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Top Things to do in Sylva, NC

ByAlison W

Nestled in a cozy nook between Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Cherokee National Forest is Sylva, North Carolina. This small NC mountain town delivers big charm.

Despite its size, Sylva boasts a vibrant downtown with three breweries, three coffee shops, an outfitter, a fly shop, a general store, and a wide array of dining options – and that’s just the beginning.

Parking is free and usually easy to find along downtown streets, and yes, there are public restrooms – clean ones too. (if you know, you know.)

Between the shopping, hiking, sipping, and savoring, you’ll want more than a quick stop here. While I can’t cover everything, here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in Sylva, NC.

Old red brick building with large window that has Jackson's General Store since 1999 on the window. The street curves and there are other brick buildings in the background.

Shopping in Sylva

Jackson’s General Store

I love this store.  They moved to a new location near Innovation Brewing a few years ago. One side is full of home items and gifts like candles and greeting cards. The other side has beautiful, well-made clothing.

End of Main

End of Main is hard to describe, but unforgettable. They claim they’re a Mid Century to Primitive furnishing and accessories store.  Think of one of those magical stores HGTV designers visit to find that unique one-of-a-kind piece you didn’t know you needed. That’s End of Main.  

Large window with the trim around it painted light green. The window shows the plants inside the shop. A snake in a circle biting its tail is on the window in white with Snake Song in the middle.

Snake Song (a Plant Sanctuary)

Accessible from Mill Street or down some stairs on Main Street, Snake Song offers small plants, handmade skincare, crystals, tea, and even custom floral bouquets.

It’s a peaceful, earthy spot for plant lovers and wellness seekers.

Tuckaseegee Fly Shop

With locations in Bryson City, Waynesville, and Sylva, this fly shop has everything you need from beginner to experienced fly fishing and plenty of advice to help you out.

They also offer guided trips. I had no desire to go fly fishing but after 10 minutes in the store, I left convinced I needed to give it a chance. Fly fishing is more than a passion for the people that come to Tuckaseegee Fly Fishing, it’s a calling.

Wooden building with clothes on a rack out front. White signage on the window shows a tent and the words Black Balsam Outdoors.

Black Balsam Outdoors

Black Balsam is a great outdoor store. They have everything you need to hit the mountains. If you head out to Western North Carolina and realize you forgot something, or a piece of gear breaks, head to Black Balsam Outdoors.

They have two floors, and you don’t want to miss downstairs. Friendly team members can help you find what you need.  

Where to Eat in Sylva

White wooden building with a wooden porch on the second floor. Green leaves cascade down from the porch to the first floor. A pink banner with white text says City Lights Cafe.

City Lights Café

Tucked up on Spring Street, City Lights is a cozy café, perfect for breakfast of lunch. While I went with a simple bagel, the Strawberry Cheesecrepes I saw at the next table had me second-guessing everything. Next time I’m getting the salad and staying for dessert.

Cosmic Carryout

This beloved food truck is parked next to Innovation Brewing. Locals swear by the fries and they’re right.  I only got the regular fries, but everything smelled delicious and there were several happy campers leaving with their food.

The menu usually has burgers, at least one veggie option, a quesadilla, and sometimes hotdogs. From what I was told, the Cosmic Hot Dog is crazy good. 

Lucy in the Rye

Lucy in the Rye is a breakfast and lunch spot on Main Street.  At 8:30 am on a Wednesday morning, the place was packed. They have four different Eggs Benedict options on the menu and corned beef hash. 

Of course you could opt for the Huevos Rancheros. Or maybe you’re looking for a quiche, or chicken and waffles, or an omelet. Too many great options!

Sylva’s Breweries

A building with a brown stone façade with a red sign noting Lazy Hiker Brewing Company and a black awning for Mad Batter Kitchen.

The Lazy Hiker Brewing

Lazy Hiker calls Franklin, NC home, but they expended to Sylva in 2019. The large taproom shares a space with Mad Batter Kitchen making it the perfect location for beer and food after a day of exploring.

The number of beers on tap can be overwhelming, but they list them on their website so you can peruse ahead of time.

Vertical photo of brown-yellow storefront with green sign for Balsam Falls Brewing. There is a small eating are in front and a large menu on the sidewalk.

Balsam Falls Brewery

Balsam Falls Brewery in right on Main Street. It’s larger then you think looking at it from the street and there’s a small, covered patio if you’re lucky enough to get a seat on a nice night.

If you’re looking for “unique” beverages, this is your place.  You’ll find beers and ciders with fun names like Eww that Smell, and Have you Seen My Lemons.

I’m not a big beer drinker, but if you appreciate beers then the fact that they use nano brewing probably tells you exactly why you need to visit Balsam Falls Brewery.

Innovation Brewing

Innovation Brewing is truly innovative. They have a lot of great beers from heavy to light, for any beer aficionado, and people who aren’t all that fond of beer.

Two years ago they made a basil and beet beer.  I’m on a mission to bring it back.

The tap room is large and there are plenty of beers on tap. There’s also covered seating outside on the patio. It’s perfect for an evening with friends, regardless of the weather.

Coffee Shops to Check Out

Red brick store front with a blue flag for White Moon Coffee Shop. There is an awning over the door and cars parked out front. Other stores lined the street. There small blue and white chairs out front.

White Moon/Dark Moon

I had a well-made latte here in the morning.  For me, the true test is if a coffee shop can make a plain drink well.  They can’t hide behind the syrups and sugar. White Moon did not disappoint.

I savored my drink as I wandered down the street.  You’ll find White Moon/Dark Moon on Mill Street.

Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee Roastery and Café

This little gem has a welcoming interior with exposed red brick walls and a cozy industrial vibe.

They specialize in working with suppliers who deal with farmers and co-ops and follow organic farming practices.

The Coffee Shop

The Coffee shop is an old school coffee shop slash diner. Housed in a nondescript building, they serve good coffee and food. They claim their pie is the best home-made pie in Jackson County.  I was trying to keep the calories down so begrudgingly had to decline, but the pecan pie looked delicious.

Places to Hike and Explore Near Sylva

Two waterfalls at a 30 degree angle from each other. The water cascades down rock fronts. This is Soco Falls in Cherokee, NC.

The Oconaluftee Visitor Center at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short, 20-minute drive away.

You can also access the Blue Ridge Parkway from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, right near the entrance.  

Pinnacle Park is a short drive offering a 7-mile hike with 3000 foot elevation gain. It’s worth it for the view at the top.

Nantahala National Forest is another great area for outdoor recreation near Sylva. You can go white water rafter, hiking, or backpacking.

Mingo falls is a short hike from the trail parking lot in Cherokee, NC and you can also drive up Highway 19 to Soco Falls.

Gorges State Park main entrance at Grassy Ridge is about an hour away from Sylva. You can hike and see three waterfalls on one trail.

Panthertown Valley is a great place for a day hike or a casual weekend in a tent, with waterfalls and fun great hiking.  

There are plenty of additional places to hike, depending on how far you have to time to drive.

Nearby Towns Worth Exploring

Large wooden carving of a Cherokee Indian that stands over 25 feet tall. Behind him is a gray building that houses the Museum of the Cherokee Indians.

Cherokee

Cherokee NC which provides easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway is a short, 20 minute drive from Sylva.

Asheville

Asheville is about an hour away from Sylva, NC making the two towns a perfect pairing for a Western NC getaway week.

Brevard

Home to Looking Glass Falls, and Sliding Rock, Brevard is about an hour and 15 minutes from Sylva.

Bryson City

Home to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Road to Nowhere, Bryson city is an easy 25 minutes from Sylva, NC.

Cashiers

For a true mountain town experience, had about 40 minutes down to Cashiers and see the Shadow of the Bear. This is a mountain that takes on the eerie pattern of a bear as the sun sets.  

Two story red brick building with windows on the second floor. The first floor is covered by a mural for Sylva Supply Co. Dealers in Everything.

Wrap-Up: Visit Sylva, NC

Sylva perfectly captures the spirit of a North Carolina mountain town. It’s charming, scenic, laid-back, and full of personability. Whether you’re into hiking, craft beer, boutique shopping, or just wandering with a cup of coffee in hand, Sylva has something for you.

Staging your mountain getaway from Sylva would be perfect. Grab breakfast at Lucy on the Rye or get a coffee at one of the coffee shops, then head out to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. Come back and have a great meal and craft brew. You can even do a little shopping and pick up something truly unique.

Sylva is what NC Mountain life is all about.

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Creator and Editor at Exploration Solo

Hi, I'm Alison. I've been living in North Carolina since 2007 and love getting out to explore the area. I'm a local hiking and backpacking guide and have helped over 100 backpackers get started on their adventures through an Intro to Backpacking course. I have a Wilderness First Responder Certification. My passion is to help everyone get out and explore their world.