Recommendations
Coffee
White Moon
The favorite Sylva coffee spot! The perfect mix of locals and visitors to town, this shop is eclectic and comfortable. The staff is friendly and talented, turning out great coffee drinks, bakery items, and food options. Order online for a quick pickup on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or sit and enjoy the consistent buzz of the shop!
Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
The newest coffee shop in town, Bootleg occupies a really nice space with ample room for working remotely or telling stories. I think this is a good spot for an afternoon coffee and getting some work done or taking a break from shopping downtown.
Breakfast/Brunch
White Moon
As mentioned, White Moon has excellent breakfast options. My personal go to is the Egg Sammy (White Moon Style), as it is great for eating in or taking to go. Do yourself a favor and grab a fresh muffin or scone as well…yes, it’s too much food, but it is AWESOME!
Lucy in the Rye
This is your option for a hearty sit down breakfast with family or friends. It is popular and can be busy on the weekends, but don’t let a small wait turn you off. Great variety of options, from simple to some elevated options.
City Lights CAfe
Easy to miss this cozy little spot as it sits up the hill from the main drag. Good hippie vibe that has a “healthier” vibe. That being said, I don’t leave hungry and enjoy the outdoor seating.
Nightlife/Drinks
Santé Wine Bar
A perfect spot for a quiet, intimate evening. Enjoy somalier selected wines with delicious h’orderves prepared by Ilda. Quiet and quaint – it’s just lovely. It’s a small space but it’s cozy and they have a garage door with seating that opens up to Main Street. I often run in and grab a bottle to take back to the cabin. The staff is happy to help you select a great bottle at whatever price point you are comfortable with.
Dark Moon
The yin to White Moon’s yang! The space is small, but the drinks will not disappoint. Choose from a list of their specialty cocktails or have the bartender mix up something unique and special just for you. These type finds make Sylva something you didn’t expect!
The Cut Cocktail Lounge
This one is a must! Very local heavy clientele, but please don’t be intimidated. You will see everything from Bud Heavy to craft cocktails being enjoyed by a diverse group of patrons. My personal favorite way to enjoy the Cut is to venture in after supper and have a cocktail and a homemade brownie to end the evening. If you are fortunate, the back of the lounge has a great sitting area to look out the window with plants everywhere and escape to wherever you feel like going!
Breadheads Tiki Shack
This eclectic spot is always full of excitement. They feature local bands a few nights a week and are known to have, a Drag Night here and there. Get anything from a Miller Lite to Craft Tiki Drinks and enjoy all of their far-from boring bar foods.
Beer/Breweries
Innovation Brewery – (Dillsboro and Sylva)
With two locations you get to pick your vibe. Both locations sit on Scott Creek and have great seating options both inside and out. Dillsboro is a food truck hotspot and Sylva has a permanent pizza option (see below). The beer can vary between the two locations, Dillsboro seems to get more of the experimental releases and Sylva stays pretty consistent with the go-to’s. Dog Friendly at both, although I would do Dillsboro with by furry friend.
Balsam Falls Brewing
This is my go to after the long drive to Sylva. “Pine Bounder” is my favorite beer in town and with the kitchen being in house it’s just so consistent and yummy. Really good beer variety and a great place to meet up with people.
Lazy Hiker Brewing
Probably go here the least, but couldn’t tell you why?! Beer is really solid with a good variety. Good outdoor space and a large indoor area. They have music and performance art so check their calendar. Also, solid restaurant in house, which is always nice.
Casual Dining
Dalya's THai Cuisine
James Beard Award nominated Chef is about all you need to know here! Specifically Northern Thai cuisine, this is just a special place. It is small (maybe 30 seats), and sits on Scott Creek. My play here is to go early and get a seat on the creek. It can get very busy at peak times. Fish Sauce Wings are other worldly!
Meatballs Pizzeria
Easily my go-to pizza spot for wood fired elevated pizza. Enjoy the sourdough crust and charred flavor! Attached to Innovation Brewing (Sylva), you can order a pizza and go next door for beer. Best of both worlds!
Haywoods Smokehouse
Very popular and gets very busy. I’m a BBQ guy, and I can tell you that they do a really nice job with their meats, but the home run here is their attention to their sides. PLEASE PLEASE get the Burnt-End Baked Beans!
Breadheads Tiki Shack- Nachos
These nachos are huge and delicious. Regular Pork Nachos or Poke Nachos – you can’t go wrong with either. Just get a half serving of both…You won’t regret it. Grab a Tiki Drink or Pabst and just eat!
Balsam Falls Brewing - best burger
Huge fan of a simple night of beer and these burgers! Personal favorite is the SouthWest Burger, and you must get TOTS!
Fine Dining
Ilda
Specifically Southern Italian this dining experience is incredible. Everything from the dining room, to the craft cocktails, to the wine selection, and service is top notch. Whether a party of one at the bar or a special evening with loved ones, please visit this place. Eat, Drink, and be Merry! (reservations highly suggested and can be made online)
Black Balsam Outdoors
Right on the main strip of downtown, Black Balsam has everything you could need, for to gear up your outdoor adventures – backpacking and camping gear (downstairs), trail maps, and all of the best brands of outdoor apparel. They also have a good deal of local items and branded apparel that make great gifts.
Get geared up for your next fly fishing adventure at this local fly shop (also in the heart of downtown). Whether you just need a few flies, or need to get fully outfitted for your first fly fishing experience, they can get you set up with whatever you need. If you want some insight on the local waters, we highly recommend dropping in, grabbing a fly or three, and chatting it up with whoever is running the shop that day. Bonus: They also have shops in Waynesville and Bryson City and provide guide services at all three locations.
In need of a tube or fuel for the road or just looking for tips on the best mountain biking trails in the area? This local bike shop can point you in the right direction. A Specialized retailer, they have a wide selection of bikes including road, mountain, and e-bikes.
Noon
This tiny shop is tucked in a few doors up from White Moon. It has an earthy yet modern feel. If you love minimalism, hand-crafted items, great-smelling candles, and unique gifts, you should definitely pop in. Find hand-made earthenware, candles, and small home decor items.
Harry Alter Books
If you’re a book lover, you must stop by this preloved bookstore. I’m pretty sure the owner has read every single book in his shop. It is impeccably organized and has a great selection of local reads, academia, history, and even some children’s books.
End of Main Antiques
This small antique shop is well-curated and so fun to browse through. Find anything from furniture to old signs, and mid-century glassware.
We love being able to share our favorite hikes and outdoor activities with our guests!
While the mountains are beautiful, we encourage our guests to please keep in mind that the wilderness is WILD. Please do not approach wildlife. Practice Leave No Trace > Do not litter and leave rocks, plants, and animals where you found them. Please respect the lakes, streams, and rivers– they are the life source of this beautiful land.
If you are new to WNC, we have created a helpful checklist of how to plan for your outdoor adventures.
Tips for exploring WNC >
And most of all – have fun!
On the Water
The guys at Tuck Fly Shop are experts the local waters. If you’re looking to try out fly fishing for the first time or are a seasoned angler who just wants a guided experience in the
Dillsboro River Company >
If you’re looking for rafting or tubing down the Tuck, this is the local go-to.
NOC has something for everyone. From whitewater rafting to kid’s (and adult) summer camps- learn new skills or just go for a relaxing meal and drink by the Nantahala river.
DYI Adventures
If you’re an experienced river rat, you can find many public access points along the Tuckaseegee River. There are ramps every 5 miles or so but mind the areas with dams.
On the Trail
Hikes with a view
Each of these trails are fairly short, but have quick and steep inclines, but the views are worth the high heart rate!
- Black Balsam Knob > We’ve seen all sorts of folks on this hike although, we would suggest taking the long way up and down.
- Sam’s Knob > Best morning views (rated difficult but we would say moderately challenging). The varying topography is unique to this hike. It starts in a meadow until you hit the summit trail which takes you through a drove of Mountain laurel and steep rocky steps. You can make this hike longer by connecting to any number of trails it crosses (MTS, Art Loeb, and Flat Laurel Creek).
- Devil’s Courthouse > Super popular. Sunrise/Sunset is the best, but sunset will be crowded. It’s paved halfway up which tapers off to gravel until you hit the top. There is also a pull-off close by (Courthouse Valley) that has pretty epic views if you’re not up for the steep hike.
- Waterrock Knob > super popular spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Beautiful views. The only toilet on this side of the parkway.
Hikes on water
- Oconalufttee River Trail (SMNP Cherokee) > Flat, Accessible, Easy 3mi, and you’re likely to see elk.
- Flat Laurel Creek > This trail has a sneaky incline and while it says easy on Alltrails, we would caution newbies to take into consideration it’s length (7.5 mi) and the fact that most of the trail is wet and rocky. This trail runs along the main creek and there are several great campsites along it if you’re into backpacking. We discourage hiking this trail in the winter unless you are experienced on ice and have appropriate footwear.
Chasing Waterfalls
- Smoky Mountain National Park: Deep Creek Waterfall Loop >
Easy, wide trail on the NC side of SMNP right outside of Bryson City. Multiple Waterfalls along the route with places to sit and soak in the serenity. This is a popular trail so please keep in mind that weekends can be especially crowded. Day parking passes ($5) can be purchased at the Kiosks by the bathrooms of the main parking area. - Sunburst Falls > We encourage you to take the scenic route from Waynesville to the falls which goes along the beautiful Pigeon River. This is more of a scenic drive to a waterfall than it is a hike. You don’t have to leave your car to view the falls.
- Glen Falls > Popular waterfall trail with high traffic a few minutes south of Highlands. It’s well maintained, but it has a steep incline (over 700 steps total), but worth the high heart rate.
- Panthertown Valley Trail > This is a super popular hiking area about a half-hour drive from the cabins. The trails are wide, well maintained, boasting beautiful views, and have at least 2 waterfalls on the main loop. School House Falls is a popular summer swimming hole due to a large pool under the falls and a sandy beach. There are various hikes on AllTrails so if the 5.4 mi is not what you’re looking for, there are other (shorter and longer) options.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a great way to take in the views – especially if you have little ones. The Polar Express rides are the most popular for winter months. The train rides launch from Bryson city which is about 25 -30 minutes drive from the cabins. While waiting on your train, you can walk around and explore Bryson city which as numerous shops and restaurants.
Dillsboro River Company provides family-friendly rafting and tubing down the Tuckasegee River.
Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley provides snow tubing and snow skiing/boarding. Book you slot ahead of time on their website. Time slots fill up quickly around the holiday so make sure. you book in advance. It’s an easy 35-40 min drive from the Cabin. Stop in Waynesville for coffee, lunch, or just to browse around Mast General Store – Downstairs has candy and toys!