Outhouse Races & more winter activities at Sapphire Valley Resort

people having fun and watching the outhouse races in jackson county

Outhouse Races & more winter activities at Sapphire Valley Resort

In Jackson County, hilarity ensues during our annual Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley Resort. Come for the races and stay to hit the slopes and enjoy some great dining, too! Off-Beat & Oh, So Fun The Sapphire Valley Outhouse Races is as quirky as it gets and it’s just the way it sounds. Homemade outhouses are secured to a pair of skis and pushed down a 120-foot, snow-blanketed racecourse by two team members while a third member sits inside. Taking place annually over President’s Day Weekend, (this year on February 18), the Outhouse Races are fun for all. Dozens of teams return each year to compete by using a variety of materials like wood, cardboard and plastic and other handmade items to construct their ‘thrones’. Each outhouse is uniquely decorated and appropriately named like “The Royal Flush,” and to add to the fun, team members and spectators are always encouraged to wear crazy outfits and incorporate themes! Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing While at Sapphire Valley, don’t miss out on your chance to ski or snowboard! The resort is home to a 1600-foot run, a chair lift, and an introductory slope with a moving carpet, making it ideal for first timers and beginner skiers. Unlike most crowded ski resorts, lift lines here are short, and there’s even an on-site learning center with certified instructors who can teach the fundamentals. Don’t worry about bringing gear either because you can rent everything you need from skis and boots to poles and snowboards.  There’s also a […]

Relax & Recharge in the NC Mountains

Relax & Recharge in the NC Mountains

Often, we find ourselves needing a break after the holiday chaos and January happens to be a perfect time to plan a getaway. Kick off the New Year on the right foot and find solitude far, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take in Yours Surroundings, Uninterrupted Here, we trade traffic for trees. Jackson County takes up nearly 500 square miles of Western North Carolina in which are overflowing (pun intended) with waterfalls, beautiful trails, and of course, breathtaking mountain views. For hikers on the hunt for a scenic overlook via a worthwhile trek, be sure to add our more advanced trails like Yellow Mountain or Panthertown Valley, comprised of more than 6,311 acres of rugged backcountry, to your itinerary. If you seek something easier and family-friendly, Waterrock Knob or Black Balsam are great options. And then there’s accessible and paved paths like the Tuckasegee River Greenway, which are ideal for a leisurely stroll on a beautiful day. We’ve got something for everyone, and you’ll find more on these hikes and all our best trails here. For a one-of-a-kind meditative experience in nature, don’t miss out on a therapy tour of the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, aka “forest bathing,” led by Dr. Mark Ellison at Pinnacle Park, which just recently became the first Certified Forest Therapy Trail in the state of North Carolina. Dr. Ellison has led hundreds of these tours, and each time he guides his participants to spend intentional time in nature through the senses, […]

Why You Should Visit Jackson County, NC During Secret Season

Why You Should Visit Jackson County, NC During Secret Season

We all vacation in hopes to find a secret escape where we can experience our own little piece of paradise that is away from the large crowds. During the winter to early-spring months, the Western NC mountain towns of Jackson County, NC offer just that! Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva come alive during this ‘secret season’, offering visitors a wide array of hidden benefits to traveling during this less crowded and more affordable time of year.

Find Your Perfect Holiday Centerpiece: Choose and Cut Guide to Jackson County

family with their dog picking out the perfect Christmas tree in jackson county

Find Your Perfect Holiday Centerpiece: Choose and Cut Guide to Jackson County

The return of the holiday season means reminiscing on years past, spending time with loved ones and sharing in traditions that are carried on through generations of families year-after-year. One such tradition that we enjoy being a part of in Jackson County is to choose and cut your own Christmas tree. Thanks to our county’s elevation, location, quality soil conditions and abundant rainfall, the county is perfectly situated for growing beautiful Christmas trees. In fact, genetics show our trees are the fastest-growing, most aesthetically pleasing trees in the region. As a result, Jackson County is home to many locally and family-owned Christmas tree farms offering a gorgeous selection of these holiday decoration centerpieces.

Best Swimming Holes & More in the NC Mountains

Silver Run Falls located in Cashiers, NC

Best Swimming Holes & More in the NC Mountains

Our towns stay much cooler in the summer and are scenically nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the day, take advantage of our many natural swimming holes or lakes for a refreshing dip. In the evenings, temperatures can drop into the low 60’s, providing plenty of mosquito-free nights. In some of the highest elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can find blueberries along the hillsides and some of the best long-range mountain views in the country alongside these pleasant temperatures.