Where The Blue Ridge Mountains Meet The Smokies
Dillsboro, North Carolina
Dillsboro Inn - 146 N River Rd, Dillsboro, NC 2872
Recreational Activities
Dillsboro, NC has much to offer in the way of recreational activities and is central to some of the most beautiful recreational areas around!
This is where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the Smokies, and is steps from the Tuckasegee River. The surrounding area has much to offer in the way of recreational activities and we have put a list together of some of our favorites.
From fall to summer take a mountain hike and visit a waterfall. Go kayaking and whitewater rafting. Relax and do some fly fishing in the rivers, ride a horse or play a round of golf. Or simply sit back, take your shoes off and enjoy the beauty of Appalachian. The inn is the place to be during a beautiful fall weekend or a sunny hot day during the summer. Fireworks on the fourth to pumpkin picking on October you will want to bring your family here at the Dillsboro Inn.
An hour’s drive will take you to three outstanding rivers, southwest to the Ocoee River, due south to the Chattooga River, and to the east is the French Broad River. Looking for something closer? A half hour west of the Dillsboro Inn sits the Nantahala River.
Looking for something to do with the kids? Check out our Family Friendly Activities page!
NC Trout Capital Jackson County NC
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Trail Western North Carolina
Fly fishing
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Guide
Fly fishing guide
Arrowmont Stables
Horseback riding
Cullowhee, NC
Smokemont Riding Stables
Horseback riding
Cherokee, NC
Shining Rock Wilderness Area
Hiking
Haywood County, NC
Judaculla Rock
Historic Site
Tuckasegee, NC
Blue Ridge Mountains
Outdoor activities, hiking, picnicking
Blue Ridge Parkway
Scenic drive, hiking, picnicking
Great Smoky Mountains Association
Outdoor activities, scenic drive, hiking, picnicking
Sequoyah National Golf Club
Public golf course
Cherokee, NC
Lake Junaluska Golf Course
Public golf course
Lake Junaluska, NC
Maggie Valley Club and Resort
Public golf course
Maggie Valley, NC
Smoky Mountain Country Club – Whittier Golf
Public golf course
Whittier, NC
Dillsboro River Company
Whitewater rafting
Dillsbobro, NC
Smokey Mountain Tubing Company Whitewater tubing Cherokee, NC
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Outdoor activities, white water rafting, zip line
Bryson City, NC
Navitat Canopy Adventures
Outdoor activities, zip line
Asheville, NC
PaddleFish Kayaking
Kayaking tours
Bryson City, NC
Surf Blue Ridge
Stand up paddle boarding
Blue Ridge, GA
Tuckasegee Outfitters
Whitewater Rafting, Tubing, Kayaking and more on the Tuckaseegee River
Whittier, NC
Panthertown Valley
Outdoor activities, hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming
Cashiers, NC
Mountain Farm Museum
Educational historic museum
Cherokee, NC
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
Education center
Pisgah Forest, NC
Smokey Mountain Trains Museum
Scenic Model Railroad Museum
Bryson City, NC
Tsali Recreation Area
Outdoor activities, mountain biking, hiking
Cherokee, NC
Fontana Lake
Boating, hiking, fishing, picnicking, swimming
Fontana Dam Visitor Center is located off N.C. Highway 28
near the Tennessee/North Carolina state line
Deal’s Gap
Scenic drive for motorcycles, sports cars
Deal’s Gap. NC
Destination Guide
Looking for something to do? Our Destination Guide has many options for you to choose from.
Park your car, put on your walking shoes and take a stroll to visit downtown Historic Dillsboro.
Or take a quick drive to neighboring Sylva.
The Dillsboro Inn is ideally located for setting off on daily excursions, or for doing nothing at all, and we have put together this destination guide to help you plan your visit.
The Dillsboro Inn is within walking distance to the all that the town of Dillsboro, NC has to offer.
To provide our guests the best of both worlds we offer the tranquility of private riverfront suites while being centrally situated near some of the regions finest attractions, many within walking distance from the Inn.
Looking to travel further afield? There is much to do within an hour’s drive of the Inn.
TJ Walker, eco-tourism concierge, will be more than happy to give you advice, directions and maps to all that the area has available – just ask!
We have put together this Destination Guide listing some of our favorite places to shop, eat and play!
Local Dining
Greek, Italian and Continental
489 Haywood Rd
Dillsboro, NC 28779
828-631-0777
Gourmet Deli
65 Craft Circle
Dillsboro, NC 2872
828-586-8588
Take-out, Box Lunches, Prime Rib Dinner; Thu, Fri 5:00pm – 8:00pm
BBQ, Southern Cooking
403 Haywood Rd
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-631-9797
Mexican Cooking
170 Walmart Plaza
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-8805
86 Walmart Plaza,
Sylva NC 28779
828-586- 0999
Sports Bar, Pub
3344 Old Cullowhee Rd
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828-514-4507
Eats, Spirits, Espresso Bar
3 Jackson St – entrance on Spring St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-587-2233
Take-out, Free WiFi, Wine and Beer
Espresso, Classic Italian Breads and Desserts
478 Haywood Rd
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-631-4498
Free WiFi, Take-out available
Oyster House and Grill
483 Skyland Dr
Sylva, NC
828-586-1985
Daily specials, Beer, Wine and Moonshine, Take-out
Farm to Table Tropical Fusion
606 W Main St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-9877
Full Bar, Live Music, Children’s Menu, Sunday Brunch
Vegan and Vegetarian selections
Eclectic Fare
678 W Main St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-8989
Full bar, Children’s Menu
Creative Comfort Food
617 W Main St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-3555
Reservations Recommended
Beer and Wine, Free Movies, Family Friendly
Vegan and Gluten Free options
Sports Bar, Pub
83 Asheville Hwy
Sylva, NC
828-631-0554
Pub Grub, Live Music, Daily Specials, Karaoke
Tea House and Bistro
628 E Main St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-1717
Beer and Wine, Children’s Menu, Free WiFi, Outdoor Seating
America Italian Cuisine
285 W Main St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-3800
Take-out, Outdoor seating
Upscale European Bistro
459 East Main St (located next to HotSpot)
Franklin, NC 28734
828-369-9446
Wine, Take-out, Cash Only
Chef’s Stage Buffet , Brio’s Tuscan Grill
Harrah’s Casino
777 Casino Dr
Cherokee, NC 28719
828-497-7777
Family Friendly
Local Breweries
According to the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild there are over 120 craft breweries in North Carolina!
We have put together a list here of the local craft brewers.
The breweries offer tastings and tours, traditional ales and stouts and experimental brews.
Heinzelmannchen Brewery
Sylva, NC
Innovation Brewing
Sylva, NC
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co
Franklin, NC
Nantahala Brewing Company
Bryson City, NC
BearWaters Brewing Company
Waynesville, NC
Frog Level Brewing Co
Waynesville, NC
Family Friendly Activities
Need something to do with the little ones?
Look no further than the list of family friendly activities we have put together – also be sure to check the Recreation Page.
Claymates Pottery
Paint-your-own-pottery, and glass fusing studio. Fun for all ages! No experience needed!
Dillsboro, NC
Smokey Mountain River Adventures
Family-friendly whitewater rafting in the mountains of North Carolina
Dillsboro, NC
Nantahala River Gem Mine
Gemstone mining attraction in which participants find precious gemstones including rubies, emeralds & sapphires.
Bryson City, NC
Mason’s Ruby and Sapphire Mine
One of the original native mines with a long and colorful history.
Franklin, NC 28734
Rose Creek Gem Mine
You can find Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Amethyst, Citrine, Moonstone, Topaz, Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Quartz Crystals and more!
Franklin, NC 28734
Phoenix Theatres
Movie theater
Cherokee, NC
Quinn Theaters
No-frills, neighborhood movie theater showing first-run features in simple surrounds.
Sylva, NC 28779
Ruby Cinemas
Movie theater
Franklin NC 28734
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Scenic rail excursions take you from the historic depot in Bryson City, through the beautiful countryside of Western North Carolina.
Bryson City, NC 28713
Monteith Farmstead
Recreation Area
Several hundred yards from downtown Dillsboro
Dillsboro, NC
Oconaluftee Islands Park
An outdoor oasis for kids and adults alike.
Cherokee, NC
Public Park and Fishing Pier
Adjacent to the Dillsboro Inn
Dillsboro, NC
Santa’s Land
Year-round Santa Claus-themed park with rides, a gift shop, a zoo & paddle boating in a lake.
Cherokee, NC
Shopping in Dillsboro, NC
Shop ’til you drop in Dillsboro, NC!
Put on your walking shoes and enjoy a visit to Historic Dillsboro, NC.
Stroll from shop to shop, step into 100 year-old buildings, find locally made crafts, handmade chocolates and so much more.
The Artsy Olive
Gourmet Food Boutique
128 Front St (located in Cannon’s Corner)
Dillsboro, NC 28725
865-254-8835
Country Traditions
Gourmet Food and Wine Shop
73 Webster St
Dillsboro, NC
828-586-1600
Cooking Demos, North Carolina products
Dogwood Crafters
Appalachian Craft Cooperative
90 Webster St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-2248
Handmade items from over 80 artisans
Golden Carp
Unique Gifts and Fine Art
107 Webster St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-5477
Open late Spring thru Christmas
Jackson County Green Energy Park
Artists Studios and Gallery
100 Green Energy Park Rd
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-631-0271
Free Tours, Festivals, Classes, Demonstrations
The Kitchen Shop
Kitchen Accessories, Giftware
170 Front St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-4182
Magnolia Jewelry
Local Handcrafted Jewelry and Fashion Accessories
132 Front St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-399-1398
Monkey Toes
Unique Products for the Entire Family
130 Front St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-631-0900
Nancy Tut’s Christmas Shop
Everything Christmas
488 Haywood Ave
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-5391
Oaks Gallery
Fine Local Crafts
29 Craft Circle at the Riverwood Shops
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-6542
Rabbit Creek Pottery
Pottery Studio and Art Gallery
27 Church St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-371-3808
Riverwood Pottery
Pottery Studio and Gallery
Dillsboro, NC 28725
Shirley’s Boutique
Traditional and Current Women’s Fashions
124 Front St at Church St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-586-8031
Tree House Pottery
Pottery Studio and Gallery
148 Front St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
828-631-5100
Tunnel Mountain Crafts
Handmade Crafts from local NC artisans
94 Front St
Dillsboro, NC 28725
954-707-2004
Shopping in Sylva, NC
The town of Sylva, NC is approximately two miles east of the Dillsboro Inn.
Take a stroll down Main Street, visit independent businesses, unique restaurants, and take in quality events for families and visitors alike.
Baxley’s Chocolates
Handcrafted, small batch traditional chocolates including caramels, cremes, nut clusters and meltaways. Boxed candies available.
628 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-631-3379
Humanite Boutique Women’s clothing and cullowhee souvenirs Sylva, NC 28779
City Lights Bookstore
Bookstore, Gifts, Maps
3 East Jackson St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-9499
It’s By Nature – A Gallery of Southern Crafts
It’s By Nature is a contemporary and traditional fine art and craft gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Sylva, featuring the works of more than 170 American artists with a concentration on the Southern Highland Mountain region. 100% American Made Crafts.
678 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-631-3020
Jackson’s General Store
Gifts and clothing
582 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-9600
Jones Country Store and Museum
Antiques displayed throughout the museum. Specializing in antique tools and toys. All in excellent condition.
494 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-507-2758
Nichols House
Antiques and collectibles
83 Landis Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-0500
Papou’s Wine Shop and Bar
Wine shop and wine bar
428 West Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-586-6300
Shed’s Hunting Supply
Retail store selling equipment for hunting and fishing including guns, bows and arrows. Also selling outdoor gear and clothing – new, used and consignment items.
472 East Main Street
Sylva, NC 28779
828-339-3300
Spas
Looking to revitalize, rejuvenate and relax?
Take time out for a massage, wrap or facial at one of our nearby spas.
Carol Lilly Massage
45 King St
Sylva, NC 28779
828-507-9581
Hrs: By appointment only
Fusions Healing Center and Day Spa
96 West Sylva Shopping Area
Sylva, NC 28779
828-631-0232
Moonlight Spa and Retreat
129 Moonlight Drive
Sylva, NC
828-477-4357