Although popular with retirees, western North Carolina is far from just another retirement destination.  The towns and cities in this historic region provide unlimited opportunities to reinvent, recharge, and enrich the lives of both its year-round and part-time residents.  And since Balsam Mountain Preserve is located just off the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway instead of an isolated two-lane mountain road, the charming towns in close proximity to the community are utilized and enjoyed by our residents on a daily basis.

Sylva

Located just five minutes from the Preserve's main gatehouse, Sylva www.townofsylva.org is a small town of about 2,500 residents situated amidst the Great Smoky Mountains.  All the conveniences are here - grocery stores, banks, shopping, and medical care, including Harris Regional Hospital.  Sylva's downtown www.downtownsylva.org is thriving, with unique restaurants and shops lining its tree-lined streets.  Educational opportunities are virtually unlimited, with Western Carolina University only 7 miles away in Cullowhee, and Southwestern Community College located right in Sylva.

Recreational opportunities are numerous and diverse in Sylva.  There is a state of the art playground designed by children and built by the community.  The town owns a pristine tract of land, Pinnacle Park, that boasts hiking trails, waterfalls, and a town view from 5,000 feet.  The Tuckasegee River is known for its whitewater rafting and trout fishing, and runs right through town.  And of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is only a 30 minute drive away.

Waynesville

Located ten minutes up the Expressway in Haywood County, the bustling town of Waynesville www.waynesville.comis one of the true gems of western North Carolina.  The heart of Waynesville is its wonderful downtown area www.downtownwaynesville.com complete with top-notch restaurants, shopping, and art galleries, but you'll also find a performing arts center, a community college, and a regional hospital here.  Most any retail shopping need can be satisfied in Waynesville, from a brand new Super Wal Mart, to Best Buy and Lowes, and they're all easily accessible to Balsam Mountain Preserve residents.

Waynesville has a population of nearly 10,000 residents, and is blessed with an ideal year-round climate, beautiful mountain scenery and warm Southern hospitality. About 40% of Haywood County is occupied by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest and the Harmon Den Wildlife Refuge, where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets the Great Smoky Mountains.   

Dillsboro

A visit to tiny Dillsboro www.visitdillsboro.org is like stepping back in time.  Its five square blocks of century-old stores, restaurants, galleries and inns are a nostalgic reminder of small town America, the way our grandparents knew it.  No malls.  No chain stores.  Just an interesting array of mom-and-pop businesses specializing in delightful merchandise.

The way to experience Dillsboro is on foot, strolling from shop to shop.  Along the way, you may wander into an artisan's studio to watch the creation of one-of-a-kind, hand-made works of fibers, clay, glass, metal or precious gems.

Dillsboro has been a tourist town since the late 19th century when the railroad first brought visitors to the "land of the sky" to escape the summer heat.  More than a century later, Dillsboro has changed very little - a small country village with pristine white houses, rustic old shops, galleries, restaurants and quaint country inns.  The founder, Thomas Dills' home still stands, as do many of the shops that first opened their doors in the 1800s.

Asheville 

Mountain adventure of the most diverse kind awaits your visit to Asheville, whether you're planning a tour of restaurants and culinary delights or coming to try out the area's top-rated outdoor sports activities.  The Blue Ridge Parkway, a thriving arts community and Biltmore Estate top the list of Asheville's best-known delights.  Downtown, with its funky charm and secrets to be discovered, awaits, as do day trips to surrounding towns and attractions.  Or, plan a trip of cultural discovery to explore the homes of our nation's great writers and take in the history of mountain music. Whatever the season or the reason for your visit, Asheville is sure to have something special to offer.  www.exploreasheville.com/index.aspx