A Christmas Visit to Dillsboro, NC

Are you looking for a getaway that is not “too” far away?  Something special to do with the family?  Something to really get you in the spirit of the holidays?  Something that is not too expensive?  I have a perfect suggestion for you.  Dillsboro’s Lights and Luminaries. 

Dillsboro’s Lights and Luminaries takes you back to “the days of yesteryear”.  The first two Fridays and Saturdays of December every year the entire town is filled with thousands of lights and over 2,500 luminaries making you feel like you are in a Winter Wonderland.  There are horse and buggy rides each night and the shopkeepers stay open late and serve hot cider and cocoa.  There are carolers singing and of course Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there.  There is a live Nativity at a local church too.  This year the event takes place on December 2^nd and 3^rd and 9^th and 10^th from 5-9pm.

If you are looking for a special gift you should have no trouble finding it here!  Shopping in a locally owned shop is always an adventure.  For Lights and Luminaries, the shops stay open after dark.  Dogwood Crafters is a must stop.  It is a craft cooperative that features over 80 mountain artists and is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year.  There are a number of other stores that sell locally made arts and crafts.  You are sure to find a pottery piece at one of the pottery galleries including Riverwood Pottery and Tree House Pottery.There is a Christmas shop, shops that sell gifts and apparel made in North Carolina, a shop that offers specialty oils, vinegars, bbq sauce and dips, Dillsboro Chocolate Factory (who can resist their handmade chocolates) and other stores that you won’t want to miss.
Hungry?  There are numerous family-friendly restaurants that help you handle that!  The hotel and restaurant, Jarrett House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and will be open for this event.  Kostas Family Restaurant’s menu offers Greek and Italian plus ribs, steaks, burgers and more.  The Well House serves soups, deli sandwiches and delicious desserts and is open for breakfast and lunch.  Quick and easy for families, Speedy's Pizza just down the road in Sylva is an institution in the town, and offers traditional pizzas. So whether you want a quick sandwich or a leisurely meal you can find it in Dillsboro.

If you decide to make it a weekend getaway there is your choice of lodging available from the Holiday Inn Express, where you can enjoy a hot breakfast, indoor pool and spa and a fitness center.  A few other smaller inns are located within walking distance to the center of town, including the Best Western River Escape Inn & Suites and Blue Ridge Inn.  Recommend to check availability. 

It takes less than an hour to get to Dillsboro from Asheville.  Just take I-40 West to Exit 27 and then continue West on US 74 past Waynesville and Sylva to Dillsboro (Exit 81).

To find out more visit www.VisitJacksonNC.com

So, what are you waiting for?  Be sure to add this to your Christmas events.  Have fun!