Experience Golden Hour in Jackson County, N.C. With These Top Sunrise & Sunset Spots
Experience Golden Hour in Jackson County, N.C. With These Top Sunrise & Sunset Spots
Golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when daylight is redder and softer than when the sun is higher in the sky, making for some of the best viewing experiences. Jackson County’s elevation and peaks make it a favorite for visitors to enjoy this unmatched part of the day. At our overlooks, it is possible to see for miles, taking in the endless valleys and peaks that seem to await endlessly in the distance.
Top 5 Ways to Help Protect Jackson County, N.C.’s Natural Beauty
Top 5 Ways to Help Protect Jackson County, N.C.’s Natural Beauty
Jackson County, N.C. is known and loved for its unparalleled beauty — from the mountain valleys and peaks to glistening lakes and rivers and breathtaking vistas in-between. Protecting our natural resources is key to keeping our mountains enjoyable for future generations. Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or a season, you can play a role in preserving and sustaining our natural areas. Here’s how: 1 – Know and Practice the Principles of Leave No Trace® A set of ethics promoting conservation of the outdoors, Leave No Trace® (LNT) began decades ago in response to ecological damage caused by wilderness recreation. Finalized in 1999 and embraced by an array of organizations, the seven principles to follow include: Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Minimize campfire impacts. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of other visitors. 2 – Plan To Visit Midweek Want to avoid the crowds, a budget efficiently and lessen the impact on our outdoor spaces? Then plan to travel between Sunday and Thursday! Hotels, inns and cabins even offer special rates for stays during the week. And if your travel plans include visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway or other highly-popular attractions, you will be less likely to sit in traffic – another preservation plus. Find tips and an itinerary for midweek travel here! 3 – Consider “Shoulder Season” Travel A term for the less crowded travel months, “shoulder season” in Jackson County, […]
What’s New This Season in the Mountains of Jackson County, N.C.
What’s New This Season in the Mountains of Jackson County, N.C.
Summer is here and the days are long providing ample time to make new memories in the North Carolina Mountains. Located about an hour west of Asheville, our mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva have welcomed several new experiences, businesses, and lodging options to enjoy on your next visit. From the revival of signature events like Greening Up the Mountains to the addition of a new Beer Treks brewery tour, you’ll have plenty of activities to choose from. Escape the heat and crowds of the city and head to the crisp, clean, and cool mountain air of western North Carolina.
Join the Outdoor NC Movement
Join the Outdoor NC Movement
Join the Movement Jackson County, North Carolina has joined the Outdoor NC Movement Jackson County is a proud partner of the Outdoor NC Alliance and we’re thrilled to share our commitment to stewardship of our shared outdoor spaces with you. We have joined the Outdoor NC movement to preserve and protect our cherished outdoor spaces for future generations to enjoy. Our goal is to actively promote stewardship and responsible recreation in the outdoors, which will ensure our state is the world-class destination we know and love, forever. The goal is simple – it’s a call to action for both residents and visitors to embrace responsible recreation and leave things better than you found them. Our partnership with Outdoor NC encourages those visiting to minimize their footprint and impact on the environment. Our goal is simple – to ensure these mountains are pristine and enjoyable for future generations to come. About Outdoor NC Outdoor NC is a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout North Carolina, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and protect it as well. It provides a wide variety of resources which educate outdoor adventurers on how they can recreate responsibly, respectfully, and safely. As an Outdoor NC Alliance partner, we actively encourage everyone to join our collective movement to protect our beloved, shared outdoor spaces. It’s easier than you think to join the movement. It can be as simple as following the Leave No Trace® Seven Principles. Or you can get more […]
Break Away With Your Family to the N.C. Mountains
Break Away With Your Family to the N.C. Mountains
Spring has returned to the North Carolina mountains once again, bringing warmer and longer days and vibrant wildflower blooms. It’s time to Plan Your Spring Getaway in the North Carolina Mountains.
Top Fall Hikes in the Smokies
Top Fall Hikes in the Smokies
Do you feel the crisp fall air? As the leaves change colors, the best time to hike is upon us. To help you take on the trail this fall, we’ve created a list of the best fall hikes in the Smokies.
Made in the Mountains: Appalachian Art Abounds in Jackson County, NC
Made in the Mountains: Appalachian Art Abounds in Jackson County, NC
Jackson County, NC is rich with history and heritage rooted in Cherokee tradition and Appalachian culture. Though replicas may exist, there is no substitute for the handmade craftsmanship that fills our galleries, shops, museums and market stalls. Plan your trip and follow this Guide to Your Appalachian Art Adventure in Jackson County! Dogwood Crafters A cooperative showcasing mountain arts, crafts and gifts, Dogwood Crafters has been a staple in Dillsboro since 1976 when it was founded using leftover bicentennial grant funding. Enter the log cabin-style galleries to find handmade treasures created by regional artisans who keep Appalachian craft traditions alive. Its ever-changing inventory features works from 100 or so artists who create everything from corn shuck dolls to wooden bowls to handmade quilts to stained glass to novelty birdhouses. Its hand-crafted items will surely be treasured and invoke fond memories of your time in the North Carolina Mountains. Joel Queen Gallery From traditional Cherokee pieces to North Carolina ceramics, pottery is plenty in Jackson County. Don’t miss Joel Queen Gallery, on U.S. Hwy. 441 in Whittier, where you’ll find imaginative work infused with Cherokee culture. Queen is a ninth-generation potter who traces his lineage through the Bigmeat family in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. His black pottery, the most traditional of styles, is hand built, polished and fired in an open pit using hand-carved tools. You may also discover Queen’s stamped pottery, sculpture and wood carvings in this gallery. Qualla Arts & Crafts With more than 3,000 handmade, authentic […]
The Best Places to Hear Live Music This Summer in the NC Mountains
The Best Places to Hear Live Music This Summer in the NC Mountains
In the summertime, music fills the mountains of Jackson County, North Carolina. From casual, free outdoor concert series in the cool mountain air to ticketed events featuring tribute bands and exceptional classical music ensembles, you’ll find it here! Concerts on the Creek – Sylva Held creekside every Friday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. in downtown Sylva’s Bridge Park, Concerts on the Creek brings a variety of musical styles to its outdoor pavilion stage. Artists range from folk to bluegrass to pop, rock, soul, country, and reggae, from homegrown favorites to regionally known bands. Upcoming shows include: July 7 – Arnold Hill; July 14 – Bird in Hand; July 21 – Dashboard Blue; July 28 – Lua Flora; August 4 – Tuxedo Junction; August 11 – TLQ+2; August 18 – Get Right Band; August 25 – Maggie Valley Band; and September 1 – PMA. The shows are free, thanks to the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Just bring a chair or blanket. Food truck vendors will most likely be on site, but picnic baskets and coolers are welcome, too. Dogs are welcome if they are friendly and kept on a leash. And don’t forget your dancing shoes, as you’re sure to see concertgoers of all ages taking to the front of the stage to move and groove. For more information about Concerts on the Creek, call 828-586-2719. Groovin’ on the Green Summer Concert Series – Cashiers The Village Green is […]
Tie the Knot at One of These Venues in the Majestic Mountains of Jackson County, North Carolina
Tie the Knot at One of These Venues in the Majestic Mountains of Jackson County, North Carolina
When it comes to selecting a place to spend your very first moments as a married couple, it is difficult to top Jackson County, North Carolina. The mountains provide breathtaking scenes and authentic experiences sure to bring joyful memories for years to come. In addition to the gorgeous vistas, you’ll find small-town charm, sincere hospitality, and plenty of options for delicious food, relaxing accommodations, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re seeking a beautiful backdrop for your destination wedding or wish to honor a connection to the Appalachian Mountains, Jackson County, NC has the perfect venue. Every site is ready to make your planning simple, either by providing turnkey service or connections to everything you’ll need, from florists to caterers to photographers to event planners and more! With so many ways to answer “I Do” in Jackson County, NC, the real question is: What’s your wedding style? Mountain Magic While every Jackson County, NC wedding locale is in the mountains, several take full advantage of the setting, offering outdoor spaces with expansive and majestic views. Chimney Pond Farm offers rustic elegance and rolling hills with a view of pristine Lake Glenville, the highest lake east of the Mississippi River. A true farm, its 80 acres of Frasier Fir Christmas trees, blueberry bushes, and several alpacas (the gentle, friendly relative of the llama) add to its charm. Select among two indoor halls and an outdoor space to exchange vows. Onsite accommodations are available in three separate houses. Chimney Pond Farm is conveniently located […]
Our Itinerary for a Successful Family Reunion
Our Itinerary for a Successful Family Reunion
While family reunions present the opportunity for creating some of the best memories, oftentimes the biggest challenge can be deciding on where to go. Enter: Jackson County, NC. From our mom-approved rapids to lakeside lounging, horseback riding and more, there’s no doubt you’ll discover fun for every age and stage here. Read on for our sample itinerary for a warm-weather family reunion in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Day 1: Drop your bags at your basecamp in Sylva, whether that’s at a bed & breakfast such as Whistle Stop, an inn like Outland Chalet & Suites, a hotel like Best Western Plus River Escape, or other. Visit our Lodging page to find what’s most suitable for you and your family. While some members of the group get settled, keep others entertained and head to Downtown Sylva to explore the coffee shops, bookstores, craft breweries and more within the charming town. For dinner, head to Lulu’s, a favorite on Sylva’s Main Street that offers eclectic dining complete with a kids’ menu. From robust salads to savory meatloaf to thai chicken soup, the dishes are sure to satisfy. Day 2: Grab breakfast at City Lights Café and afterwards, work off the calories with a hike at Pinnacle Park. Regroup and head on over to Tuckaseegee Outfitters to get wet and wild with a guided rafting trip. In the evening, visit Sylva’s neighboring town of Dillsboro for dinner at Haywood Smokehouse, followed by a trip to Dillsboro Chocolate Factory for some treats. Day 3: […]