Virtual Tour of the Western North Carolina Mountains – Part One

Whiteside Mountain by Jeff Bean

Virtual Tour of the Western North Carolina Mountains – Part One

For the time being, travel may be on hold, but that doesn’t stop daydreaming and getting inspiration for a trip. Since you can’t come to us right now, we wanted to bring the Western North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva to you, to enjoy in the comfort and safety of your own home. We invite you to satisfy the urge to travel with a virtual tour and 360-degree viewing experience of our most awe-inspiring attractions, vistas and views.

These 10 Fan Favorite Dishes are Why People Want to Take a Bite out of Jackson County

Guadalupe Cafe

These 10 Fan Favorite Dishes are Why People Want to Take a Bite out of Jackson County

Based on recent travel trends, when looking for your next vacation getaway, good dining options are often a big deciding factor. Here in the Western N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County, we are made up of small towns with lots of flavors! With locally owned restaurants in Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, you’ll find many area eateries use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring you get the best quality and most delicious local grub while you’re here. When planning your next adventure to the N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County, be sure to add these fan favorites to your foodie bucket list for a memorable culinary experience.

48-Hour Field Guide to Jackson County

48-Hour Field Guide to Jackson County

Looking for a quick weekend getaway or mid-week escape? Search no further than the scenic and adventurous NC mountain towns of Jackson County. Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, Jackson County, is made up of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva and is a short three-hour drive from most of the Southeast’s biggest cities, making it ideal for your next adventure. To help you make the most out of your trip and experience as much as possible while visiting, check out this field guide on how to best plan your 48 hours in Jackson County during our “Secret Season.”

Top 5 Bucket List Hikes to Try in 2020

Whiteside Mountain by Jeff Bean

Top 5 Bucket List Hikes to Try in 2020

Searching for worthwhile hikes to add to your 2020 bucket list? Look no further than the Western NC mountain towns of Jackson County. Covering 494 square miles of mountain peaks and valleys, the county offers hiking trails for every skill level, and they are all worth the climb! Our beautiful mountain towns are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and coupled with the diversity of trails, sweeping views, and being the most ecologically diverse place in the temperate world, all come together to create epic and one-of-a-kind hikes.

Fireworks Extravaganza On the Green

Fireworks on the Green

Fireworks Extravaganza On the Green

The Village Green’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza will take place rain or shine on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024 on The Village Green Common’s Lawn! The evening will feature an incredible band, followed by an extraordinary fireworks show featuring thousands of colorful bursts. Admission is free, however, donations will be collected to help offset the cost of the event. Attendees are welcome to bring their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics and coolers. The Village Green believes it is important to preserve this patriotic tradition for the Cashiers community! This event is one you don’t want to miss!

Book Your Next Active Adventure in Jackson County

Book your next active adventure in Jackson County

Book Your Next Active Adventure in Jackson County

With a new year and a new decade underway, many are gearing up for 2020 with a wealth of resolutions for better health and wellness in the coming months. As luck would have it, the Western NC Mountain Towns of Jackson County are the ideal places to kick off those resolutions. After all, the area is home to 494-square miles of adventure and relaxation that will keep you engaged, focused, and motivated to stick to your resolutions. With so many activities available, creating a custom itinerary tailored to your wants, needs and goals couldn’t be easier to do here. Plus, given that it’s our “Secret Season,” the crowds have thinned out, so you have more space to get up and get active, mountain style! Gear up for mountain biking Home to miles of multi-use trails, mountain biking is a great, low-stress way to get the blood pumping and the heart racing as you zip and zoom up and down the mountain. A great place to start is Fire Mountain Trails, just 20 minutes from Sylva in Cherokee. Here, mountain bikers will find more than 10.5 miles of trails featuring fun berms, more than 20 switchbacks in a single run, and exciting elevation changes. Another fun spot for the family is the Jackson County Kids’ Bike Park at Tuck Greenway located along the Tuckasegee River Greenway. The 750-foot bike trail features berms, tabletop jumps, pumps and an inner gravel track for younger kids. Get your hike on Throughout Jackson County, hikers […]

Discover Rich Heritage in Jackson County

Cherokee Bonfire

Discover Rich Heritage in Jackson County

The Western North Carolina mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva boast a wealth of natural attractions, and beyond the surface visitors will find so much more than just stunning views. These mountain towns are rich in history and heritage from the Cherokee Indians and the Appalachia heritage that runs deep through the region.

Best Views for Experiencing Fall in Jackson County

Best Views for Experiencing Fall in Jackson County

Autumn has finally arrived in the Southeast, bringing with it cooler temps and spectacular fall foliage. Known for sweeping mountain views, the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County are expecting spectacular color this year. Whether this is your first or hundredth time visiting Jackson County, now is the best time to plan a trip to enjoy all the beauty the region has to offer. The best time to experience the fall colors with lighter crowds is during the week. Monday through Wednesday is the ideal time to plan your stay to receive the lowest rates, experience smaller crowds and have the colorful views to yourself thanks to the lightest foot traffic of the season. In addition, there will be low wait times at resident favorite restaurants, less traffic resulting in shorter drive times between attractions and more one-on-one time with the people that make Jackson County so special at locally-owned businesses. So, go ahead and take advantage of those unused vacation days to get the best out of the fall season here! Due to Jackson County’s geographic location between 2,000 and 6,000 feet above sea level, fall’s colors last well over a month here, ranging from early October to mid-November. Plus, the area’s mild temperatures lend themselves to a very vibrant season, with prolonged color in the lower elevations. Best views for fall hues Throughout Jackson County, you’ll find a wide array of opportunities to experience the brightest fall color. Whether biking, hiking or driving, you’ll find elevated […]

The Beer Lover’s Guide to Craft Breweries in Jackson County

Whiteside Brewing

The Beer Lover’s Guide to Craft Breweries in Jackson County

Flowing in the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson Co., NC are over 120 unique brews from the six breweries located on the popular Ale Trail. Each beer and brewery boast a new and refreshing feel making Jackson Co. the new go-to spot for beer lovers everywhere. Ranging from IPA’s, Sours, Lagers and more, each brewery features a different vibe and atmosphere perfect for every beer enthusiast. There’s even something for non-alcoholic fans, thanks to locally crafted sodas and beverages utilizing locally sourced ingredients. To start your journey, download the Ale Trail map and plan out your visit. New Additions The Jackson County Ale Trail continues to grow and evolve every year thanks to new locations and offerings opening in the area. Now open in Sylva, the Nantahala Brewing Sylva Outpost showcases 40 taps in a family-friendly atmosphere. For those who prefer to try a variety of drinks, you’ll find a full-service bar along with customer favorites including the Dirty Girl Blond, Bryson City Brown Ale and Noon Day IPA. Pair your refreshment with a menu of tasty snacks, southern tacos and hand made burgers. The newest member of the Ale Trail, The Lazy Hiker Taproom in Sylva, features a large selection of brews, including flagship mainstays such as Trail Mate Golden Ale and Slack Pack IPA. This new location shares a home with Mad Batter Food and Film, where visitors will find a collaborative menu full of the popular “Designer Pizzas,” tasty wraps, sandwiches and house specialties. With […]

8 Insider Tips to Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains

Fall Lake Scene

8 Insider Tips to Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains

Listed as one of the “Top 10 Destinations for Fall Foliage,” by USA Today, the Western NC mountain towns of Jackson County are a must-visit for a seasonal getaway. According to WCU Biologist, Beverly Collins, “the mountains of Western North Carolina should produce a typically bright display of fall leaf color this year.” Beginning in early September, vibrant reds, yellows and oranges will start lining the towns surrounding peaks and inviting guests from all over to experience fall in these cozy, quaint mountain towns. Although well-known for our popular hikes, waterfalls and outdoor adventures, the area is also home to incredible sights and hidden experiences that are more under the radar. Some of the best parts of a visit to the area during the fall months involve attractions that may be more off the beaten path. Here are eight insider tips to fully experience fall in Jackson County. 1. Uncover the best spots for viewing fall foliage. Given Jackson County is home to the most named peaks in North Carolina, it’s no wonder also has the best locations for viewing the autumnal hues when fall arrives. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in search of overlooks to take in the spectacular sights. A few favorites include Richland Balsam and Waterrock Knob. Another breathtaking view awaits high atop Whiteside Mountain. Set out on the Whiteside Mountain Trail to find yourself surrounded by glorious fall foliage. Another popular spot for leaf-lookers is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can check […]