Just east of where the Great Smoky Mountains National Park meets the Nantahala National Forest and a stone’s throw from the lesser-known Panthertown Valley, lies the town of Sylva. Picture a charming downtown nestled in a valley veined by creeks, offshoots of the Tuckaseegee River, where the town’s main street leads straight to a stately two-story public library perched on a hill. That’s what awaits when you visit Sylva NC.
The town is home to a small, tight-knit community of people with diverse interests and viewpoints. From outdoor recreation enthusiasts, to artists, to intellectuals attracted by the town’s proximity to Western North Carolina University, to folks who have called the valley home for generations, Sylva residents have diverse hobbies and views that contribute to a colorful mountaintown culture.
You may be looking for a quiet getaway in a hospitable small town. Alternatively, you might be seeking a charming basecamp for a weekend of outdoor adventures. Either way, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Sylva NC.
What to Do
Embark on a self-directed gallery crawl to Gallery 1 Sylva, JAM Glass Gallery, and Freedom Pavilion to view Sylva creativity at its finest. In the summertime, spend a Friday evening at the Bridge Park. Here, the town has a weekly, seasonal Concerts on the Creek series. Or, if the weather is wet, brewery hop through downtown. Try Innovation Brewing for its covered patio overlooking Scott Creek. Alternatively, explore Balsam Falls Brewing for its tasty food pairings and Lazy Hiker for the vibes.
If you’re seeking an outdoor adventure, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re hiking, camping, fishing, tubing, or paddling, you have options. The Tuckaseegee River offers a gentle float by kayak or tube. Tackle the strenuous climb up Pinnacle in Pinnacle Park for gorgeous views. Or opt for an easier but no less beautiful destination by driving to the top of Whitewater Falls. Believe it or not, this is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. Reach out to Dillsboro River Company or Tuckaseegee Outfitters for a whitewater rafting adventure you won’t soon forget.
Where to Stay
No matter whether your day is a high-octane whirlwind of outdoor adrenaline rushes or a laidback mosey through downtown, a comfortable place to retreat for the night is a must. The Hotel Sylva offers a simple, clean, comfortable stay right in the heart of downtown Sylva.
Alternatively, the Whistlestop Inn in neighboring Dillsboro offers country elegant rooms in a farmhouse first built in 1878. Or, try a riverfront suite at the Dillsboro Inn. Here, picturesque patios showcase the natural beauty that make this area so special.
As is the case in many of western North Carolina’s most inviting mountain towns, there are VRBO and Airbnb properties throughout Jackson County. Expect to discover options for every budget and every family configuration.
What to Eat
Both Sylva and its neighbor Dillsboro have healthy downtowns dotted with local businesses. This includes restaurants with the kind of charm, character, and heart you can’t find anywhere other than a small town’s main street. Start your day or end your night at White Moon Cafe and Dark Moon Cocktail Bar. For upscale Italian and great cocktails in a thoughtfully designed interior or on an inviting patio, visit Ilda. For a breakfast that will power you through the most strenuous morning, stop by Lucy in the Rye. Lastly, for Southern classics in a creekside setting, check out the Forager’s Canteen.
All in all, visit Sylva NC this summer and discover all that makes this western NC town a getaway destination.
