Smoky Mountains Escape: A Book Lover’s Holiday

Sylva, North Carolina, is a Smoky Mountains escape

When winter beckons, a trip away can mean making time for a book lover’s holiday. Whether you bring a stack or plan to purchase new favorites, you’ll find that Sylva, North Carolina, offers ideal nooks to crack a spine or two.

The charming town sits in Jackson County, about 20 miles west of Waynesville, and close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just a few thousand folks call Sylva home, and it’s an easy getaway to traverse on foot for shopping, restaurants, breweries, and more.

No visit to Sylva feels complete without walking the 107 steps to see Jackson County Courthouse, now the beloved Jackson County Library. Built in 1913, the courthouse, with its three-stage cupola, is a fine example of classic revival architecture. It purports to be the most photographed courthouse in North Carolina and stands omnipresent no matter where you wander in Sylva.

The Friends of the Library runs a wonderful used bookstore just a few blocks away from the library. Nearby, Harry Alter Books has 20,000-plus volumes, including many first editions. Both stores are known for their book-themed front windows, and the holiday themes are much anticipated. The Wine Bar & Cellar is just a block away and often offers live music, such as singer-songwriter Aurora Wynne. The beautiful bar is a comfortable and well-lit place to sip wine and read.

If a warm drink is in order, stroll around the block to White Moon Coffee. While waiting on a hot beverage, try fitting a few pieces into the ongoing puzzle at the front counter. There are many alcoved tables at White Moon to nestle in with a book or tablet.

One of Sylva’s best bookstores is City Lights. The left side is a scratch cafe, with a stocked bakery case, open for breakfast and lunch. The store is ridiculously well-organized with books and gifts. This is a bookstore to ask for recommendations from the enthusiastic and well-versed staff.

Ilda is the spot for dinner, and sitting at the bar is a great excuse to dive into a chapter or two. Pasta plays the starring role on the Italian-Appalachian menu prepared by the married team of chef Santiago Guzzetti and sommelier Crystal Pace.

A quick drive up the mountain may offer the best getaway of all here. The folks behind Hotel Cashiers recently renovated a pair of mountain chalets to create Outland Great Smoky Mountains. Its six spa suites include views of Clingmans Dome. Think steam showers, private decks, and fireplaces adjacent to deep tubs in the bedrooms. If there was ever a place for some relaxation with a great read, this is it.

Luminary Walk in Nearby Dillsboro

The neighboring town of Dillsboro is just a couple of miles from downtown Sylva. It’s known for craft shops and barbecue and is a stop on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The first two weekends of December the town stays open well into the evening and hundreds of luminaries are lit along its sidewalks. Boots Steakhouse is fun place for dinner, and Innovation Brewing has a taproom here, too.