Hello posters from Swain, Robbinsville, Franklin, Smoky Mountain, and around the US 23/74 corridor, I'm heading on a family trip to ride the Polar Express on GSMR later this month, we are staying in a rental house for a couple of nights somewhere out near the Macon/Jackson county lines and might be looking for sight-seeing, restaurants, etc. around Bryson City, Dillsboro, Sylva, or Franklin.....any recommendations on places to think about going to? and/or places to definitely avoid?
Smoky Mountain Area Help
- Thread starter tarheelg
- Start date
I’d stop by Haywood smokehouse in dillsboro. Best barbecue I’ve ever eat and great brisket too
Fontana Dam. Biggest this side of the Hoover.
It's really a bad time of the year. Alot of things here are more summer time adventures.
It's really a bad time of the year. Alot of things here are more summer time adventures.
Cherokee to see the elk.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Newfound Gap
Blue Ridge Parkway
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Newfound Gap
Blue Ridge Parkway
Yes, many years ago in the summer we stayed for a week at Sapphire Valley/Cashiers/somewhere off of 64 that's a big skiing place....using someone else's time share exchange that they weren't going to use....went to visit a bunch of waterfalls, scenic overlook type places but that looks like it's on the other end of Jackson Co.....too many roads where you go around a curve and see your own taillights from where we're staying this time (I think; need to look up the address)
I was going to post the exact same thing. Haywood Smokehouse is amazing. The only downside is that they'll ruin you for other folks BBQ, brisket and ribs. I would say to hit up Granny's Kitchen in Cherokee but they closed for the season Nov 28th. If you're feeling lucky you can check out the Harrah's casino. Brioz and Ruth's Chris are nice but pricey and I'd advise you to make a reservation ahead of time for either of them. If you like skiing then Cataloochee should be open in Maggie Valley and I think they have a place where you can ride tubes down the hill in MV as well.
if you like hiking, hit some of the waterfalls in the area around Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers area
I will third Haywood Smokehouse, with the caveat that it won't necessarily be the type of BBQ you're used to depending on what part of the state you're coming from. I'm a big fan of a sandwich they call the Texas Two-Step. There's a little chocolate shop in downtown Bryson City that does caramel apples, truffles, etc. that I'd hit up before or after you do the train if anybody you're with has a sweet tooth. Town of Highlands runs an ice skating rink, because they're rich like that, and as mentioned earlier there are also some good waterfalls up that way.
Its not worth the drive at this time.of year. But the tunnel is a sight to behold, my Uncle and Father worked on it. Till the company started. Cutting corners and they left that job. Sadly the boss man and one worker died A few weeks later.
It is a pretty cool ride in the fall. And if I remember right you go right by Swain High and their beautiful stadium. The tunnel is really cool and there is a pretty cool walking trail near it.
Not sure about Just Donuts, but Root & Barrel is a good place to eat. Look at their menu online as it's a little pricey.
Innovation Brewing has great beer and a great food truck. Excellent fries and burgers. There also used to be a really good food truck at the Feed store/gas station between Dillsboro and Franklin. Just outside of Dillsboro. Great brisket and BBQ. Another good place to eat is Coaches in Dillsboro. For a great day hike with excellent views of Sylva and the surrounding mountains is the Pinnacle Park in Sylva. Beautiful views up top.
Whew that hike to Pinnacle is a good one. Worth it though. Also, that food truck is Notorious P.I.G. and it's hit or miss with being open. Nothing on their FB page since August. I also forgot that past Innovation is Creekside Oyster House. We go there a couple weekends a month for lunch. Speaking of Innovation, there's also one in Dillsboro that's bigger and has Foragers Canteen beside it, but I'd suggest to order food from Rivers & Rails and have it delivered over there if they still do that. Also, the one in Dillsboro has ginger ale in a pint glass versus the small one they give you in Sylva. I highly recommend the ginger ale. Spicy and fizzy and you'll never drink that garbage from the store ever again.
This is the link to Notorious P.I.G.'s FB page.
I always keep an eye out on for the P.I.G. when headed over that mountain, and haven't seen it open my last few trips. Last time was last week. It's a shame, they made a good sandwich. I like the parking and outdoor situation better at Innovation's new spot in Dillsboro, but you really can't beat the burger from the food truck next to the one in downtown Sylva.
I've never had Just Donuts myself, but have heard people say you have to get there early. If I'm in Franklin that early, though, I usually go to Sunset.
YES! Notorious P.I.G. Love it. I'd go there every chance I had when I was up there. I like Bogarts too for the Catfish Fridays, but heard it burned down? After living at the beach I couldn't eat at the Oyster House. Just too spoiled probably. Of course if you want to eat until you pop on some good Mexican food hit up Colima's!!
Bogarts was thinking about reopening, but the Highway 107 project changed up a bit and will affect that spot now, so they decided to stay closed. And if you want good Mexican, visit the little store El Mercadito. It's one of those hidden places most locals never go to because Sylva has 5 other Mexican restaurants. It's a store with a little restaurant in the back. They also have a food truck. Sazon in Cullowhee is another place, but they also had a fire back in August and haven't reopened yet. It put Colimas to shame.
Fun Fact..The Notorious PIG is owned and operated by the son of Bob Colvin..Former Legendary coach of the Robbinsville Black Knights..winner of 10 1A State Championships
Sounds like something the owner of El Patron would say! Have you been to the taqueria in the store?
No. I deliver to all those Mexican restaurants and store's and I’ve tried most. Colima’s is sub par at best. Haven’t tried taqueria.
Idk if you ever been by Cherokee HS but if you haven’t you need to go check that out. I love staying in Cherokee and Swain is nice little town too