Overview
Sylva is a mountain town located along the Plot Balsam Mountain chain of the North Carolina Mountains. Its artsy culture and music roots give the town its popular nickname of being “The New Orleans” of the Carolinas.
3 sights
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Best things about Sylva
Jackson County Courthouse
Built in 1913
Appalachian Women’s Museum
Museum exploring the contributions of women on the culture and natural history of Western North Carolina.
American Museum of the House Cat
Opened in 2017, this museum is filled with a collection of 5,000 cat-related items, which cover the history of the domestic house cat.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Asheville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- AVL Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville — 38 mi away. Directions
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 53 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Appalachian Women’s Museum, Jackson County Courthouse
- Afternoon American Museum of the House Cat
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
See
See Appalachian Women’s Museum
Museum exploring the contributions of women on the culture and natural history of Western North Carolina.
See American Museum of the House Cat
Opened in 2017, this museum is filled with a collection of 5,000 cat-related items, which cover the history of the domestic house cat.
Nearby
Cherokee
City / town · 12 listings · 9 mi away
Maggie Valley
City / town · 6 listings · 13 mi away
Bryson City
City / town · 5 listings · 13 mi away
Waynesville
City / town · 14 listings · 15 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 2 listings · 16 mi away
Cashiers
City / town · 1 listings · 20 mi away
Highlands
City / town · 1 listings · 22 mi away
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Park · 19 listings · 23 mi away
My experience
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