Four reasons to escape to Jackson County, NC this winter

Jackson County’s Secret Season is a time of year (from January through March) when the crowds thin out and visitors have the mountains to themselves. Think: having the chance to explore the mountain towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro + Sylva (only ~3.5 hours from Columbia) like a local.

From front row seats at prime scenic spots where the views open up as the leaves have fallen to restaurants with minimal to no wait times, visitors can experience the mountains without the crowds. Pro tip: This is also a great time to take advantage of lodging specials which make it an affordable time to visit. It’s like having your own mountain oasis.

While you’re in the area, here are some must-try Secret Season winter activities:

For the adventurers 🏔️

Crisp, clean, cool mountain air? Check. Frost-covered mountains? Check. Long-range mountain views? Check. Jackson County offers the ideal setting for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. A local guide can help you coordinate a winter fly fishing excursion along the crystal-clear streams of the Great Smoky Mountains. Or, bundle up and take a hike to Whitewater Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies at nearly 400 ft. — you might even glimpse a few icicles.

If you’re visiting between mid-February and early March, you might be lucky enough to catch the Shadow of the Bear, a naturally-occurring phenomenon that makes an appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 p.m. It starts with a small dark shadow at the bottom of the valley and grows until it finally evolves into the bear that appears to be walking along the treetops below. Pro tip: Bring a camera to capture this spectacular view as the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain.

For the shoppers 🛍️

Shops throughout Jackson County sell handmade and artisan goods that can’t be found anywhere else, like one-of-a-kind pottery, handcrafted jewelry, and home decor. For those who prefer to stay warm and inside, we suggest a day of pampering at Canyon Spa in Cashiers.*

MORE SECRET SEASON ACTIVITIES

This content was created in partnership with Jackson County*

EVENTS

Today

Richland County Economic Development 2021 Annual Report Launch | Tues., Jan. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | 701 Whaley — Granby Room | Free | Hear about some of Richland County’s successes and where there are new opportunities for growth.
Renovation Rodeo: Seminary Ridge | Tues., Jan. 18 | 6-7:30 p.m. | TBD | $10 members + $15 non-members | Showcasing a newly renovated, 1930s Craftsman-style, brick bungalow.

Wednesday

Cheat Codes | Wed., Jan. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $22+ | Check out this American electronic music DJ trio.
Outdoor Family Storytime | Wed., Jan. 19 | 10-10:30 a.m. | Richland Library Main | Free 📗

Thursday

Young Leaders Society Oyster Roast | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 5-8 p.m. | City Market, 705 Gervais St. | $40+ | The event will feature live music from Prettier than Matt, food stations and an open bar. 🦪
Yacht Rock Revue | Thurs., Jan. 20 | 8 p.m. | The Township Auditorium | $28+

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE JANUARY EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

51º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain

Watch

The latest episode of SCETV’s From the Sky shows South Carolina at night, including some Soda City locations you might recognize. Take a peek at the birds-eye view of the State House, the State Fair, and other scenic spots around our state. 🌌

Sports

Tony Peña Jr. is the new head coach of the Columbia Fireflies. If his name rings a bell, he spent a few years playing for the Atlanta Braves. Last season, Peña was on the coaching staff with the Fireflies major league affiliate, the Kansas City Royals. ⚾
Deebo Samuel, a former South Carolina Gamecock football star, was named to a first-team All-Pro offensive player. Deebo currently leads the San Francisco 49ers in total touchdowns and receiving yards. 💛

Soda Citizen

Nathan Senner, an assistant professor of ornithology at UofSC, was featured in the latest issue of Smithsonian Magazine along with his wife, fellow ornithologist, Maria Stager, and master’s student, Lauren Puleo. They are tracking the great migration of the Hudsonian godwit. 🪶

Health

In this month’s installment of our new Q+A series Prisma Health On Call, Prisma Health’s heart and vascular specialists are here to answer your questions related to high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, heart-healthy meals, and more. Ask yours here. 💬*

Wellness

RevIVe Wellness Studio off Main Street (1619 Sumter St.) offers IV hydration bags that are pumped full of crucial vitamins + minerals to help you stay healthy this winter. Call (803) 726-2344 to book an appointment. (Pro tip: Bring a friend, coworker, or relax by yourself.) 💧*

*This paid content, brought to you by our advertising partners, helps make this newsletter free.

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THE WRAP

Editor's pick: Happy Tuesday, Cola. We're going to have to deal with at least one more week of snow talk. There are a few flurries hanging out in the forecast for Friday, but one things for sure, it will be cold.

Missed yesterday's newsletter? UofSC has a new president.

Today's edition by:

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