Dillsboro NC “A Blast From The Past”

Town of Dillsboro NC
This picture-book town found in the Great Smoky Mountains has been a tourist town since the late 19th century. Just minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dillsboro is filled with rustic old shops, galleries, restaurants and whimsical country inns. The village is a blast from the past and a pleasant reminder of what small town America used to be. Consisting of five square blocks, Dillsboro has a large variety of mom-and-pop businesses that specialize in one-of-a-kind merchandise. The Dillsboro scenic dam features fishing, kayaking, a greenway trail and a quiet park. Throughout the year the town holds many little festivals and events for all to enjoy. If you are looking for a nostalgic town to visit and relax in then Dillsboro, North Carolina is the perfect destination for you. 

History of Dillsboro North Carolina
Originally known as New Webster, the town changed its name to Dillsboro in 1889 in honor of William Allen Dills who first settled here. The Dill house was the first house in Dillsboro and is still used by the Riverwood Shops today. Here Mr.Dill operated the town’s first post office which overlooks Scott’s Creek and the Tuckaseigee River. 

The town flourished in 1883 when the new railroad was built, drawing tourists from all over. At the turn of the century, Dillsboro was the largest non-county seat town west of Asheville with about 750 residents. 

The Southern Railway continued to provide for the community, bringing goods and services from the outside world. Being that there was no river crossing at Dillsboro, the railway was an important transportation center for local industry. 

Many of the first buildings found in Dillsboro are still in use today. The town has remained a popular tourist town due to its cool summers and beautiful mountain scenery. You can take a self-guided tour of historic Dillsboro and explore the structures that brought this town to life. 

 

Dillsboro Arts & Music Festival
The 27th annual Dillsboro Arts & Music Festival is held the center of the historic village of Dillsboro. Two dozen artisans from the Blue Ridge Mountains will be here to display their crafts and artwork. Attendees can admire and purchase a variety of crafts from pottery to homemade soaps at this free festival. An up-and-coming band Rock III will be providing energetic covers from the ’80s, ’90s and today. The Spirit of Appalachia will entertain with live storytelling prior to the bands performance. Food vendors will also be found throughout the festival grounds.