Hotels in Sylva

Tucked into the Plott Balsam Mountains, this artsy town has earned its nickname as 'The New Orleans of the Carolinas' through vibrant music and creative culture. Main Street offers a parade of quaint shops and local eateries where mountain hospitality comes standard. The historic Jackson County Courthouse stands as an architectural centerpiece worth photographing from every angle. Outdoor enthusiasts can fish the Tuckasegee River or hike to Waterrock Knob for views that explain why locals never leave. Western Carolina University brings youthful energy to this mountain haven. For a complete mountain experience, venture into the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Nantahala National Forest, where nature puts on a show that requires no admission fee.