Downtown Sylva is a working town where tourists merge with local business owners and residents. The downtown Main Street proper is highly walkable, with an assortment of stores including art galleries, furniture and clothing stores, restaurants, a bakery and more.

Mill Street — which is the other half of the one-way Main Street — is undergoing revitalization and is welcoming new stores. Mill Street also provides access to the town’s free parking, as Main Street often gets crowded.

Mill Street also provides access to the town’s Farmer’s Market, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, May through October. The market is located in the municipal parking lot downtown. Most growers use organic and natural practices, and several vendors will have honey, jams & jellies, locally crafted items, gourds and other goodies for sale in addition to plants, produce, herbs, eggs and more.

Sylva’s tree-lined streetscape, dotted with benches, provides visitors with an afternoon of easy walking. Sylva is a great place to spend the day. You can do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, and visit the historic buildings, such as the Jackson County Courthouse that overlooks Main Street. Try making the 107-step trek up to the historic courthouse. It’s said that the 107 steps gave N.C. 107 its name, but don’t be surprised if your counting comes out wrong — some of the steps were removed when the fountain was put in at the base of the stairs.

The downtown is becoming a more happening place at night with ongoing efforts to bring live music into local venues. Friday Night Live brings music to Sylva and Dillsboro with an ever-changing list of locations and bands. The popular Art After Dark gallery stroll is held on the first Friday of each month.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 3 — Art After Dark. Downtown gallery stroll held in downtown Sylva from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month May-January. Featured locations include Bubacz’ Underground Cafe and Coffee, Guadalupe Cafe, Modern Artifacts, Papou’s Wine Shop, Penumbra Gallery and Studio, Spring Street Cafe, Gallery One, The Killer Creek Co. and It’s By Nature. Visit www.historicdowntownsylva.com for more information.

• 4 — Western Carolina University Homecoming Stompfest 2008 in Cullowhee. A step-show competition featuring African-American fraternities and sororities. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. For tickets or information, contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs. 7 p.m.; 10 p.m.–1 a.m. is the Stompfest Afterparty. University Center Grandroom. 828.227.2276.

• 5 — Political songster and comedian Mark Russell will appear at the Fine and Performing Arts Center on the WCU campus. 3 p.m. 828.227.2505 or visit www.wcufapac.ticketsxchange.com.

• 10 — Smoky Steak 10K/5K Run/Walk. Route goes from Dillsboro to Webster. 828.586.7669.

• 31 — Friday Night Live in Jackson County showcases the best of the local music scene on the last Friday of each month. Whether your interest is folk, rock, country, bluegrass, easy listening or something in between, Friday Night Live has just the ticket. Shows are at about 10 venues in Dillsboro, Sylva and Cullowhee. For schedule visit www.mountainlovers.com or call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 800.962.1911.

November

• 7 — Art After Dark. Downtown gallery stroll held in downtown Sylva from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month May-January. Featured locations include Bubacz’ Underground Cafe and Coffee, Guadalupe Cafe, Modern Artifacts, Papou’s Wine Shop, Penumbra Gallery and Studio, Spring Street Cafe, Gallery One, The Killer Creek Co. and It’s By Nature. Visit www.historicdowntownsylva.com for more information.

• 28 — Friday Night Live in Jackson County showcases the best of the local music scene on the last Friday of each month. Whether your interest is folk, rock, country, bluegrass, easy listening or something in between, Friday Night Live has just the ticket. Shows are at about 10 venues in Dillsboro, Sylva and Cullowhee. For schedule visit www.mountainlovers.com or call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 800.962.1911.

• 28 — 21st Annual Hard Candy Christmas craft show in Cullowhee. Authentic work of 100 heritage and contemporary artisans. $3 admission children under 12 free. Free Parking. 828.524.3405 or www.mountainartisans.com.

December

• 5 — Art After Dark. Downtown gallery stroll held in downtown Sylva from 6:30 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of each month May-January. Featured locations include Bubacz’ Underground Cafe and Coffee, Guadalupe Cafe, Modern Artifacts, Papou’s Wine Shop, Penumbra Gallery and Studio, Spring Street Cafe, Gallery One, The Killer Creek Co. and It’s By Nature. Visit www.historicdowntownsylva.com for more information.

• 6 — Sylva Christmas Parade begins at 5 p.m. The parade starts at Scott Creek Road and ends at Mark Watson Park. For information or to sign up to participate call 828.586.1577 or visit www.downtownsylva.org.

• 26 — Friday Night Live in Jackson County showcases the best of the local music scene on the last Friday of each month. Whether your interest is folk, rock, country, bluegrass, easy listening or something in between, Friday Night Live has just the ticket. Shows are at about 10 venues in Dillsboro, Sylva and Cullowhee. For schedule visit www.mountainlovers.com or call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 800.962.1911.

Attractions

• Fine Arts Center and Museum — This state of the art teaching facility at Western Carolina University also has an art museum with an excellent permanent collection and visiting exhibits. Open Tues., Wed. Thurs. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fri., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 828.227.3591.

• Heinzelmannchen Brewery — Jackson County’s very own microbrewery offers smooth, German-style beers and root beer. The owners are happy to provide taste tests, and you can take your brew with you in a signature Heinzelmannchen growler. Open Tuesday through Saturday. 828.631.4466.

• The Hooper House — At the bottom of courthouse hill on Main Street sits this rambling Victorian home. Sylva residents rallied when plans were announced to destroy this 1905 residence of who was then Jackson County’s only doctor. They convinced county officials to help save it, and the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce helped lead a successful fund-raising effort to renovate the home. The home contains a county historical museum and is home to the chamber of commerce and the travel and tourism association. 828.586.2155.

• Judaculla Rock — A mysterious collection of Native American petroglyphs located on Caney Fork Road off N.C. 107 between Cullowhee and Glenville in Jackson County. In the late 19th century, Cherokee groups were known to have ceremonial assemblies around the rock. Some say the rock is a map of a 1755 battle between the Cherokee and Indian rivals. Archeologists who have perused the stone claim it was carved sometime in the Late Archaic Period about 5,900 to 3,200 years ago when evidence first appears of Native American societies forming mound societies, or towns that took root around ceremonial Indian mounds.

• The Mountain Heritage Center — Located in the H.R. Robinson Administration Building on the Western Carolina University campus, this museum features exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs on mountain society, past and present, from the migration of the Scotch Irish people to basket making traditions. 828.227.2179.

• Pinnacle Park — Located 10 minutes from Sylva and at an elevation of 5,000 feet this park offers panoramic views of the town. Hiking trails include a handicapped accessible route in the lower portion of park. From Sylva take Skyland Drive east and turn left into Fisher Creek Road. Continue to the end of the road.

Dining and Nightlife

• Balsam Mountain Inn — Fine dining at Seven Spring Restaurant and occasional live music. 68 Seven Springs Drive. 828.456.9498.

• Bellaroma Pizzeria — Pizza and Italian basics. 1070 Skyland Dr. 828.631.3355.

• Bogart’s — Family-friendly menu and bar. 35 E. Main St. 828.586.6532.

• El Pacifico — Mexican fare and margaritas. 410 E. Main St. 828.586.0681.

• Guadalupe Café — South American dining and amped up live, local music on the weekends. Main Street in Sylva. 828.586.9877.

• Five Fifty Three — Southern influenced fine dining featuring shrimp and grits, Cajun pasta, po boys. 828.631.3810.

• Lulu’s — Upscale, casual dining drawing from around world. 612 W. Main St. 828.586.8989.

• Mill & Main — Soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, and dinner entrees. Homemade desserts daily. 462 W. Main St. 828.586.6799.

• Nick & Nate’s Pizza — Casual Italian, American standards and hot pizza on Main Street. Closed Tuesdays. 556 W. Main St. 828.586.3000.

• O’Malley’s — Irish themed bar with an American menu, dart boards and TV’s to watch the game on. 83 Asheville Hwy. 828.631.0554.

• Rene’s Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant – Pizzas to orer, subs, salads, Italian specials and homemade soup. 44 E. Sylva Plaza. 828.586.5860.

• Rusty Lizard — Pool hall and live music venue attached to a family geared bowling alley. 347 Grindstaff Rd. 828.631.0705.

• Soul Infusion Tea House — Vegetarian and organic friendly fare, live music on occasion. 628 E. Main St. 828.586.1717.

• Speedy’s Pizza — Hot pies and more with indoor/outdoor dining. 82 E. Main St. 828.586.3800.

• Spring Street — Located under City Lights bookstore, Spring Street offers upscale, casual dining. 3 E. Jackson St. 828.586.1800.

Visitor Center

• The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce visitor center is located in the Hooper House on Main Street. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com. Also, the Downtown Sylva Association has a web site (www.downtownsylva.org) or call 828.586.1577 or email info@downtownsylva.org.

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. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 755 W. Main St. 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.