Preserving the stories of ordinary women leading extraordinary lives, the Appalachian Women’s Museum has resurrected the 1908 Monteith Farmhouse in Dillsboro, NC and converted it into a timeless museum in order to voice the stories of the women from this region. Learn about their contribution to the arts, government, education, as well as their lasting impact on modern-day Appalachia. The Appalachian Women’s Museum is open every Saturday, May 1st – October 31st from 10am – 2pm.
It’s true, Sylva is home to stunning views, majestic waterfalls, world-class fly fishing and sits at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But what is there to do after a day of taking in all this natural splendor? Hit the tables at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, of course! The first thing you notice from the outside is the 21-story hotel tower. Completed in 2011, it’s the largest hotel in the Carolinas and is situated just minutes from downtown Sylva.
The Museum of the Cherokee People
A perfect place to begin the exploration of Cherokee heritage and traditions is the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by a 20-foot hand-carved statue of Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet. As an interpretive site for the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, the state-of-the-art facility traces the story of the Cherokee from the earliest inhabitants of the area 11,000 years ago to present day. An extensive exhibit of artifacts and photos is enhanced with computer-generated holograms and other imagery, sound, and special effects that leave a lasting impression on the visitor.
The Jackson County Farmers Market has everything you’d expect and more! A wide range of local produce and farm goods are available, as well as local cheeses, breads, plants, and crafts. With over 35 fulltime vendors and even more drop-in vendors, this biweekly market brings in over 12,000 customers to Sylva annually. From April to October, the hours are Wednesday from 3:30pm – 6:30pm and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. The market is also held outdoors (weather permitting) in November & December on Saturdays from 10am – 1:00pm.