Guide to Best Spring Hikes in Western N.C.
Guide to Best Spring Hikes in Western N.C.
Tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Jackson County overflows with breathtaking vistas, scenic valleys and beautiful waterfalls. The best way to immerse yourself and take in the area’s natural beauty is by taking a hike along one of the area’s many diverse trails. With temperatures on the rise and nature bursting forth into new life, spring is a wonderful time to come and explore the region.
Your Spring Mountain Getaway Awaits
Your Spring Mountain Getaway Awaits
Now is the time of year when many of us are dreaming of warmer weather and getting outdoors. We’ve been cooped up all winter and are itching to step outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. With Spring Break just around the corner, we invite you to break away from the crowded tourist traps and party towns, and head to the mountains to visit Jackson County, N.C. Our towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva offer affordable adventures that everyone in your party will enjoy. Experience all the relaxation, outdoor adventure, and scenic beauty that our mountain towns have to offer, and wind down your evenings at our local breweries, bars and restaurants. We have all you need to plan the perfect getaway, grown-up style. Get Back to Nature The Western North Carolina mountains are home to miles upon miles of hiking trails perfect for any skill level. Whether you’re looking for a trail that weaves through lush forests, passes by scenic overlooks or ends with a stunning waterfall, you’ll find all of that and more on our trails. To cool off, grab a kayak or raft and hit the rivers traversing the county. Choose something gentle for a relaxing ride or go for a thrilling whitewater adventure. If fishing is more your style, head out on the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail®, which marks 15 spots for fishing. The local guides located throughout the area have you covered for group or solo fly fishing trips. Or, if […]
Calling all Adrenaline Junkies to Jackson County
Calling all Adrenaline Junkies to Jackson County
With temperatures that will soon warm up as spring nears, there’s no better time to plan a getaway that will get your adrenaline and heart pumping while you “Play On” in Jackson County. Amidst the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County is filled with opportunities for heart-pumping adventure. Check out this year’s most extreme races and adventures and begin your training for these epic challenges today! Assault on Blackrock Taking place on March 23, from 8 to 11 a.m. starting at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, the eighth annual Assault on Blackrock features a seven-mile mountain extreme trail race through the spruce forests of the Plott Balsam Mountains. On a path composed of challenging gravel and dirt roads, you’ll run, walk and crawl along the route that includes 2,770 feet of elevation gain, ending with a final steep assent to the top. Registration is $25. Valley of the Lilies Starting on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee on April 6 at 8 a.m., the Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon & 5K routes showcase the blossoming beauty of spring in the WNC mountains. The 13.1-mile half marathon includes a grueling elevation gain of approximately 1,080 feet, providing an additional challenge for participants. Registration for the half marathon begins at $40 Registration for the 5K begins at $20. Racers should plan to grab lunch after the race to refuel and stick around for that afternoon’s Sylva Brew Hop! In honor of NC Beer Month, City Lights Café, Balsam Falls […]
Six Ways to Impress Your Date This Valentine’s Day in Jackson County
Six Ways to Impress Your Date This Valentine’s Day in Jackson County
The time has come to celebrate the one you love, and there’s no better place to do so than with a romantic getaway to the scenic mountain towns of Jackson County. With such a spectacular backdrop, how could you not enjoy a lovely escape for two in Western North Carolina? Below, we have listed six ways to impress your date during your retreat in our romantic towns. Sweets for Your Sweet Whether wrapping up a fine meal with dessert or as a special surprise sometime during the day, a Valentine’s treat is the perfect addition to any romantic celebration. At Baxley’s Chocolates or Dillsboro Chocolate Factory, enjoy a variety of handmade chocolates from truffles, chocolate-covered strawberries, fudge and more. Enjoy a Candlelit Dinner Thanks to a thriving culinary scene, Jackson County offers plenty of romantic choices where couples can enjoy an intimate dinner for two. In Sapphire, you can choose from Library Kitchen + Bar with its farm-to-table delicacies in a historical setting, Cork and Barrel Lounge with American-style tapas, and Table 64, which can expertly pair one of their 70+ wines with something off of their menu of locally-sourced cuisine. The Orchard Restaurant in Cashiers invites you to dine in a 1900s-era farmhouse where you can enjoy fine dining featuring seasonal dishes with Southern flavor. At Lulu’s on Main in Sylva, choose from a wealth of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items, including local favorites such as their Szechuan salad and peanut butter pie. City Lights Café is running a […]
Jackson County, NC: A Winter WANDERland
Jackson County, NC: A Winter WANDERland
Endless breathtaking mountain views, approximately 250 named rivers and creeks, and acres of unspoiled natural beauty, Jackson County in Western North Carolina welcomes visitors from near and far to come stay, play and relax without the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So what better place to explore the great outdoors and embrace the beauty of the season than by visiting this ideal winter destination? Jackson County is perfect for a getaway this time of year with its ample amount of outdoor activities that all you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the opportunity to explore.
Keep Up with Your New Resolutions in Jackson County
Keep Up with Your New Resolutions in Jackson County
The new year is underway, and you know what that means: New Year’s resolutions. While there may be one or two other things on the list, for most folks, New Year’s resolutions usually focus on these four: getting fit, eating healthier, scheduling more “me” time and spending more time with loved ones. And luckily, a getaway to the mountains towns of Jackson County in Western North Carolina is the perfect place to keep up with your resolutions! Given that people today are looking for a quick escape from their everyday lives, Jackson County answers the call. The county’s small-town ambience offers visitors anything they could possibly want: outdoor adventure, shopping, fishing, dining, breweries and much more. It’s easy to maintain good habits even while enjoying yourself on vacation in Jackson County because it isn’t a “one size fits all” destination. Instead, you can customize your visit based on your wants, needs and goals to create a getaway that aligns with your New Year’s resolutions. Thanks to the stress-free vibe of the mountains, you can kick off the new year with a healthy, fresh start. Get Active One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to exercise more. Unfortunately, most folks quickly become bored with the gym and the same fitness routine. Given the wide array of outdoor adventures available in Jackson County, you can participate in a new and exciting activity every day of your visit while keeping up with your resolutions. The miles of trails throughout the county’s […]
National Plan for Vacation Day in Jackson County, NC
National Plan for Vacation Day in Jackson County, NC
With the holiday season in the rear-view mirror, there’s no better time than the present to focus on what’s ahead for 2019. Given that January 29 is National Plan for Vacation Day, it’s the perfect time to plan your vacations for the coming year. While it may come as a shock for those who make the most of their yearly vacation days, more than half of Americans – 54 percent – don’t use all their time off. There are an astounding 662 million unused vacation days every year. National Plan for Vacation Day serves to remind everyone to make vacation plans now with the goal of limiting the number of unused vacation days. By setting 2019 travel goals and making plans to accomplish those goals, it’s more likely every vacation day will be used to its fullest potential.
Looking Back: A 2018 Year in Review in Jackson County
Looking Back: A 2018 Year in Review in Jackson County
Covering 494 square miles of the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County encompasses some of the state’s most beautiful views, signature events, outstanding art and culture, friendly people, and so much more – a combination has led to an amazing 2018 for the area. Jackson County has been quite the happening hot spot in North Carolina, and here is a look back at some of the best moments from the last 12 months.
Avoid the Crowds and Ring in 2019 Mountain Style
Avoid the Crowds and Ring in 2019 Mountain Style
Why fight the crowds at a huge New Year’s celebration in a jam-packed city when you can escape to the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains for a more low-key, enjoyable experience? In Jackson County, N.C., you’ll find wide open spaces where you can rejuvenate with the fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery everywhere you turn. Plus, you won’t encounter the high seasonal prices that commonly accompany a big-city New Year’s celebration and holiday weekend stay.
Take Proposal Season to New Heights in Jackson County
Take Proposal Season to New Heights in Jackson County
New Year’s remains a very popular time of year for marriage proposals. After all, it’s a momentous time of year filled with hope and new beginnings, so why not ring in 2019 with a ring? When it comes to popping the question, Jackson County is an ideal place for such a big moment. Given its location in the Western North Carolina mountains, there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery that makes the perfect backdrop not only for a proposal, but also for beautiful proposal photos.