Ever heard of downtown Sylva, North Carolina? Didn’t think so . . . but you should.
Every state has sleepy little hamlets that grow into bustling towns due to a vibrant downtown. Sylva is a perfect example. Nestled at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains in southwestern North Carolina, downtown Sylva is a perfect place to spend a few hours of fun and leisure. Known for its street festivals, concerts, galleries, restaurants bookshops and breweries, downtown Sylva is a local gem worth exploring. A good place to start is the Jackson County Information Center located at the southeast corner of Main and Keener Streets at the base of the Jackson County Courthouse.
The most famous landmark in downtown Sylva is the Jackson County Courthouse on Main Street. Built in 1914 it has become the most photographed courthouse in the entire Tar Hill state. As you ascend the 107 steps from the street-level fountain to the front door you pass Sylva Sam, a statue commemorating “Our Heroes of the Confederacy”, on your way towards the gold leaf dome. The building is no longer a courthouse but now serves as a library and museum. At the top of steps be sure to turn around to get a beautiful view of downtown Sylva and the surrounding mountain ranges.
On the Reel
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. Directed by Martin McDonagh.
This highly acclaimed dark dramedy, starring Academy Award Winner Frances McDormand, follows the goings on in a small town as a woman pushes to have her daughter’s death investigated by a resistant chief of police. Downtown Sylva serves as the mythical Ebbing, Missouri.
Other downtown Sylva landmarks are the First Baptist Church on Main Street, Bridge Park next to the Farmers Market and the “Greetings from Sylva, N.C.” mural on Mill Street. The church, along with its newly restored steeple, is also known for its large intricate stained glass murals depicting the life of Christ. Bridge Park is currently home to the traveling 9’ (2.7m) high sculpture of underground railroad heroin Harriet Tubman. The statue will remain until mid-December 2021 when it will move to Philadelphia. The downtown Sylva mural sits on the east side of the Ward Plumbing building along Mill Street. It depicts all of the elements that make this part of North Carolina so popular with visiting tourists and townsfolk alike.
Most visitors to downtown Sylva come to window shop along Main Street. There is a wonderful combination of well-known brands like Black Balsam Outdoors and Tuskaseegee Fly Shop alongside local favorites like Harry Alter Used Books, Snake Song Florists and In Your Ear Music Emporium. There are several restaurants from the highbrow mediterranean-inspired cuisine Jame and eclectic farm-to-table Guadalupe Cafe to the more family-friendly Lucy in the Rye and Melissa’s Backstreet Takeout. There are also a few local breweries and wine bars to choose from.
For the more artistic crowd downtown Sylva provides several shops and galleries. There are playful shops like B&B Gifts featuring tons of local handmade art and accessories, Dixie Mae Vintage art gallery and the eclectic Jackson Arts Market, which includes exhibitions and workshops. There are clothing boutiques like Southern & Sunkissed, the Nichols House Antique store, Sassafras Designs home goods and even Fusions Spa and Wellness for an afternoon’s relaxing escape. Be sure to stop by The Mountain Laurel Shop for some of the most interesting metal artworks.
Downtown Sylva is an ideal way to spend a few hours enmeshed in southern style and grace. The views are beautiful, the merchants friendly and the atmosphere is electric with culture, history and creativity. If you’re in town for a few days make sure you head over to Gorges State Park and get in some fantastic hiking and waterfall chasing!
Let us know all about your favorite “sleepy little hamlet”!
Sylva is fantastic!