Western North Carolina is one of the most scenic parts of the state, with its charming small towns and mountain vistas. The region is on Cherokee land and many of the residents in this area still have Native American ancestry.
There are many places to visit, but this guide focuses on Jackson County and its surroundings, including Sylva, Waynesboro, Cashiers, Dillsboro, Highlands, and Franklin. If you’re looking for even more to do in this region, check out our guides to Asheville, the High Country, and Bryson City and Cherokee.
Cashiers
Cashiers is an unincorporated village in the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, incorporated in 1927 but inhabited long before. The population is less than 200, but it is popular with visitors, who rent cabins in the fall months to see the leaves change color.
What to Do
Like in so many other parts of the region, there are endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor recreation. A number of fly fishing outfitters are in town where you can get professional guides or simply pick up necessary gear. In nearby Culhowee, visitors can go horseback riding with Arrowmont Stables & Cabins.
Where to Eat
Cashiers has a number of places to enjoy a meal. Whiteside Brewing makes its own craft beers but also serves burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Bucks Coffee is the best place to start the day with a cup of coffee in a handmade mug and a pastry.
Winslow’s Hideaway is popular for dinner, with a menu that features steak and seafood. Chow down on authentic Carolina barbecue at Cashiers Valley Smokehouse, which also offers specialty sandwiches and Southern-style sides. Open since 2000, The Orchard crafts Appalachian fare like grilled quail and local trout.
Where to Stay
Cashiers has endless places to stay, whether you’re looking for a full-service resort or a cozy cabin like this charming cottage. High Hampton Resort has been a popular retreat since 1922 and recently underwent a multi-year restoration. Guests can stay in the historic inn and visit the multiple restaurants, play golf, or get pampered at the spa.
Hotel Cashiers is a newer boutique property in a converted motor lodge. Rooms feature Scandinavian design and the hotel is surrounded by three restaurants and shops. The Wells Cashiers is just across the street from Whiteside Brewing and has its own coffee shop.
Dillsboro
Dillsboro was founded in the 1800s when it became a stop on the Murphy Branch Railroad. Today, it’s still a train stop but on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. It has a charming downtown filled with preserved historic buildings.
What to Do
Learn about the contributions of women in the early settlement of the region at the Appalachian Women’s Museum, located in the circa 1915 Monteith family home. The adjacent Monteith Farmstead and Community Park is a welcome green space for kids to explore.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad travels from Dillsboro to Bryson City, past the ruins from the movie The Fugitive, which was filmed in the area. The train also has themed trains for the holidays. The Jackson County Green Energy Park is also a unique place to see glass blowing using natural gas.
Where to Eat
Haywood Smokehouse has a handful of locations in the area, but this one sits near the river in downtown Dillsboro. The restaurant is known for its Texas-style barbecue, including brisket and coleslaw.
The Rivers and Rails Tavern highlights flavors from across the country, with hearty burgers, sandwiches, and all-day brunch. Foragers Canteen sources the best local ingredients for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. There’s even a special menu for GSMRR train riders short on time.
Where to Stay
If you’re making your base in Dillsboro, there are both historic inns and chain hotels to choose from. Dillsboro Inn has rustic rooms on the Tuckasegee River. Also located on the river, the Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites has all the perks like a fitness center, free WiFi, and rocking chairs on the porch. Or have your own space at The Reed House, one of many rentals.
Franklin
Franklin was established in Cherokee territory on a 1,000-year-old platform mound. European settlers incorporated the community in 1855, not long after the tribes were forcibly removed on the Trail of Tears. It’s also one of many towns along the Appalachian Trail.
What to Do
Visit the Scottish Tartans Museum, which opened in 1994 to honor the legacy of the early European settlers to the region. Located in the former jail, the Gem & Mineral Museum-Franklin has incredible minerals from around the globe.
Learn about the early history of Franklin at the Macon County Historical Museum or go for a walk along the Little Tennessee River Greenway. There are also a number of craft breweries here, including Lazy Hiker, which supports AT thru-hikers, and Currahee.
Where to Eat
Rockin’ Rollie Pollie’s is open early for breakfast burritos and omelettes and throughout the day for burgers and sandwiches. Enjoy New York-style bagels at Brooklyn Bagels, which are topped with cream cheese or made into sandwiches.
Gazebo Creekside Cafe is the perfect lunch spot for sandwiches like the muffuletta and French dip. Boone Thai has traditional Thai dishes like curries and pad Thai.
Where to Stay
The Carolina Motel is an old-school roadside motel with easy access to town, a playground, and an outdoor swimming pool. Hampton Inn Franklin has all the chain’s amenities, including free WiFi and daily breakfast. The Firefly Ridge Cabin is one of many cabin rentals with two bedrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows to soak up the views.
Highlands
The town of Highlands has less than 1,000 full-time residents. The surrounding state and national parks are popular with visitors, especially the winding drives ideal for motorcycle enthusiasts. The downtown shops have something for everyone.
What to Do
The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts is a must-see art museum in Highlands, which has the work of regional artists, along with a historic covered bridge and artist studios. The Art League of Highlands also features local artists with gallery openings at the museum.
There are also a number of incredible waterfalls nearby. Dry Falls, also known as Upper Cullasaja Falls, is located in the Nantahala National Forest. It is part of an 8-mile network of waterfalls that ends with the stunning Cullasaja Falls. Bridal Veil Falls is also easy to see.
Where to Eat
Highlands has plenty of great dining options to enjoy. Blue Bike Cafe is popular for breakfast and lunch, known for its grit bowls, pancakes, and burgers. Another popular gathering place is The Ugly Dog Pub, which has craft cocktails and a lineup of sandwiches and pizza.
Set inside the Highlander Mountain House, The Ruffed Grouse focuses on Appalachian cuisine, including local trout and Cornish hen. 4118 Kitchen and Bar has roasted chicken, shrimp and grits, and other Southern favorites.
Where to Stay
Old Edwards Inn and Spa is the grand dame of the area’s hotels and has since expanded to additional properties including Half-Mile Farm and 200 Main. Guests can enjoy luxury dining, an award-winning spa, and golf.
Highlander Mountain House (review here) is set inside a 150-year-old home, with cozy rooms inspired by an English country home. Skyline Lodge sits atop the mountain in a former lodge and is home to Oak Steakhouse.
Like its counterpart in Cashiers, The Wells Hotel has stylish rooms with fireplaces and terraces. With 24 pet-friendly rooms, The Park on Main Hotel offers complimentary breakfast and treats for your furry friends.
Rentals are another great option for privacy. Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages have free WiFi and a shared kitchen for guest use. The Treehouse rental has mountain views.
Sylva
Incorporated in 1889, Sylva grew to prominence for its location along the train line. It’s centered around the 1915 courthouse, perched on the hill above the town. It’s been used as a filming location, including The Fugitive, Deliverance, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
What to Do
Much of what appeals to travelers about Sylva is the small-town atmosphere and shopping. The quirky American Museum of the House Cat is one of the unique things to do, featuring a collection of feline items. Visitors can also grab a pint at Balsam Falls Brewery.
Where to Eat
Mad Batter 
Lucy in the Rye
Despite its small size, Sylva has a wide range of great restaurants. Mad Batter Kitchen is located inside Lazy Hiker Brewery and has delicious sandwiches, nachos, and pizza. For breakfast, head to Lucy in the Rye, which has avocado toast, biscuits and gravy, and omelets.
Guadalupe Cafe has been operating in town since 2004, serving up vegetarian tacos and bowls. Lulus on Main is also a mainstay, open since 1989. It has sandwiches, burgers, and pasta. Don’t miss White Moon, a coffee shop by day and cocktail lounge by night.
Where to Stay
While there are a handful of places to stay, rentals may be your best bet in this area. Rippling Waters Lodge is ideal for groups, as is the Crashing Creek Cabin. Alternatively, book a few nights at the Comfort Inn Sylva – Cullowhee or the Blue Ridge Inn.
Waynesville
Founded in 1810 by a Revolutionary War soldier, Waynesville was the site of one of the last battles in the region during the Civil War. It’s made up of a number of historic districts, including Frog Level, pictured above, named for its proximity to the river.
What to Do
Waynesville is well located for exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, so detour to Doubletop Mountain for incredible views. Nearby Cataloochee Divide, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the best place for spotting elk.
In nearby Maggie Valley, check out the rare vehicles at the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. Or sample some of the town’s craft beers including Frog Level, Boojum, and 7 Clans, which is Cherokee-owned.
Where to Eat
While you might not expect it in Waynesville, The Cuban Guy serves up authentic Cuban fare, including pressed sandwiches, tostones, and pastries. Fuel up for the day at Orchard Coffee, a local roaster with breakfast pastries. Boojum Brewing also has incredible food.
Where to Stay
The Swag (review here) was originally a family’s private mountaintop getaway built in 1969 before it became a luxury retreat. There are stunning lodge rooms with outdoor showers and fireplaces as well as chef-prepared meals, activities, and hiking trails.
Closer to town, Best Western Smoky Mountain Inn has an outdoor pool, free daily breakfast, and free WiFi. In neighboring Maggie Valley, Route 19 Inn is a restored roadside motel with in-room balconies, a fire pit, playground, and swimming pool.
Booking.comPIN IT
Leave a Reply