JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (November 1, 2021) – As a year-round destination, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) is excited to welcome seasoned and new vacationers back to the Western North Carolina mountains this fall and winter season to enjoy new experiences, restaurants, and renovated lodging that were not around this time last year.

“As a destination we’ve thankfully seen tons of growth this past year with several new experiences and businesses popping up despite the pandemic,” says Nick Breedlove, JCTDA Director. “We’re confident our guests will find these new additions to enhance their next vacation here.”

Activities

• AleTrail Pass is a free program launching in the coming weeks to reward beer lovers for hopping along the county’s famed Ale Trail in Downtown Sylva and Dillsboro. Users can conveniently sign up online to receive a mobile passport via text or email to “check-in” at various breweries along the trail and after visiting at least four stops they will receive a limited-edition Jackson County pint glass to keep.
• The Jackson Arts Market is a new year-round music and arts festival hosted every Saturday in downtown Sylva with three stages of live music, live artist demonstrations, and the opportunity to connect with local artists. Plus, it’s pet-friendly.

Restaurants

Three new locally owned restaurants have opened in the eclectic and charming town of Sylva:

• ILDA, an authentic Italian restaurant located at the corner of Main and Mill Street, opened this April by husband-and-wife duo Santiago and Crystal Guzzetti; Santiago, a Michelin-trained chef, and Crystal, a certified Sommelier. The restaurant’s name comes from Santiago’s grandmother, Ilda, who taught him the joys of cooking from a young age. Plates combine authentic Sicilian recipes with the freshest locally sourced Appalachian ingredients.
• Jame/ (pronounced Jamé) opened this July from owners of Sylva’s White Moon Café. The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offers a wide variety of vegan fare and an extensive Greek wine list. The Market at Jame located next door sells “a little bit of everything” from artisan goods to grocery items.
• Lucy in the Rye serves breakfast and lunch daily with a full scratch-made bakery. This popular spot opened in March to feature diner classics alongside chef-created original plates that utilize local and organic ingredients.

Renovated Lodging

The town of Cashiers, known for its laid back luxury, boasts two newly renovated hotel properties that opened within the past year:

• Hotel Cashiers once stood as a motel until it was sold and fully renovated and rebranded by May 2021 into a pet-friendly boutique mountain inn featuring a blend of modern and rustic design. In the lobby is a wine and provisions shop with seasonal wine education and tasting events for guests and the public alike.
• The quaint retreat of The Wells Cashiers completed renovations in June 2021 and is now tailored with premium amenities and elevated, contemporary design at an accessible price point. Within walking distance is Whiteside Brewing Co., serving main-stay and seasonal brews, plus ample indoor and outdoor seating in a relaxing atmosphere.

Although High Hampton reopened last year in May 2020, it’s worth noting the iconic 20th century resort as its three-year extensive renovation included updated amenities to the Inn, golf course, club, and dining facilities.

See here for a selection of photos. Additional information and imagery are available upon request.

About Jackson County

Made up of the distinctive towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva, Jackson County is known for shopping, dining, culture, and charming locales. Ideally situated in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the destination is a short drive from national treasures like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway. Jackson County is the North Carolina Trout Capital® and home to the nation’s first and only fly-fishing trail as well as majestic mountains and miles of scenic hiking trails and waterfalls.

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Media Contacts:
Gina Stouffer // Anne Bernard
LOU HAMMOND GROUP

jacksoncounty@louhammond.com
www.louhammond.com