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Our Destination is Not for Everyone
Today, a lot of companies are looking for new experiences that will help them connect with their coworkers, bosses, and company culture. Jackson County offers endless ways to do just that. Say goodbye to fluorescent lighting and stuffy conference rooms and hello to stunning sunsets and wide open spaces. Located between two of the country’s favorite national parks (Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway), our venues will wow your teams with outdoor attractions. Bonus: There are less crowds here compared to Asheville and other well-known mountain cities, so when you’re here, you get more mountains for your money.
Slow Down in Sylva
Looking for a relaxing (but productive) retreat? We recommend Sylva, where things are a little slower. If you’re bringing a big group, stay at Clarion Pointe. With over 4,000 sq feet of meeting space, it’s also the closest hotel to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Exploring Sylva’s Main Street is a treat in itself. Fuel up at unique restaurants like Mad Batter Kitchen (try the curry), Lulu’s on Main (grab a burger), Lucy in the Rye for brunch (enjoy strong coffee and cheese grits). Or hop on the Jackson County Ale Trail for happy hour and visit breweries all within walking distance. History buffs will want to check out the Historic Courthouse which overlooks downtown. Side note: If you’re looking for even more space for meetings, Western Carolina University is only about 10 minutes away.
The historic Jackson County Courthouse
Dining & Shopping in Dillsboro
Indulge your inner artist in Dillsboro, Jackson County’s charming artisan village. Shop handmade crafts from local artisans. The best hotels for meetings? Best Western Plus River Escape sits along the popular Tuckasegee River and offers a scenic patio perfect for outdoor meetings. Prefer mountain views over river views? Holiday Inn Express and Microtel are just minutes from the Great Smokies. When you need a lunch break, treat yourself to some North Carolina BBQ at Haywood Smokehouse or indulge at Rivers & Rails Tavern. For the group too adventurous for trust falls: Look into a rafting trip with the Dillsboro River Company.
Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites
Elevated Meetings in Cashiers
High Hampton in Cashiers is a premier meeting space (limited availability January–March) and is located next to one of only six ski resorts in the state. Golfers in the group will be pleased to know about close-by Sapphire National, one of the only courses in the region with public play. If you’re holding a bigger event, we recommend Village Green & Village Commons, which are on a 13.5-acre park and offer a full commercial kitchen and local catering. While here, dine at The Orchard Restaurant, a popular dining destination for over 20 years, with indoor and outdoor options available. Or snag a seat at Library Kitchen + Bar or Canyon Kitchen for upscale farm-to-table menus. For outdoor and social media gurus: Get a group photo in front of Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies at 811 ft.!
Get Out and Explore
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Easy to Access Hikes
- Tuckasegee River Greenway
- Mingo Falls
- Oconaluftee River Trail
- Cast a line in the WNC Fly Fishing Trail®
- Family Friendly Itinerary
Book Your Next Meeting in the Mountains