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for All Generations Special Occassions and everyday fashions.
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The Woman's Boutique Where the Focus is You!
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
121 N MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC (828) 452-3611
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Welcome to the WNC Travel Guide Welcome to the most recent edition of Western North Carolina’s most comprehensive travel guide. We invite you to visit our distinctive downtowns. Throughout the mountain, our small towns — Waynesville, Sylva, Bryson City, Canton, Clyde, Maggie Valley, Franklin, Cherokee, Highlands and Cashiers — continue to attract entrepreneurs opening new dining and retail establishments to accompany those that are already flourishing. Choose your destination and you’ll find craft breweries (three in Waynesville, two in Sylva, one in Bryson City and Highlands, and one soon to open in Franklin), live theater, concerts by both local and national performers, and the traditional hospitality this region is known for. And don’t forget the outdoors. The mainstay of mountain tourism — the rivers, backcountry trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and sweeping vistas are always there. Whether your sitting at a sidewalk café or standing atop a mountain bald, the views can’t be beat. If you have access to the Web, visit our online edition. Everything in this issue and information from out past editions is at WNCTravel.com. Have fun, be nice to Mother Nature, and come on back. — Scott McLeod, Publisher
Inside the Guide All about the mountains Crafting a community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06 Tapping into Appalachia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fire on the Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The heartbeat of a community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 WNC Fly Fishing Trail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tasting local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Country crossroads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Closest thing to flying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Blue Ridge Parkway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Serene Smokies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Nuturing nature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Mountain Towns Waynesville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Canton + Clyde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Maggie Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Editor/Publisher: Advertising Director: Art Director: Graphics: Writing/Photography Advertising:
Distribution: Bookkeeping:
Scott McLeod Greg Boothroyd Micah McClure Travis Bumgardner Emily Moss Garret K. Woodward Whitney Burton Amanda Bradley Hylah Smalley Scott Collier Amanda Singletary
info@smokymountainnews.com greg@smokymountainnews.com micah@smokymountainnews.com travis@smokymountainnews.com emily@smokymountainnews.com garret@smokymountainnews.com hc-ads@smokymountainnews.com jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com hylah@smliv.com classads@smokymountainnews.com smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com
If you’d like bulk copies of the WNC Travel Guide to distribute at your business, email your request to classads@smokymountainnews.com or call Distribution Manager Scott Collier at 828.452.4251.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
For more information about WNC: • Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 36 Montford Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, 828.258.6101 www.ashevillechamber.org • Cashiers Chamber of Commerce PO Box 238, Cashiers, NC 28717, 828.743.5191 www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com • Cherokee Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1838, Cherokee, NC 28719, 877.433.6700 www.cherokeesmokies.com • Cherokee Visitor Center PO Box 460, Cherokee, NC 28719, 828.497.9195 www.cherokee-nc.com • Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce 805 Highway 64 West, Murphy, NC 28906, 828.837.2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com
Sylva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Dillsboro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Highlands + Cashiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Bryson City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Cherokee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
• Clay County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 88, Hayesville, NC 28904, 828.389.3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com • Downtown Waynesville Association PO Box 1409, Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.456.3517 www.downtownwaynesville.com • Franklin Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St., Franklin, NC 28734, 828.524.3161 www.franklin-chamber.com • Graham County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1206, Robbinsville, NC 28771, 828.479.3790 www.grahamchamber.com • Haywood County Chamber of Commerce 28 Walnut St., Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.456.3021 www.haywood-nc.com
On the cover: Fall cover: The 10th annual WNC Pottery Festival will be held Nov. 1 in Dillsboro.
Mark Haskett photo Winter cover: Snowboarders glide down one of the runs at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley. Cataloochee Ski Area photo Contents© 2014/2015 The Smoky Mountain News. All rights reserved.
• Haywood County Tourism Development Authority 44 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC 28786, 828.452.0152 www.visitncsmokies.com • Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Located in the historic Partridge-Rice-Thurmond house at 269 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828.526.2112 www.highlandschamber.org. • Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779, 828.586.2155 www.mountainlovers.com • Maggie Valley Area Visitors Bureau PO Box 279, Maggie Valley, NC 28751, 828.926.1686 www.maggievalley.org • Swain County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 509, Bryson City, NC 28713, 828.488.3681 www.greatsmokies.com • Great Smoky Mountains National Park 107 Park Headquarters Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738 865.436.1200 www.nps/gov.grsm
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Crafting a community Dillsboro celebrates its artistic roots Joe Frank McKee and Travis Berning (left), owners of Tree House Pottery in Dillsboro (above). Garret K. Woodward photos
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before Dillsboro was the art gig for Jackson, Swain and Haywood counties, and now all those towns have built their own gallery scene,” McKee said. “But, the niche for us is that we have more professional craftspeople here, and with that, we hope to build the town back, bring back a steady customer base.” Amid the numerous businesses in Dillsboro, the cultural and economic heart of the town lies in its numerous art galleries and studios. The SWNC Travel Guide caught up with Tree House Pottery, Oaks Gallery, Tunnel Mountain Crafts, and Dogwood Crafters. From decades-old locations to brand new operations, Dillsboro is an ever-evolving community, one with the drive and commitment to bring a beloved art haven into the 21st century.
Co-owner of Tree House Pottery on Front Street in downtown Dillsboro, McKee and his business partner, Travis Berning, have spent the last 11 years setting down roots and investing in what has become one of the premier pottery establishments in Southern Appalachia. And as the town itself celebrates its 125th birthday, many businesses within the community are reflecting on a storied past, an uncertain present, and a hopeful future. “The big difference between what Dillsboro was and what it is now, is that
respectively, decided to relocate to Western North Carolina. “We knew the Asheville area, and it was known for its pottery, so we wanted to be somewhere in North Carolina, but outside of Asheville, and so we came across Dillsboro,” Berning said. At that time, Dillsboro was a bustling artist community. “It was hopping, it was extremely busy, where parking was hard to come by,” McKee said. “But, the economic downturn [of 2008]
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oe Frank McKee knows what Dillsboro is capable of. “It’s a fighting town,” he said. “There are more craftsmen involved here these days, which means if you’re making your product and TREE HOUSE POTTERY selling your product, you have In 2003, McKee and Berning, both more of a reason to fight.” acclaimed potters from Texas and Kansas,
Now in its tenth year, the WNC Pottery Festival in Dillsboro attracts thousands of artists, tourists and buyers from all over. Featuring 40 potters, this year’s event — taking place Nov. 1 — will also be cause for celebration. The festival recently was recognized as one of the “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, an organization representing 12 states. changed everything. But now, the stores seem to be going back to crafters, where they’re selling their work, so they’re more invested in the product.” When they opened, McKee and Berning launched the WNC Pottery Festival. Now in its tenth year, the festival attracts thousands of artists, tourists and buyers from around the United States. Featuring 40 potters, this year’s event — taking place Nov. 1 — will also be cause for celebration. The festival recently was recognized as one of the “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, an organization representing 12 states. “The award is definitely justification,” McKee said. “When we started the show, we begged and scratched for potters to get out of their studios and get this thing running. Now, it’s a fine pottery show — the artists are top quality, they’re juried and coming from across the country.”
TUNNEL MOUNTAIN CRAFTS A few shops down Front Street from Tree House, Connie Hogan, owner of Tunnel Mountain Crafts, is all smiles as her business hit its one-year milestone last week. Relocating to Dillsboro from Florida five years ago, Hogan opened the company after feeling inspired by the geography and creativity of Western North Carolina. “I came here and started making pottery again, which I haven’t done in many years — I felt so inspired by the Great Smoky Mountains,” she said. “So, I was living in Dillsboro, doing pottery, going to arts and crafts shows and farmer’s markets, then I decided maybe I should open my own shop, maybe help the local economy and do something I love.” Filled with the works of over 60 local artisans, the shop aims to provide a welcoming,
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A Local Pottery Studio & Gallery The Oaks Gallery, owned by Bob and Susan Leveille (right). Garret K. Woodward photos
embracing spot for Southern Appalachian crafts — all traits of galleries around Dillsboro. “It’s been a lot of work, but it has been enjoyable — I like having a place for crafters to display and sell their work,” Hogan said. “And I’m optimistic about the future of Dillsboro. I think with the town doing these shows — ColorFest, WNC Pottery Festival, 125th Connie Hogan anniversary celebration, Lights & Luminaries — it will help bring people back here, and hopefully they will return.”
Perched atop a small hill overlooking downtown Dillsboro, the Oaks Gallery features the works of more than 125 artists from within a 100-mile radius. Owned by Bob and Susan Leveille, the shop, like the 400-year-old oak tree it’s positioned under, has stood tall in its mission of bringing quality art to consumers from near and far. “We’ve always tried to offer professional craftspeople an opportunity here in this area to show their work in an environment that honors their work,” Susan said. “We want this place to be more like a gallery, and not like a grocery story — the artist’s work is valued here.” Susan herself is no stranger to quality work. A renowned weaver, she was recently awarded the North Carolina Heritage Award for her unique talents and intricate work. And it’s that personal connection to the arts that also radiates into her business. “We see all of our artists on a regular basis, we know what’s happening in their lives,” she said. “And with the downfall in the economy, it affected everybody around the circle, which breaks my heart because we can’t buy as much art as we used to.” Though the economic crisis of 2008 drew a historical line in the sand for the artistic community of Dillsboro, there is hope in each and every gallery, studio and business that with enough determination, camaraderie and progressive foresight, the town will not only reclaim, but reinvent its successes in the future. “You’ve got to keep going, because it’s going to get better,” Susan said. “Dillsboro keeps changing, and it’s a great place to live. It’s a labor of love running a gallery, but we’re all very hopeful, we all get up every morning and are hopeful — you just have to be.”
20767 Great Smoky Mtn. Expy. (Hwy. 23/74) • Waynesville Between the Rest Area and the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at Balsam Gap
828.456.1916
Open 7 Days a Week!
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In it’s 38th year of operating, Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street is running strong. Crafting is a labor of love, one that can be seen on the numerous shelves in the store. Through the hard work and dedication of an all-volunteer workforce, the nonprofit co-op and its 90 members have held true to its original vision — a beacon of light shining at the center of Dillsboro. “This place gives everyone a chance to sell their crafts, to supplement their income if need be,” said Brenda Anders, a mixed media artist and president of the co-op. “It’s important because if the crafters are able to sell their works here, then it brings in more people, which helps the local economy, making this community a better place for us all.” And through numerous economic ups and downs, the organization has remained steadfast, always knowing that people would walk through the door in search of Appalachian artisan crafts. “It’s so refreshing when the door opens and someone tells you how happy they are that Dogwood is still here,” Anders said. “We had someone recently who was brought here
OAKS GALLERY
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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as a kid and now they’re bringing their children to come and explore the crafts.”
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Tapping into Appalachia Dale Heinlein never thought he’d set roots down in his hometown of Highlands. “Living in Atlanta, in suburbia, with the summer heat and traffic, I had to get back to the mountains, back to nature, back to the earth, back to the rivers to cool off,” the 34-year-old said. “I’ve spent most of my life in Highlands and when I came back, I just started to notice so many things about my surroundings I either didn’t know about or had forgotten — there is so much to learn and discover everyday here.” Heinlein is the owner/brewmaster of Satulah Mountain Brewing, the first microbrewery in Highlands and Macon County. Standing behind the counter of his business, Heinlein is all smiles when it comes to seeing his dream come to fruition, to see the fruits of his labors flowing out of the taps for all to enjoy and partake in. “I want to give people fine, locally crafted beer, but I also want to revive the local history, share the history, and share the stories with each other,” he said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s so rewarding to watch folks enjoy the beer and converse about the area and why they love being here.”
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION Following high school, Heinlein headed for South Florida, then to Atlanta where he eventually received a bachelor of fine arts in media production from American InterContinental University. He soon found himself doing graphic/web design, event production planning and work on independent films. And although he traveled the country doing productions, Heinlein slowly felt creatively unfulfilled. Yes, he did have input on numerous projects, but it was always someone else’s vision and not his coming to fruition. “I liked what I was doing, but I was constantly doing things only tailored to our clients or for other projects,” he said. “I was traveling so much, fly into a city, work the event, leave, fly home. You never really got to interact with people or see the cities.” It was around this point in his career that Heinlein started to take an interest in craft beer. While back in Highlands, a friend brought over a home brew kit purchased in Sylva. The two tinkered around with flavors and batches. Heinlein then discovered pale ales, a style of beer that really struck a chord in him. While visiting a friend in Washington state, he saw the immense impact of craft beer on the local economies and societal culture. “Craft beer is a way of life out there,” he said.“It provided so many jobs and had a huge impact on the opportunities for people — everything was tied somehow to craft beer.” Back down in Atlanta, Heinlein continued his love of home brewing. But, as work took up more and more of his time, he found himself not dedicating as much
attention to craft brewing as he truly wanted to. “I home brewed for about eight years, and it was a real hobby for me,” he said. “I really loved the idea of paying attention to detail, the intricate processes involved and having to stay on top of the entire process at all times. But I never got to do it as much as wanted.” So, Heinlein decided to leave all behind, the production work, the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, and head back to the mountains of his youth to capture his dream — opening a brewery. “You get so wrapped up in everyday life that you sometimes forget about what you want in life and all the incredible things around you,” he said.
A SOCIAL HUB With his plans to launch a brewery in motion, Heinlein spent the better part of the last few years getting together the funds, permits and location readied. All that seemingly remained was a name — what would he call his business? “I’ve always wanted everything with this brewery to Dale Heinlein, owner/brewmaster of stay rooted in this area,” he said. “Satulah Mountain is Satulah Mountain Brewing. Garret K. Woodward photo the central mountain in Highlands. It’s a focal point of the community, and also a big part of the history and storytelling on this area.” Heinlein noted that his family stretched back several generations in Highlands, with Satulah Mountain being WNC Breweries where they would hike, wander and soak in the beauty of Western North Carolina. The mountain has played a BearWaters large role in his life, and even was the spot where he pro130 Frazier St., Suite 7 • Waynesville posed to his fiancée. 828.246.0602 • www.bwbrewing.com “Every time I hike or drive by Satulah, I notice something Frog Level different, something I might 56 Commerce St. • Waynesville not have noticed before, and I 828.454.5664 • www.froglevelbrewing.com just love that,” he said. This past June 21, Satulah Heinzelmannchen Mountain Brewing officially 545 Mill St. • Sylva 828.631.4466 • www.yourgnometownbrewery.com opened its doors in Highlands. Though currently on a halfInnovation barrel brewing system, — DALE HEINLEIN, SATULAH 414 West Main St. • Sylva Heinlein will soon upgrade to a MOUNTAIN BREWING 828.586.9678 • www.innovation-brewing.com barrel. He’s got upwards of eight of his beers on tap, with Nantahala other local brands also offered. Right from the get-go, 61 Depot St. • Bryson City the establishment has been busy, with folks from every 828.488.2337 • www.nantahalabrewing.com direction and background milling about. It’s the exact atmosphere Heinlein had envisioned, a longtime Satulah Mountain dream now becoming an everyday reality. 454 Carolina Way • Highlands “I get local families with kids here, people playing 828.482.9794 • www.satulahmountainbrewing.com board games, tourists from out of town, folks from the biological center or the land trust,” he said. “They’re all Tipping Point 190 North Main St. • Waynesville interacting and learning about this town and area. 828.246.9230 • www.tippingpointtavern.com People are making connections and enjoying what I have to offer — everyone is having a good time.”
“People are making connections and enjoying what I have to offer — everyone is having a good time.”
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“Rider or Not – You’re gonna love our store! “ Rentals • Service Dyno Tuning • Parts • Accessories • Apparel 9
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Exit 100 off US 74 - 82 Locust Drive | Waynesville, NC 828.452.7276 | Visit SMSH.co for our Full Inventory of Bikes
Jeff Sipe. Garret K. Woodward photo
FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN Jam sessions attract eclectic group of musicians Monday is the new Saturday.
Open music jams around the region
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• Old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. 828.452.1068. Through October. • A community music jam is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Year-round. Free. 828.488.3030. • Signature Brew Coffee Company holds Sylva Open Jam nights on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Shop provides the instruments, you provide the talent. Chris Coopers’ Fusion band hosts. • An open jam session is held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each Thursday at Heinzelmannchen Brewery in Sylva. All skill levels and instruments welcome. 828.631.4466 or www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.
Music Venues
WNC Travel Guide: What do you like about open jam sessions? Jeff Sipe: If you’re playing an improvisation setting, you have to surrender to the next right note. And what is the next right note? That is the dilemma. If you allow music to take you to the next right note, it takes care of itself. Sometimes you’re working on stuff and you want to try stuff out, and that can get in the way of the moment. So, there’s always a fine line between working on stuff and playing what’s called for in the moment. If you surrender, the music will take you there naturally.
WNCTG: Why is it important that people support these jams? JS: Whether the crowd comes out or not, the musicians will always be on it. They’ll never stop. But once it catches on for the crowd, it’s infectious. It’s a safe place for people to come and witness magic in the moment. WNCTG: What do you like about playing these smaller rooms? JS: The smaller rooms are conducive to the most creative music. The bigger rooms you get, the bigger audiences you get, the less intricate you can be. You really feel the energy in smaller rooms, you’re not disconnected on a huge stage. You can see, you can smell, and they’re spilling drinks on you. WNCTG: What has a lifetime of playing music taught you about being a human being? JS: All the lessons for the proper ways to live as a human being, among human beings, are taught in music. It parallels all over the place. It’s like a language. You listen, you respond, and you don’t talk over them. If you take those and apply them to real life, then you’ll be fine. WNCTG: What’s your ultimate goal with music? JS: My personal goal is to reach a level of proficiency where I can express without effort. Every year that goes by, I get a little closer. Music, like art, is bigger than any of us. None of us can claim to own it. We can swim in the river, we can get out, we can get back in, but the river is still the river — we don’t own it.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Bryson City • 800.872.4681 GSMR.com
Frog Level Brewing Waynesville • 828.454.5664 FrogLevelBrewing.com
Maggie Valley Festival Grounds Maggie Valley • 828.926.0866 MaggieValleyFestivalGrounds.org
Mixers Bar and Nightclub Franklin • 828.369.9211 MixersBarandNightclub.com
City Lights Café Sylva • 828.587.2233 CityLightsCafe.com
Guadalupe Café Sylva • 828.586.9877 GuadalupeCafe.com
Maggie Valley Opry House 828.648.7941 or 828.926.9336 RaymondFairchild.com
Mulligan’s Bar & Grille Franklin • 828.349.3183 Mulligans-Bar.com
Balsam Mountain Inn and Restaurant Balsam • 800.224.9498 BalsamMountainInn.net
Classic Wineseller Waynesville • 828.452.6000 ClassicWineseller.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Cherokee • 828.497.7777 HarrahsCherokee.com
Maggie Valley Rendezvous Maggie Valley • 828.926.0201 MaggieValleyHotel.com
Nantahala Brewing Bryson City • 828.488.2337 NantahalaBrewing.com
BearWaters Brewing Waynesville • 828.246.0602 BWBrewing.com
Colonial Theatre 53 Park Street • Canton 828.235.2760 • CantonNC.com
Innovation Brewing Sylva • 828.586.9678 Innovation-Brewing.com
Mickey’s Pub Bryson City • 828.488.9308 Facebook.com/Pages/Mickeys-Pub
Nantahala Outdoor Center Nantahala Gorge • 888.905.7238 NOC.com
Alley Kats Tavern Waynesville • 828.226.1657 Facebook.com/AlleyKatsTavern Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
Heading down Frazier Street in Waynesville to BearWaters Brewing Company, one can barely find a place to park on a typical Monday evening. For the last couple of months, the location has played host to a semi-weekly open mic event called the “Spontaneous CombustJam.” Bringing together local talents and acclaimed regional players, the sessions have gained a buzz around Western North Carolina in just a short time. “We want to bring a thriving music scene here to the Waynesville community, something unlike we’ve ever had on a regular basis,” said Kevin Sandefur, owner/brewer of BearWaters. “Monday suits the top-shelf quality musicians the best. They’re booked later in the week, and this works with their schedule.” During the jam, musicians simply pick up their instruments and gradually slide into a groove. The sound builds and gains momentum until suddenly the ambiance becomes a full-on concert, with rhythms and lyrics bouncing around the space. Other musicians rotate in, trading off instruments. The scene is collaboration and experimentation at its finest. This particular Monday, legendary drummer Jeff Sipe took the stage. A renowned local musician, the percussive master has played with members of Phish, Widespread Panic and Leftover Salmon, as well as being a founding member of Aquarium Rescue Unit with Col. Bruce Hampton. Some might say Sipe is the “John Bonham” of jazz-fusion.
WNCTG: Why are these jams important? JS: This is the birthplace of creative music and creativity thought. People get together with this kind of intention and to play from the heart and be spontaneous. It’s really a demonstration of true democracy. It might be the only true democracy we have. Everything is legitimate. Everything is on the table. You bring your ideas in and see what works and what doesn’t, and go back to the drawing board.
Who the heck are those guys? It’s a question constantly asked about Porch 40, a Sylva-based funk/rock outfit barreling out of the Southern Appalachian woods like a black bear on speed. “We’re like a ’69 Corvette, fire engine red, revving the V8 at the starting line, gripping the wheel and the stick, knuckles shinin’ white,” said Drew Duncan. “The light turns green and we gun the sucker, skin gathering at the back of your head.” Lead singer/guitarist and defacto leader of Porch 40, Duncan, alongside Mitchell Metz (violin), Spencer Bradley (drums), Scott Burr (saxophone) and Carter McDevitt (bass), has been bouncing around Western North Carolina and beyond with a unique style that is as catchy as it is original. “We want to play music — it’s that simple,” Burr said. “Porch 40 exists to perform and play music that gets you excited and energized, and to have a good time. We love what
O’Malley’s Sylva • 828.631.0554 Facebook.com/OMalleysofSylva
Over the last year, Porch 40 has transitioned from a college act bumming around on the weekends to a well-oiled machine. At a recent show in the Essence Lounge of Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, the quintet took the stage and immediately made their presence known. In an overwhelming environment of bells, whistles and blinking lights, casino patrons trickled into the lounge one-by-one, wondering who and what was attached to the mesmerizing sound echoing throughout the space. “It’s nothing but pure excitement,” Burr said. “When I’m onstage, I feel like I have a limitless supply of energy, and getting involved with the crowd and my fellow band mates only stimulate the feeling. It makes me feel like I’m on fire, like I’m being electrocuted.” And that vibrant sensation felt onstage spills onto the dance floor for all to soak in. One moment your ears pick up on a thumping bass beat going for a stroll, then there’s the manic pace of the drums, only to be matched by the swampy saxophone and sharp notes
Salty Dog’s Seafood and Grill Maggie Valley • 828.926.9105 Facebook.com/Pages/Salty-DogsSeafood-and-Grill Signature Brew Coffee Roasting Company Sylva • 828.587.6300 Facebook.com/Pages/ Signature-Brew-Coffee-RoastingCompany
SCHOOL OF ROCK
Porch 40 came to be on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, sort of. While studying abroad in Wales, Duncan and Metz crossed paths. They started tinkering around and playing music, ultimately deciding to put together a band once they returned stateside. During the spring semester of 2012, the duo moved into The Farmhouse, a Cullowhee residence where live music and beer flowed from large-scale Porch 40. parties. Soon, word spread that Garret K. Woodward there would be an impromptu photo jam session at the house. “Not even two weeks into getting back home did we succeed in bringing together a lineup of guys that has evolved into what it is today,” Duncan said. “There was a definite date for a jam night, and Mitch and I set out to find some musicians to have fun with.” The initial jam night
evolved into more get-togethers, which organically transformed into a single entity — Porch 40. As parties at The Farmhouse grew in popularity and size, so did the demand for the band and the notion of making the group into something more, something with legs that could hit the ground running. “For us, it’s about sharing an experience,” Metz said. “As an audience member, it’s invigorating to know that you’re an equal to the band — a variable that is crucial to the show’s success. The band is there to guide everyone into cutting loose and giving up on the norms we construct society with.”
R ECORDING YOUR DREAMS With some of the band members still attending school at WCU, Porch 40 remains in Sylva, a town that not only gave them their start but also continues to be a location of creativity and encouragement. Local music venues like No Name Sports Pub and Soul Infusion were key incubators in carving out the sound of the ensemble. “This area is very inspiring and supportive of live music,” Duncan said. “It’s been an honor and pleasure to start something great in Sylva.” Porch 40 has recently released its debut album, “Spread It Heavy.” With the record out, the group is preparing for the next step — taking what they’ve learned and applying it to new music markets and audiences who will have no idea who they are and where they’re from. In every show, in every town, they will have to win over fans one at a time, a hardearned reality the band is well aware of. “There are plenty of challenges ahead, with writing more songs, sustaining ourselves, social media,” Duncan said. “But I think the hardest part is over and that’s finding the right group of guys to join a band with. I love all my band mates and I feel, together, we really have a shot at this thing.”
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Franklin • 828.524.1598 GreatMountainMusic.com
Stompin’ Ground Maggie Valley • 828.926.1288 Facebook.com/Pages/ Stompin-Ground
Tuck’s Tap & Grille Cullowhee • 828.293.5400 Facebook.com/Pages/ Tucks-Tap-Grille
Smoky Mountain Roasters Waynesville • 828.452.1212 Facebook.com/SmokyMountainRoasters
Tipping Point Brewing Waynesville • 828.246.9230 TippingPointTavern.com
Tuckasegee Tavern Bryson City • 828.488.9880
Soul Infusion Sylva • 828.586.1717 SoulInfusion.com
The Strand at 38 Main Waynesville • 828.283.0079 38Main.com
Water’n Hole Waynesville • 828.456.4750 WaynesvilleWaternHole.com
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Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
No Name Sports Pub Sylva • 828.586.2750 NoNameSportsPub.com
GOTTA HAVE THAT FUNK
from a violin that, when put through a whammy pedal, acts like a lead guitar. Watching a Porch 40 performance, one can see a true grit rock-n-roll band with threads of funk, pop, hip-hop and reggae running colorfully through their tone. The sound moves across the musical spectrum like a fastmoving train, making stops at influential acts like The Black Keys, Maroon 5, Stevie Wonder, The Roots, Galactic and Red Hot Chili Peppers, amongst countless others. “We all love music, and we love what we do,” Duncan said. “Our original mission, and still is today, is to get down and make people happy with energetic dance music. I would like to make a living making people happy through something as creative as music.”
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
Nick and Nate’s Waynesville • 828.452.0027 Facebook.com/Pages/ Nick-and-Nates-of-Waynesville
we do, and the magic that comes from a live band rocking out is something else.”
W N CTR AV E L.C O M
So funky you can smell it
DILLSBORO A Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Experience
claymatespottery.com
31 FRONT ST. DILLSBORO (828) 631-3133
1433-06
Also: Glass Fusing & Canvas Painting Walk-Ins Welcome!
Monkey Toes
Christmas Shop Nancy Tut’s
Finding the out of the ordinary gift for the out of the ordinary soul
12
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
1433-46
since 1969
Front Street • Dillsboro • 828.631.0900 Featuring the Cushe Slipper
Unique Products for Outdoor & Home
488 Haywood St. • Dillsboro NC • 828-586-5391
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
All your travel needs in one place
www.WNCTravel.com
The 1433-44
Jarrett House
A tradition of home-style food, family-style service and accommodations. (828) 586-0265 • 100 Haywood St. • Dillsboro TOLL FREE
(800) 972-5623 • www.jarretthouse.com
It never ceases to amaze Lorraine Conard.
Garret K. Woodward photo
BREATH OF NEW LIFE
After a handful of goodhearted attempts to bring the theatre back to life, the Conards bought it out of foreclosure. The space would serve two purposes, as a main office for the couple’s daytime business that specializes in barcode scanning, and as an entertainment hub of Waynesville at night. But, that ini— LORRAINE CONARD tial plan shifted as responsibilities and the continual evolution of the theatre takes up more and more of their time. “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle,” Lorraine smiled. “The original goal what to have it just be a fun thing in downtown, have a theatre on the side of our business, and help bring more traffic
Brother Sun performing at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Wayne Ebinger photo
CONNECTING THE DOTS With a solid foundation of film and live music throughout the week, The Strand recently transformed their entrance room into a “Dessert Lounge.” Where before you could get popcorn and snacks before sitting down to a movie, you can now get an array of local products. With local artisan organic soda from the Waynesville Soda Jerks still a mainstay at the establishment, patrons can also purchase a variety of locally made products, including handmade ice cream from The Hop in Asheville, cakes and pretzels from Just Simply Delicious, brownies from Lenoir Bakery, items from Breaking Bread Café, baked goods from City Bakery a few doors down and craft beer from BearWaters and Frog Level breweries across town, among others. “The Dessert Lounge has it’s own separate life and vibe,” Lorraine said. “People can stroll downtown, come in and get an ice cream or a slice of cake and a cappuccino.” And as night falls upon the mountainous landscape of Western North Carolina once again, the marquee lights of The Strand illuminate. Like a lighthouse calling out for all those in search of simpler time all to often forgotten in a modern world, where a scoop of ice cream or sitting down to a favorite flick is a moment to reflect and revel in the magic of life. “The small town movie theatre is a disappearing wonder,” Lorraine said. “It’s getting lost in so many place and we have a chance to keep it alive here. This is our community space, this is our theatre, your theatre, everybody’s theatre — come here and be part of the magic.”
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
“So many people go to Asheville for entertainment, and we want to be able to provide that same kind of atmosphere in their own town.”
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
Rodney and Lorraine Conard.
“It’s a little bit magical,” she said. “You walk in and there’s this energy and excitement, a heartbeat within the community — I’m always so grateful and thankful for the people who come in.” Sitting in the front room of The Strand at 38 Main in downtown Waynesville, Lorraine and her husband Rodney are owners of the movie theatre. A beloved destination for many years within the town, it lay dormant for far too long, only to be purchased, renovated and revived by the young couple. “The last year has really been a rollercoaster, and we’ve learned so much,” Lorraine said. “It’s been incredibly challenging and rewarding, too — it’s a huge job.” On any given weekend, The Strand will screen an array of films, from blockbuster superhero flicks to romantic comedies, foreign sensations to cinema classics and children’s favorites. “We’re trying to figure out the best give and take, what people are interested in and are looking to see,” Rodney said. “I remember seeing ‘Flash Gordon’ here when I was a kid, and it’s great to be able to provide this place for families and people to come and enjoy the movies.”
W N CTR AV E L.C O M
The heartbeat of a community
and people to town, but that hasn’t been the case.” When films weren’t being screened, live music takes center stage. Acts from across the country and around the world find their way to The Strand. One night there may be a renowned Appalachian storyteller, the next an acoustic duo from Vermont, only to follow that up with a local old-time string band or bluegrass outfit. “It’s great to be able to offer all kinds of music, but it can be also nerve-wracking because a lot of these groups are from out-of-town and might be so well known,” Rodney said. “But, for tonight’s show, we’re expecting a packed house.” That evening, virtuoso Celtic fiddler Jamie Laval rolled into the theatre. The U.S National Scottish Fiddle Champion, Laval has played with Dave Matthews and also performed personally for Her Majesty the Queen in England. The Conards are not only excited for the impending show, but also for the folks from far and wide in Southern Appalachia that will trickle in shortly for a memorable evening. “We’re trying to fill a niche,” Lorraine said. “So many people go to Asheville for entertainment, and we want to be able to provide that same kind of atmosphere in their own town.”
All of Western North Carolina is renowned for its flyfishing, and the world championships were recently held in Cherokee. Visitor centers and fly shops in any of the towns can help you find the best places, as can several websites. Jackson County, however, holds the distinction for being the first to create a map for what it calls the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. Encompassing big rivers, small streams, easy access and backcountry hike-ins, the 15-spot trail was the first of its kind in the United States. For more information, click on www.flyfishingtrail.com. Here’s some of the featured waterways: SCOTTS CREEK The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from headwaters near Balsam down to Sylva Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-off areas along U.S. 23/74 Type of Water: Hatchery supported Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Stretch also includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, which are very scenic SMALL STREAMS Moses Creek, Mull Creek, Rough Butt Creek, Chastine Creek, Piney Mountain Creek The Stretch: Collection of small streams in eastern Jackson County, below Blue Ridge Parkway Access Point(s): Via Moses Creek Rd (SR 1740) and Caney Fork Rd (SR 1737), avoid posted land Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brook, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Mountainous terrain, includes several large waterfalls CANEY FORK The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from East Laporte Park to headwaters at fork of Mull Creek and Piney Mountain Creek Access Point(s): Access via Caney Fork Road (SR 1737), avoid posted land Type of Water: Undesignated Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown, occasional Brook Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Respect private landowners TANASEE CREEK The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from
Tanasee Creek bridge up to headwaters Access Point(s): Parking and access available at bridge on Tanasee Creek Road (SR 1762) Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brown Numbers or Size?: Both Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest PANTHERTOWN CREEK The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek Type of Water: Catch and release single hook artificial lure Available Fish: Brook Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Located in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs RAVEN FORK The Stretch: Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway bridge near Cherokee and goes north for 2.2 miles Access Point(s): Parking and access via several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road; paths run along stream Type of Water: Catch and release fly fishing only Available Fish: Golden, Rainbow, Brown, Brook, Donaldson Numbers or Size?: Both
Photo courtesy of David Joy/Crossroads Chronicle
W N CT R AV E L .C O M Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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WNC Fly Fishing Trail Noteworthy: This stretch is also called Cherokee Trophy Water and fish of 20-30 inches are common; Cherokee annual permit and daily permit required WHITEWATER RIVER The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from N.C. 107 down to the South Carolina state line Access Point(s): Parking and access along N.C. 107, a few miles south of Cashiers Type of Water: Wild Trout Available Fish: Brook, Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Flows into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi SCOTSMAN and FOWLER CREEKS into CHATTOOGA RIVER The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles of each stream flowing down into the Chattooga River Access Point(s): Access available via Whiteside Cove Rd (SR 1107) or Bullpen Rd (SR 1100) in Nantahala National Forest Type of Water: Wild Trout with Natural Bait Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers (creeks), Size (Chattooga) Noteworthy: The film “Deliverance” was shot on the Chattooga River WEST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER The Stretch: From small reservoir at Thorpe Power House upstream several hundred yards Access Point(s): Parking and access avail-
able both sides of N.C. 107 near Thorpe Power House Type of Water: Hatchery supported Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Although hatchery supported, this has nice concentration of stream-raised fish TUCKASEGEE RIVER (East Laporte Park to N.C. 107 Bridge) The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from park to bridge Access Point(s): Parking and access available at East Laporte Park and pull-off areas along Old Cullowhee Road Type of Water: Hatchery supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brook, Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: East Laporte Park has picnic tables and public restrooms SAVANNAH CREEK The Stretch: About 10 miles from headwaters in Pumpkintown into Tuckasegee River Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-offs along U.S. 23/441 Type of Water: Hatchery supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Access limited the closer you get to the Tuckasegee River TUCKASEGEE RIVER (N.C. 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park) The Stretch: Roughly 4-5 mile stretch from
W N CTR AV E L.C O M
Garret K. Woodward photo
GREENS CREEK The Stretch: About 3-4 miles from Macon County line to Savannah Creek Access Point(s): Various places along Greens Creek Road (SR 1370) Types of Water: Wild Trout, undesignated, hatchery supported Available Fish: Rainbow, some Brown Numbers or Size?: Numbers Noteworthy: Portion of the creek flows through the Nantahala National Forest
LOWER TUCKASEGEE RIVER (Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier) The Stretch: Roughly 8-10 miles from bridge to Whittier Access Point(s): Parking and access via pull-
OTHER WNC FLY FISHING SPOTS FERGUSON’S TROUT POND – Clyde Catch an unlimited number of trout (the only fish stocked in the pond). Fishing poles and equipment available. Call for current pricing and hours: 828.627.6404 11571 Betsy’s Gap Road, Clyde SOCO GAP TROUT PONDS – MAGGIE VALLEY Everything is supplied. No limit on the amount of fish caught. Rainbow trout available. Call for current hours and pricing: 828.926.3635 43 Rena Drive, Maggie Valley SORRELL’S CREEK TROUT FARM – MAGGIE VALLEY Visit the Cold Mountain Trout Company’s Fishing Park. Full of quality trout. No license required and no limit. Picnic areas (and grills for the fresh catch) alongside the catch-out ponds. Equipment available for rent. Reservations accepted for group events, from birthday parties and reunions to family get-togethers and church activities. Call for current hours and pricing: 828.648.9903 443 Sorrell’s Creek Road, Canton
SATURDAY OCTOBER 18, 2014 10 A.M - 5 P.M.
15
Historic Downtown Waynesville, N.C.
Live Entertainment Local Merchants Arts & Crafts • Great Food For more information:
828.456.3021 HaywoodAppleFest.com Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
TUCKASEGEE RIVER (in Dillsboro) The Stretch: About 1 mile from Dillsboro park through town Access Point(s): Various places between park and Best Western River Escape Inn Type of Water: Hatchery supported Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Size Noteworthy: Includes two lodging options: Best Western River Escape Inn and Dillsboro Inn
offs and businesses along U.S. 19/74 freeway Type of Water: Hatchery supported, undesignated Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown Numbers or Size?: Size Noteworthy: The stretch is also home to smallmouth bass
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
bridge to the riverside park in Dillsboro Access Point(s): Parking and access available via numerous pull-offs along North River Road Type of Water: Delayed harvest Available Fish: Brook, Brown, Rainbow Numbers or Size?: Both Noteworthy: Best place to achieve the Tuckasegee Slam (catch all three species in one spot)
Paid for in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority
888-334-9036 • www.visitncsmokies.com
1431-16
W N CT R AV E L .C O M 16
Betina Morgan
Melissa Enloe Walter Acrylic on Metal Leaf
ny house the maheorygaand studios art gall
ny house the mahlleorygaand studios
to the
art ga nesville street, way 240 depot
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
Acrylic Mosaic
Silvia Hirschegger Oil
Char Avrunin
Cold Wax and Oil
Sunny Normand Assemblage
Nick DePaolo Painter
Bob Luciene
T.E. Siewert
Wood Turning
Encaustic
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
nesville street, way 240 depot
ou We invite y dio into our stu to meet tists daily working ar
the mahogany house art gallery and studios 828.246.0818 â?– themahoganyhouse.com â?– 240 depot street, waynesville
Road Kill Grill
W N CTR AV E L.C O M
Check this out!
MOUNTAIN REALTY
spice rub (to spice up your life!)
Fun, Affordable Gifts in Downtown Waynesville! Jewelry • Painted Ponies • Puzzles • Bathroom Décor Flags & Mailbox Covers • Fun Sauces, Rubs & Candy and so much more!
Dan Womack OWNER/BROKER
Affairs of the Heart
————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526
1433-24
CELL:
828.243.1126
OFFICE: 828.452.9393 1433-10
17
Local coffee, fresh pastries, gifts, & more
710 North Lakeshore Drive Located across from the Terrace Hotel in the Harrell Center
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
828-454-6777 lakejunaluska.com/bookstore
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
Bookstore & Cafe
W N CT R AV E L .C O M Ben King photo
Tasting local Eating with integrity, living with gratitude. When family, friends and the curious alike wander into the Cork & Bean in downtown Bryson City, co-owner Scott Mastej aims to put forward that exact message and philosophy. “Our food is nourishing them. You are what you eat, and it’s really important to use to provide them with the freshest, most local and organic dishes possible,” he said. “We see those happy faces here, people enjoying our food and company, and it’s just so gratifying that they like what we do.” With a style described as “southern intensified,” the restaurant has become a culinary centerpiece of the outpost downtown on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. On any given day, one can stroll in and immediately enter a scene of joyous conversation and hearty laughs, all the while the scents and smells of cosmopolitan country dishes wafting throughout the warm space. “We want people to have a closer relationship with their food, and for local residents and tourists to have a social house where they can come, eat and enjoy hanging out with each other,” Mastej said.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
H EAD FOR THE HILLS In 1998, Mastej started coming up from Atlanta to Bryson City to camp with friends and soak in the essence of the Western North Carolina landscape. In Bryson City, his partner Ron LaRocque was running a luxury log home and rental business. The two fell in love with the small town and the region, only to later buy some property and set down lifelong roots. “Back then and to today, Bryson City still has that small town footprint, but what’s here now has definitely been
Ben King photo
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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Coming into 2013, the time was right to move forward and transition into a restaurant. With the next-door building eventually becoming available, the plans were set in motion for a full dining room and first-rate kitchen. It was at this time Kim and Marl Albertson decided to leave Tampa and head for Bryson City to join forces and become co-owners with Mastej and LaRocque as the business re-launched itself. “We’ve been coming up to Bryson City for years, and we really got to know and love the community — the quality of life, the laidback community with all the outdoor activities,” Kim said. “We wanted to give back to the community and being part of this restaurant is one of those ways.” Focusing on fresh, organic ingredients, the establishment offers as much as they can from local farmer’s markets, with an emphasis on quality ever apparent, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Wines are regional and paired to nightly specials. They also serve local craft beers, from down the street at Nantahala Brewing to around the region and across the state. “We decided to not go with national brands, we want to support our area with local products,” Mastej said. “We have such a fresh take on our menu, and we really feel people want to come in and trust the menu, to know that we have those same small town values.” “A lot of tourists are coming here from big cities; they don’t want the same things as big chain restaurants, they want something different,” Kim added. “So, when they come here, they’ll have a unique and different experience, they’ll love the atmos-
Kim Albertson and Scott Mastej. Garret K. Woodward photo
“We really feel people want to come in and trust the menu, to know that we have those same small town values.” — SCOTT MASTEJ, CORK & BEAN
improved on,” Mastej said. “People come here for vacation, for the great outdoor and cultural lifestyle, and really want to be in the mountains.” Originally launched in 2010 as a coffee bar, wine shop and handmade crêpe station, Mastej and LaRocque saw a need in Bryson City. The spot was an instant hit, with folks from all around finding their way in through their doors. “We got a lot of local support, which helped get us through the winters,” Mastej said. “We became a gathering place, real casual, with all kinds of people coming in.” And soon, the owners knew it would only be a matter of time before they expanded into their ultimate goal — a restaurant. “We knew from the first month we were open that we wanted a restaurant,” Mastej said.
phere, which will welcome them to our area with open arms.” Kim also noted those who work at the Cork & Bean as just as important and refreshing as the food itself. “From the chefs to the bartenders and servers, we have such a great, caring staff,” she said. “They believe in this place and the philosophy of the food. And they’re all local employees who will tell you the best places to go or things to see while you’re here.” As a solid foundation for the restaurant set in the ground, the Cork & Bean is currently underway with their next expansion. Upstairs will soon be home to nine hotel rooms, with an outdoor patio to be built atop the roof of the dining room. “We started with this vision of what we wanted this place to be, things you want to happen, the philosophy and mission,” Mastej said. “And for us it’s all about the heart of the place, the heart of us, and to share it with everyone who walks in that door.”
Boiling down the essence of humanity
Tommy Yon of Tommy’s Peanut Palace outside of Bryson City. Garret K. Woodward photo
PATIENCE IS THE KEY Tommy’s Peanut Palace sells two types of boiled peanuts — regular and Cajun. “We do a Cajun style peanut with my own recipe, which I don’t give out,” Yon chuckled. Starting with boiling hot water, the peanuts are dropped in, the salt added, then stirred around until they’re ready, with one batch taking four hours. “Patience is the key,” Yon said. “Watching them is just like you’re in the kitchen cooking a meal. You can’t cook a good meal without patience and paying attention to what you’re doing.” And though it seems anyone can make their own boiled peanuts, only Yon is the keeper of the secret ingredients — storytelling, with two tablespoons of compassion. “It’s about interacting with all kinds of people, understanding their problems, being there for them, listening to their stories, and telling some tall tales of my own to make it interesting for them,” he said. “I meet so many different kinds of people, even folks from the where I grew up in Florida — it’s such a small world.” Of all the customers he’s had over the
NO COUNTRY (PEANUTS) FOR OLD MEN In recent years, Yon has handed over the business to his son, Tommy Jr., an acclaimed kayaker in the Gorge. He makes the third generation of Yons to sell boiled peanuts. Though he doesn’t own the palace anymore, Tommy
“People come to this part of the country to see things like this shack and there’s nothing here anymore like that — nothing’s original anymore.” — TOMMY YON
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
The shack, wedged between junk cars and a rundown trailer, has seen better days, on a property that has seen better years. But, upon closer inspection, a friendly face sits behind a counter filled with knickknacks and the wafting smell of boiled peanuts. “Well, I just love boiled peanuts,” 71-yearold Tommy Yon smiled. “I had to make a living somehow.” For the last 30 years, Yon has been throwing nuts into hot water at “Tommy’s Peanut Palace.” He’s become a fixture of sorts, a welcoming Appalachian icon for travelers venturing into the Gorge or meandering around Fontana. “I think it’s fascinating that folks are fascinated by this place,” he said. “It makes me
proud that I’m doing something that makes people happy, and I’m here for them all.”
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
Heading west out of Bryson City, just before the highway narrows into a twisting two-lane road, a small, ramshackle hut watches over the crossroads of Southern Appalachia — a last stop before descending into the remote Nantahala Gorge ahead, or the desolate beauty of Fontana Lake to the right.
Sr. still mans the stand and refuses to leave his post. If familiar faces to stop by for some peanuts, he wants to be there to greet them. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when I’m gone. I have a feeling I’ll be missed because there are people that have been coming here every year, for years, and they tell me when they leave for home, this is their stop out of the area,” Tommy Sr. said. “A lot of them lost me when I moved to here, and they finally found me and said, ‘We thought you died out or left.’” Sitting on a tailgate of an old truck, Tommy Sr. watches as two cars pull up from different directions. One license plate says “Florida,” the other “Illinois.” Both are in search of boiled peanuts, both in search of Tommy Sr. “This spot means to me what it means to those folks who stop by,” he quietly said, wiping away a few hard-earned tears. “I’m a dying breed. People come to this part of the country to see things like this shack and there’s nothing here anymore like that — nothing’s original anymore.” Tommy Sr. then mentioned the serious health issues currently facing his wife. He’s worried about the financial strain of her condition, but “God-willin’, we’ll make it through,” he said. Taking a deep breath and relaxing on the edge of a truck tailgate, Tommy Sr. glances up at the fast-moving summer highway traffic, his gaze slowly shifting over to the peanut shack. “You know, a lot of people don’t want to stop by here because they think it’s a junky place,” he said. “But, I’ve had some of the most expensive-looking people stop by, who love these boiled peanuts. They say to me, ‘Do you really live here? Because this one of the coolest places in the world.’”
W N CTR AV E L.C O M
Country crossroads
years, Yon remembers fondly when the late legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt would stop by occasionally with champion driver Bill Elliot, who lived nearby. “They’d stop by, and it was pretty cool, but I don’t make a big deal out of it like other people who make a fuss about famous people,” Yon said. “If the president stopped by, I wouldn’t make a big deal about it either — they’re regular people just like anybody else.” In a good week, before the economic downturn, he’d go through a 50-pound bag of peanuts a day. But penny-pinching in the recession even took its toll on boiled peanuts. These days, he only goes through two bags a week, with a quart pouch selling for $5. “I depend on the local business in the winter when there’s no tourists, but if the locals don’t have any jobs they don’t have any money for peanuts,” he said. So, folks can get peanuts yearround, even in the depths of winter? “I try to stay open as long as the weather is permissible,” Yon said. “If you can safely get off the highway in the winter, there’s always somebody here and always peanuts available.”
Eats & Drinks APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO
INNOVATIVE SOUTHERN CUISINE WITH A LOCAL BACKBONE & HOMEGROWN LIBATIONS
Open Table “Top 5 Restaurants in WNC” 2013/2014
828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com
— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am
frogsleappublichouse.com
44 Church Street•Waynesville, NC 828-456-1930 Seasonal Hours, Call for Details 1433-39
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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MEDITERRANEAN
Enjoy the fall leaves from our patio!
ITALIAN CUISINE
STEAKS PIZZA SEAFOOD CHICKEN SANDWICHES
1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 1433-17
Specializing in Regional Cuisine
LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK
39 Miller Street, Downtown Waynesville
828.456.5559
Open Monday - Saturday for Lunch & Dinner Reservations accepted
Walk-ins Welcome
1433-20
FRESH MADE DAILY
SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH LOCALLY ROASTED ORGANIC COFFEE DESSERTS & PASTRIES
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MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE 828.452.3881 OPEN DAILY WWW.CITYBAKERY.NET
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
DOWNTOWN'S ONLY COVERED OUTDOOR DECK
MountainEats.com Let your smartphone be your guide!
It’s that simple!
An online dining directory for Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
• Find restaurants nearby • Read descriptions and explore menus • View photos and interactive maps
W N CT R AV E L .C O M Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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Closest thing to flying Cataloochee Ski Area helped Calhoun reach pinnacle of racing
W
atching the 1960 Olympics on television, a young Keith Calhoun saw something that would forever change the course of his life. “I was in elementary school, and I remember seeing these Olympians skiing,” he said. “And I was just fascinated — I had never seen something like that.” Growing up in Waynesville, Calhoun was raised down the road from the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley. At the time, he didn’t personally know anyone who did ski, but he did know he’d find his way up to Cataloochee somehow. “I grew up 15 miles from Cataloochee,” he said. “It was always this oasis of snow at the top of the mountain that beckoned me.” Several years would pass before Calhoun was finally brought up to the mountain to see what skiing was all about, to be able to hit the slopes and dive right into his curiosity, which quickly led him to the Meadows, a vast, open landscape on the backside of Cataloochee.
Keith Calhoun
“The first time I went up, the Meadows happened to be open. It was foggy out, I got separated from my group and was lost,” Calhoun laughed. “I just had learned how to snow plow a half-hour earlier, and here I was, in this big expanse. So, I just continued slowly down the hill, figuring downhill was the best way to go, and back down to the bottom.” Not deterred from his first day on the mountain, Calhoun kept coming back, kept learning more about the Cataloochee terrain
and continued to improve his powder skills. Following high school, he enrolled in nearby Western Carolina University as an art major and immediately signed up for the institution’s Ski Club. He soon joined the National Ski Patrol in an effort to not only aid others, but also have a way to hit the slopes for free. “I figured I had to find a way to go skiing all the time, so I did Ski Patrol for a few seasons,” Calhoun said. “I loved it, helping people and hitting the mountain everyday.” In 1972, Rick Coker, the owner of Cataloochee at the time, hired Calhoun as the mountain’s first paid ski patrolman. Coker, alongside the Alexander family, ran the ski area and also the beloved Cataloochee Guest Ranch just down the road. “In those days, I got paid $10 a day to be a patrolman,” Calhoun chuckled. “At that point, I was completely addicted to skiing.” That passion ultimately led to Calhoun heading for the western horizon. He made his way to Summit County, Colo. — home of Copper Mountain. Amid chest-deep snow and the growing popularity of freestyle skiing in the 1970s, he was in alpine heaven, only to eventually relocate for work down to Crested Butte, Colo., another icon of Rocky Mountain ski resorts. It was there he discovered telemark (or “free heel”) skiing. A very old and “back-tobasics” type of skiing, telemark went through a revival in Crested Butte in the 1970s, with Calhoun at the forefront of the movement. “I gave up freestyle skiing and took up telemark. My friends out there were pioneers of modern telemark skiing, and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time,” he said. Calhoun totally immersed himself in telemark skiing. He started racing and competing, and became very involved on the national telemark scene. In 1983, he even won the North American Championships at Snowmass Ski Area in Aspen, Colo. His picture was printed in numerous publications, while his recognition in the sport echoed through the western skies and beyond. “It was pretty wild winning the championships,” he said. “I have a pretty good southern accent and people took note of that, always asking, ‘Where are you from?’ I’d proudly tell them I was from Western North Carolina, from the highest mountains east of the Mississippi River, and most people didn’t even know that.” And through all the excitement and successes Calhoun experienced with western skiing, there was one thing he missed — Cataloochee. After getting married, he decided to return to North Carolina, finding work as Cataloochee’s first bartender while going back to school. He had come full circle with
his life, back home in Southern Appalachia, back to the mountain of his youth. “Coming home, I realized how lucky I was to have Cataloochee right there for me,” he said. “All of my friends and family were there. It’s a special place, the most welcoming and warm place you could ever go to.” Now 62, Calhoun splits his time between Haywood County and Greensboro. Spending
At a glance Elevation: 5,400 feet Vertical Drop: 740 feet Trails: 17 (25 percent beginner, 50 percent intermediate, 25 percent expert)
Longest Run: Upper and Lower Snowbird (3,500 feet)
Lifts: 5 (quad, triple, double chair, two moving carpet)
Snowmaking: 100 percent Day: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, non-holiday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays Half Day: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekday; 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekends; 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekday and weekends. Twilight Skiing: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Night Skiing: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Marathon: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays; 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends. Rates: Lift ticket pricing ranges from $40 weekdays to $62 on weekends. Ski and snowboard equipment can be rented at the ski area, with rental costs ranging from $22 for juniors to $27 on adults. Cataloochee offers several midweek programs and packages such as our “Kids Stay and Ski Free,” “Drive, Slide, & Stay” and a free “Intro to Skiing or Riding” program. Outer gear rentals, such as overall bibs and jackets and accessories, can be found at The Shop at Cataloochee, the mountain gift shop. Bib and jacket rentals are available there for a nominal fee plus deposit. Amenities: Terrain park, cafeteria, bar, tubing, gift shop, apparel shop, rental/lesson shop.
his later years as a technical illustrator, writer and graphic artists, he has since retired. But, one constant remains, and that’s heading for the slopes at Cataloochee every winter. “When I’m skiing, I’m totally in the moment, totally tuned in to what I’m doing, feeling the mountain and its changes in the snow under my skis,” he said. “It’s the closest thing I’ve found to flying without leaving the ground — a lifelong passion you can enjoy for the rest of your life.”
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Blue Ridge Parkway serves up the best of the mountains
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he Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road that winds for 469.1 miles from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive in Virginia to U.S. 441 at Oconaluftee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee. It’s hard to get lost on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It only goes in two directions — north or south. Short, wooden posts along the edge of the road mark off each mile — the entire length of the Parkway — making it easy to know exactly where you are. The milemarker is listed for the recommended stops on the Parkway below, and should be easy to find by watching the mileposts. Hint: the numbers get bigger as you go south, so the end of the
Parkway in Cherokee is mile 469. The Parkway boasts more than 200 overlooks and more than 100 trails. The local section of the Parkway runs from the southern end in Oconaluftee to the Pisgah Inn on the Haywood, Transylvania County line. Along this stretch of scenic road you’ll find highlights such as the Parkway’s highest elevation overlook at Richland Balsam (6,053 feet), views of Cold Mountain made famous by author Charles Frazier, Waterrock Knob and Oconaluftee Visitors Centers, and Devil’s Courthouse Trail. The Parkway is made for exploring. Here are few suggested highlights in our region, but feel free to ignore them. It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
Waterrock Knob Visitors Center, milemarker 451 A must for Parkway travelers. Stop here to get recommendations from park rangers on things to do and see, plus pick up a free Parkway map and browse the book store. Views are fabulous if you are looking for a picnic spot. Also, there is a one-mile hike to the summit of Waterrock Knob. Interesting fact: the visitor center is powered by solar panels.
Richland Balsam, milemarker 432 The views are great all along the Parkway, but there’s even a milestone achievement available for those don’t want to hike but prefer just getting out of their car to take a picture, enjoy the view, or have a picnic. Just about halfway between the Balsam Gap (U.S. 23-74) and N.C. 215 entrance to the Parkway, near milepost 432, is the Parkway’s highest point (6,053 feet), which is marked with a large sign and a great overlook. Just a mile away at milepost 431 is the Richland-Balsam Self-Guiding Trail, which is just one-mile long and meanders through a spruce-fir forest. You’ll top out at an elevation of 6,410 feet, the 10th highest peak in the Eastern U.S.
Devil’s Courthouse, milemarker 422
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This one-mile round-trip trail leads to the top of stunning rock formation, a giant pedestal that seems to rise up magically from the mountains around it and makes you feel like you’re on top of the world looking out. Despite the sheer drop off all around you, rock walls provide a sense of safety — just don’t hop over them or let kids climb on the edge. Ecologically, visitors should stay off the cliff face, which is home to peregrine falcons and endangered rock-clinging lichens and plant life. The trail is steep but paved, making it accessible to anyone if you take it slow and steady.
Sam’s Knob, milemarker 420 Stellar hiking trails lead into the Shining Rock Wilderness, passing over grassy balds, rock outcrops, high elevation streams and fir forests. The area is riddled with trails, some of which extend for miles into the Shining Rock Wilderness, so if you don’t have a map, watch the way you came carefully. To reach the parking area, turn down gravel forest service road to Black Balsam Parking Area.
Upper Falls at Graveyard Fields, milemarker 419 A high-elevation bowl is home to two waterfalls, a swimming hole and crystal clear rocky stream. Unlike the dense forests that engulf most hiking trails in the Smokies, this area is defined by open meadows.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
Mt. Pisgah (5,749 feet), milemarker 408 Located near milepost 408, this mountain with the Biblical name used to be part of the George Vanderbilt Estate (he’s the man who built Biltmore Estate). A parking area is well marked, and the hike is only about a mile but it is relatively strenuous to the platform atop the mountain. Once there, however, the 360-degree views are fabulous. Nearby campground and one of the only restaurants on the Parkway at the Pisgah Inn.
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Here are a few highlights on the North Carolina side of the national park: Oconaluftee Visitor Center Along with knowledgeable rangers who can help you plan your time in the park, fabulous exhibits will take you back in time among the early settlers and Cherokee who called these mountains home. The visitor center chronicles the culture and history of the Smokies, from exhibits on the Civil War in the Smokies to moonshine making. Located on U.S. 441 at the North Carolina entrance to the park, north of Cherokee and near the terminus of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.497.1904.
Serene Smokies
Mountain Farm Museum This stroll through an historic Appalachian farm offers a window on the ingenuity and self-reliance of early mountain people and Cherokee. A blacksmith shop to make everything from barn door hinges to horseshoes, a spring house to keep milk and butter cool, and sundry buildings for storing the food they raised, from corn cribs to apple houses to smoke houses. The outhouse is a guaranteed eye-opener for kids. Located at the entrance to the park on U.S. 441 just north of Cherokee.
Deep Creek Enjoy a little of everything at Deep Creek. Hiking to waterfalls, picnicking, mountain biking, camping and what Deep Creek is famous for: tubing. Several outfitters rent inner tubes for just a few dollars to float all day in the creek during the spring and summer. Throughout the year, this is a fantastic place to visit for a few hours because you can do so many different activities without having to go to different places. If you are in the Bryson City area, treat yourself to a visit.
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Mingus Mill The rumble of mill stones, the whistle of corn meal sliding down the wooden shoot, the slap-slap-slap of water falling over the giant paddle wheel. Explore this historic site just one mile from the park entrance on U.S. 441 north of Cherokee.
Clingmans Dome A paved half-mile trail leads to a soaring lookout tower atop the highest peak in the Smokies. At 6,643 feet, the panoramic view offers spectacular scenery and is one of the best examples of the region’s famed blue mountain ridges marching endlessly across the horizon. The tower features a spiraling 375-foot ramp to the top.
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T
he Great Smoky Mountains National Park rivals the equatorial rainforests for biological diversity. Why? The Smokies has an amazing array of mini-ecosystems within its borders — from peaks over 6,000 feet to low valleys, from moist densely forested coves to dry meadows. A walk from mountain base to peak compares with traveling 1,250 miles north. Several resident plants and animals live only in the Smokies. The park has more than 100 species of trees and 4,000 species of plants. Some people say if you throw a rock and then trace its path, you’re likely to walk by at least 30 different kinds of trees. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses more than 500,000 acres, making it the largest
Cataloochee Valley
national park in the East. An auto tour of the park offers panoramic views, tumbling mountain streams, weathered historic buildings and uninterrupted forest stretching to the horizon. The North Carolina side of the park is considered by locals the more pristine, tranquil, natural park experience. It is less heavily used and has everything the Tennessee side has but is much more off the beaten path. Visitors do not have to dodge a barrage of fudge shops, wax museum and other distractions that clutter many of the gateway communities on the Tennessee side of the park. Some of the park’s amenities close in the winter, but unless a winter storm closes U.S. 441 — the only road into the park — then it is still a wonderful place to explore and experience the great outdoors.
History and nature intersect in this picturesque meadow, a long, narrow valley cradled by mountains on all sides. An elk herd has been re-introduced into the park and calls the valley home. Cataloochee Valley is also home to a former mountain settlement, with intact farmhouses, churches, schoolhouse and cemeteries that can be toured by car and short walks. Pick up an interpretive brochure at the campground on the left after you get down to the valley floor that describes the historic buildings.
Big Creek This relatively isolated area is a favorite of locals, with a campground, bathroom, picnic area and jumping off point for some great hikes into the Smokies, including the all-day hike up to Mount Cammerer lookout tower. One of the coldest, clearest swimming holes in the Smokies — aptly named Midnight Hole — is a short one-mile-hike up the wide Big Creek Trail.
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Max Cooper photo
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iking is one of the best ways to get out and commune with nature. With a quiet step you stand a great chance of seeing some of the multitude of wildlife Western North Carolina has to offer. There are hikes for all kinds — climbs along the rocks to a high mountain waterfalls, casual strolls to expansive mountain views, all-day treks out into the wilderness and brisk jaunts to perfect picnic places. Wherever you go, trying making
part of your hike a “soft walk.” Tread quietly and use your senses to experience the world around you without talking. If you see something worth pointing out, communicate without speech. The process will help you tune in to nature and how it communicates with us. When hiking, you know best what you’re looking for and what you’re capable of — injuries happen when you take on too much or get too tired. Find a hike that suits your tastes and skills.
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
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Forest. It’s been nicknamed the “Yosemite of the East” and is home to granite domes, waterfalls, valley floors and rare high altitude bogs, as well as the headwaters for Greenland and Panthertown Creeks and the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. Trails abound and primitive overnight camping and catch-and-release fishing is allowed. There are several entrances to Panthertown Valley, but the most accessible route is as follows: Approximately two miles east of Cashiers on U.S. 64, turn left or north on Cedar Creek Road (SR 1120). Continue on Cedar Creek Road 2.2 miles. Bear right or northeast on Nicholson Lane (SR 1121). Continue 3.4 miles on SR 1121 to a flat parking area at a gap where the National Forest boundary begins. The access road from the gap makes an excellent foot travel path. No motor vehicles are allowed beyond this point. For more information, contact the Highlands Ranger District at 828.526.3765.
Hiking, continued from pg 27
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Horsepasture River Trail — This out and back three-mile hike in Sapphire offers outstanding view of four large waterfalls and good camping along the way. The trail can be a little gnarly. Use extreme caution when viewing waterfalls, particularly Rainbow Falls, which can be viewed from the top. Falls are slippery and that closer look just isn’t worth the type of injuries that may occur. The trailhead is located approximately 10 miles east of Cashiers. Turn south on U.S. 64 and N.C. 281 at Sapphire. Parking for the trailhead is about 1 mile on the left. The parking area is now of the Gorges State Park.
Boogerman Trail — This 3.8 mile loop hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park takes you past old growth hemlocks and Robert “Booger” Palmer’s home place (hence the name). There’s plenty of creek views and wildflowers. Nealry a mile in, you’ll see a sing for Boogerman Trail. To avoid a relentless and steep climb, continue further up Caldwell Fork Trail and take the upper loop of Boogerman Trail. The hike begins near the Cataloochee campground. Drive past the campground about 500 feet and park in the next to the footbridge. This is an unofficial parking area and fills up quickly on the weekends. You may have to park on the road.
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
28 Wayah Bald — Located near Franklin in
Winter backpacking in Panthertown Valley.
Macon County, this paved trail suitable for the handicapped leads to the Wayah Bald lookout tower, which is a National Historic Landmark offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the area. The Appalachian Trail and Bartram Trail intersect at the tower. From Franklin, travel west on U.S. 64 for 3 miles to Old Murphy Road where there is a Wayah Bald sign. Turn right and drive 0.2 mile to Wayah Road (SR 1310). Turn left and continue for 9 miles to Wayah Gap and FR 69. (Wayah Crest Picnic Area is on the left.) Turn right onto FR 69 and drive 4.4 miles to the Wayah Bald parking area. The road can be rugged in places, though the area is well traveled.
Micah McClure photo
M EDIUM
known for its excellent trails. Hikers, bikers and horses all must share, but a bike/horse usage schedule keeps down the melee. Hikers may use any trail at any time. The Thompson Loop and Mouse Branch Looop are billed as easy to moderate and good for families. From Robbinsville, travel east on State N.C. 143 until you reach the junction with N.C. 28. Turn right at the stop sign and proceed south on N.C. 28 for approximately 8.4 miles. The entrance to the Tsali Recreation Area will be on the north side of the road and is well marked with signs. About 1.5 miles from the entrance there is a parking area and it is a short walk to the various trailheads.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
Hemphill Bald — The Loop hike at Hemphill Bald is 13.7 miles in total, but just 4.7 miles in will get you to the Bald. The bald was named after a pioneer family. From the Blue Ridge Parkway intersection with U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley go South on the Parkway toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At milepost 458.2 turn right on Heintooga Ridge Road. Continue for approximately 6 miles to the trailhead at Polls Gap.
Tsali Recreation Area — Located in Graham County the Tsali Recreation Area is
Looking Glass Rock — This 6-mile hike through the Pisgah National Forest travels first through small cove, then steeply up the backside of Looking Glass Rock through many switchbacks, hardwood forests, Carolina hemlocks. At the top of the trail there are cliffs providing views of Pisgah Ridge from Mt. Pisgah toward the Shining Rock/Black Balsam Area and the valleys below. Off of U.S. 276 near Brevard turn onto FR 475. The trailhead parking area is on the right after 0.4 miles.
HARD
Shining Rock Wilderness Area — Shining Rock became one of the original components of the Wilderness System in September 1964. A series of high ridges extends east and west from the north-south oriented Shining Rock Ledge. There are three main access points for trails within this Wilderness. First and foremost is the Black Balsam area near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although this is not part of the Wilderness itself, The Art Loeb (moderate) and Ivestor Gap (easy) trails lead into the wilderness area from here. Several longer trails head up the ridges into the heart of the wilderness from here, and their beginnings are relatively easy, becoming more and more difficult the further you travel. And finally, for those wishing to summit a 6,000-foot peak by starting at the base, try the trailhead at the base of Cold Mountain at the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp. Trails starting from there are all steep a strenuous.
strenuous because of a 2,000-foot climb in 2.3 miles along an old jeep trail to the ridge just below the firetower. This firetower is one of three remaining in the Park. There are several excellent lookouts from the trail prior to reaching the main ridge, but the view from the tower is unequalled in the Park. The view includes the Pigeon River Gorge (below), the Unaka Mountains, the main ridge of the Smokies, the Black Mountains (east), and the end of the Southern Appalachians. The peak is a crossroads with trails leading up from Cataloochee, Baxter Creek, and Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, which is 14 miles in and of itself. The Sterling Gap trailhead is located on N.C. 284 at Mt. Sterling Gap.
Fontana to Wesser — This 30-mile hike along the Appalachian Trails is full of ups and downs. There are shelters along the way, and in the end you’ll find yourself at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Or do the hike in reverse and end at Fontana Dam. To learn more about the Appalachian Trail visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
Mount Sterling Gap Trail — This low ridge trail begins at Mt. Sterling Gap on Cataloochee-Big Creek Road. It’s only 2.8 miles to the firetower, but is rated extremely
(Some hike recommendations courtesy of Danny Bernstein, author of Hiking the Carolina Mountains.)
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Mt. Pisgah (5,749 feet)
Mt. LeConte. Micah McClure photo
Located near milepost 408, this mountain with the Biblical name used to be part of the George Vanderbilt Estate (he’s the man who built Biltmore Estate). A parking area is well marked, and the hike is only about a mile but it is relatively strenuous to the platform atop the mountain. Once there, however, the 360-degree views are fabulous.
Tsali’s Fontana Lake overlooks (2,000 feet plus) If you’re a mountain biker, too often you are in the trees or too dog tired after a climb to enjoy the views, but there are several in Tsali that are worth getting off your bike and using as a rest break, photo-op or both. All of these are just above 2,000 feet in elevation, but because of the lake’s backdrop they make for stunning views. Tsali Recreation Area is located 12 miles west of Bryson City in the Nantahala National Forest. Go west on U.S. 74 and turn right on N.C. 28. Tsali is about five minutes down the road. Once there, the Mouse Branch, Right and Left loops all have great overlooks. According to Timm Muth, author of Mountain Biking North Carolina, the Mouse Branch overlook 4.5 miles into that loop is the most stunning. On the Right it’s Windy Gap Overlook and the overlook on the left trail isn’t named. All are fabulous.
Mt. LeConte (6,643 feet)
Wayah Bald (5,342 feet) The Nantahala Mountains are not as tall as the Smokies, but the views are every bit as stunning. This is a land of 4,000- and 5,000-foot mountains in one of the region’s wildest areas. Follow SR 1310 out of Franklin until you pass Wayah Crest, where there is a camping area. A forest service road, with signs, leads to the parking area at Wayah Bald, where there is an old Civilian Conservation Corps firetower made of stone. Views from the platform are wonderful, and the Appalachian Trail passes right by.
Max Patch (4,629 feet)
Incas performed human sacrifice on sacred peaks in the Andes. Monks of various Eastern religions have built almost inaccessible monasteries on high precipices. At times, mountain travel involves personal challenge and extraordinary risk. When asked why he wanted to climb Mt. Everest, George Mallory replied, “Because it is there.” Whether Mallory reached the summit in 1924 is still in question, but the same adventurous spirit still drives many to climb the most difficult mountains. Even in Western North Carolina, the most remote peaks require no small amount of effort to reach. “Peakbagging” is the sport of getting to the top of as many peaks as possible. Hiking up a mountain is great exercise. The air is less dense and flows easily in and out of your lungs, but the lower concentration of oxygen means greater oxygen debt during physical activity. Eventually, the body becomes more efficient and compensates. Unfortunately, summer hikers in the Smokies may have difficulty with respiration due to the low oxygen density combined with high ozone levels caused by pollution from autos and power plants. Visiting the high places can even be a social event. In Japan, large numbers of hikers may crowd a summit trail. The camaraderie of sharing the journey and the view with good friends or a loved one is definitely a bonding experience and often requires cooperation to get there. On the other hand, the sense of solitude one experiences when standing alone on a lofty wilderness summit is difficult to describe or explain. (Ed Kelley is a photographer, musician and outdoorsman who lives in Waynesville)
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
This may be the most scenic bald in the Smokies as well as one of the most accessible. From the top, the 360-degree views, the sheer vastness of the bald (which is mowed by the Forest Service) and the beauty is well worth the trip. Since the trail to the parking area is about a quarter of a mile max, it’s a great place to picnic and watch the sunset. Take Exit 7, the Harmon Den Exit, off Interstate 40 and turn right off the exit onto Cold Springs Creek Road. The dirt road goes into Pisgah National Forest. Stay on the main road for several miles until you come to a sign for Max Patch. It is a left-hand turn. Keep left. Stay on the road until you come to a parking area with an unobstructed view of the bald. Follow the trail to the top of the bald and it intersects with the Appalachian Trail.
Why do we seek the high places? The easiest explanation for going to the mountains is for the scenery. Even so, there must be something ingrained in the human experience that draws us to lofty summits and places where we can look out over the landscape. The reasons vary from the practical to the spiritual. High places represent safety and security. Elevated vantage points have been used throughout history for human survival. From the heights, an approaching enemy can be detected from a long distance, or an attack more easily fended off. A path through unknown territory might be scouted out as waterways and passes can all be seen better from a high perch. Hunters are better able spot herds of animals from an overlook. Migratory animals often use mountain ridges to travel long distances. Surely the Cherokee utilized ridge tops in their network of trails connecting villages and hunting grounds. There is something about the Appalachians that evokes a deep emotional response in most folks. When you are able to get an encompassing view of your surroundings, you automatically know more about your place in the world. For many, this serves to stimulate the curiosity to learn about nature or to seek wilderness. Others find the experience to be humbling, revealing the relative insignificance of the individual in the vastness of creation. The religious and spiritual connection with natural heights is easily explained in the context of being closer to Heaven, the gods and spirits. On Mt. Sinai, God presented Moses with the Ten Commandments and on Mt. Pisgah, Moses got a glimpse of the Promised Land. Native Americans attached sacred significance to high places. The
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
The vistas are endless in the Smokies, but getting to the top of this mountain has the added advantage of being to check out LeConte Lodge, the only commercial lodging facility in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are five trails to the lodge, the shortest and steepest being Alum Cave Trail at 5.5 miles, which a hiker in good condition can do in approximately four hours. None of these trails can be considered a stroll and you occasionally encounter ice and snow as late as May or as early as October. The other trails are Rainbow Falls and Trillium Gap, each 6.5 miles, a hike of about five hours; Bullhead at 7.2 miles and about five hours; and Boulevard, 8 miles and about 5 1/2 hours. Parking is available at the start of each trail. Once at the top signs lead to the best overlooks.
Into the wild
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Waynesville Gateway to Western North Carolina
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ndulating mountains surround the town of Waynesville, a welcoming community that is the perfect combination of nature, tourism and Appalachian culture. Downtown features working art studios, bookstore, cafes, two wine shops, movie theater, cigar store, kitchen store, a retail storefront for the local Sunburst Trout Company, the famous Mast General Store, gift shops, a bakery, specialty chocolate shop, and even a dog bakery. Waynesville is known for its preponderance of art galleries. Shops are filled with the work of jewelers, potters,
fiber artists, painters, metal workers and photographers. The first Friday evening of each month features a gallery stroll and artist demonstrations, dubbed “Art After Dark.” Whether you want to kickback in a coffee shop with your laptop, relax at a wine bar, catch live music at a local pub or linger over fine dining, the town encompasses all of the luxuries and amenities one could want. In terms of dining, the town offers culinary treats from Thai to modern Southern to farm-to-table cuisines. For craft beer lovers, Waynesville is home to Tipping Point Brewing, Frog Level Brewing and BearWaters Brewing.
Max Cooper photo
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Max Cooper photo
Ashley T Evans photo
ATTRACTIONS
• Frog Level — This restored train district has gained recognition as a National Historic District and is now home to a collection of small galleries, antique stories, Frog Level Brewery, a thrift store and a local coffee roastery, where you will find comfy sofas and a deck overlooking a mountain stream. • Hazelwood Village — An intimate shopping district a short distance from downtown Waynesville, Hazelwood was a blue-collar mill town back in the day. A revitalized retail district includes a pottery studio, Smoky Mountain Coffee Roastery, a collector’s shop, the Bourbon Barrel Beef & Ale and Hazelwood Soap Company. • Lake Junaluska — This Methodist community is open to the public and features a two-mile paved walking path around the lake. There are ducks, geese and swans, benches, bridges, a dam, a butterfly garden and a rose walk along the path. Paddleboats can be rented on the lake, and there is a museum of Methodist history, a coffee shop, and a bookstore. The lake is just off U.S. 19 north of Waynesville and east of Maggie Valley. • Balsam Mountain Inn – The inn at Balsam Gap was constructed between 1905 and 1908. It’s Colonial Revival architecture welcomed train travelers to the area. Over the years and under the management of several owners the inn has seen its ups and downs. It was restored in the 1990s and still operates as an inn, with dinners open to the public. Located west of Waynesville near the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.456.9498. • Folkmoot — Based in Waynesville, Folkmoot is the state’s official international festival. Folkmoot brings more than 200 international performers who dazzle the mountains with a lineup of performances, parades, workshops and festivals for the last two weeks of July each year. www.folkmootusa.org. • Haywood County Courthouse — The historic courthouse was built in the Neoclassical style during the Depression using the same stone that was used for the Washington Monument in D.C. • Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts — Located in the historic Shelton House and features 19th century crafts, including pottery, quilts, basket and woodworking. Located on Pigeon Street/U.S. 276, three blocks from Main Street in downtown Waynesville. 828.452.1551. • Cold Mountain — The mountain that Charles Frazier used to name his acclaimed novel, and the title of the subsequent movie starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellwegger is in Haywood County. Hiking the mountain requires a map and an entire day, but you can view it by following U.S 276 out of Waynesville until you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cold Mountain overlook is right at the U.S. 276/Parkway intersection.
R ESOURCES
• Haywood County Tourism Development Authority — Located at 44 North Main St. 828.452.0152 or www.visitncsmokies.com. • Haywood County Chamber of Commerce — Located at 28 Walnut St. 828.456.3021 or www.haywood-nc.com.
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• Canton Area Historical Museum and Visitor Center — Step into the town’s
DINING & N IGHTLIFE
• Blue Rooster Southern Grill — Local, handmade Southern cuisine and more. 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. • Canton Lunch Box — From salads to wraps to hot off the grill angus burgers, something for everyone, all made fresh daily. 81 N. Main St. Canton. 828.235.2053.
828.488.9000
WWW.NANTAHALAVILLAGE.COM
• El Pobre — Mexican restaurant with a diverse menu featuring specialties, lots of chorizo and relleno peppers. Located outside of town at 6841 Cruso Rd. 828.235.9311. • Jukebox Junction Soda Shoppe — Memorabilia covered walls served up with chili dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes. Located outside of town at 6306 Pigeon Rd. 828.648.4546. • Sherrill’s Pioneer Restaurant — Honest, unadorned meat and vegetables diner with excellent homemade pies. 8363 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.9880. • Sid’s on Main – Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Located in the historic Imperial Hotel, Sid’s features a fine-dining menu and cozy bar. 828.492.0618.
SIX ISSUES P E R Y E A R : $25 smliv.com 866.452.2251
R ESOURCES
• Haywood County Library — Public access to the Internet is available in onehour time slots and on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon., Wed. and Fri. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues. and Thurs. 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1:30 to 5 p.m. 11 Pennsylvania Ave. in Canton. 828.648.2924. • U.S. Post Office — 183 Park St. in Canton. 828.648.2634. 8639 Carolina Blvd. in Clyde. 828.627.2831.
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history, starting with its early settlement, and see what has shaped modern Canton at 36 Park St. 828.646.3412. • Colonial Theatre — The historic Colonial Theatre was built in 1932 and renovated in 1992 and again in 2006 giving the town a multi-use facility with state of the art film, video and sound equipment. Concerts are held most weekends. 828.648.2363. • Cold Mountain — The mountain that Charles Frazier used to name his acclaimed novel, and the title of the subsequent movie is in Haywood County. Hiking the mountain requires a map and an entire day, but you can view it by following N.C. 110 out of Canton until it intersects with U.S. 276. Turn left on U.S. 276 until you hit the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cold Mountain overlook is right at the U.S. 276-Parkway intersection. • Mt. Pisgah — This mountain is visible from the area around Canton. Located at Milepost 408.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a short, strenuous hike leads to a viewing platform with 360-degree views. Also a hotel, restaurant and campground located nearby. • Old Pressley Sapphire Mine — Flume for sapphires and other gems. One of world’s
largest blue sapphires was discovered here, earning the mine a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Open seven days a week. Exit 33 off I-40. 240 Pressley Mine Rd. 828.648.6320. • Pigeon River Scenic Walking Trail — A walking trail that covers a mile and a half of the Pigeon River in Canton. Benches line the trail for those looking to relax and take in the native flora or feed local wildlife, while a boat ramp is available for fishing and canoeing. • Shook Museum — The museum is located in the recently restored ShookSmathers House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house includes antiques once used by its inhabitants and tours are given by appointment. Famed Methodist Francis Asbury is said to have stayed there in 1812. 178 Morgan Street in Clyde. 877.620.2300.
Offering a variety of lodging, restaurants, and activities within minutes of Bryson City, the Nantahala Gorge, Fontana Lake and other area attractions.
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Canton & Clyde
or true local charm, look no further than Canton and Clyde, the neighboring towns nestled in eastern Haywood County. They are situated around the Evergreen paper mill, which started life as Blue Ridge Paper Products and has been running steadily for more than 100 years. Downtown Canton is a snapshot of a classic mill town, with many of the unique and beautiful bungalows and buildings once built for mill workers and managers still intact. The downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its crown jewel is the Imperial Hotel. The old hotel now contains a restaurant/bar with a meeting space that brings many events to downtown Canton. Historic murals also dot the downtown landscape, offering interesting viewing for a stroll down Main Street, while a stop into one of the street’s barber shops or cafes will give you a chance to rub elbows with the locals. Clyde, a hamlet that lies between Canton and Waynesville, can boast as its own the oldest structure in Haywood County. The Shook-Smathers House, home to the Shook Museum, was built around 1820, with additions and renovations made for decades producing the finished product we see today. The home’s attic chapel played host to many storied circuit preachers over the years, many of whom have left their mark in the unique collection of signatures that decorate the chapel’s walls. The town is also home to “The Big Gun,” a local landmark and war memorial that is the defining feature of the small downtown landscape. Another memorial, made from steel taken from the World Trade Center, is slated to open in Clyde in 2011, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Clyde was given two of only around 1,000 piece of steel salvaged from the site to be used in memorials.
BRYSON CITY
SLEEP INN BRYSON CITY
1/2 Mile to Bryson City Railroad Depot Guests enjoy free hot breakfast buffet, brand new 32� flat panel LCD televisions, free wireless internet, seasonal outdoor swimming pool and access to on-site coin laundry facilities.
500 VETERANS BLVD. BRYSON CITY, NC TOLL FREE: 866-939-0998 LOCAL: 828-488-0326
We also offer packages to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, or to go rafting at Nantahala Outdoor Center (please book in advance). We also offer the train and rafting tickets individually.
www.sleepinnbrysoncitync.com AMENITIES INCLUDE:
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Free Continental Breakfast High Speed Internet Interior Corridors Flat Panel Televisions 1 Mile to GSMR 8 Miles to Cherokee Casino Coffee Makers, Microwaves, and Refrigerators in Suites Guest Laundry Available
828.488.7900 Microtelbrysoncity.com
Bryson City, NC
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
All your travel needs in one place
www.WNCTravel.com
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
Maggie Valley I
Where nature and entertainment meet
Charles Johnson photo
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Max Cooper photo
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ATTRACTIONS • Cataloochee Ranch — The legendary property features cabins, horse stables, a grand old lodge and restaurant — all atop a 5,000-foot mountain, where the vistas are stunning and the atmosphere is as collegial as a campfire with old friends. Those who are not staying at the ranch are invited to join staff and visitors for evening cookouts, and you might even hear some local storytelling. 828.926.1401. • Cataloochee Valley — Elk again roam free in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park just outside the valley, thanks to a re-introduction program. To find the majestic creatures, follow U.S. 276 north out of town and hang a left on White Oak Road, just before Interstate 40, then another left onto Cove Creek Road. It’s a half hour ride with some steep gravel sections to reach Cataloochee Valley. Dusk is the best bet for guaranteed sightings, but please, stay away from the elk — they have antlers for a reason.
• Maggie Valley Opry House — Legendary banjo picker Raymond Fairchild can be found at the Opry House each summer, plying his trade. The venue seeks to be a guardian of the culture and music of Appalachia, and great mountain music is on tap nightly. The House opens at 8 p.m. nightly through October. Located at 3605 Soco Road. 828.926.9336. • The Stompin’ Ground — To see Appalachian dancing at its finest, visit the “Clogging Capitol of the World.” This loosetap dance style finds its roots here, and combines the drama of Irish dance and the down-home fun of mountain bluegrass. Home of the Clogging World Championships. Located at 3116 Soco Road. 828.926.1288. • Wheels Through Time Museum — With over 250 rare and vintage American motorcycles, it is the largest collection of rare bikes in the world. Most of the motorcycles are still in running condition. Exhibits not only leave the motorcycle fanatic speechless, but even those without the faintest interest in motorcycles will appreciate the story of Americana as it
n the heart of the Smokies lies Maggie Valley, a mountain getaway that rolls out the welcome mat to traveling tourists. The town is an epicenter of old-time mountain fun, with a full array of family restaurants and fine dining, gift shops and souvenir stores. Entertainment ranges from foot-stomping Appalachian song and dance to bars and nightlife spots, and by day there’s everything from putt-putt to elk-spotting to fishing. The community is perched at the doorstep of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a perfect jumping off point to explore Western North Carolina. From spring to autumn, the valley is also packed with motorcyclists from around the country who use Maggie as their base to ride the plethora of scenic roads and enjoy the camaraderie of other riders — and who come to visit the renowned Wheels Through Time Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of vintage motorcycles in the world. The town has a dizzying array of weekend celebrations and events in summer, thanks to the festival grounds in the heart of town. From a tiny tourist hamlet to a bustling resort town, Maggie Valley has burgeoned into a scenic getaway with something for everyone.
Max Cooper photo
is told through the lens of the motorcycle. Located at 62 Vintage Drive. 828.926.6266. • Maggie Valley Club — Once the Maggie Valley Country Club, this resort offers golfing, dining and resort living in a newly renovated atmosphere. Located at 1819 Country Club Drive. 828.926.1616. • Ghost Town in the Sky — The fabled mountain-top amusement park with an Old West theme has been closed in recent years, but a portion of it may reopen by mid- to latesummer. A chairlift offering sweeping views carries visitors up the side of the mountain to the theme-park rides. Located at 16 Fie Top Road. 828.926.1130.
R ESOURCES
• Visitor Center — Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. Located at 2961 Soco Road. 828.926.1686 or www.maggievalley.org.
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
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Sylva Small town mountain beauty Mark Haskett photo
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Sylva is an eclectic community that’s a blend of a local, tourist and college feel surrounded by towering mountains. The tree-lined downtown streetscape, dotted with benches, provides visitors with an afternoon of pleasant strolling. Sylva boasts an assortment of art galleries, bookstores, furniture and antique stores, clothing stores, excellent restaurants, a coffee shop, bars, two breweries, music store, outfitter’s shop and bike shop. The majestic Jackson County historic courthouse overlooks downtown, with the building also serving as the public library. The Bridge Park Pavilion is a gathering place for events in downtown and is just a block off Main Street. The covered stage and grassy lawn is home to the weekly Friday night Concerts on the Creek series in summer.
• Jackson County Library and Courthouse — The historic courthouse on the hill overlooking Main Street has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. A stunning library was built alongside the courthouse to its rear, with architecture to match the historical icon. The library is as beautiful on the inside as it is from the outside. • Tree walk — There is even an official 1.2-mile tree walk, featuring 44 of the more than 50 species in Sylva, designated a Tree City USA. The Sylva Garden Club currently maintains the walk, which features a guidebook, map and small signs at the base of each tree indicating its common name. The walk officially begins in the shade of Bicentennial Park near the old courthouse. Pick up a guided booklet at the Friends of the Library Used Book Store on Main Street in Sylva or the Jackson County Visitor Center in the Hooper House. • The Hooper House — At the bottom of courthouse hill on Main Street sits this rambling Victorian home. Dating to 1905, it was the home of who was then Jackson County’s only doctor. The home contains a county historical museum and is home to the chamber of commerce and the travel and tourism association. 828.586.2155. • Heinzelmannchen Brewery — This local microbrewery offers smooth, German-style beers and root beer. The owners are happy to provide taste tests, and you can take your brew with you in a signature Heinzelmannchen growler. Stop in on Mill Street (which parallels Main). 828.631.4466. • Innovation Brewing — Sylva’s newest brewery with around a dozen handcrafted beers at any given time. The outdoor patio overlooks a river and borders Main Street. Located at 414 West Main St. 828.586.9678.
Dillsboro: Crafting the heritage of Appalachia Mark Haskett photo
A charming and delightful village, Dillsboro is home to a community of artists, unique retailers and great restaurants. The community has been a tourist town since the late 19th century when the railroad first brought visitors to the “land of the sky” to escape the summer heat. More than a century later, Dillsboro has changed very little — a small country village with pristine white houses, rustic old shops, galleries, restaurants and quaint country inns. The town is located on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, which runs the length of Jackson County. Fishing is a favorite activity on the Tuck, and the river is filled with native and stocked trout and there are numerous spots and secret fishing holes. Dillsboro’s section of the Tuckasegee also boasts whitewater rafting for all ages. There is also a park along the river. The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad still runs scenic passenger excursion trains to Dillsboro from its main depot in Bryson City. Just outside town, the century-old Monteith Farmstead is a town park with walking trails featuring interpretive nature signs along a creek.
• Judaculla Rock — A mysterious collection of Native American petro glyphs located on Caney Fork Road off N.C. 107 outside of town in Cullowhee. In the late 19th century, Cherokee groups were known to have ceremonial assemblies around the rock. Some say the rock is a map of a 1755 battle between the Cherokee and Indian rivals. Archeologists who have perused the stone claim it was carved sometime in the Late Archaic Period about 5,900 to 3,200 years ago when evidence first appears of Native American societies forming mound societies, or towns that took root around ceremonial Indian mounds. www.judacullarock.com. • The Mountain Heritage Center — Located on the nearby Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee, this museum features exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs on mountain society, past and present, from the migration of the Scotch Irish people to basket making traditions. 828.227.2179. • Bardo Fine Arts Center and Museum — This state of the art teaching facility at Western Carolina University also has an art museum with an excellent permanent collection and visiting exhibits, plus an outdoor sculpture garden. It is also home to a state-of-the-art performance venue. 828.227.2479. • Pinnacle Park — Located 10 minutes from Sylva, and at an elevation of 5,000 feet, this park offers panoramic views of the town. See the list of recommended hiking trails in this guide.
R ESOURCES
• Visitor Center — The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is located at 773 West Main St. in downtown Sylva. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.
ATTRACTIONS
• The Jackson County Green Energy Park — The park captures methane gas from the old town landfill, and then uses the gas as fuel. It houses studios for glassblowers, blacksmiths and a greenhouse. A gallery onsite showcases the work of the artists that use the “green” space. It has been lauded as a leader in the national sustainability movement. Located at 401 Grindstaff Cove Road. 828.631.0271. • The Jarrett House — Founded by William Allen Dills, who the town is named after, this one-time boarding house has welcomed guests to Jackson County since the 1880s. Now a family restaurant, the Jarrett House offers home cooked, Southern food and a few lessons in history. Located at 518 Haywood Road. 828.586.0265. • The Tuckasegee River — The Tuck, as it is called locally, runs along the southern border of Dillsboro and provides a cooling respite for travelers and fishing enthusiasts. Rafting or tubing are great ways to experience the Tuck, with several rafting companies both renting rafts and offering guided trips.
Cashiers & Highlands Max Cooper photo
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Highlands: Above it all
ATTRACTIONS
• The Bascom — An independent nonprofit art center, the gallery offers a host of workshops, lectures and exhibits for adults and kids, which vary in length. Located at 323 Franklin Road. 828.526.4949.
R ESOURCES • Visitor Center — Located at 108 Main St. 828.526.5841 or www.highlandschamber.org.
• Lake Glenville — This beautiful mountain lake is located between Cashiers and Sylva along N.C. 107. It’s an excellent place to get in some water recreation, and a marina rents boats of all types. There’s a county campground, Ralph J. Andrews Park, with 47 camp sites, full hook-ups, tent sites, primitive camp sites, picnic shelter, picnic facilities, fishing, boat ramp, hot showers and bathrooms on the far side of the lake on Pine Creek Road. • Panthertown Valley — The “Yosemite of the East” is a 6,700-acre recreation area with towering rock cliffs rising up from the valley floor, cascading waterfalls, meandering streams, lush rhododendron tunnels, and hiking and biking trails. Note that some plants in the valley are rare, so please stay on the trails. • Whiteside Community and Whiteside Cove Road — Here you’ll find Grimshawes Post Office, the smallest post office in the U.S. The post office was established 1903 and served the public until 1953. Nearby is Whiteside School, built in 1910. The school is one of only four rural wooden schoolhouses remaining in Jackson County. The school’s windows are all located on one side of the building, which was believed to prevent shadows on schoolwork. • Whitewater Falls — This is the tallest waterfall in the east and is located about 10 miles from Cashiers. Head south on N.C. 107 along one of the most scenic drives in the region. Turn left just after crossing into South Carolina and follow the signs. A short paved trail leads to the falls. There are restrooms and lovely picnic facilities. • Zachary-Tolbert House — An 1840 Greek Revival estate house on the National Register of Historic Places built by one of the founders of Cashiers. The home was never altered, never modernized and stands as a pristine example of the rural, antebellum South. Call for viewing. Located on N.C. 107 one mile south of Cashiers. 828.743.7710.
R ESOURCES
• Visitor Center — Located in a log cabin on U.S 64, just west of the town’s main intersection. 828.743.5191 or www.cashiersareachamber.com.
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At 4,118 feet in elevation, Highlands is the second-highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River. Filled with upscale boutiques, spas, art galleries and antique shops, downtown is a vibrant, picturesque mountain community. When evening rolls around, residents and visitors enjoy fine dining, summer Appalachian and chamber music concert series, wine and craft beer tastings, artisan receptions and exhibits, and professional theatre troupes. When venturing into the outdoor splendor of Western North Carolina, adventurists can tackle hiking and biking trails, whitewater for rafting, rock cliffs for climbing, tranquil lakes for kayaking, canoeing and boating, and numerous country clubs and golf courses to swing for the Smokies. The Highlands greenway network, with walking paths and trails radiating from downtown, is also a key feature of the town.
• Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center — The center offers professional arts performances and other theatric productions. Located at 507 Chestnut St. 828.526.9047. • Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden — The Nature Center features exhibits, programs and lectures on environmental topics. The Botanical Garden offers 12 acres of native plants in a diversity of natural habitats, from upland woods to cove forest and wetland. Located at 265 North Sixth St. 828.526.2602. • The Highlands Playhouse — Professional theater offering live music, movies and other artistic productions. Season runs July to October. Located at 362 Oak St. 828.526.2695. • Waterfalls — Driving U. S. 64 West will take you past Lower and Upper Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, some of the area’s most popular waterfalls. • Whiteside Mountain —The rocky face of the mountain is familiar to all who visit the region. The mountain is between Highlands and Cashiers and is accessible by a two-mile loop trail that begins off Whiteside Mountain Road.
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
ighlands and Cashiers are perched on the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the mountains plunge sharply from a high plateau, creating the right ingredients not only for bountiful waterfalls but a temperate rainforest, one of the few in North America. This makes for lush vegetation, plus special designations such as “salamander and lichen capital of the world.” The communities are surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, making it a natural playground for outdoors lovers. Waterfalls are perhaps the region’s biggest claim to fame, some easily viewed from roadside pull-offs or short walks to viewing platforms along waterfall driving circuits, with others hidden in the remote wilderness and accessible only to those willing to hike.
The Village of Cashiers is a true crossroads community, with four roads coming in from each of the cardinal directions serving as the only arteries in or out. While the town has its share of excellent golfing and country clubs, resorts and fine dining, you’ll find plenty of hikers and rock climbers amongst the permanent residents in the area. The Village Green is one of the community’s best assets, a 12-acre park in the center of town featuring walking paths, a nationally judged dahlia garden, boardwalks over wetlands, a playground, rustic pavilions with picnic tables and grills, a woodlands trail, and sculptures by internationally renowned artists. The parks gardens, with an emphasis on native plants, vary from wildflower beds, grassy fields, wetlands, and wooded areas while creating rooms with specific interests, like the native azalea garden and a fern room. The Village Commons and the Village Green play host to programs, nature lectures, festivals, outdoor music and more events throughout the year.
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Cashiers: Crossroads of the plateau
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MountainEats.com Let your smartphone be your guide! • Find restaurants nearby • Read descriptions and explore menus • View photos and interactive maps
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
It’s that simple! An online dining directory for Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 866.452.2251
ATTRACTIONS
• Visitor Center — The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is located at 425 Porter St. 828.524.3161 or www.franklin-chamber.com.
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Franklin is the ideal staging are for exploring the Nantahala Mountains. Whether you want to stroll and shop, bike the town’s meandering greenway along the Little Tennessee River, explore local history or head into the wilderness for some hiking, this town has it all. The community is home to three museums, coffee shops and restaurants, a bakery, boutique stores, a bike shop, an outfitter’s store, antique shops and more. Galleries include North Carolina Mountain Made, featuring the work of 200 mountain craftspeople and artisans on Main Street. The town is also home to the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, where regional and national music acts and theatre productions take the stage. In the middle of downtown Franklin stands the ancient Cherokee mound of Nikwasi, marking its location as one of the largest of the ancient middle towns of the Cherokee along the Little Tennessee River that served as a canoe highway through the region during ancient times. The town of Franklin was recently designated an Appalachian Trail Community, and holds a series of events each year honoring the nearby AT and its hikers. Stop into Outdoor 76 for trail maps, hiking suggestions and any outdoors gear needs.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
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Franklin: Mountains abound
WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
• The Scottish Tartans Museum — The only American extension of the Scottish Tartans Society, this museum explores the Scottish heritage of the region, replete with kilts, weaponry, and Scottish history. Not only can visitors pick up a can a haggis to go, but also they can learn more about the hearty settlers that helped lend Western North Carolina its grit. Located at 86 East Main St. in downtown. 828.524.7472. • The Gem and Mineral Museum — This little museum exhibits local gemstones, minerals and Indian artifacts. The museum is located in the town’s old jail, used from 1896 to 1971. One of the jail’s cells is open to visitors. Located at 25 Phillips St. in downtown. 828.369.7831. • Macon County Historical Museum — In the old Pendergrass Store, the building was the first department store in downtown. It features old typewriters, locally made quilts, wooden nickels and other items that have been collected over the years. Located at 36 West Main St. in downtown. 828.524.9758. • Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts — This 1,500 seat state-ofthe-art facility presents the finest in performing arts. Performances include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals, and various genres including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian and more. Located at 1028 Georgia Road 828.524.1598. • T.M. Rickman General Store — In the Cowee West’s Mill Historic District, the store was a mainstay in the Cowee Community for many years and is filled with many of the goods one would find in a general store from the days of yore, plus regional guidebooks, local crafts and handmade items. Located on Cowee Creek Road just off of Highway 28 (Bryson City Road) about six miles north of Franklin. 828.524.2711. • Gem mines — Gem mining has a rich history in Franklin, which attracted attention from Tiffany and Co. and the jeweler’s famed gemologist George Kunz. The company purchased 1,500 acres surrounding the old Mason Ranch and unearthed many precious stones. Try your hand at gem mining at one of eight gem mines in the area, where you get a bucket of sand and enriched with stones from around the world for guaranteed finds as you sit in front of a plume of water to sift for treasure. For a complete list, go to www.franklin-chamber.com. • Little Tennessee River Greenway — The greenway has several picnic shelters, signage identifying native plants, grassy play areas and beautiful bridges crossing the river. There’s also a native marsh area. There are several access areas for the greenway. A playground is at the Big Bear Shelter off Main Street. 828.369.8488.
Bryson City M Outpost of the Great Smokies
ost of lands surrounding Bryson City are publicly held forest and park land, making the town a staging area of sorts for hikers — the Appalachian Trail runs nearby — cyclists, campers, horseback riders and river rats. In a cemetery overlooking the town is the gravesite of Horace Kephart, author of Our Southern Highlanders, generally considered to be the definitive book on early Appalachian life. Kephart — somewhat the John Muir of the Smokies — was an outsider who adopted the Smokies and devoted his life to learning its ecology and culture. He fought hard for the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Today, travelers looking for a home base from which to explore the mountains use Bryson City as a prime location. The town is close to the Qualla Boundary where visitors will find cultural celebration of native Cherokee heritage juxtaposed against Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. And while the town of Bryson City itself is small, it boasts a surprisingly large amount of activity in the summer months. Look for stage productions by The Smoky Mountain Community Theater troupe, art gallery exhibit openings, fine dining, live music, a brewery, and, of course, the distinct whistle of trains riding in on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Margaret Hester photo
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
ATTRACTIONS
• Calhoun Country Inn — In the heart of Bryson City, the Inn is said to be one of Horace Kephart’s favorite places. He and friend Granville Calhoun, whom he met upon moving to the mountains in 1904, spent time talking and rocking in chairs on the inn’s front porch. Today, the inn features period antiques, handmade quilts and the original pine floors. Located at 135 Everett St. 828.488.1234. • Cooper Creek Trout Farm — This catch-your-own trout farm offers a pay by the pound system and is great place for kids to get their first experience with a hook and line. Unlike wild waters, here no license is required. Located off U.S. 19, four miles east of Bryson City. Turn off U.S. 19 onto Cooper Creek Road. 828.488.2500. • Nantahala Brewing — Celebrating its fourth year in operation, the brewery is right across the street from the train depot in downtown. Featuring an array of craft beers, they also offers seasonal releases, tastings, tours and music. 828.488.2337.
• Darnell Farms — A true agri-tourism business, the property offers pick-your-own seasonal produce, most notably strawberries during the early summer months. In addition to fruits and veggies, the farm offers live music on the weekends and the occasional fiddlin’ or pickin’ competition. An old-fashioned corn maze opens on the farm in late August. Located just outside of Bryson City on U.S. 19 heading toward Cherokee. 828.488.2376. • Fontana Dam — At 480 feet, the dam that created Lake Fontana is the highest dam in eastern America. Several marinas and boat landings provide water access. The dam generates hydroelectric power and tours of the facility are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.tva.com. • Fryemont Inn — Overlooking the National Park, this rustic inn remains rooted in a bygone era of enormous stone fireplaces and gleaming hardwood floors. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s also full service dining and a cozy bar for outside visitors. Located at 245 Fryemont St. 828.488.2159.
• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot — Located off Everett Street in downtown, the depot is the railroad’s transportation center. A variety of tours and packages are available for those looking to jump aboard. As trains are waiting to leave, take a few minutes to speak to one of the conductors about life on a mountain railroad. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com. • Smoky Mountain Trains Scenic Model Railroad Museum — With its 7,000 engines, cars and accessories, this museum boasts the largest collection of Lionel trains in the Carolinas. Train collectors can purchase new gear or souvenirs here without admission to the museum. Located adjacent to the depot. 800.872.4681. • Nantahala Outdoor Center — Featuring an array of rafting and freestyle kayaking options, the NOC is one of the top whitewater centers in the country. The center also features lodging, restaurants, bars, outfitters and live music. A short drive from Bryson City, it’s located on U.S. 19 West in the Nantahala Gorge. 888.905.7238.
ATTRACTIONS
• Visitor Center — The Cherokee Welcome Center and Cherokee Chamber of Commerce are located at 498 Tsali Blvd. 800.438.1601 (welcome center) or 828.788.0034 (chamber of commerce) or www.visitcherokeenc.com or www.cherokeesmokies.com.
Max Cooper photo
Cherokee The art of tradition
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unique mix of modern and ancient, Cherokee is 21st century entertainment played out on a backdrop of time-honored cultural traditions. Known locally as the Qualla Boundary, the 57,000-acre tract is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and marks the ancestral home of the Cherokee Nation, once one of the largest Indian tribes on the continent. Today, Cherokee is a melting pot of old and new, as tribal leaders try to balance the preservation of Cherokee’s singular heritage and cater to the contemporary wants and needs of its visitors. Efforts by tribal members to preserve and cultivate their customs and culture are significant. The Cherokee language is taught in the schools. Tribal artists also use traditional materials, from river cane basketry to pottery to finger weaving. Cherokee song and dance is also alive and well, with powwows and dance troupes performing throughout the year. Cherokee is home to a great many festivals celebrating native culture, song, dance and food. The home to these events is the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds in the heart of town.
The community is also home to the region’s largest employer and, in recent years, its central feature, Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino. The casino, one of the state’s most visited tourist attractions, recently underwent an impressive expansion that transformed the colossal campus into a destination resort, home to shopping, luxury hotel rooms, big-name concerts, a nightlife lounge, indoor pool with mountain views, and spa. The casino’s state-of-the-art concert venue offers world-class entertainment, from live music to comedians, world-class productions and other stage acts. The reservation’s many parks offer great picnic spots and there are plenty of well-equipped campgrounds. Fishing in the Cherokee waters are among some of the finest in the country. Those rivers have played host to the U.S. Fly Fishing Championships in the past, with several annual tournaments taking place throughout the summer. And if you’re looking for the mountain kitsch the town has long been known for — fudge, wood carvings, beaded hand bags — it’s all still here, lining the main shopping strip that’s bustling in the summer.
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino — You’ll find a diverse selection of entertainment at Harrah’s, from slots and video gambling to restaurants and big-name performers taking the casino’s main stage. The culinary lineup includes the Noodle Bar, the lauded Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a BRIO Tuscan Grille, Selu Garden Café and a food court with perennial favorites like Dunkin’ Donuts and Uno’s Pizza. The amazing Chef’s Stage buffet is true to its name, putting master chefs in the creative limelight while they grill up the day’s fresh entrées. Visitors must be 21 to enter. Always open. 828.497.7777 or www.harrahscherokee.com. • Cherokee Bonfire — Cherokee storytellers host a bonfire at 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Roast marshmallows, hear the legends, relax by fire and water and be entertained by Cherokee legends, stories, songs and dance. 828.788.0034. • The Museum of the Cherokee Indian — This museum features an interactive immersion into the history, customs and beliefs of the Cherokee. Exhibits explore religious beliefs, traditions and the history of Cherokee settlements in Western North Carolina, as well as the gradual change brought by white colonists. Located at U.S. 441 and Drama Road. Open daily at 9 a.m. 828.497.3481. • The Oconaluftee Indian Village — The Cherokee of the 18th century comes to life at this working replica of a village. A Council House gives visitors a glimpse into the Cherokee system of government, while craftspeople demonstrate things like basket and canoe making and arrowhead carving. Located near the Mountainside Theater of U.S. 441 North. Call for times. 828.497.2111. • Unto These Hills — An outdoor drama depicting the story of the Cherokee people, it’s one of the longest running outdoor dramas in the nation. The production traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, their struggle to adapt to the early white settlers and hang on to their ancestral lands, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people continue to rewrite their place in the world. Nightly except Sunday. 866.554.4557. • Trout Fishing — The ponds and streams of Cherokee are replete with trout, stocked with rainbow, brook and brown varieties. Unlike other areas, daily licenses are sold and multi-day discounts are available. 828.554.6110. • The Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual — If you want to take home a piece of Cherokee, authentic handmade crafts created by hundreds of local artisans are for sale at this coop. Here you can find hand-made baskets, drums, rugs, carving and other crafts. 828.497.3103. • Santa’s Land — A theme park that offers a petting zoo, paddle boats, rides and appearances by Santa and his helpers. Located off U.S. 19 heading east. 828.497.9191. • Kituhwa Mound — According to Cherokee legend, Kituwah was one of the seven mother towns and was once the largest ancestral settlement in the area. The mound, bordered by the Tuckasegee River and the low hills of the Smokies, is all that remains of it. The mound was reclaimed in 1995 when the land was purchased by the tribe. Located on U.S. 19 heading toward Bryson City.
W N CT R AV E L .C O M Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
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• Oct. 3-4 — Maggie Valley Oktoberfest. Live music, craft beer, craft and food vendors. www.maggievalleyoktoberfest.com • Oct. 4 — ColorFest, Dillsboro. Over 40 local artist demonstrations in downtown. Craft and food vendors. www.mountainlovers.com • Oct. 4 — Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild show, Cullowhee. www.wcu.edu • Oct. 4 — Taste of Sylva. Seventeen restaurants participate in this culinary celebration throughout downtown. Food and beverage tastings, live music and an array of dishes to choose from. www.mainstreetsylva.org. • Oct. 4-5 — Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Show. Handmade crafts, folk art, music and food vendors. www.sapphirevalley.com • Oct. 7-11 — 102nd annual Cherokee Indian Fair. Carnival and agricultural show, with live music, games, food vendors and more. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Oct. 9-11 — Autumn Leaves Craft Show, Franklin. Unique handmade crafts and artisans booths at the Macon County Fairgrounds. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 10-11 — Sylva’s 125th anniversary celebration. A day full of events and activities to commemorate the town and its storied history. www.mountainlovers.com • Oct. 10-12 — 6th annual Leaf Festival, Cashiers. A three-day event that has become an annual tradition spotlighting music, dance, food and activities. The festival presents the cherished heritage of Southern Appalachia against a backdrop of foliage bursting with color. www.visitcashiersvalley.com • Oct. 11 — Maple Leaf Festival, Whittier. Local artisans and crafters, holiday exhibits, flea market and live entertainment. www.greatsmokies.com • Oct. 11 — 32nd annual Highlands Own Arts & Crafts Show and Hometown Day. www.highlandsnc.org • Oct. 11 — 31st annual Church Street Art & Craft Show, Waynesville. Over 20,000 visitors pass through this festival throughout downtown. Dozens of artisan booths, food vendors, as well as live Appalachian music and craft demonstrations. www.churchstfest.com • Oct. 11-12 — October Leaves Craft Show, Maggie Valley. Appalachian artisan and craft booths, food vendors and more. www.mvcraftshows.com • Oct. 17-19 — 25th annual Leaf Lookers Gemboree, Franklin. Gem show featuring dealers from all over the Southeast offering fine jewelry and precious stones. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 17-19 — Harvest Festival, Robbinsville. A three-day event of evening campfires, storytelling, country fair, live music/dance and more at the Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com • Oct. 18 — 24th annual Chili Cook Off, Bryson City. A renowned chili cook off in downtown, with craft vendors, train rides and live music. www.greatsmokies.com
WNC Calendar
• Oct. 18 — Apple Harvest Festival, Waynesville. Live artisan demonstrations, Appalachian music/clogging and dozens of craft booths and food vendors. Over 40,000 people stroll through downtown during the celebration. www.haywoodapplefest.com. • Oct. 18-19 — Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Festival. Craft booths, food vendors and more. www.maggievalley.org • Oct. 24-25 — 18th annual Pumpkin Fest, Franklin. Street festival with live music, pumpkin rolling contest, parade, hayrides and more. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 24-25 — Hauntober Weekend, Fontana Village Resort. Halloween events and activities for all ages. Ghost tours and hayrides. www.fontanavillage.com • Oct. 25 — Hiker Jam Octoberfest, Cashiers. Day of local/regional music and craft beer. www.hikerjam.ticketleap.com • Oct. 25 — Catch the Spirit of Appalachia: Celebration of the Arts, Bryson City. Storytelling, spontaneous art, exhibits and readings. www.mountainlovers.com • Oct. 25 — NOCtoberfest, Nantahala Gorge. Pumpkin decoration, live music, costume contest, activities for all ages, as well as the Great Pumpkin Pursuit in the Nantahala River. www.noc.com • Oct. 29 — 2nd Annual Fall Festival, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Costume contest, hayrides, trick or treating, games, music, food and more. www.franklin-chamber.com • Oct. 31 — Highlands All Hallows Eve Celebration. Trick or treating, children’s activities and more. www.highlandschamber.org • Oct. 31 — Treats on the Street, Waynesville. Merchants offer treats to children in a safe, downtown environment. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Oct. 31 — Downtown Trick or Treat, Bryson City. Safe, fun downtown trick or treating by local merchants for children and families. www.greatsmokies.com • Oct. 31 — WNC Clay Olympics, Dillsboro. The pre-celebration kickoff for the WNC Pottery Festival at Tree House Pottery in downtown. www.wncpotteryfestival.com • Nov. 1 — 10th annual WNC Pottery Festival, Dillsboro. Featuring more than 4 master potters, the daylong event includes live demonstrations and craft booths. The festival was recently named a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society, which represents 12 states. www.wncpotteryfestival.com • Nov. 6-10 — Highlands Culinary Weekend. www.highlandschamber.org • Nov. 7 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. Downtown galleries and restaurants stay open later as visitors stroll Main Street and beyond. Live music, artist demonstrations and refreshments. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• Nov. 7-8 — Cheoah Storytelling Festival, Robbinsville. Writing workshops, storytelling and musical performances. www.townofrobbinsville.com • Nov. 8 — Mountain Shapes & Colors, Bryson City. Daylong event filled with 20 craft vendors, food, live music and artisan demonstrations. www.greatsmokies.com • Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Parade, Franklin. Downtown celebration of Veteran’s Day. www.franklin-chamber.com • Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day Celebration, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Nov. 26-29 — Thankgiving Family Festivities, Fontana Village Resort. Live entertainment, guided hikes, square dancing and a classic Thanksgiving feast. www.fontanavillage.com • Nov. 28 — Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Franklin. Celebrate the holidays with cider, cookies and music. www.franklinchamber.com • Nov. 28-29 — Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Festival, Cullowhee. An variety of Appalachian artisans, holiday craft booths and more. www.mountainartisans.net • Nov. 28-29 — Stecoah Artisans Drive About Tour, Robbinsville. Enjoy the works of multiple artisan studios and galleries. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com • Nov. 28-Dec. 30 — Festival of Trees, Cashiers. Visitors to the central park at the Cashiers Crossroads enjoy twinkling lights and festive decorations. The Village Green becomes home to sparkling evergreens adorned by local businesses and nonprofit organizations. The festival will feature a Christmas tree lighting, holiday music, s’mores and special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 28. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com • Nov. 29 — Christmas Tree Lighting, Highlands. Caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa. www.highlands-chamber.com • Nov. 29-Dec. 24 — Winter Fest, Robbinsville. Arts and crafts fair on Nov 29, with the Christmas Parade on Dec. 13. www.townofrobbinsville.com • Nov. 30 — Christmas Parade, Franklin. Celebrate the holidays with a downtown parade and special appearance by Santa. www.franklin-chamber.com • Dec. 1-30 — Christmas in the Smokies, Fontana Village Resort. www.fontanavillage.com • Dec. 4 — Canton Christmas Parade. www.cantonnc.com • Dec. 4-6 — Cherokee Christmas Bazaars. Handmade crafts, foods and more. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 5 — Art After Dark, Waynesville. Downtown galleries and restaurants stay open later as visitors stroll Main Street and beyond. Live music, artist demonstrations and refreshments. www.downtownwaynesville.com
• Dec. 5 — WCU 125th anniversary “It’s A Wrap” party, Cullowhee. As Western Carolina University celebrates 125 years of higher education, the school will be hosting activities and a parade featuring the WCU “Pride of the Mountains” marching band. www.wcu.edu.
• Dec. 5-6 — Dillsboro Luminaries & Lights. Jackson County town is lit with luminaries, stores host open houses, Santa, children’s activities, horse and buggy rides, music. www.visitdillsboro.org • Dec. 6 — Cherokee Christmas Parade. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 6 — 40th annual Bryson City Christmas Parade. Floats, marching bands, homecoming queens and more. www.greatsmokies.com • Dec. 6 — Highlands Christmas Parade. www.highlandschamber.org • Dec. 8 — Waynesville Christmas Parade. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 12-13 — Dillsboro Luminaries & Lights. Jackson County town is lit with luminaries, stores host open houses, Santa, children’s activities, horse and buggy rides, music. www.visitdillsboro.org • Dec. 13 — 40th annual Cashiers Christmas Parade. A traditional parade celebrating the holidays in the Cashiers Area. Visitors and local residents alike can join in the fun with marching bands, floats, dancers, horses, dogs, antique fire engines and more. www.cashiers411.com • Dec. 13 — “A Night Before Christmas,” Waynesville. A family holiday celebration in downtown, filled with live music, caroling, oldfashioned wagon ride, storytelling and a special appearance by Santa. Restaurants remain open later. www.downtownwaynesville.com • Dec. 20 — Holiday Homecoming, Cherokee. A holiday celebration at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. www.greatsmokies.com • Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Fireworks, Cherokee. www.visitcherokeenc.com • Dec. 31 — New Year’s Eve Reception and Gala, Bryson City. Celebrate the end of the year with a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Dinner, live music and champagne toast. www.gsmr.com
Local questions about real estate?
Stop by our oďŹƒce located at 74 N. Main Street in Downtown Waynesville. Michelle will be happy to help you discover this wonderful area she calls home.
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ASK MICHELLE
Michelle McElroy 828.400.9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com
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Original Art Limited Edition Giclees Handmade Jewelry Hand Crafted Pottery & Art Glass Clothing, Books & Gifts!
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Museum Quality Custom Frame Shop on Site
828.452.9500 | 21 North Main Street, Waynesville | earthworksgalleries.com
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
Original Acrylic Painting by Elisa Holder, Turquoise & Garnet necklace by FourElements BeadWorks & Hand Blown Glass Vessels.
Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
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WNC TRAVEL GUIDE Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
W N CT R AV E L .C O M
Portraits Custom Ink
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Fall 2014 & Winter 2015
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(828)452-2133 | 292 N. Haywood St. Waynesville ForbiddenColorTattoo.com