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Sapphire’s Black Bear Lodge enjoys moderate temperatures year round in a beautifully wooded setting. It’s sumptuous accommodations feature newly renovated and tastefully decorated 2 room suites, full kitchens, covered porches, cozy living areas, flat screen TV’s, wifi, with either king or queen size beds.
Connecting rooms are available and we are pet friendly.
CASHIERS, GLENVILLE & SAPPHIRE
Situated on a high plateau, this vacation paradise is home to some of the oldest mountains in the world. Located in the southern section of Jackson County, Cashiers, Glenville and Sapphire offer gorgeous scenery among its waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails, and picnic spots—making it the perfect place for a day trip, family vacation or weekend getaway.
Attractions
• Panthertown Valley is often referred to as the “Yosemite of the East.” Located near Cashiers, it’s 6,295 acres of Nantahala National Forest land featuring 30 miles of backcountry hiking and mixed-use trails for cycling, mountain biking and horseback riding. Panthertown has over a dozen cascading waterfalls, trout streams, panoramic views and sheer granite cliffs. We recommend you bring a map! www.panthertown.org or panthertownmap.com.
• See “Shadow of the Bear” in Cashiers — visible for approximately six weeks — mid-October through early November and mid-February through early March. Begins around 5:30 p.m. on clear days and lasts half an hour.
• Hike Whiteside Mountain (elev. 4,930 ft.), considered by some to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, 360 to 490 million years-old, the mountain is a favorite with climbers and is home to peregrine falcons that perch on its rocky outcrops.
• Sitting 3,500-feet above sea level with 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Glenville is one of the highest lakes east of the Mississippi River. Pines Recreation sandy beach area along Lake Glenville is great for picnicking and swimming.
• Whitewater Falls is one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies falling 411 feet.
“Cashiers is a great destination if you are looking for a relaxing nature escape.” - Southern Living
LUCAS HAASE
Imagine a place where pristine wild forests ebb and flow with the peaks of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Where the lush valley and ancient geological formations sparkle like a rare gem. That place is Chinquapin, come explore.
CASHIERS, GLENVILLE & SAPPHIRE
Attractions
• Memorial Day through Labor Day enjoy Groovin’ on the Green every Friday at The Village Green.
• Shop at upscale gift shops and boutiques, art galleries and recreational outfitters.
• Sip on craft beverages at Cashiers first brewery. Whiteside Mountain Brewing Co. is opening May 2018. Also check out the Taproom at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Co.
• Unwind at world-class spas with majestic views.
• While in Cashiers, enjoy farm-to-table restaurants, mouthwatering BBQ, and New York-style pizza. There are also plenty of places to satisfy a sweet tooth.
• Zipline, play footgolf, ski, and snowboard at Sapphire Valley.
• Cast a line on the WNC Fly Fishing Trail® with expert guides.
• Stop by Cashiers Farmers Market at the Crossroads.
• Golf at some of the most scenic golf courses in the country.
• Choose and Cut your own Christmas tree.
• Cashiers Plein Air Festivalartists set up their easels in and around Cashiers to capture the beautiful scenes and quaint lifestyle of the area July 17-21.
• Gorges State Park, a 7,700acre NC State Park with plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges and great trails.
• Rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, or boat for adventures on Lake Glenville. Rentals are available at local marinas.
• Enjoy wine tastings, pairings and themed dinners at the region’s finest restaurants.
• Watch renowned interior decorators from all over the Southeast transform rooms in the Cashiers Designer Showhouse July 27-Aug 5.
“An authorized concessioner of the National Park Service”
• Experienced guides
• Well trained horses
• Ages 5 years and up Located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 6 miles north of Cherokee on U.S. 441, Smokemont Riding Stables offers guided horseback riding on beautiful trails with wooded forests, mountain streams and waterfalls.
• 1 hour ride features a crossing of the Oconaluftee River.
• 2.5 hour ride features a cascading waterfall.
• 4 hour ride features river and waterfall views.
• Wagon rides for all ages available Call for rates and availability: Cherokee, NC 828.497.2373 smokemontridingstable.com
Attractions
• Visit Grimshawes, the smallest post office (19031953) in the country, located near Whiteside Mountain.
• Enjoy the river scenery at the old Iron Bridge, a popular spot for photos.
• Take the family on a leisurely walk to Silver Run Falls. Don’t forget a bathing suit, there’s a perfect swimming hole beneath the waterfall.
• Learn about the area’s rich history at Glenville’s
museum and Cashiers’ Zachary Tolbert House.
• Paddle whitewater rapids. Below Lake Glenville, High Falls towers 150 feet, and six times a year the power company does recreational water releases that transform the river into Class IV rapids. These releases draw paddlers from all around the Southeast. 2018 release dates: April 7-8, June 9, July 14 & 28, Aug. 11 & 25.
Experience natural body treatments, facial services and therapies to promote wellness and beauty. Let Canyon Spa be your wellness destination.
Call 828.743.0006 to schedule your spa experience.
Chef Adam Hayes’ imaginative menus are served up against a backdrop inspired by another celebrated artist: Mother Nature
Dinner reservations at 828-743-7967 or lonesomevalley.com/canyonkitchen
SYLVA, CULLOWHEE & DILLSBORO
Sylva features a charming downtown with a booming brew scene that TripAdvisor named “One of the Top 10 American Brewery Tours.” This historic mountain town has a distinct groove with a downtown lined with a collection of eclectic restaurants and shops that are open year-round. Sylva was also recently named one of the “Top 10 Cleanest Cities in the US,” by Expedia.com, due in part to its green and eco-friendly initiatives, including being a certified Tree City featuring a stunning Tree Walk that showcases over 50 different species of trees. Home to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is the go-to spot for water sports on the flowing Tuckasegee River. Dillsboro eases the hustle of everyday life with its rustic pottery shops, local art galleries and one-of-a-kind restaurants. Dillsboro is sprinkled with
pottery aficionados and each shop offers its own unique take on the craft. Many shops serve as working studios, so stop in to meet the potters and watch them work. This picturesque small mountain town boasts blocks of century-old storefronts, country inns and beautiful mountain views. Just strolling along riverwalk can be one of the best ways to pass the time.
BIRCH
Jackson County, N.C. was named Top 20 Best Small Mountain Towns for a Summer Vacation by Country Living Magazine.
Attractions
• Pinnacle Park (above) in Sylva — 1,100 acres of protected watershed with a 3.5-mile moderate-to-rugged hiking trail leading to panoramic views, waterfalls and free campsites.
• Historic Jackson County Library Courthouse, said to be the most photographed building in the state (worth the 107 steps to the top).
• Whitewater rafting options range from scenic Class I to heart-pumping Class IV rapids. A number of local companies rent rafts, canoes, kayaks and tubes in the summer months, so choose a solo or guided trip with a local rafting expert.
• Western Carolina University’s 6.8-mile mountain bike/hiking trail system.
• Mountain Heritage Center, Fine Art Museum and Galaxy of Stars events at Western Carolina University.
• The American Museum of the Housecat (Dillsboro) — one of only two in the United States. A 30+ year collection of all things relating to the House Cat. The collection includes a real 300-30 B.C. Egyptian cat mummy, fine "picture art" going back to the late 1800's, modern art, folk art, and more.
• Green Energy Park in Dillsboro, which uses reclaimed methane gas from the old landfill to power glassblowers, blacksmiths, and more. Stop in to watch the artists work or look into classes taught by local artists.
• Heritage Walks in Sylva, Dillsboro, Cashiers and Webster.
• Hike the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which passes through Sylva.
• Visit Judaculla Rock, which features petroglyphs etched into the surface from Native Americans thousands of years ago.
• Explore the craft brewery scene. Innovation Brewing with over 32 beers on tap has opened a wood-fired pizzeria next to their Sylva location. In June, they’ll open a second location in Dillsboro expanding their sour program. Newlyopened Balsam Falls Brewing Co. has a rotating selection of almost a dozen different styles for all beer drinkers.
Nantahala Brewing has announced plans for a Downtown Sylva taproom to open later this year.
Serving as the gateway to both the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee offers a variety of activities for visitors from history to golf to gambling. History buffs will enjoy learning about the Cherokee culture, while golfers can hit the links at Sequoyah National Golf Club and gamblers can try their luck at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Cherokee sponsors the springtime Ramps and Rainbows Festival, which allows visitors, especially children, to catch trout in the Oconaluftee River and sample ramps, a traditional Appalachian delicacy.
Attractions
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
• Sequoyah National Golf Club
• Cherokee Indian Fair (Oct. 2-6)
• Qualla Arts and Crafts
• Fire Mountain Bike Trails
• “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama in Cherokee
• Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum • Museum of the Cherokee Indian
• Santa’s Land Amusement Park • UltraStar Multi-tainment Center (arcade, billiards, bowling)
THREE BILLBOARDS
Hollywood
Sweeping every major Hollywood award ceremony, and racking up more than two dozen awards to date, the buzz continues to grow for the nationally-acclaimed dark comedic drama, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Those who have seen the movie might recognize the fictional town of Ebbing, Missouri and think it shares a striking resemblance to our mountain town of Sylva, NC. They would be spot on! Sylva was the primary filming location for “Three Billboards,” and downtown was transformed to become the town of Ebbing, Missouri.
Sylva captures the perfect picture of small-town Americana and proves to be a natural setting for the silver screen. With mountain vistas framing the background and storefronts lining Main Street, the town encompasses all the authentic characteristics that the setting of this award-winning film needed. Sylva enthusiastically embraced the filming and wanted to partake in and witness this rare opportunity. The uniquely open set allowed spectators to come out and watch the production unfold, allowing them to really be a part of the excitement. When not on set, cast and crew were seen around town dining at local eateries, chatting it up with locals, signing autographs and even shopping local. With the film’s success and excitement around the town being featured, we created a special tour where visitors can tour the locations used in the film.
Discover why Hollywood fell in love with Sylva and take a tour of the locations used in the movie for a behind-the-scenes look: www.jax.onl/3B
Scan or take a photo to go behind the scenes on this movie!
PHOTOS: FOX SEARCHLIGHT
WNC Fly Fishing Trail®
Known by anglers throughout the country as a trout fishing mecca, Jackson County was recently recognized by leaders as North Carolina’s official Trout Capital.
Jackson County contains 4,600 miles of trout streams and receives an annual stocking of 92,800 trout, which is the most of any county in the state. It also features the state's longest contiguous stretch of N.C. Mountain Heritage Trout Waters. Jackson County is home to the state record for the largest rainbow trout ever caught.
It also has 31 public access points for fishing, supports fishing classes for children, is home to the nation’s largest river cleanup day in the country, and plays host to its own chapter of Trout Unlimited.
FlyFishingTrail.com
YOUR TRIP PHOTOS
Don’t take our word for it. Every photo here was taken by a visitor. Use the hashtag #DiscoverJacksonNC
WEDDINGS & EVENTS
Making Memories
Whether you’re in search of a rustic barn with soaring cliffside views, a striking veranda set against the backdrop of the blue ridge Mountains, breathtaking waterfall scenes, southern sophistication at a country club, or an intimate gathering at a charming inn, Jackson County delivers. Plus, you and your guests can enjoy an abundance of opportunities for adventure while you’re here—from hiking and whitewater rafting to fishing and golf.
Whether you book all your guests at one inn or spread them around in our one-of-a-kind bed and breakfasts, we’ve got you covered.
Learn more about our world-class venues and accommodations at http://jax.onl/weddings
Scan or take a photo to discover all our wedding venues.
Abby LeighAnne PhotogrAPhy
WINTER WONDERLAND
Hit the slopes
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort packs plenty of fun for winter adventure lovers. A 1,600-foot main run with a vertical drop of 200 feet and a compact layout makes this resort the perfect place for families who love downhill skiing. www.skisapphirevalley.com
Pick a tree
Visit one of Jackson County’s Christmas tree farms, where choose and cut options turn buying a tree into one of your family’s most treasured holiday traditions. jccta.com
Winter’s warm glow
Around the holidays, don’t miss the festival of Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro, where stores stay open late and a variety of special Christmas events are held during two consecutive weekends.
Discover more to do this winter: jax.onl/winter
GREAT DRIVES & HIKES
Jackson County is only minutes from two of the most visited National Park sites in the United States. With affordable lodging, it makes the perfect base camp for your adventures! We have less traffic than the Tennessee side of the Smokies, so rather than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, spend more time exploring!
Blue Ridge Parkway
The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is a celebrated motor touring route, with curves both hugging the ridgeline, while opening up to breathtaking views. The Parkway is also a jumping off point for hikers, backpackers, bird watchers, waterfall seekers, cyclers and more.
In Jackson County, you will discover dozens of overlooks, including the Richland Balsam sign at mile marker 431 proclaiming “The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway” (6,053 feet). About a third of a mile north of this overlook is the second Richland Balsam overlook, where there is a trail to the peak of Richland Balsam (at 6,410 feet, the highest peak on the Parkway). Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2) has a parking area and restrooms and is a favorite spot to watch sunsets, picnic, take a hike, or just sit back and take in the stars. Other Parkway highlights near Jackson County include the Devil’s Courthouse Overlook and Trail, Graveyard Fields, and the Pisgah Inn and Campground.
Jackson County has more named summits than anywhere in North Carolina. 185 to be exact. Scan this code to see all our favorite trails!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, known as the crown jewel of the southern Appalachian Mountains, includes more than 800 square miles of the most biodiverse park in the National Park System.
Highlights on the North Carolina side of the GSMNP are the reintroduced elk herd in Cataloochee Valley, and the visitor center at the Oconaluftee entrance to the Park. A motor road — U.S. 441 — cuts through the park from North Carolina to Tennessee, passing the famous Newfound Gap overlook that straddles the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
ARTS & CULTURE
Creative Traditions
Jackson County embraces its mountain heritage, nurturing creative spirits who produce handmade crafts, unique works of art, and original music. Museums and historic sites dot Jackson County, providing history buffs the opportunity to take a look into the county’s rich past. Home to several art galleries and local businesses that display and sell local/regional artwork, downtown Sylva boasts a vibrant arts community, one centered on preserving, perpetuating and celebrating its rich and vast creative history through the hands of its residents. Known as one of the pottery capitals of the country, downtown Dillsboro is filled with galleries and studios, many of which are active on a daily basis, which means visitors can walk in and see live demonstrations. In November, the WNC Pottery Festival, recognized as one of the best events of its kind in the Southeast, overtakes the streets of the small town as thousands of artists and collectors mill about. Pots on the Green is in its second year in Cashiers. For two days, artisans will display and sell their pottery while four demonstrations will tell the stories and traditions of local pottery in the area.
At nearby Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, there is the renowned Mountain Heritage Center, which is home to an array of Southern Appalachian historical
and cultural exhibits, atop the center’s extensive archives. WCU also is home to the Bardo Arts Center, which hosts numerous cultural events and art showcases/receptions for their MFA students and local artisans alike.
Cashiers is home to galleries and shops that showcase the works of some of the mountain’s finest artists and craftspeople.
MAKING MEMORIES AS VIVID AS THE
EXPERIENCE
2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MARCH 31 Easter Hat Parade, Dillsboro
APRIL 1-30 NC Beer Month
APRIL 7 Opening Day of Fishing Season; 7 a.m.
APRIL 7 Sylva’s Brew Hop
APRIL 28 Greening Up the Mountains, Sylva; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
MAY-SEPT. Concerts on the Creek, Bridge Park, Sylva; Fridays 7-9 p.m.
MAY 19 Hook, Line & Drinker Festival, Sylva
MAY 26-27 Cashiers Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair
SUMMER 2018 Sapphire Concerts on the Slopes
JUNE-SEPT. Groovin’ on the Green, Cashiers; Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
JUNE 30-JULY 1 Summertime Arts and Craft Show, Cullowhee
JUNE 30-JULY 1 Pots on the Green, Cashiers
JULY 1 July 4 Celebration, Lake Glenville
JULY 4 July 4 Celebration, Cashiers & Sylva
JULY 13-14 Mountain Wildlife Days, Sapphire
JULY 17-21 Cashiers Plein Air Festival
JULY 28-AUG. 5 Cashiers Designer Showhouse
AUG. 11 The Great Balsam Bike Relay
Scan or take a photo to visit our online calendar with full event information
SEPT. 1 & 2 Cashiers Rotary Arts & Crafts Festival
SEPT. 15 Tour de Cashiers
SEPT. 22 Jackson County Green Energy Park Youth Arts Festival, Dillsboro
SEPT. 29 Mountain Heritage Day, Cullowhee
Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast
OCT. 5-7 Cashiers Leaf Festival
OCT. 27 Spirit of the Smokies Car Show, Dillsboro
NOV. 3
WNC Pottery Festival, Dillsboro; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast NOV. 23-24 Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show, Cullowhee
NOV. 23 Christmas on the Green (Santa and Tree Lighting)
DEC. 2 Sylva Christmas Parade; 3 p.m.
DEC. 7-8, 14-15 Lights and Luminaries, Dillsboro; 5 to 9 p.m.
Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast
DEC. 8 Cashiers Christmas Parade
DEC. 15 Sapphire Valley Ski Slopes open (weather dependent)
MARCH 16, 2019 Assault on Blackrock, Sylva
APRIL 20 Easter Hat Parade, Dillsboro
APRIL 27 Greening Up the Mountains, Sylva; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Full Hook-ups, Tent Sites, Pets Allowed, Cabins, Internet, Group Sites, Laundry, Showers, Camp Store, Dump Station, Pool, Recreation, Playground, Gameroom, Meeting Facilities, Seasonal, Electric Service
Fort Tatham RV Park
175 Tatham Creek Road, Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-6662 • carefreervresorts.com
Full Hook-ups, Tent Sites, Pets Allowed, Cabins, Internet, Laundry, Showers, Dump Station, Pool, Recreation, Playground, Meeting Facilities, Seasonal
89 East Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-354-4470, dunkindonuts.com Coffee, sandwiches, donuts
El Patron Mexican Restaurant
BRE AK FAST LUN CH DI NN ER S PI RITS
170 Wal Mart Plaza, Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-8805, elpatronsylva.com authentic Mexican food, margarita specials and daily menu specials
FrostyBites Frozen Yogurt, LLC
BRE AK FAST LUN CH DI NN ER S PI RITS
1336 E. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-477-4335, frostybitesfrozenyogurt.com
Premium frozen yogurt shop; toppings bar is stocked fresh daily with the best ingredients
FOOD & DRINK DIRECTORY
Sylva
Guadalupe Cafe
Bre ak fast Lun Ch Di nn er s pi rits
606 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-9877, guadalupecafe.com
Farm-to-table tropical fusion foods served up for lunch, dinner & weekend brunch.
hardee’s
Bre ak fast Lun Ch Di nn er s pi rits
475 East Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-0400, hardees.com Pioneers of The Great American Burger
i nno va tio n Brewing & Cosmic Ca rry- out food truck Brea k fas t LUN CH Di nn er B rewery
414 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-9678, innovationbrewing.com
32 brews on tap, ginger ale, ciders; food truck and wood-fired pizzeria on site.
Jack the Dipper D ess ert
170 East Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-9441, jackthedipper.com
Hand dipped ice cream, shakes, sundaes, Waffle cones
Lulu’s On Main
Bre ak fast Lun Ch Di nn er s pi rits 612 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-8989, lulusonmain.com (moving to 678 W Main St. summer 2018) Gourmet dining, seafood, chicken, Vegetarain, Pastas, soups, desserts
Mad Batter food & f ilm
Bre ak fast Lun Ch Di nn er s pi rits
617 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-586-3555, madbatterfoodfilm.com
Pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, movies
papous wine shop and B ar
Bre ak fast Lun Ch Di nn er s pi rits
470 West Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 • 828-631-3075, jax.onl/papous
Retail Wine Shop with tasting bar and wines by the glass. Tapas and accessories.
