Jackson County is known for its beautiful outdoors, but there’s plenty of fun to be had indoors, too – especially when Mother Nature brings cool or rainy weather. To help you navigate those inside days, we’ve created this Guide to Amazing Indoor Adventures in Jackson County, NC!

Catamount Jaxe – Cullowhee

Can you hit the bullseye?

A new addition to the Jackson County entertainment landscape, Catamount Jaxe Axe Throwing Social House offers the thrill and fun of competition. Located in Cullowhee within the Prospect residential community, Catamount Jaxe is a professionally designed venue combining the rustic charm of a lodge with the vibrant energy of a social hangout. It’s the perfect place for a date night, a group outing or a special celebration.

The venue features a full bar, special trivia and karaoke nights as well as patio games (when the weather allows). “Axe-perts” are on hand to guide you through the skill of axe throwing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. (Children age 10 and older are permitted to axe throw with a waiver signed by their parent.) So, unleash your inner lumberjack in a mountain setting and get ready for an “axe-ceptional” time!

The Zachary-Tolbert House – Cashiers

Learn about early settlers to the Cashiers Valley! Located on 107 S., the historic Zachary-Tolbert House is home to the most extensive collection of “plain-style” furniture in the world. The house itself — an outstanding example of a vernacular, Greek Revival residential structure — has remained largely unaltered for more than 150 years.

Owned and operated by the Cashiers Historical Society, the house was built by Mordecai Zachary, a skilled carpenter and woodworker, using the hand tools of the 1800s.

Don’t miss the other historic buildings on the manicured grounds: Colonel John’s Cabin, the Old Schoolhouse and a 1920s dependency. For extra insight, take a tour with one of the volunteers!

The House Cat Museum – Sylva

Calling all cat lovers! Did you know Jackson County is home to one of only two museums in the U.S. dedicated to the house cat?

Located on U.S. 441 in Sylva, The American Museum of the House Cat began with a single picture 30 years ago and grew to a monumental collection. From a mummified Egyptian cat to glass and ceramic works to modern and folk art depicting all types of felines, the museum’s display guarantees a good time.

The Jackson County Historic Courthouse/Public Library – Sylva

One of the most photographed buildings in North Carolina, the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, now the Jackson County Public Library, watches over Sylva’s Main Street. While it’s a great spot for posing on one of its 107 steps, it is also the perfect place to spend a rainy or chilly day indoors.

Open six days a week, the 26,000-square-foot building underwent an extensive renovation and re-opened in 2011 with modern and classic touches. Now fully ADA-accessible with a two-story library addition, the original courthouse is a testament to classical revival architectural style. Featuring stately pillars, it is topped off by a 16-ton cupola with a working clock and Lady Justice figurative work – all surrounded by the majestic mountains. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spend the day exploring the two levels of the library, immersing yourself in books and taking in the long-range mountain views through its second-floor windows. Be sure to check into its special programs and play spaces for kids, documentary screenings and crafting classes.

The building is also home to the Jackson County Historical Association and History Museum, the Genealogical Society and the Jackson County Arts Council, which features rotating exhibits in the Rotunda Gallery.

Keep the historical tour going by browsing the antique stores along Main Street, including End of Main, Harry Alter Books and Dixie Mae’s.

Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center – Cullowhee

Home to Western Carolina University’s 1,000-seat theatre and fine art museum, the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center is easily accessible on the college campus. Check out the performance schedule for the main stage or spend time strolling its four visual art galleries.

The Performance Hall presents films, live music, author readings, ballet, theatrical productions and more, as well as shows from the WCU School of Stage and Screen and the School of Music. Click here for the current schedule and ticket information.

The WCU Fine Art Museum offers rotating exhibitions highlighting regional, national and international artists, as well as student and faculty works. Tours can be self-guided or staff-led, and group tours may be scheduled. Click here to discover current and upcoming exhibitions.

The center also houses an intimate performance setting (similar to a black box theatre), Niggli Studio Theater, which is used for workshops and smaller events.

Plan to Snuggle In!

Of course, you can choose to stay inside and cozy up on those rainy and cool days – and we have an array of accommodations perfect for hibernating, including properties with hot tubs, fire pits and fireplaces.

Jackson County, NC is an amazing place to explore and escape – any time of year and in all types of weather! So, start planning your trip today!

Plan Your Visit!

Photos courtesy of @thethriftedroad @bardoartscenter @highhamptonnc and Nick Breedlove.