Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Fall in Jackson County
Follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to Fall in Jackson County
(Photo courtesy James Leithart) When it comes to enjoying the beauty of fall’s vibrant colors, nothing beats a leisurely road trip through the mountains of Western North Carolina. The crisp, cool air, scenic views and peaceful serenity allow visitors to take in what many say is their favorite time of year. One of the best routes to explore the area’s brilliant autumnal hues is along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Jackson County. Created in 1936 with the final 7.7-mile stretch completed in 1987, the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed to link the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, the road covers 469 miles, stretching from Virginia to North Carolina. More than 40 miles traverse our county, including the highest section of the entire Parkway. As a result, the area attracts leaf lookers each year who come to take in the rich colors of autumn in the mountains. 2018’s rainy summer will bring out warm hazel tones, siennas and golden yellows throughout Jackson County beginning in September. Dr. Beverly Collins, biology professor at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, is predicting peak color around the fourth week of October and expects color to extend through early November. Unlike portions of the Parkway farther north in the state, the section here is generally much less congested, making it more enjoyable to explore. Plus, because the Parkway speed limit is just 45 mph, with some areas seeing even lower limits, it’s easy to cruise along leisurely while taking in the […]
Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day
Celebrating Southern Appalachian Culture at Mountain Heritage Day
Autumn is nearly upon us, and that means fall festivals are on the horizon. One not-to-miss fall event is Mountain Heritage Day, which is held each year on the Western Carolina University campus. This annual festival celebrates the Southern Appalachian mountain culture that can be found throughout Jackson County and the rest of the surrounding Western North Carolina mountains. Mountain Heritage Day is a prime example of WCU’s community involvement, drawing more than 15,000 visitors to the area to experience continuous live entertainment, more than 130 food and craft vendors, an interactive children’s area, and nonstop family-friendly activities. Both admission and parking for the event are free, with free shuttle service provided.
Total Solar Eclipse of 2017
Total Solar Eclipse of 2017
Do you remember where you were on Aug. 21, 2017? Well if you were in the NC Mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, you had a front row seat to one of the greatest natural phenomena in your lifetime – the Great American Eclipse. We were in the dark for almost two minutes (or more). Take a peek at our photo and video gallery to commemorate the one year anniversary this Aug. 21. Top photo courtesy Allaire Bartel
“Un”leash in Jackson County
“Un”leash in Jackson County
Everyone knows that a dog is man’s best friend, so why should they have to miss out on a fun outdoor getaway? According to the American Pet Products Association, 37 percent of pet owners travel with their pets. With countless hiking trails perfect for stretching those two, or four, legs, plenty of creeks to splash around in and multiple pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations, pet owners should look no further than the western North Carolina mountains of Jackson County. With a wide variety of pet-friendly adventures, we are the perfect setting for exploring with your pooch.
Six hot spots to cool off: ditch the summer heat and head for the hills
Six hot spots to cool off: ditch the summer heat and head for the hills
Bask in the cool mist of a waterfall, paddle a clear mountain lake, plunge into a swimming hole or float a frolicking river. Sound refreshing? Consider this your insider’s guide for escaping the dog days of August with a getaway to the N.C. mountains of Jackson County.
Only in Jackson County, NC
Only in Jackson County, NC
Anyone who has ever had the chance to visit our incredible mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva can see that there is something special that stands out about us. Whether it is the mass amounts of towering waterfalls that can be easily accessed, the rivers filled with trout and other fish that are there for the catching, the tasty food and craft beer, or the welcoming locals who are just waiting to tell you about the next best spot in town to discover… there are many reasons that people return here time and time again. This one-of-a-kind destination is home to many attractions and hidden gems that can ONLY be found here.
Where art meets the mountains: seven insider tips to make the most of Cashiers Plein Air Festival
Where art meets the mountains: seven insider tips to make the most of Cashiers Plein Air Festival
Experience art live and on location with an elevated summer escape to the mountain hamlet of Cashiers, N.C. where visiting artists will crawl the town and countryside with easels and pallets in tow for five days this July. The Cashiers Plein Air Festival is a celebration of art that comes alive before your eyes — on sidewalks and patios, in gardens and pastures, overlooking mountainsides and scenic vistas. French for “open air,” plein air painting is a rare form of spectator art that’s yours to experience during this year’s festival from July 17-21.
Footloose and fancy free: An insider’s guide to summer outdoor music in the mountains
Footloose and fancy free: An insider’s guide to summer outdoor music in the mountains
The magic of summer nights comes alive with outdoor music in the N.C. mountains of Jackson County. Make memories dancing barefoot on a lawn. Bask in the sweet mountain air of a summer evening. Wish on the first star as strains of music drift into the night. Outdoor concerts are a hallmark of summer here in Jackson County, N.C. Every Friday night, we serve up the double header of Concerts on the Creek in Sylva and Groovin’ on the Green in Cashiers. The two bucolic venues — with timber-framed open-air stages, expansive lawns and a mountain backdrop — bookend Jackson County, so no matter where you land at sundown, you won’t be far from the tunes. The crowd-pleasing line-up crosses many genres: Appalachian bluegrass, folk and roots, Americana, groovin’ jazz, country rock, laid-back funk, and lively pop hits. Bands are hand-curated for their crowd-pleasing sound. The best part? It’s all free. Got kids in tow? Make memories with an impromptu family dance party in the great wide open. Or let them frolic and run free in the cool summer grass — lightning bugs anyone? — while you steal a rare moment of adult convo. Traveling with pets? Four-legged companions are always welcome on leashes. Locals love their summer music here in Jackson County. It’s our chance to unwind from the week, catch up with neighbors and make new friends. There’s plenty of camaraderie to go around, so grab a blanket or lawn chair and nestle in. A picnic supper is […]
Instagram as Inspiration for Your Jackson County Trip
Instagram as Inspiration for Your Jackson County Trip
Have you ever found yourself scrolling through photos online and imagining yourself in the place pictured? Rest assured you are not alone! Instagram, for travelers especially, is the perfect resource for gathering inspiration on where to take your next weekend getaway or vacation. One of the top considerations when picking a destination is “going somewhere where I can take memorable pictures,” according to Expedia. In the North Carolina mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, there is no shortage of Instagram-worthy sunsets, waterfalls, and scenic views. To showcase some of the very best traveler photos in Jackson County, we created a new section on our website that one can use as a visual trip planner. Click here to access our new Visitor Galleries. Some tips for using Instagram to plan your next trip to Jackson County: Follow @DiscoverJacksonNC (that’s our official account!) Find a photo you love in our feed that really makes you want to visit. Trust us – you’ll have a hard time deciding on a favorite! If you see a waterfall you want to check or a place that has delicious looking BBQ, burgers or tapas, use the ‘save’ feature (it looks like a bookmark) located underneath the photo on the right. Name the collection something fun like ‘Weekend Road Trip to NC.’ This saves the image to your collection and you can easily find it later when you get here. Explore by geo-tag! See something you like on our page? Click the location name above […]
Eight idyllic spots for a summer picnic in the mountains of Jackson County, N.C.
Eight idyllic spots for a summer picnic in the mountains of Jackson County, N.C.
You can’t throw a pickle spear without hitting a picnic spot in Jackson County. Scenic beauty runs wild in these hills, setting the stage for the ultimate al fresco dining experience. Want a waterfall? No problem. A shady river bank? Got it. Summit views? Got those, too. From sunny lake shores to cool forests and manicured parks to secluded groves, discover the perfect picnic spot in the N.C. mountains of Jackson County. Once you’ve picked a spot, build the ultimate picnic feast with local flavors grown and made in Jackson County. Go gourmet with wood-oven bread drizzled with mountain honey and slathered in goat cheese. Pick up creative sandwiches, pastas, chicken salad and hearty meals to go. Graze away the afternoon with sampler platters and appetizer spreads. Cap it all off with a giant slice of pie or handmade chocolates. So, grab a blanket, pack a basket and Play On with our curated insider’s guide to mountain picnics. Bon appetite! Pick your spot The Village Green Lay of the land: Feast under the picnic shelter, or claim a patch of lawn in the sunshine or under a shade tree in this expansive park setting. Stroll the meandering paths, explore the gardens, view the outdoor sculpture exhibit, and turn the kids loose on the sprawling wooden playground. How to get there: Located at the crossroads of U.S. 64 and N.C. 107 in Cashiers, N.C. Pines Recreation Area Lay of the land: This sandy beach on scenic Lake Glenville has shady picnic […]