SYLVA, N. C. -- As mounting gas prices continue, many extensive travel plans have been shelved and families are looking for more affordable options.
Jackson County in the mountains of Western North Carolina is becoming an increasingly popular visitation point for thousands.
This exceptional gift of nature with pure unpolluted air can offer a pulse of serenity as well as fun filled days of activities for every age -- including the relatively new geocaching (treasure-searching) craze now sweeping the country
B&B;'s are some of the best lodging in and around Cashiers, Dillsboro, Cullowee and Sylva. The River Lodge is one of these jewels that should not be missed. River Lodge is very easy to find, located just off U.S. 23/74 on the Tuckasegee River. The lodge was built with 100-year-old hand-hewed logs and has a massive 30-foot high stone fireplace that is the focal point of the charming rustic and very inviting great room that has a pool table, books, games, Bose music system and a magnificent view of the river below.
The bedrooms are appropriately decorated with handmade twig beds, claw feet bath tubs and balconies overlooking the lush and well-maintained grounds and the river.
Innkeepers Anthony and Cathy Sgambato, Bronx, New York, natives, go the extra mile offering real southern hospitality and a delightfully gastronomical breakfast such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, eggs Neptune and many varieties of fresh fruits as they prepare their meals in their large open country kitchen that is warm and inviting. Room prices are $130-$159 per night and the suite is $220. For information on Riverlodge call 877-384-4400 or visit www.riverlodge-bb.com
River Lodge and Tuckaseigee Cabins now offer on-site geocaching, a relatively new program to the area.
Graeme McGufficke, a nationally acclaimed geocacher was asked to conduct the program and hide 10 caches on the River Lodge and Tuck Cabins property. All you really need is a sense of adventure and a handheld GPS system provided by the lodge and already programed with hints for locating the caches. The caches are usually small trinkets, toys, coins, pins or any small object, and when someone finds a cache, he of she takes a trinket and replaces it with one of their own and signs a log book.
"There are quiet a number of people in western counties of North Carolina that are hiding caches, and as of now there are 2,176 within a 40-mile radius of Tuckasegee River, the geographic center of Jackson County," said Graeme McGufficke, who has hidden the second most caches in the world. The person hiding the cache posts the geographic coordinates on a web site, Geocaching.com. They can be hidden in cities and urban areas, however, most are hidden in natural areas.
McGufficke said "Geocaching appeals to a broad base of people"
The beauty of this sport is that it helps families to connect, working together as a team while enjoying the beauty of the countryside observing wildlife in it's natural habitat, identifying trees and flowers and, oh yes, poison ivy.
For more info on geocaches in Jackson County go to www.geocaching.com and enter Tuckasegee's zip code 2873, or for info on geocaching at River Lodge dial 877-384-4400.
While Jackson County has much to offer nature buffs, the quaint village of Dillsboro will appeal to the craft seekers and shoppers. Antique shops and boutiques line Front Street and watching craftsmen while they work is just a few of the many things to do in Dillsboro.
Travis Berning and Joe Frank McKee own and operate the Tree House Pottery in Dillsboro and will be happy for you to watch them at work, making their unique and functional pieces. Be sure to visit their gallery and they love educating the public with their working studio. Last year around 7,000 visitors and potters from all over the country attended their Western North Carolina Pottery Festival and even more are expected this Nov, 1 from 10 a,m.-4 p.m. and there will be wood firing demonstrations through the day. For more information call 828-631-5100.
It's no secret that this state has a reputation for the best BBQ in the South and just to prove it, CB and Janet Hart, owners of Dillsboro Smokehouse, serve the best lipsmacking, fingerlicking beef, chicken or pork BBQ in the state. Their BBQ was rated third in the U.S. in the National Geographic Traveler 2006 Edition "10 Best of Everything." Across the street on Haywood Road is the Jarrett House serving home-cooked family-style food to a usually packed dining room. The southern hospitality and charm of the Jarrett House has been serving and hosting travelers from all over the world for more than 120 years.Their lodging rates are $80-$85 for one and complimentary breakfast is included. These are just two of the many dining options in Dillsboro.
If you are interested in going green then you will not want to miss a tour of Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Many communities across the United states are utilizing landfill gasses for energy projects. Green Energy Park captures the methane gases from an old landfill and pipes it to an old warehouse being refurbished for artist studios, to heat a greenhouse, and biodiesel refinery that can be used to fuel community vehicles, boiler fuel for schools and hospitals. Who would suspect that this quaint and charming little village is on the cutting edge of community commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for it's citizens? The town's people are pioneers on a new and exciting frontier. There are long range plans for an outdoor/indoor restaurant, an amphitheater and a farmers market. Contact information for a tour -Timm Muth Project Manager [email protected]
Visiting Jackson County has long been a favorite vacation spot for fishing and water sports for sportsmen from bordering states for many years. And Lake Glenville in Glenville, N.C., along Rt.107, the highest lake east of the Rockies with it's crystal clear mountain water is a top choice. Signal Ridge Marina on the lake offers Pontoon, Tritoon, Bassboats, canoes and Kayak rentals. fishing licenses, bait, tackle, snacks and various sundries can also be purchased there.
If one chooses to bathe in luxurious comfort after a day on the lake you need only to look up on a hill overlooking the lake. Dock your boat if you wish at the private dock for guest of the Innisfree Victorian Inn. Awarded Four Diamonds by AAA, Innisfree has European furnishings and elegant decor to accompany the five-star surroundings and enjoy a sherry by your fireplace at days end and an in room massage. For more information and tariffs contact Clare Hoche Proprietess, at 828-743-2946 or wwwInnisfreeInn.com.
No fast food please not while you visit charming Cashiers, N.C,.only a few miles from Lake Glenville. A unique dining experience is just what one will find at the Lightwater Grille owned and operated by a father/daughter team, Patrick Switzer and Hope Hollingsworth. The menu is creative using local products when available. Would you like Irving Berlin or Puccinni with your fried green tomatoes over three-cheese grits? No problem! Hope leads a wonderful group of singers and instrumentalists who perform every night of the week and they will take requests for a song. The highlight of Lightwater Grille is the music but the meals are rated very highly by the locals who frequent the Grille.
Jackson County offers something for everyone of every age, affordable for families, and for those who are looking for luxury. To learn more about Jackson County contact the Jackson County Visitors Center at 800-962-1911 or www.mountainlovers.com.

This story was published on 23 Jun 2008.