Explore the Winter Wonder of Western North Carolina

Explore the Winter Wonder of Western North Carolina

Winter doesn’t have to be for hibernating with an abundance of outdoor fun and festive events offered in Jackson County, North Carolina. The mountain towns of Sylva, Dillsboro, Cashiers and Cherokee offer welcoming winter warmth for visitors and locals throughout each community with holiday traditions, active adventures, seasonal cheer and much more. Read on to find out how to celebrate the winter season in Jackson County, and visit www.DiscoverJacksonNC.com to learn even more.

WCU’s Mountain Heritage Day set for 43rd year Saturday, Sept. 30

WCU’s Mountain Heritage Day set for 43rd year Saturday, Sept. 30

CULLOWHEE – Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Day, a free family oriented festival that celebrates Southern Appalachian culture through concerts, living-history demonstrations, competitions and awards programs, will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, on the WCU campus, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Named one of the top 20 festivals in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, this year’s event will include additional musical acts, vendors and an expectation of more visitors, organizers said. This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of Haywood County’s Steve Sutton, a WCU alumnus and stellar banjo picker who died Saturday, May 13. He was a fixture at Mountain Heritage Day, playing with Whitewater Bluegrass Company and participating in numerous Circle Tent performances and jam sessions over the years. He is remembered for helping young musicians and the sense of community he shared through the festival. The festival started as Founders’ Day on Oct. 26, 1974, at the inauguration ceremony of WCU Chancellor H.F. “Cotton” Robinson, and became known as Mountain Heritage Day the following year. The festival has become renowned as a showcase of mountain music, family activities and the region’s finest arts and crafts, and vendors offering ethnic, heritage and festival food. Rain or shine, the festival brings history to life and fun to thousands. Shuttles will operate throughout the day, with stops at designated free parking and attraction locations. FAMILY FUN Mountain Heritage Day organizers continue their emphasis on providing activities for children, and the popular Children’s Tent will provide sing-alongs, […]