Sapphire, NC Area Guide
Welcome to jewel of North Carolina’s gem mining mountain communities, the village of Sapphire! Sapphire is located in Transylvania County, and its peaceful beauty has led it to become one of our beautiful state’s premier resort destinations. For over a century, visitors and seasonal residents have been drawn to Sapphire to discover what our year-round residents already know—that the best way to experience Southern hospitality is from 3,500 feet above sea level! Mild temperatures, magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an abundance of outdoor activity, upscale shopping and top-notch dining are just a few of the aspects of the Sapphire Valley’s unique mountain culture that bring families, professionals and retirees to our area to experience a quieter lifestyle away from urban stress that still maintains modern conveniences and amenities. The charm of our mountain hamlet will delight both the seasonal and the permanent resident alike, celebrating and preserving our natural beauty, historic heritage and rich tradition for generations to come. Sapphire is proud of the small-town values our community was built on, but maintains a cosmopolitan outlook, offering our residents the best of both worlds. Tucked away and off the beaten path, but close enough for convenience and luxury, Sapphire is your destination to find your own heaven in the mountains! To learn more about the Sapphire Valley lifestyle, please visit:
Cashiers/Sapphire/Highlands Area Travel & Tourism
http://cashiers-nc.com/
Cashiers/Sapphire/Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/
Franklin, NC Travel & Tourism
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/
Visit the Land of Waterfalls
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Travel & Tourism
http://www.mountainlovers.com/
Highlands, NC Travel & Tourism
http://www.highlandschamber.org/
North Carolina Travel & Tourism Guide
http://www.visitnc.com/
Explore Asheville
http://www.exploreasheville.com
North Carolina Mountain Guide
http://ncmountainguide.com/
North Carolina Mountain Guide, Sapphire & Lake Toxaway Information
http://ncmountainguide.com/lake-toxaway/
History
Sapphire’s neighboring town of East LaPorte (“eastern door”), located alongside the Tuckasegee River past Cullowhee, was originally established as an Indian trading post by early French Huguenot pioneers. The village of Sapphire is named after the community’s early roots as a gem mining town. The dense forest, steep mountain ranges, and laurel and rhododendron thickets kept Sapphire largely undeveloped until the middle of the 19th century, when businessmen from humid shipping towns sought out the cool mountain breeze as a refuge from seasonal heat. A timber shipping railway was established between Rosman and Sapphire Valley, before the owners of the sawmill, noting the beauty of the area, dubbed it “The Switzerland of the South”, bringing seasonal tourism to Sapphire. This became the Swiss Alpine Lodge, Sapphire’s historic 1896 Fairfield Inn. For nearly a century, the majestic inn overlooked Lake Fairfield from its mountain throne. In 1982, the historic structure was damaged by fire and demolished; the tract of land where it stood proudly is still preserved for visitors to explore and take in the breathtaking view from. Local destinations of historic interest, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, include the former site of the Sapphire Valley Fairfield Inn, the High Hampton Inn Historic District, Camp Merrie-Woode, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mordecai Zachary House. Less than an hour’s drive away from the Sapphire Valley, visitors and residents can explore Asheville’s historic destinations, which among many others, include the world-renowned Biltmore Estate and Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. To learn more about the regional history of Sapphire or the Blue Mountain region of North Carolina, please visit:
Cashiers Historical Society
http://www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/
High Hampton Inn Historic District
http://www.highhamptoninn.com/history.aspx
Camp Merrie-Woode
http://www.merriewoode.com/information/infohistory.html
Church of the Good Shepherd
http://www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com/
The Sapphire Valley Fairfield Inn
http://blog.sapphirevalley.co/2011/07/26/sapphire-valley-the-old-fairfield-inn.aspx
Mordecai Zachary House
http://www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/about/zachary-tolbert-house/
Biltmore Estate
http://www.biltmore.com/
Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
http://www.wolfememorial.com/
North Carolina Historic Sites
http://www.nchistoricsites.org/
Historic North Carolina Destinations
http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/highlights/north-carolina-historic-sites
Parks and Recreation
Welcome to the majestic vistas and breathtaking peaks of the Sapphire Valley, “The Yosemite of the East”! Our region is known world-wide for its granite domes, sparkling waterfalls, lush laurel and rhododendron thickets, dense forests, valley floors and rare high altitude bogs. In short: If you want to enjoy the splendor of nature at its most pristine, Sapphire Valley is perfect for you! One of the main draws of our area is the beautiful shoreline of Lake Toxaway and Lake Glenville, considered by many to be among the top 10 lakes in the nation. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the soaring height of 3,500 feet above sea level, the 26 miles of Lake Glenville shoreline are definitive of mountain paradise. Small and largemouth bass, walleye, trout, and bream populate the crystal waters of our lakes, with fishing and fly-fishing being two of the region’s most popular outdoor sports. Regionally, we are also known as the “Land of Waterfalls”, with over 250 rocky mountain cascades to enjoy. There are innumerable activities to enjoy outdoors, including hiking, gem mining, mountain biking, golf, field sports, tennis, zip-lining, canoeing, equestrian activities, kayaking, camping, river rafting, croquet, jet-skiing, geocaching, mountain biking, swimming and fly fishing, just to name a few. Explore the links below to discover what’s waiting for you outdoors in the “Yosemite of the East”!
Transylvania County Parks and Recreation
http://rec.transylvaniacounty.org/
North Carolina State Parks
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/main.php
North Carolina National Parks
http://www.nps.gov/state/nc/index.htm
Cradle of Forestry
http://www.cradleofforestry.com/site/
Lake Glenville
http://www.highlandsinfo.com/daytrips/lakeglenville.htm
Lake Toxaway
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/calendar/lake-toxaway-jam.html
Panthertown Valley
http://www.panthertown.org/
DuPont State Forest
http://www.dupontforest.com/
North Carolina Waterfalls
http://www.northcarolinawaterfalls.info/
Nantahala National Forest
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps
Land of the Waterfalls
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com
Franklin County Waterfalls
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/waterfalls.php
Blue Ridge Parkway
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org
Whitewater Falls
http://www.romanticasheville.com/whitewater_falls.htm
Tuckaseegee River Gorge
http://www.nantahala-river.net/
Chattooga River
http://www.chattooga-river.net/
Pisgah National Forest
http://www.fs.usda.gov
Gorges State Park
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/gorg/activities.php
Sliding Rock
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/sliding-rock.html
Sports and Outdoor Activities
Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
http://www.skisapphire.com/
Hikes and Trails
http://ncmountainguide.com/hikes-and-trails/
Franklin Area Hiking
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/hiking.php
Camping
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/camping.html
Sapphire/Cashiers/Highlands Area Campgrounds
http://cashiers-nc.com/campgrounds.cfm
Gem Mining
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/gemmining.php
Cycling
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/cycling.php
Wildlife
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/wildlife.html
Zip-Lining
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/ziplining.html
North Carolina Geocachers Association
http://www.ncgeocachers.org/
Fly-Fishing
http://ncmountainguide.com/fly-fishing/
Transylvania County Fly-Fishing
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/fishing.html
Mountain Biking
http://ncmountainguide.com/mountain-biking/
Smoke Rise Field Club
http://smokerisefieldclub.com/about.html/
Golf
http://ncmountainguide.com/mountain-golf/
Asheville Area Golf Links
http://www.golfnow.com/Asheville
Golf and Tennis Links
http://tourism.mountainlovers.com/list/category/golf-and-tennis
Golf, Croquet, Tennis
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/golf-tennis-swimming.html
Tennis
http://ncmountainguide.com/tennis-in-the-mountains/
Whitewater Equestrian Center
http://www.funhorsebackriding.com
Smokemont Riding Stable
http://www.smokemontridingstable.com
Arrowmont Stables & Cabins
http://www.arrowmont.com
Western Carolina University Catamount Club
http://www.catamountsports.com/catamountclub/wcar-catamountclub.html
Water Sports
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/canoeing-kayaking-tubing.html
Wildwater Adventure Centers
http://www.wildwaterrafting.com
Rolling Thunder River Co.
http://www.RollingThunderRiverCo.com
Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting
http://www.carolinaoutfitters.com
Dillsboro River Company
http://www.northcarolinarafting.com
Attractions and Activities
Though our area is best known for its outdoor beauty, there is a wealth of things to do indoors in the Sapphire area. Our region is populated by a number of notable artists, drawn here by the tranquil scenery that own and operate working studios and galleries, many of which are open to the public. Local sculptors and painters show and sell their work at studios, galleries and art festivals that operate seasonally throughout the year. Music and culture are abundant throughout the communities of the mountains, affording our residents the ability to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle with all of the cosmopolitan luxuries of a city. To learn more about the cultural opportunities, exhibits and events of Sapphire Valley and the neighboring area, please visit:
Wyndham Resort at Fairfield's Sapphire Valley
http://fairfieldsv.com/
Frozen Falls Tube Park
http://www.sapphirevalleyresort.com/
Cherokee Indian Reservation Museum
http://www.cherokeesmokies.com
Harrah's Casino
http://www.harrahs.com
Santa’s Land
http://www.santaslandnc.com/
Nantahala River Gem Mine
http://www.carolinaoutfitters.com
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
http://www.smgrm.com
Fun Factory in the Smokies
http://www.funfactoryinthesmokies.com
Cherokee Fun Park
http://www.cherokeefunparknc.com/
Biltmore House and Gardens
http://www.biltmore.com
Theatre, Culture and The Arts
Cashiers Community Library
http://ncmountainguide.com/albert-carlton-cashiers-community-library/
Highlands Playhouse
http://www.highlandsplayhouse.org/Box_Office.html
Highlands-Cashiers Players
http://www.highlandscommunityplayers.org/
The Art League of Highlands
http://www.artleagueofhighlands.com/
Fine Arts and Crafts, Scenic 276 South
http://www.artsofbrevard.org/tours
Unto These Hills
http://www.cherokeeadventure.com
Brevard Music Center
http://www.brevardmusic.org
Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
http://www.GreatMountainMusic.com
Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions
Mountain Laurel Shoppes
http://www.mtnlaurelinnandshoppes.com/
Biltmore Park
http://www.biltmorepark.com
Asheville Mall
http://www.ashevilleshopping.com
Biltmore Village Shopping Mall
http://www.biltmorevillage.com/
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company
http://www.sapphiremountainbrewingcompany.com/
Ashby's Café and Bistro
http://www.ashbyscafeandbistro.com
Gamekeeper's Tavern
http://www.gamekeeperstavern.com
Mountain Mama's Lounge & Grille At Sapphire Mountain Golf Club
http://www.sapphirenational.com/sites/courses/layout9.asp?id=980&page=55918
The Dining Room at the High Hampton Inn
http://www.highhamptoninn.com
Zeke & Earl's Hot Dog Shop
http://www.zekeandearls.com/
Cornucopia
http://www.cornucopianc.com/
Brown Trout Mountain Grille
http://www.browntroutgrille.com/
Events
The peaceful tranquility of our mountain village is what draws visitors to the area; what keeps them coming back—or putting down permanent roots—is the amount of activity tucked away in the verdant forests of our communities. Sapphire has such a broad range of activities, parks, events and attractions, our calendars are always full and filled with variety—exciting, artistic, cultural, sporting, tasty, relaxing and educational—whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s happening in Sapphire Valley! Local favorites include the Collective Spirits Wine and Food Fest, Brevard White Squirrel Festival, Leaf Festival of Cashiers, Mountain Black Bear Festival and the Annual Sapphire Valley Outhouse Race. To find out what sporting, historic, cultural or ecological events are happening during your stay, please visit these sites:
Cashiers/Highlands/Sapphire Valley Area Events
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/events.cfm
Town of Highlands Scholarship Golf Tournament
http://thelaurelmagazine.com/news/2011/03/highlands-scholarship-golf-tournament/
Barn Dances at the Bascom
http://www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra_one.php
Banff Mountain Film Festival
http://brevardnc.org/banff-mountain-film-festival/
Three River Fly Fishing Tournament
http://www.highlandsthreeriver.com/
Collective Spirits Wine and Food Fest
http://www.collectivespirits.com/
The Mountain Song Festival
http://www.mountainsongfestival.com/
Halloweenfest
http://brevardnc.org/halloweenfest-2009/
Old Time Music Competition
http://brevardnc.org/old-time-music-competition-%E2%80%93-2011/
Annual Squirrel Box Derby
http://brevardnc.org/white-squirrel-box-derby/
Annual Sapphire Valley Outhouse Race
http://www.skisapphire.com/activitiescalendar.htm
Cashiers Mountain Music Festival
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf/index.htm
Highlands Annual Culinary Weekend
http://www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com/
Leaf Festival of Cashiers
http://www.cashiersvalleyleaffest.com/
Highlands International Film Festival
http://www.ncflix.com/NC-film-festivals.htm
Cashiers Rotary Arts and Crafts Show
http://www.cashiersrotary.org/events.asp
The Apple Festival at High Hampton Inn
http://www.highhamptoninn.com/events-detail.aspx?eid=35
Treasure Highlands Bird Hike
http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/SpEvents.htm
Mountain Black Bear Festival
http://thelaurelmagazine.com/news/2011/04/mountain-black-bear-festival/
Oktoberfest at Old Edwards Inn and Spa
http://www.oldedwardsinn.com
Highlands Historical Society Fall Festival
http://www.highlandshistory.com/
Sapphire Valley Craft Show
http://www.sapphirevalleyresort.com/community%20center.htm
Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
http://www.h-cmusicfestival.org/
Mountain Artisans Art & Craft Shows
http://www.mountainartisans.net/
Highlands Historical Society Dahlia Festival
http://www.highlandshistory.com/
The Brevard White Squirrel Festival
http://www.whitesquirrelfestival.com/