Dillsboro North CarolinaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dillsboro, North Carolina.
1. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
SCENIC TRAIN ADVENTURES
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers year-round train rides along the Tuckasegee River with panoramic views of stunning landscapes. Special themed trips like The Polar Express and The Easter Express are local favorites among visitors and residents alike. This historic railroad provides an immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains region.
2. Riverwood Shops
CENTURY-OLD ARTISAN MARKETPLACE
Riverwood Shops showcases Appalachian handmade crafts in a century-old marketplace setting that highlights the region's artistic heritage. Visitors can browse through various stores featuring unique works from local artisans and craftspeople. The shops provide an authentic glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship that has made Dillsboro a tourist destination since the late 1800s.
3. Dogwood Crafters
LOCAL ARTISAN COLLECTIVE
Dogwood Crafters displays work from over 100 artisans throughout the Appalachian region in one convenient location. This cooperative gallery celebrates the rich artistic traditions of the mountains with a diverse collection of handmade items. Visitors can find everything from traditional mountain crafts to contemporary art pieces created by local talent.
4. Haywood Smokehouse Mercantile & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Bar
SMOKEHOUSE AND SWEET TREATS
Haywood Smokehouse Mercantile & Old Fashioned Ice Cream Bar combines authentic smoked meats with classic ice cream treats in a charming setting. Visitors can enjoy traditional barbecue flavors before sampling handcrafted ice cream for dessert. The establishment is consistently rated as one of the top attractions in Dillsboro for its quality food and nostalgic atmosphere.
5. Innovation Station
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Innovation Station offers craft brews and delectable pub fare in a beloved local establishment that attracts both tourists and locals. The brewery features a rotating selection of unique beers made on-site using traditional and innovative brewing methods. Visitors can relax in the friendly atmosphere while sampling high-quality beverages and food that showcase regional flavors.
6. Appalachian Women's Museum
CELEBRATING MOUNTAIN HERITAGE
The Appalachian Women's Museum is the first museum dedicated to Southern Appalachian women and their contributions to the region. Exhibits offer a unique glimpse into the lives, work, and culture of women who helped shape mountain communities throughout history. The museum preserves and honors the often overlooked stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership among Appalachian women.
7. Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
HANDCRAFTED SWEET TREATS
Dillsboro Chocolate Factory invites visitors to satisfy their sweet tooth with handcrafted confections made using traditional methods. The charming shop offers a variety of chocolate treats ranging from classic favorites to unique mountain-inspired creations. Guests can often watch the chocolate-making process while browsing the selection of delectable goodies perfect for gifts or personal indulgence.
8. Tuckasegee River
OUTDOOR WATER ADVENTURES
The Tuckasegee River provides opportunities for kayaking, tubing, and fly fishing in a serene natural setting just steps from downtown Dillsboro. Outdoor enthusiasts can navigate the gentle waters while enjoying the tranquility and scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. The river serves as a central feature of the area's recreational offerings and connects visitors with the natural landscape of the region.
9. Jarrett House
HISTORIC SOUTHERN DINING
Jarrett House offers Southern hospitality and traditional Appalachian cuisine in a historic inn and restaurant setting. Visitors can experience authentic mountain cooking featuring family-style meals with time-honored recipes passed down through generations. The establishment combines comfortable lodging with memorable dining experiences that highlight the region's culinary heritage.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular scenic drives with panoramic mountain vistas just a short distance from Dillsboro. This famous highway winds through the Appalachian Highlands providing access to numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and cultural points of interest. Travelers can experience the changing seasons along this 469-mile route that showcases some of the most beautiful landscapes in the eastern United States.
11. Western Carolina University
CULTURAL AND ACADEMIC HUB
Western Carolina University hosts performances, exhibitions, and cultural events that are open to the public throughout the year. Located a short distance from Dillsboro, the campus offers artistic and educational opportunities for visitors seeking to experience local culture. The university serves as an important center for Appalachian studies and regional heritage preservation in addition to its academic programs.
12. Sylva Main Street
CHARMING DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Sylva Main Street features a picturesque downtown area with historic buildings, unique shops, and local restaurants just minutes from Dillsboro. The district is known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant community atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round. Shoppers can discover everything from antiques and books to handmade crafts and specialty food items while exploring this nearby mountain town.
13. Cherokee Indian Reservation
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Cherokee Indian Reservation offers cultural attractions including the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through authentic experiences and educational exhibits. The reservation also features opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment that showcase contemporary Native American life and culture.
14. Cashiers Sliding Rock
NATURAL WATER SLIDE
Cashiers Sliding Rock provides a natural 60-foot water slide formed by smooth rock faces and flowing mountain water. This popular summer attraction allows visitors to cool off by sliding down the slick rock surface into a refreshing pool below. The site combines outdoor adventure with natural beauty in a family-friendly setting just a short drive from Dillsboro.
15. Biltmore Estate
AMERICA'S LARGEST HOME
Biltmore Estate showcases the 250-room French Renaissance chateau built by George Vanderbilt in 1895 and sits less than an hour from Dillsboro. Visitors can tour the magnificent mansion, explore the meticulously maintained gardens, and enjoy the on-site winery and restaurants. The 8,000-acre estate offers a glimpse into America's Gilded Age with its impressive architecture, priceless art collection, and stunning landscape design.