National Plan for Vacation Day in Jackson County

family on a hike in jackson county

National Plan for Vacation Day in Jackson County

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. Therefore, as frigid temperatures and holiday blues have many looking forward to warmer weather getaways, look no further than the Western North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County – Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva. Thanks to our central location to America’s favorite National Park and sprawling mountain ranges, this region is full of a plethora of outdoor activities providing ample opportunity to escape cabin fever and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Plus, Jackson County’s variety of affordable accommodations takes the guess work out of finding an reasonably priced vacation spot! In fact, there are numerous benefits to vacationing in Jackson County. These include the chance to sit back, relax, rejuvenate and […]

Mountain Holidays: Past and Present

Mountain Holidays: Past and Present

With towering trees, snowcapped mountaintops and a close-knit community, Jackson County has been a picturesque holiday getaway for more than a century. A Christmas here shines with tradition, including caroling on the steps of the historic courthouse and candle-lit luminaries lining the way to shops in Dillsboro and Sylva. The two towns take on a storybook quality, with lights outlining buildings and lamp posts, and holiday ribbons and greenery everywhere. Perhaps the most spectacular sight at Christmas is Sylva’s stately old courthouse (now part of the Jackson County Library), which features candles in the windows, candy-cane wrapped columns and at least a dozen Christmas trees adorning its stately lawn. In earlier days, however, Christmas perhaps meant more, because it broke the monotony of dark winter days. Families went into the forest to cut a fresh evergreen, traditionally a cedar, to decorate for their Christmas tree, and planned a festive meal to be shared with extended family. Children dreamed of Santa Claus and what they might find under the tree on Christmas morning. While eating is still a big part of the holidays, in the early years of the 20th century, the delicacies, like everything else, were mostly homemade. The late Alberta Zachary, who lived in Cashiers, said that Christmas seemed more special back before 1920. “We used real candles to light the tree, and a tree decorated with real candles is the most beautiful sight. Of course, the grown-ups never left the room when the tree was lit, and the […]

So Many Mountains

So Many Mountains

Now that the last of fall’s leaves have blown away, our mountains are coming into sharper focus. Gazing up from the valleys, we are surrounded by peaks; looking down from the Blue Ridge Parkway reveals Jackson County’s seemingly endless array of mountains. In fact, winter with its long-range views may be the best time to hike.

Unwrap the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season in Jackson County

Unwrap the Gift of Adventure This Holiday Season in Jackson County

Having trouble narrowing down your holiday shopping list this year? Ditch the mall crowds, the stress of picking out the perfect item off the shelves and the mess of wrapping paper, and give the gift of adventure and the great outdoors by booking a visit to Jackson County, NC. – from stunning winter scenes with glistening white snow to hot chocolate by the fireplace in your very own cabin, Jackson County is the perfect getaway for the adventurers on your list.

Exploring Underrated Mountain Towns in Jackson County, NC

Exploring Underrated Mountain Towns in Jackson County, NC

While those of us who call Jackson County home or have had the chance to visit understand the beauty of the region, it’s always wonderful to see the first-hand impression of a new visitor. We recently partnered with Matt Van Swol, a blogger and outdoor enthusiast, for an experience visit to Jackson County. In addition to sharing beautiful images and video on his Instagram profile, Matt shared the following blog post highlighting his weekend getaway to Jackson County.

The Roads to Fall Color

The Roads to Fall Color

While most people who prefer to do their exploring by car know the Blue Ridge Parkway offers unparalleled sightseeing and hiking opportunities – especially during October’s spectacular leaf show – not everyone realizes that it’s possible to turn a Parkway experience into a scenic loop through eastern Jackson County.

Jackson County’s Fall 2017 Leaf Report: Planning Your Leaf-Seeking Adventure

Jackson County’s Fall 2017 Leaf Report: Planning Your Leaf-Seeking Adventure

It’s officially fall, and the hunt for stunning foliage is in full swing. Jackson County in Western North Carolina is a prime viewing destination for those who make the trip during the upcoming peak colors of autumn. With the majestic mountains as a picturesque backdrop, travelers on the move for the best seasonal displays will find the fall colors of their leaf-seeking dreams in Jackson County throughout the next month. Check out the below fall leaf report to plan the perfect trip to catch the colors at their best. Fall 2017 Leaf Report from Beverly Collins, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Biology at Western Carolina University Right now, the earliest species are turning, including: sourwood (red); tulip poplar (yellow and brown); black walnut (yellow), black gum (orange, red). Keep in mind that the timing of color change and peak color varies with elevation. For visitors making a trip to the area soon, the highest elevations in Jackson County could reach peak color as early as the first week in October, or early in the second week. For visitors planning a trip later in the season, the lower elevation likely won’t reach peak (except in spots with ”early” species) until the third week in October. The Top Five Places for a Unique Leaf-Viewing Experience in Jackson County Shadow of the Bear Jackson County is the only place in the country to see the fall phenomena known as the “Shadow of the Bear.” From mid-October to mid-November, when the sun sets […]

Visit Jackson County in October; see classic cars – and colored leaves

Visit Jackson County in October; see classic cars – and colored leaves

Visitors to the mountain towns of Jackson County, NC. are getting revved up for the fall season! October is right around the corner, and the county is gearing up for two spectacular displays of classic cars. The annual Cruise-In at Sylva Plaza will take place Sunday, Oct. 1, and closing out the fall car season will be the Spirit of the Smokies Car Show, set for Saturday, Oct. 28, in Dillsboro.