Dillsboro is another of Western North Carolina’s pedestrian-friendly towns, a community of artists, unique retailers, and great restaurants. Though today’s enterprise is tourism-based, the railroad made Dillsboro a transportation center for local industry in the 1880s.

Dillsboro has been a tourist town since the late 19th century when the railroad first brought visitors to the “land of the sky” to escape the summer heat. More than a century later, Dillsboro has changed very little — a small country village with pristine white houses, rustic old shops, galleries, restaurants and quaint country inns. The founder, Thomas Dills’ home still stands, as does that of Capt. William Alfred Enloe, a prominent merchant before and after the Civil War. Enloe first ran a store in Webster that had its own leather tannery, shoe cobbler and clothing tailor. After the war Enloe relocated to Dillsboro. The local chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy is named in his honor.

The town is located on the banks of the Tuckasegee River, which runs the length of Jackson County. Fishing is a favorite activity on the Tuck. The river is filled with native and stocked trout and there are numerous spots and secret fishing holes.

Also, the Town of Dillsboro is creating a new, 16-acre multi-use park with a historical museum, amphitheater, performing arts center, recreation area, public restrooms, walking trails and public parking on the site of the Monteith Farmstead just east of town. The 1908 farmstead home will be restored to become the Appalachian Women’s Museum, a cultural heritage tourism site that will honor and recognize generations of Appalachian women for their work both in and out of the home.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 31 — Harvest Festival features a parade and children encouraged to wear costumes. 6 to 8 p.m. 828.631.0156.

November

• 1 — Western North Carolina Pottery Festival. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The annual festival celebrating the pottery of Western North Carolina takes place along Front Street. This juried event features the works of more than 20 highly-skilled potters from across the region. Potters on hand to demonstrate throwing and raku firing. 828.586.2155.

December

• 5-6, 12-13 — Lights and Luminaires. Adapted from an old Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ child, more than 2,500 candles in small white bags line the streets and every storefront is aglow with Christmas lights and decorations. Shopkeepers hold “Open House” and serve hot drinks and home baked goodies and stay open late to accommodate holiday shoppers. 5 to 9 p.m.

Attractions

• The Dillsboro Dam — A small, delightful dam spanning the Tuckasegee River, which visitors can view up close from either side of the river. For the best view turn off U.S. 441 onto North River Road. A parking area by the dam is a couple of hundred yards on the right beside the old powerhouse.

• The Hall House — The Lucius C. Hall house is a house within a home. At its core is a log building from the mid-nineteenth century; however in 1892 the house was remodeled in the Queen Anne style it bears today. The house has been a home for Congressman David Hall and Attorney General Lacy Thornburg.

• The Jackson County Green Energy Park — The Park captures methane gas from the old town landfill, and then uses the gas as fuel for a series of artisan studios, greenhouses, a biodiesel refinery, and other ventures. The Park supports environmental protection, and offer educational opportunities that together will help lead towards a more sustainable future for Western North Carolina. Tours from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, and by appointment. 828.631.0271.

• The Jarrett House — Founded by William Allen Dills — note the town bears his name — this one-time boarding house has welcomed guests to Jackson County since the 1880s. Now a family restaurant, the Jarrett House offers home cooked, Southern food and a few lessons in history.

• The Tuckasegee River — The Tuck, as it is called locally, runs along the southern border of Dillsboro and provides a cooling respite for travelers. Several raft companies are headquartered further downstream but come into town to begin their trips. Rafting or tubing are great ways to experience the Tuck, which is milder than its counterpart the Nantahala and so can accommodate small children.

Dining & Nightlife

• Dillsboro Smokehouse — Barbeque that’s earned local and national attention. 403 Haywood Rd. 828.586.9556.

• Dillsboro Steak and Seafood — Hand cut steaks, fresh seafood, homemade soups. 489 Haywood Rd. 828.586.8934.

• The Well House – Gourmet deli sandwiches with steak dinners on the weekend. 57 Craft Circle. 828.586.8588.

• West Carolina Internet Café — Quiche, bagels, stuffed grape leaves and café beverages to munch while making use of the café’s computers, fax and copy machines along with wi-fi. 475 Haywood Rd. 828.586.5700.

Visitor Center

• Either drop in Dillsboro’s town offices located at the corner of Depot and Front Streets, or head to the Jackson County visitors center down the road in Sylva. 828.586.2155 or visit www.nc-mountains.com. Two other useful Web sites are www.VisitDillsboro.org (Dillsboro Merchants Association) and www.DillsboroNC.info.com (Town of Dillsboro).

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 9 Walnut St. 828.586.2219.

• Jackson County Library — Free Internet access is available on five public access computers to all library visitors with a current photo ID. 755 W. Main St. in Sylva. 828.586.3423.

• Urgent Care — There is no Urgent Care Center in Sylva. If you are experiencing medical problems, visit Harris Regional Hospital located at 68 Hospital Rd. Urgent Care is available in Cherokee, Franklin and Waynesville. 828.586.7000.