The Fall Getaway You Need to Take

Visit the tiny (adorable!) village of Dillsboro and charming town of Sylva, NC

If you’ve seen the signs “Visitors Needed” listing the towns in western North Carolina that are open and welcoming visitors, I am here to tell you the signs are true. I just spent a couple days in Jackson County, NC talking to service industry workers, small business owners and community members, and everyone I spoke with said they want and NEED YOU to visit.

As of this writing, the scenic train that normally runs everyday this time of year from Bryson City to Dillsboro is only running 2 days/week because they can’t fill the seats. This has a direct effect on the businesses.

A restaurant owner I spoke to said that people are afraid to visit and she teared up as she showed me photos of the meals she’s made for people living in camps. When I recommend visiting these businesses and tipping generously — this is why.

The towns of Dillsboro and Sylva, NC were not severely affected by Helene and the area is as safe and beautiful as it has always been. If you are planning a getaway this fall, consider a trip here. Your visit will help support the broader community and is crucial to help rebuild WNC. Find tips on how to "visit thoughtfully" and plan your getaway to Jackson County here.

Left to right: Downtown Dillsboro, Dillsboro Launch Park and a view of downtown Sylva from the courthouse.

The towns are completely decorated for the fall season and with the mountain backdrop and riverside views, it makes the perfect spot to add to your fall bucket list. I drove from Gwinnett County and it took me two hours — and it's a nice drive!

My first stop when I rolled into Dillsboro was, of course, for coffee. I saw Heart Coffee Company online and I was excited to try it since I read that they are passionate about their brew and homemade syrups. I had the “Sweater Weather Latte" with maple brown butter and it was delicious. You’ll find this adorable coffee cart inside the Horse Feathers shop — a lovely boutique featuring a collection of western-wear and more .

Heart Coffee Company inside the eclectic Horse and Feathers shop on 52 Front St, Dillsboro, NC

Next, I had to visit Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop (488 Haywood Rd, Dillsboro, NC) because I love all things Christmas. There is actually a Christmas themed bed and breakfast upstairs! I didn’t get a chance to see it but look forward to checking it out on my next visit.

Nancy Tut's Christmas Shop, 488 Haywood Rd, Dillsboro, NC

My stroll through town continued with a visit to the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory which had an impressive assortment including fall fudge flavors like candy corn and apple cider doughnut. This whole town with its small buildings and cute shops really is like something out of a Hallmark movie. 

Exploring downtown Dillsboro: Top: The Chocolate Factory, inside with seasonal fudge like candy corn and apple cidar doughnut and Haywood Smokehouse restaurant. Middle: Shops on Church Street, a view of town from the river, Front Porch General Store. Bottom: Innovation Brewery, Dogwood Crafters and a pedestrian bridge.

Next up was the town of Sylva which is just a few miles up the road from Dillsboro with even more shops, restaurants, breweries, bookstores and several great cocktail bars. I stopped for a lunch of fried green tomatoes and French onion soup inside Lulu's on Main before taking my time and browsing the downtown area.

Exploring downtown Sylva: Top: A view of main street, fried green tomatoes at Lulu's on Main and a gallery with the largest collection of East Berlin wall art. Middle: Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee, Baxley's Chocolates and City Lights Bookstore Bottom: Underground Sylva vintage shop, Noon (beautiful, handcrafted goods, and Carly & Cass (all the fun things!).

I checked into Hotel Sylva for the night — which has a fantastic downtown location at the bottom of the famous courthouse stairs and across from the Welcome Center. They say this is one of the most photographed courthouses in North Carolina — I highly recommend a walk (or drive) to the top to see the view!

Hotel Sylva located in the heart of downtown with its modern aesethetic and view of the courthouse.

In the evening I visited Sante wine bar and, on the bartender's recommendation, I tried the “olive oil cake” which I thought would be like a focaccia but turned out to be one of the best desserts I've ever had. On his next recommendation I headed to The Cut Cocktail Lounge to try one of their CBD mocktails — loved the vibe and the staff in both of these places.

My last stop was White Moon Cafe. In the daytime this is a coffee shop but in the evening the name changes to Dark Moon and has a speak-easy like bar tucked in the back. I absolutely loved it here. If you like creative cocktails and some of the friendliest service you’ll find anywhere, add it to your list.

Sante Wine Bar (operated by the same owners as the popular Ilda restaurant), the CBD mocktails at The Cut and the hidden back bar at White Moon Cafe (which turns into Dark Moon at night).

In the morning I headed over to a warehouse where the community is gathering supplies to help neighbors in some of the hardest hit areas of neighboring Yancey and Mitchell County. If you want to donate, their most critical needs as of 10/21 are propane, propane heaters and propane adapters (that connect 20lb tanks to smaller 1lb devices) because it’s getting cold in the mountains.  You can drop off donations or volunteer (they especially need volunteers during the week) at 653 Scotts Creek Rd, Sylva.

Pop up warehouse supply center located at 653 Scotts Creek Road, Sylva.

My last stop before heading home was to Dalaya restaurant — which really deserves a post on its own.  This tiny unassuming restaurant is tricky to find — hidden past a set of railroad tracks — but the food is some of the most authentic Thai food you’ll find anywhere. In fact, the chef was recently named a James Beard semi-finalist. Please note that during lunch hours, it is take out only.

Dalaya's Thai Cusine located across the train tracks and on the river at 1084 W. Main St., Sylva

Thanks to Jackson County and all the people I met for your warm hospitality. I am already planning my return!

If you are looking for a great fall getaway and the chance to help the communities in WNC rebuild, consider a visit to Jackson County. Discover Jackson has lots of resources to help you plan your trip and tips on how to "visit thoughtfully" this fall.

xoKerry