Press Releases

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 […]

2018 Tour de Cashiers cycling event adds 5K run

2018 Tour de Cashiers cycling event adds 5K run

The 26th Annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling Experience, with the support of Premier Sponsor Highlands Cashiers Hospital,  will be held on Saturday September 15, 2018 across the sky-high, scenic mountain byways of western North Carolina. This year, runners can participate in the fun with an added 5K race in Cashiers Village.  The 3.1-mile route begins at the Cashiers Glenville Recreation Center, where cyclists also will depart earlier, and follows Frank Allen, Valley and Cashiers School Roads and Mitten Lane to a turnaround at Summit Charter School and return to the recreation center. This popular athletic event shifted its traditional spring schedule to the fall to accommodate an expanded activities schedule and take advantage of autumn weather conditions.  Added activities include a pre-event registration and social at Whiteside Brewing Co., the 5K run and an after-party for all participants and their families at the Baldaroo Music Festival. Under the direction of Tony Hammett, USAT Certified Race Director of Peak Racing Events, Atlanta, Georgia, the event is expected to attract participants from across the southeast, many returning every year to one of the state’s prime tourist destinations. “This is a beautiful area and we are thrilled to help grow the events for both the participants and Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to this exciting partnership,” said Hammett. Tour de Cashiers cyclists will follow one of three traditional routes – 25, 62 and 100 miles — across Jackson, Macon and Transylvania Counties.  They will ride steep climbs and fast […]

The Jackson County Ale Trail is expanding to include three new breweries. Whiteside Brewing Co., Dillsboro’s Innovation Station and Nantahala Brewing Company will join the already existing breweries on the trail – Sylva’s Innovation Brewing and Balsam Falls Brewing Co.

14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with More Than 40 Master Potters

14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with More Than 40 Master Potters

The 14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival returns to the Western North Carolina town of Dillsboro on November 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. This year’s event promises attendees top-tier craftsmanship from 44 master potters.

14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with Over 40 Master Potters

14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival Returns with Over 40 Master Potters

The 14th Annual WNC Pottery Festival returns to the Western North Carolina town of Dillsboro on November 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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. Registration for artist participation in this year’s event filled quickly, promising attendees top-tier craftsmanship from 44 master potters. “This is always an outstanding event and the talent this year is out of this world,” said Joe Frank McKee, of Dillsboro’s Tree House Pottery, who co-founded the event. “The festival has grown immensely in recent years, showcasing the best applicants we’ve ever seen and earning respect from potters and art lovers nationwide.” All potters compete for slots prior to the start of the festival, and this year’s event welcomes seven new potters for a total of 44 exhibitors. Dillsboro’s Front Street 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,” says McKee. “With artists from 17 different states representing a mixture of talents and skills, this is a must-see event for pottery fans everywhere.” During the festival and visitors can watch throwing and firing demonstrations by some of […]

National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) will be celebrated this year from May 6-12. This annual tradition celebrates the positive impact travel has for local economies, businesses, and personal well-being. 2018 marks the 35th anniversary of the original congressional resolution that established NTTW in 1983. This year’s theme, “Then and Now,” is a challenge to industry leaders to reflect on travel successes of years past while advocating for policies that promote growth for the future.

With wellness travel on the rise, Intrepid Travel has named it one of the top travel trends for 2018. Since this is such a rapidly growing trend, many destinations and travel groups are scrambling to create packages to mold their destination into a wellness getaway, but Jackson County, NC is a natural fit. Filled with endless opportunities and experiences to appeal to health-conscious travelers looking for mental and physical well-being, visitors will leave Jackson County feeling exhilarated, refreshed and rejuvenated.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival® Coming To Jackson County, NC

International Fly Fishing Film Festival® Coming To Jackson County, NC

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival®, or IF4, will be held in Sylva, NC at the Quin Theater on February 24, 2018 at 7 p.m. Tickets to the festival are $15 and are available for purchase online (https://www.showclix.com/event/if42018sylvanc) and through the Tuckasegee Fly Shop in Sylva. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the local trout in the classroom program. IF4 will showcase exclusive short and feature-length films produced by professional filmmakers from all corners of the globe, showcasing the passion, lifestyle and culture of fly fishing. This event and the films to be featured are already capturing the attention of anglers around the world. “We are thrilled and honored to host the International Fly Fishing Film Festival in Sylva,” said Nick Breedlove, Director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority. “We are excited to welcome attendees from across the country and invite them to explore all that Jackson County has to offer. With Jackson County boasting the only fly fishing trail in the country, anglers in attendance will have no shortage of activities to explore and enjoy during their visit.” “Those coming for the film fest should come a day early and stay a day later,” Breedlove said. “Make a weekend out of it. Late February fly fishing is incredible in Jackson County.” Jackson County, a hotspot for fly fishing, is home to the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail and is North Carolina’s Trout Capital. The WNC Fly Fishing Trail is made up of 15 spots along the county’s […]