thrilled and honored to have been selected for this award and I can’t wait to get started with the STS Board of Directors,” said Breedlove. “Everyone involved at the TDA is extremely passionate about the tourism industry and about Jackson County. We love being able to share this area with visitors from around the country and are overjoyed that STS has recognized our hard work with this award. Additionally, I look forward to contributing to the great work STS is doing while serving on the board.” Jackson County was selected for the award from among a twelve-state region for tourism budgets under $2 million. Jackson County, located in the scenic Western N.C. mountains, is made up of the charming towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Sylva and Dillsboro. Established in 2013 and made up of just one full-time employee and an extremely supportive board, the JCTDA […]

Overhaul of grant program includes greater eligibility, broader support and two funding cycles JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (January 1, 2019) – The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority is now accepting grant applications for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. This year the TDA reworked the grant program and those who applied in past years should study the changes, Jackson County TDA Director Nick Breedlove said. TDA grants are used to assist with promoting and supporting events and initiatives that generate overnight visits and increase tourism, along with enhancing visitors’ experiences to Jackson County. Funding comes from occupancy tax collected in Jackson County that is reinvested in the local communities through the grant program. “We took a wholistic look at the grant program from ease of application to how we could support more tourism-related initiatives in addition to advertising,” Breedlove said, noting he is pleased with the streamlined program the grant program review committee and full board adopted. Several key changes were made to the grant program: 1. For profit entities are now eligible to apply for grant funding, with a one-to-one cash match eligibility 2. A pre-application workshop is now included as part of the process, helping applicants determine how to best generate a successful funding request 3. The application is now easier to fill out and is provided online only, allowing those completing the application to submit documents, budgets and copy/paste information easily into the new form. 4. There are now two grant windows, allowing applicants greater flexibility: July 1 – Dec. […]

Architectural Digest Ranks Cashiers, N.C. on List of 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America

Architectural Digest Ranks Cashiers, N.C. on List of 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America

Cashiers Selected to Represent the Entire State of North Carolina Cashiers, N.C., located in Jackson County, has been named to Architectural Digest’s “The 50 Most Beautiful Small Towns in America.” Cashiers is the only town in North Carolina named on the list. Situated on a high plateau and in the southern section of Jackson County, Cashiers is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world and offers gorgeous scenery among its waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and picnic spots—making it the perfect place for a day trip, family vacation or weekend getaway. “We’re so happy that Cashiers was recognized by Architectural Digest for its beauty, culture and charm,” said Nick Breedlove, Director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. “With a distinct character and appeal that visitors can only find in Cashiers, it is exciting that this smaller mountain town is getting the national recognition it deserves!” According to Architectural Digest, “when developing this list, [they] looked at easy access to nature, the presence of historic or design districts, and topography that’s appealing in its own right…” Architectural Digest is a national monthly magazine with a circulation of 816,139. The publication regularly features international design talents, innovative homes and products, inspiring decorating ideas, new shops and products, travel destinations, art and cultural events, celebrity style, and high-end real estate.

Off Season is the Best Season in Jackson County

Off Season is the Best Season in Jackson County

As chillier weather moves in, the crowds move out and lodging prices decrease with the temperatures in the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County. Many might think that winter is for hibernation, but in the towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, Cherokee and Cashiers, it is an undiscovered season with limitless offerings perfect for a seasonal getaway. Jackson County’s countless indoor and outdoor activities, scenic winter hikes and overlooks, cozy accommodation options and the chance of a mountain snow day make it an unforgettable escape for an off-season getaway. Jackson County is best known for its wealth of natural wonders and unrivaled beauty. Avid hikers or those looking for a leisurely stroll will find the perfect fit on one of Jackson County’s many trails. Nestled amongst the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the county’s unique location provides visitors with endless views of the surrounding areas natural beauty. When the trees become bare, those views extend as far as the eye can see, providing scenes of snow-capped mountains and sweeping winterscapes. As the temperatures drop, the area’s waterfalls start to ice over and don large, sparkling icicles transforming the scene into a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Hikers should be sure to check out nearby waterfalls including the popular Bridal Veil Falls, Looking Glass Falls, and Moore Cove Falls. Tom Branch Falls is best seen during the winter months when foliage isn’t blocking the falls. Snowy adventures await at Sapphire Valley where guests can ski, board or snowtube. […]

Southeast Tourism Society Selects Outhouse Races as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’

Southeast Tourism Society Selects Outhouse Races as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’

Southeast Tourism Society has named Sapphire Valley Outhouse Races as one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for February 2019. This year’s Outhouse Races are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 16, 2019. The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 10 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: Southeast Tourism Society and Travel Media Press Room. Crazy? Maybe. Dangerous? Perhaps. Fun? Without a doubt! You won’t find Outhouse Races on snow anywhere else in North Carolina! Dozens of outhouses race to compete for the throne. Spectators come from throughout the Southeast to line the course and cheer on those brave enough to see if the outhouse crashes and burns or sails across the finish line. Homemade outhouses can be made of wood, cardboard, plastic, or any other homemade items. There are three people to a team and outhouses are secured on a set of skis, which can be provided to you by the Sapphire Valley Ski Area. These skis are pushed by two team members, while one team member ‘sits’ inside. “The Top 20 Festival and Event Program is celebrating 34 years of spotlighting the best festivals and events in the Southeast.  Our goal is to provide well-deserved accolades for the dedicated event organizers and additional media exposure for their events,” said Monica Smith, president and CEO of the Southeast […]

2017 Visitor Spending figures announced for Jackson County

2017 Visitor Spending figures announced for Jackson County

County Spending by Domestic Visitors Increases by 3.85 Percent to $195.44 Million JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (August 23, 2018) — Visit North Carolina announced today that domestic visitors to and within Jackson County spent $195.44 million in 2017, an increase of 3.85 percent from 2016. “The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority and its partners are thrilled with the significant increases we saw across the board in Visit North Carolina’s 2017 tourism impact numbers,” said Nick Breedlove, Executive Director of the Jackson County TDA. “To increase visitor spending $20 million – from $175 million in 2015 to $195 million – in just two years is something that we’re extremely pleased with. This noteworthy growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our wonderful accommodations, restaurants, visitor centers, local shops and artists, and outdoor attractions. The great experience people have is also due in large part to the gracious hospitality of everyone who works at these establishments. At the end of the day what this increase translates to is sustaining existing jobs, putting people to work, and supporting small, local businesses,” Breedlove said. Tourism impact highlights for 2017: The travel and tourism industry directly employees more than 1,850 in Jackson County. Total payroll generated by the tourism industry in Jackson County was $48.52 million. State tax revenue generated in Jackson County totaled $10.86 million through state sales and excise taxes, and taxes on personal and corporate income. About $9.08 million in local taxes were generated from sales and property tax revenue from travel-generated […]