Experience the finest among North Carolina Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC at The Lakehouse on Lake Glenville in Cashiers

One of the many great adventures when you visit Jackson County  (Cashiers-Lake Glenville) in the North Carolina Mountains is a wide range of Great Smoky Mountain fishing opportunities. From dropping a line ‘right off the dock’ at the Lakeshouse to the numerous other lakes, rivers and streams in the area, angles find plenty to suit them here.

The Tuckasegee River is the largest body of water in Jackson County, and has been called “Western North Carolina’s best trout stream for fly anglers“. The North Carolina Mountains also offer scores of small streams that make for great mountain fishing locations. Fishing is also available in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Cherokee Indian Reservation and on many North Carolina Mountain lakes in Jackson County including Lake Glenville – a 1,500 acre pure-water lake with 26 miles of shoreline habitat.

Fishermen visiting the Great Smoky Mountains have good success in their search for rainbow, brown and native brook trout, bass, bream, walley and crappie. Keep in mind that fishing regulations may apply and vare depending on where you choose to fish. Go to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website for information about trout regulations, licensing information, Jackson County stream stocking information and directions to handicapped-accessible fishing spots.

Visit WNC Fly Fishing Trail for information about 15 prime spots to catch brook, brown and rainbow trout in Jackson County. Detailed trail maps are available free of charge on the site and at the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce and outfitters throughout Jackson County.

Cherokee, North Carolina, Ramp It Up! Festival – March 27

Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, 745 Trail Blvd.; Saturday, 10 am.

This homegrown celebration marks the arrival of spring and trout season. Join the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for a meal of smoked trout, fried potatoes and the pungent, onion-like ramps that grow abundantly in the Great Smoky Mountains. The day also includes Cherokee music, crafts and games, as well as the Chief’s Horseshoe Tournament with a $1,000 cash prize.

Sylva, Greening Up the Mountains Festival – April 24

Main Street & Bridge Park; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A 5K run opens this annual spring fete, named for the way foliage creeps up the mountainsides as warm weather arrives. Local artisans and community organizations welcome visitors to their booths. In keeping with the festival’s origins as an Earth Day celebration, an area is devoted to environmental education. There’s also a youth talent contest and live music throughout the day.

Asheville, Spring Herb Festival – April 30 – May 2

Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market, 570 Brevard Road; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ointments, soaps, teas, medicines, salves, herbs and plants are among the varied items for sale at the 21st edition of this annual festival which features more than 55 vendors serving 25,000 herb enthusiasts. Talk with growers, certified herbalists and natural gardening and landscaping specialists or get expert advice from one of the Master Gardeners who will be on hand.

Flat Rock Playhouse, Steel Magnolias – April 29 – May 23

Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greer Hwy; Wednesday – Sunday, 2 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday, 8 p.m. Tickets $34

Originally staged as an off-Broadway play by Robert H, then made famous by the film version, this story explores the bonds of friendship between a group of women in northern Louisiana. The story unfolds at Truvy’s beauty salon, and follows the trials and tribulations of its characters over a three-year period.