Dillsboro: Mecca for artists and crafters is worth a visit
If any town in Western North Carolina could be considered a hamlet, that title likely would fall to Dillsboro, another of Western North Carolina's pedestrian-friendly destinations. Here you'll find 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.
And the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad still runs excursion trains to Dillsboro from its main depot in Bryson City. The railroad brings thousands of tourists into Dillsboro each year.
The home of the town's founder, Thomas Dills, 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 has created a 16-acre park with public restrooms, walking trails and public parking on the site of the Monteith Farmstead just east of town. The 1908 farmstead houses the Appalachian Women's Museum, a cultural heritage tourism site to honor and recognize generations of Appalachian women for their work both in and out of the home.
Attractions
• 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. The park supports environmental protection and offers educational opportunities that together will help lead towards a more sustainable future for Western North Carolina. 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.
• Dogwood Crafters — Showcasing mountain crafts since 1976, this cooperative features more than 80 artisans from the Smoky Mountains. The shop offers a constantly changing mix of handcrafted treasures.
• Oaks Gallery — Showcasing more than 100 of the area's finest professional craftspeople. Jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, weaving and more.
• Claymates — A "paint your own" pottery experience, becoming increasingly popular as an office-party destination and girls-nights-out spot.
Dining & Nightlife
• Dillsboro Smokehouse — Barbeque that's earned local and national attention. 403 Haywood Rd. 828.586.9556.
• Kostas Family Restaurant — Delicious Greek, Italian and Continental Cuisine. 489 Haywood Road. 828.631.0777
• 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 (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.
