North Carolina has many small towns that most people have never heard of, but Sylva tends to stand out for various reasons.

Sylva is about an hour outside of Asheville, where the trucks are lifted, and Walmart is the gathering spot (this may sound familiar). Being from here has impacted my life in many ways, but the things I enjoy most about this place are…

The mountains are beautiful no matter where you are. Many tourists are attracted to the beautiful landscapes, views, waterfalls, rivers, and hikes. Anytime I visit home, I fill my time taking advantage of any opportunity to hike these beautiful mountains.

Rivers and lakes. Every summer during my visit my friends and I all get together and tube (or attempt to) down the river. The only way to do so is with sunscreen and beer. Also, if you don’t find yourself at the lake three times a week during the summer, what’re you doing? Lake days are the best days, do it and you’ll understand.

The people are more kindhearted. People who live in larger cities tend to lose their sense of kindness, but in Sylva, it feels like strangers care a little more. In time of need I’ve always been able to call upon friends, neighbors, or complete strangers.

Everyone knows everyone. This may seem like a strong statement, but if you’re from Sylva you know how true this is. This small town is full of familiar faces no matter where you turn. Sometimes I really enjoy this when they’re faces I haven’t seen in a long time. Other times, I find myself avoiding others.

People from Sylva live life slower. Obviously not everyone fits in this category, but life in the mountains is slower. Everything it at its own pace and that’s just fine.

People only know Sylva because of Western Carolina University. When you ask people if they know where Sylva is, the majority of them will say no. If you ask if they know where WCU is, they usually say yes. This is a struggle of trying to describe where you’re from.

The local businesses. There’s nothing I love more than lunch at Soul Infusion (get the vegan chili), stopping by Fish N More Pet Store (you have to play with the puppies), or grabbing a locally brewed beer at Innovation (beer is good for the soul). I enjoy spending my money at these places rather than chained businesses because I know it’s going right back to the community.

Downtown Sylva isn’t the place to be, but it’s all we have (other than Walmart). I fell in love with downtown Sylva the first time I laid eyes on it. Filled with locally owned stores and some restaurants, it’s a place I enjoy spending my time on beautiful days.

There’s no place like Sylva. Sylva is a one of a kind, and that will never change. It is a distinct beautiful place with all different types of people. *Click, click, click* there’s no place like Sylva, there’s no place like Sylva, there’s no place like Sylva.

This little town, no one has really heard of, but it’s the town that I proudly call home.