Sylva, Balsam, Dillsboro, Cullowhee

Surrounded by Nantahala National Forest, these four towns offer beautiful views, charismatic culture and the best outdoor adventures.  Home to Western Carolina University, Cullowhee is growing commercially and socially; Dillsboro houses a bustling art scene, with a river park and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad; and Sylva is a small town doing big things, with plenty of day and nighttime activities to choose from.

visitdillsboro.org | mountainlovers.com | wcu.edu

16 miles from Cherokee

32 miles to Highlands

Here you'll find:

It is our mission to provide guests with an exceptional experience where people enjoy time together and create memories to last a lifetime while staying at Laurel Bush Riverfront Cabins. Laurel Bush provides a unique experience for guests to connect with and enjoy the pristine, natural elements of the Great Smoky Mountains and the peaceful Tuckasegee River. Laurel Bush is an exceptional riverfront community unlike any other in Western North Carolina. We offer the perfect vacation getaway to take pleasure in all 4-season activities and experiences that North Carolina boasts. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains (Rated #1 National Park in 2020) and nestled on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, Laurel Bush is naturally suited for relaxation, recreation and/or adventures. Within a 50 mile radius there are many miles of hiking/biking trails (including the Appalachian Trail), whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking/tubing, waterfalls, swimming, fishing, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Great Smoky Mountain Railway, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel, Gatlinburg, TN, The Biltmore Estate, Cataloochee Ski area and much, much more. Western North Carolina has activities for everyone! Every season is a beautiful time here in the mountains. Whether you want to relax or play and escape into nature, Laurel Bush is the spirit of what every vacation should be. The onsite large covered pavilion is conveniently located close to the cabins for picnics, socializing or relaxation. You can enjoy sitting on the deck listening and watching the river go by. You can view many kinds of wildlife including Bald Eagles, River Otters, Ducks, Turkeys, Geese and occasionally deer or just sit at the fire pit on a cool evening while looking across the river at the original train wreckage from the movie starring Harrison Ford, “The Fugitive!" We have 2 cabins as well as a Tiny Home and 2 park models which are open year round... If you don't see availability for your dates in one of the properties please reach out to us and we can check the other properties for your dates. We provide linens, toilet paper, towels, washcloths, dish towels, dish cloths and firewood! Just bring your clothes and groceries! Please do not hesitate to call or text with any questions by phone, (828) 676-9901 or email, laurelbushriverfrontcabins@gmail.com. We are available 24/7 and just 1 mile from the property. Check out our website (www.laurelbushcabins.com) for many amazing ideas on adventures and rainy day fun!
282 Tunnel Mountain Road Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 676-9901 www.laurelbushcabins.com Get Directions
Moonshine Creek Campground offers cool,secluded camping on rushing mountain stream at an elevation of 3500 feet. RV sites, tents, and cabins all on creek just 5 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heated clean bathhouses, Campstore, Wi Fi, and full rentals. Located in the Smoky Mountains, close to Cherokee, Maggie Valley, Waynesville and near Asheville. Motorcycles welcome.
2486 Dark Ridge Road Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-6666 www.moonshinecreek.com Get Directions
Visit Charming Dillsboro, NC. SHOP, DINE, RAFT, STAY.
PO Box 634 Dillsboro, NC 28725 (828) 631-0900 www.visitdillsboro.org Get Directions
Our American Museum of the House Cat is a Mecca of antiquities and oddities that will fascinate, amuse, and even educate you about he House Cat. As you travel back through the centuries you will be introduced to cats from all over the world through an immense collection of fine art, to folk art; carousel cats to comical cats and more. From tea pots to art glass, antique wind up cat toys to musical cats; and cat games to cats used in advertising our museum is full of stories just waiting to be told. Our Curator, known to the locals as Catman2, owns and operates WNC largest private feline only, cage free, no kill, Cat Shelter serving the residents of Jackson County. Proceeds from the Museum benefit the Catman2 Shelter and their services.
5063 US 441 Highway South Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 476-9376 www.wnccatmuseum.org Get Directions
Jackson County's gathering place foreveryone. Steaks, seafood, burgers,salads, kids menu, carryout andcatering. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
35 East Main St Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-6532 facebook.com/Bogarts-Restaurant-Sylva Get Directions
Crepes, paninis, soups/salads, pasta, coffee, espresso, beer, wine, organic, gluten-free, vegetarian, free Wi-Fi, outdoor dining.
3 E. Jackson Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 587-2233 www.citylightscafe.com Get Directions
Home of the Warm Waffle Cone! A Family-Favorite Ice Cream Store near the Quin Theater. We are an old fashioned hand-dipped ice cream emporium. Made to order warm waffle cones (vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon). Cones, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits. We also make made to order ice cream cakes. Please call at least 72 hours in advance of the pick-up to order the cakes. Varying sizes, shapes and layers. Eat In, Eat Outdoors or Order To Go!
280 Asheville Hwy/Ste. 4 Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-9441 jackthedipper.com Get Directions
Lulu's Cafe is a delectable surprise for travelers visiting the Great Smoky Mountains and a home away from home for those who live there. Nestled in the heart of Main Street in Sylva, Lulu's offers a varied and imaginatively prepared menu. Eclectic ethnic dining - hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, pasta and vegetarian dishes, served lunch and dinner hours Monday thru Saturday. Lulu's maintains a reputation of folks going out of their way to stop and grab a bite to eat on vacation. A travel article featured in Southern Living declared "Lulu's is our favorite restaurant in the region." And a travel article featured in Fodor's covered it all by stating "If you need a break from the Smoky's traditional trout, ham, and gravy food groups, this American gourmet diner is considered by many locals as the region's finest restaurant." Covered Outdoor Seating!
678 W Main St Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-8989 www.lulusonmain.com Get Directions
We Are Passionate When It Comes to Our Chocolate. We have been “Crafting Sweet Memories” for three generations. Now you can bring those sweet memories home to your family and friends. You will appreciate the quality that comes with care and dedication to crafting small batch, handmade chocolates. We also have brittles, signature toffees, caramels, salted caramels, peanut butter meltaways and sugar plums!
546 West Main Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 631-3379 baxleyschocolates.com Get Directions
The Wedding Venue at Moonlight Spa and Retreat With the intimacy of a private chapel and the stunning backdrop of Western North Carolina nature, Moonlight Spa and Retreat is the perfect small-wedding venue. Join us in our private chapel, where we can host a ceremony for up to 40 guests. Or celebrate in nature in our Moonlight Arbor: a wedding altar on a grassy hillside, overlooking rolling hills and the Tuckasegee River. Your wedding day deserves the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the warm welcome of southern hospitality. Our Moonlight Arbor outdoor wedding space can host up to 50 guests and is available in combination with the private chapel. The Wedding Venue at Moonlight Spa and Retreat offers, Wedding Chapel (for indoor events), Moonlight Arbor (for outdoor events), Officiant Services, Reception Rentals, Onsite Spa, Onsite Lodging for up to 10 guests. For pricing on various packages call 828-399-0848 Visit our website www.moonlight-spa.com
129 Moonlight Drive Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 399-0848 www.moonlight-spa.com Get Directions
Fly Fishing Guide Service with an emphasis not only guiding but a high degree of personal instruction from novice to advanced. We offer something for everyone!
33 Captiva Mtn Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828) 547-0231 hightrout.com Get Directions
Welcome to the BEST WESTERN PLUS River Escape Inn and Suites, the ultimate family destination nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Relax and get away from it all while experiencing breathtaking views of the beautiful Tuckasegee River, and watch as rafters make their way down the river from any of our riverside rooms. All guests can enjoy the river from our main riverside deck as well. Here at the River Escape, we are 100% non-smoking. All of our rooms come standard with microwaves, mini-fridges, HBO, in room coffee, hairdryers, iron and ironing board, and complimentary high speed internet access (WI-FI and hard-wired). We also offer several amenities that would appeal to any traveler. These include our indoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, business center with available printer and internet access, and a riverside BBQ grill area. Enjoy a selection of eggs, sausage, biscuits, gravy, waffles, muffins, cereal, fruits, juices, etc. with our included hot breakfast. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Golf, and many vacation packages available.
248 WBI Drive Dillsboro, NC 28725 (828) 586-6060 www.bwriverescape.com Get Directions
Open year-round, swimming, TV's, telephones, credit cards. 71 rooms, $49-$129.
1235 E. Main Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 477-4950 choicehotels.com/NC732 Get Directions
Visit the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Dillsboro - Western Carolina and rediscover the power of nature as you relax in the heated pool or spa and gaze out over the majestic Great Smoky Mountains. Situated in Sylva at Dillsboro exit, this hotel's location is a wonderland of awe-inspiring scenery and only nine miles from Western Carolina University and one mile from historic Dillsboro, NC.

The hotel's location is every outdoor enthusiast's dream. From the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, lodging at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel Dillsboro makes it easy to explore the most stunning natural treasures in the East. If you're more of an indoor person, you can browse the charming shops in historic Dillsboro.

Corporate guests find it easy to keep in touch with the office using free high-speed, wireless Internet access, and meeting deadlines is a breeze with the help of the 24-hour Business Center. The 400-sq-ft meeting room seats up to 25 guests, and it is an ideal venue for work-related events.

You can begin each day with the delicious and complimentary, hot breakfast bar, and after a day spent outside in the crisp mountain air, warm up in the heated, indoor pool and hot tub. If you're planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, lodging at this hotel transforms an ordinary visit into an unforgettable vacation, so book now!
26 Rufus Robinson Road Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 631-1111 www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/sylva/dsbnc/hoteldetail Get Directions
The Quality Inn® is an inexpensive hotel in Sylva with 4 star reviews that’s merely minutes away from the Harris Regional Hospital, Mountain Heritage Center and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Also nearby is Western Carolina University and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and the Great Smoky Mountain Train. Free hot Breakfast and WiFi. Business center and banquet facilities available.
2807 Highway 74 East Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-3315 choicehotels.com/QualityInn/Sylva Get Directions
Great Family-oriented Whitewater Rafting Trip!!!! Rafting/Kayaking/Tubing/Canoeing
5303 US Hwy 74 East Whittier, NC 28789 (828) 586-5285 www.smokymountainriveradventures.com Get Directions
RE/MAX Awenasa Realty in beautiful Bryson City and Sylva, North Carolina, specializes in Smoky Mountain real estate, including homes, log cabins, land, homesites, and lots. We are experienced in helping first-time home buyers find their dream home and finding just the right mountain getaway home for the vacation home or second home buyer. With so much to see and do, owning a home for you and your family, or supplementing the expense of ownership by placing your home on a vacation rental program, a Broker with RE/MAX Awenasa Realty would be happy to work along side with you to find your home. We can help you buy and sell real estate in the areas of Bryson City, Cherokee, Sylva, Dillsboro, Whittier, Cullowhee, Almond, Ela, Webster, and Robbinsville North Carolina.
625 W. Main Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 631-3121 MyHomeWNC.com Get Directions
Your search for real estate in Sylva, Cullowhee, Bryson City, Franklin, Webster, near Western Carolina University, and throughout the western NC mountains starts here. With 2 offices and 12 agents, we have a collective experience in mountain real estate that surpasses all other agencies. Check out our website to see Four Reasons Why Western Carolina Properties is your key to the mountains!

Visit us at our Cullowhee Office! 721 Speedwell Rd
Cullowhee, NC
info@wcproperties.com
Phone: 828-293-3708
Fax: 828-293-9589
78 Front Street Dillsboro, NC 28725 (828) 586-3442 searchwnc.com Get Directions
We Are Passionate When It Comes to Our Chocolate. We have been “Crafting Sweet Memories” for three generations. Now you can bring those sweet memories home to your family and friends. You will appreciate the quality that comes with care and dedication to crafting small batch, handmade chocolates. We also have brittles, signature toffees, caramels, salted caramels, peanut butter meltaways and sugar plums!
546 West Main Street Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 631-3379 baxleyschocolates.com Get Directions
Nestled in the heart of the quaint town of Dillsboro, we offer a variety of mountain inspired gifts, as well as a nice assortment of own jams, jellies, barbecue sauces and pickles. Open year round for your convenience. See our fb page for specials & hours.
104 Front Street Dillsboro, NC 28725 (828) 356-6198 www.facebook.com/LazyBearGeneralStore Get Directions
Located in historic Dillsboro, NC, Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop has welcomed guests since 1969. We are a travel destination for the many visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our wide array of specialty themed Christmas ornaments keep people coming back year after year. So whether you are looking for anything from an astronaut to a zebra chances are we have it!
488 Haywood Road Dillsboro, NC 28725 (828) 586-5391 nancy-tuts-christmas-shop.business.site Get Directions
It is our mission to provide guests with an exceptional experience where people enjoy time together and create memories to last a lifetime while staying at Laurel Bush Riverfront Cabins. Laurel Bush provides a unique experience for guests to connect with and enjoy the pristine, natural elements of the Great Smoky Mountains and the peaceful Tuckasegee River. Laurel Bush is an exceptional riverfront community unlike any other in Western North Carolina. We offer the perfect vacation getaway to take pleasure in all 4-season activities and experiences that North Carolina boasts. Surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains (Rated #1 National Park in 2020) and nestled on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, Laurel Bush is naturally suited for relaxation, recreation and/or adventures. Within a 50 mile radius there are many miles of hiking/biking trails (including the Appalachian Trail), whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking/tubing, waterfalls, swimming, fishing, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, Great Smoky Mountain Railway, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel, Gatlinburg, TN, The Biltmore Estate, Cataloochee Ski area and much, much more. Western North Carolina has activities for everyone! Every season is a beautiful time here in the mountains. Whether you want to relax or play and escape into nature, Laurel Bush is the spirit of what every vacation should be. The onsite large covered pavilion is conveniently located close to the cabins for picnics, socializing or relaxation. You can enjoy sitting on the deck listening and watching the river go by. You can view many kinds of wildlife including Bald Eagles, River Otters, Ducks, Turkeys, Geese and occasionally deer or just sit at the fire pit on a cool evening while looking across the river at the original train wreckage from the movie starring Harrison Ford, “The Fugitive!" We have 2 cabins as well as a Tiny Home and 2 park models which are open year round... If you don't see availability for your dates in one of the properties please reach out to us and we can check the other properties for your dates. We provide linens, toilet paper, towels, washcloths, dish towels, dish cloths and firewood! Just bring your clothes and groceries! Please do not hesitate to call or text with any questions by phone, (828) 676-9901 or email, laurelbushriverfrontcabins@gmail.com. We are available 24/7 and just 1 mile from the property. Check out our website (www.laurelbushcabins.com) for many amazing ideas on adventures and rainy day fun!
282 Tunnel Mountain Road Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 676-9901 www.laurelbushcabins.com Get Directions