Jackson County, North Carolina: A Destination Fit for Any Season

Jackson County, North Carolina: A Destination Fit for Any Season

With stunning summits, expansive rivers, spectacular waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, Jackson County, North Carolina’s 494 square miles of natural beauty shines no matter what time of year.  Along with the wealth of natural wonders, the man-made treasures, culinary offerings and cultural attractions elevate the experience even further. The mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva in Jackson County, North Carolina await. The picturesque views that surround the county may change colors with the seasons, but the beauty of the destination never fades.

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 […]

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.

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.

10 Reasons to Visit Jackson County This Labor Day

sunrise over the mountains in jackson county

10 Reasons to Visit Jackson County This Labor Day

Labor Day is the only US holiday dedicated to celebrating the working people, so take advantage of the holiday weekend and treat yourself to a trip to the North Carolina mountain towns of Jackson County! Not only is it conveniently located in the Great Smoky Mountains just a short drive from the Southeast’s major cities, but Jackson County also provides visitors the chance to try many different activities throughout their stay in the area.