Further West: Jackson County and Highlands

In Jackson County, tall, thickly wooded mountains, scenic roads and cascading waterfalls await, as do grand vistas, fresh, clean air and temperatures much cooler than much of the South. Its towns -- Cashiers, Cullowhee, Silva, Dillsboro and Whittier -- offer activities such as hiking, fishing, boating and golf. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the county, passing through Richland Balsam - at 6,053 feet, the parkway's highest point - as does 40 miles of the Tuckaseegee River, home to the nation's first fly-fishing trail (flyfishingtrail.com).

For some relaxation, try a trip to a spa, such as the High Hampton Inn Health Club Spa (highhamptoninn.com) or the Canyon Spa (lonesomevalley.com).

More Jackson County area information is at mountainlovers.com.

Cashiers
Tiny Cashiers bustles with unique shops. There's a semi-wooded trail that winds among the retail stores. The famed High Hampton Inn, a historic resort where life is meant to be lived outdoors - specifically on its 1,400 wooded acres and private lake.

When hungry, try Cornucopia (cornucopianc.com), or coffee at Buck's Coffee. The Canyon Kitchen (lonesomevalley.com) holds very special dinner experiences. With its massive doors, you'll feel as if you are seated outside, but will be surrounded by romantic decor. More information on restaurants is at gocashiers.com.

Sylva
Sylva is full of vigor largely because of its proximity to Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. You can't miss the stately old courthouse in Sylva, and you'll want to catch a performance at the WNC Performing Arts Center (wcu.edu/bardoartscenter).

For a meal in Sylva, try City Lights Cafe (citylightscafe.com). It's open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Visit Sylva's two friendly breweries - Heinzelmannchen (yourgnometownbrewery.com) and Innovation (innovation-brewing.com). Check out the Prohibition-style cocktails at The Winged Lion and the craft beer and food combos at Tonic Delivers (tonicdelivers.com).


Highlands
This Appalachian retreat was founded in 1875, after its two founders drew lines from Chicago to Savannah and from New Orleans to New York, and decided the place where those lines met would be a great location for trading and commerce. At 4,118 feet in elevation, it's one of the highest incorporated towns east of the Mississippi.

Fine Dining:
The most famous is Madison’s in the landmark Old Edwards Inn and Spa, offering classical European fare. Locals love Cyprus International Cuisine for its globe-trotting menu.

No comments:

Post a Comment