SMALL
mountain townS &
Shopping
You've escaped to the mountains and left the hustle and bustle back home. You've come to explore. You've come to rest and relax. Most importantly, you've come to shop! Yes we have all the modern conveniences you appreciate at home here in western North Carolina. There are grocery stores, drug stores, and even a couple Dollar Generals. But there's nothing better than exploring small mountains towns- strolling the streets, shopping, and dining. The Farmers Markets, antiquing, the boutiques, and everything in between can be found here and all within a short drive.
The Necessities
203 Hwy 64 E Cashiers, NC 28717
Ingles Markets
Full-service grocery market. They offer a complete deli which is great for meals on the run. There's even a full Starbucks inside!
78 US 64
Cashiers, NC 28717
Cashiers Farmers Market
Quaint market offering fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and more. They also have "On the Side" barbecue to go.
19347 Rosman Hwy
Sapphire, NC 28774
Dollar General- Sapphire
Forget something? Chances are that DG has it! This store is east of the cottages on Hwy 64.
818 Hwy 64E
Cashiers, NC 28717
Cashiers ABC Store (Liquor)
All of your favorite spirits can be found here. The town's only liquor store is operated by the Jackson County ABC Board. Located across the street from Ingles.
76 Cashiers Shopping Ct.
Cashiers, NC 28717
Dollar General- Cashiers
Just about anything you could possibly need while on vacation can be found at DG. This one is located west of the cottages on HWY 64 in the Ingles shopping center.
130 US 64
Cashiers, NC 28717
The Wine Cellar
Amazing selection of wines. Ingles also has a great selection.
discover nearby Mountain towns
Cashiers North carolina
The closest of the mountain towns to Sapphire Valley, Cashiers (pronounced cash-ers) is a place you'll get to know well. It's Located 10-15 minutes to the west of the cottages along Hwy 64 at an elevation of about 3,400 feet. Explore numerous apparel boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios, and outstanding restaurants. Many are hidden a little off the highway, so park and walk. We recommend stopping at Cashiers Farmers Market for a picnic lunch and enjoy at their picnic tables or on a nearby hike. Many of our favorite hikes and waterfalls are located nearby as well.
Highlands North carolina
Located about 10-15 minutes to the west of Cashiers, NC along Hwy 64 (about 25-30 minutes from the cottages) you'll find the adorable town of Highlands perched above 4,000 feet elevation. In addition to a multitude of outdoor activities and attractions in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest, Highlands boasts exquisite restaurants, fabulous shopping, and a great cultural arts scene. The "postcard" downtown offers plenty of art galleries, antique stores and upscale boutiques. Several of the restaurants have been awarded the coveted Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. In the middle of downtown Highlands is Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a resort consisting of the historic main building, a full-service European–style spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden. This and so much more can be found in this idyllic mountain town.
(copy credit to Romantic Asheville)
Sylva North carolina
Sylva is a very fun and picturesque small town (population 2,500) in Jackson County at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. From the cottages, head west on Hwy 64 to the Cashiers Crossroads, then head north on Hwy 107- the trip will take about 45 minutes. Once you land in Sylva, find public parking and stroll its "all American" Main Street, packed with local restaurants, friendly stores, galleries, bookshops and several craft breweries. The centerpiece of this quintessential mountain town is the Jackson County courthouse perched high on a hill above the town. Climb the 107 steps to reach it and enjoy amazing views of the Mina Street below. For more information on planning your day trip to Sulva, click here.
Cullowhee North carolina
Home of Western Carolina University (WCU), Cullowhee is an adventure paradise in the Great Smoky Mountains. The small town is centrally located in Jackson County and lose to Cashiers, Sylva, and Dillsboro. You'll drive through Cullowhee along Hwy 107 on your way to Sylva. Originally settled as a Cherokee village, Cullowhee is the perfect place to get outside for kayaking, canoeing, tubing, and mountain biking. That’s why WCU was named the top adventure college by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine for several years now. An hour west of Asheville, there are endless outdoor pursuits and Cullowhee is located near both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Brevard North carolina
Included as a part of Western North Carolina’s Land of Waterfalls, Brevard and Transylvania County have much more than gorgeous cascades! The bustling Main Street is full of local shops and boutiques, galleries, and great restaurants. A stately court house sits on the square with a gazebo where community concerts are held. One of our favorite small towns in western North Carolina, Brevard is relatively large (large meaning it actually has some "Big Box" stores like Walmart and Lowes) but maintains its quaint mountain charm. It's home to Brevard College, The White Squirrel Festival, and many other seasonal events. From the cottages, head east along Hwy 64 through Lake Toxaway and you'll get to Brevard in about 30 minutes. It's also the midway point on your way to Asheville. Be sure to include a visit to the Pisgah National Forest which is home to Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock. On a rainy day, you can check out the historic 1930's Coed Cinema to catch a movie. Click here to help plan your day trip to Brevard.
Asheville North carolina
A trip to Western North Carolina would not be complete without a visit to Asheville! The iconic BIltmore Estate is a MUST SEE and offers a different experience each time you visit with its seasonal decor, gardens, and special events. Asheville is the cultural epicenter of western NC offering countless galleries, boutiques, restaurants, festivals, and so much more. If you happen to be a craft beer enthusiast, you'll fall in love with the dozens of local craft breweries. Asheville is just over an hour from the cottages and makes for a great day trip. Fore more on planning your visit to Asheville, click here.
