Sapphire Valley Resort
Daily Events

Daily / Weekly Events and Trips

Scroll Down for Events and Fun on the Resort 
including our suggested 3 day itinerary.




Calendar of Events

Note: If you are staying on property with an [Amenity Card] , be sure to stop by the Community Center to get the most current information, sign up for classes and check out other activities for your visit! Some events and classes are open to the Public. 

Please call 828-773-7663
to confirm any event.

  • Fall has arrived in Sapphire Valley
    Cooler temps, fewer tourist, all the shops and dining still open - simply our favorite time of year!  Find your family fun using the Resort calendar below.
  • Area Events
    This calendar also includes select local events that we recommend you check you!
  • Sapphire Valley's own Zip Line! 
    Zip high about Ski Sapphire Valley and even look far into Lonesome Valley from The Vordach Zip Line!
    Grab the family and call 828-743-7663!
  • The Community Center
    Be sure to visit the Sapphire Valley Resort Community Center to stay up to date on the latest events, classes, and excursions. You can also register for upcoming activities right on site.
  • About the Calendar
    Scroll down for an agenda or full desktop view of the calendar. If you are a Gmail user you can subscribe to this calendar within your own Gmail account. The calendar also has a print option!

You asked for it so here it is! 

Many requested we bring back the simple calendar format used for years so you could subscribe to and print out the
Sapphire Valley Resort and
Ski Area Calendar! 

The full page or desktop version is below.


Click on any event for more details!

Have fun and we will see you in Sapphire!

Suggested 3 Day Sapphire Valley Resort Itinerary

(Red text are links to more information)


 Day 1: Autumn Colors & Resort Exploring## Morning: Arrival & Fall Planning

* Check-In: Arrive in Sapphire Valley and check into your accommodation if early check-in is available.
* Community Center Visit: If your room isn't ready, head straight to the Community Center. Finalize your amenity cards and review the fall events calendar (look out for seasonal crafts, autumn hayrides, or live music). Sign up for limited-spot excursions early!

Late Morning: Crimson Canopies & Riverside Walks

* Explore the Resort Area: Take a crisp, leisurely walk around the Sapphire Valley Resort area. Check out the tennis center, rec center, and the activity field. Walk past the base of Ski Sapphire Valley, which looks completely different dressed in autumn gold.
* The Sapphire Valley River Walk: Embark on this easy, flat trail. Walking along the Horsepasture River in the fall offers stunning views of changing leaves reflecting on the water.

Afternoon: Crisp Lake Views

* Fairfield Lake: Head to the lake to catch the autumn mountain reflection on the water. If the weather is warm enough, rent a kayak or paddleboard. Otherwise, grab a hot drink and relax on the shore to soak in the brilliant orange and red treelines.

Evening: Mountain Comfort Food

* Dinner: Cozy up at a local favorite. Grab comfort food and a seasonal brew at Mica’s Restaurant and Pub or enjoy the mountain pub vibe at The FIX Restaurant.
* Relaxation: Head back to your rental. If it's a chilly autumn night, skip the swim and opt for star-gazing by a fire pit with a warm blanket.

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Day 2: Peak Foliage & Roaring Waterfalls## Morning: Majestic Falls & Morning Mist

* Whitewater Falls: Drive out to one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies. The short, paved trail to the overlook is spectacular in autumn, framing the massive falls against a backdrop of endless fall colors.
* Gorges State Park: Head over to this rugged state park while the morning air is crisp. Hike the Rainbow Falls Trail (moderately challenging). In the fall, the reduced canopy allows for even clearer views of the misty gorge.

Afternoon: The Scenic Autumn Drive

* Waterfall Tour: Continue your chase with stops at Silver Run Falls and Turtleback Falls, both surrounded by dense, colorful woods.
* NC Highway 64 Scenic Drive: Take a slow drive along this iconic highway. The mountain vistas are at their absolute peak beauty during autumn. Make sure to pull over at the scenic overlooks for panoramic photos of the Blue Ridge fall canopy.

Evening: Fine Dining & Cozy Towns

* Dinner: Treat yourself to a unique culinary experience at The Library Kitchen & Bar, known for its upscale mountain cuisine.
* Entertainment: Explore nearby Cashiers or Highlands. Fall is peak season here, so you are likely to find autumn festivals, local live music, or cozy tavern entertainment.

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Day 3: Harvest Culture & High Country Hikes 

Morning: Harvest Markets & Village Strolls

* Visit Cashiers, NC: Take the short, scenic drive to Cashiers. Browse the Cashiers Farmers Market to stock up on local autumn harvest items like fresh apples, pumpkin treats, local cider, and mountain crafts.
* The Village Green: Stroll through this beautiful park to admire how the local sculptures contrast against the falling leaves.

Late Morning: The "Yosemite of the East"

* Panthertown Valley: Head into this stunning wilderness area. The West Panthertown Valley Loop trail is an autumn must-do, guiding you through a peaceful forest floor covered in golden leaves to a serene waterfall.

Afternoon: Resort Relaxation

* Enjoy Amenities: Return to Sapphire Valley Resort. Play a round of autumn golf or tennis surrounded by the colorful hills, or dodge the afternoon chill by relaxing in the indoor recreation center or booking a spa treatment.

Evening: Farewell Firepit

* Final Dinner: Dine at a local spot you haven’t tried yet, or revisit your favorite patio to toast to a great trip.
* Reflection: Spend your last evening reflecting on your mountain getaway. Find a spot by an outdoor fire pit, enjoy the crisp night air, and unwind.


Tips
Check the weather forecast in advance and adjust outdoor activities accordingly.
Make reservations for popular restaurants and activities to ensure availability.
Pack comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear for hiking and exploring.

Friday - Saturday - Sunday

Friday thru Sunday are open play dates! Check all on the amenities on your own. Be sure to use our Area Events Calendar to plan your on family experience! 
[Area Events Calendar]

For updates on all Amenities and Events,
Call the Sapphire Valley Community Center at 828-743-7663. 

The Pickleball courts are open year round, weather permitting. Just stop by the Red Bird Golf Shop for access.

Call Red Bird at 828-743-1191


Did you know: Before Fairfield Lake the headwaters were was once Georgetown Mine where companies like Tiffany's obtain precious gems to sell in New York and around the world !!

Sapphire Valley Resort and
Ski Area Events Calendar

Did you know?
SWITZERLAND OF AMERICA
The area became known as the "Switzerland of America" and encompassed several fabulous resorts such as the Fairfield Inn and Fairfield Lake, The Sapphire Inn, the Lodge, the Franklin Hotel and the Toxaway Inn. The resorts could not have been developed if Southern Railway had not built a rail system from Asheville, which, incidentally, was the steepest railroad system in the United States. More History: [History of Sapphire Valley]

© Copyright 2008 - High South Ventures, LLC

*This web site and the others listed are part of the High South Media Network.
We are part of the founding family of Sapphire Valley.
This web site is not associated with Capital Vacations, Diamond Resorts, Wyndham, Sapphire Valley Master Association, nor any other HOA. We provide independent multi-media content, news, vacation rental portals, and real estate services to everyone! All information believed to be correct but not guaranteed.
[Web Site Terms of Use]

Since 2008, our family has been proud to share the latest news, events, and updates from Sapphire Valley Resort and our mountain community. As members of the resort’s founding family, we are dedicated to preserving the legacy and spirit of this special place.

Thank you for visiting—we look forward to helping you create your own mountain traditions!
'Sapphire Valley' - This name was created in 1954 by the Howerdd Family / High South Ventures, LLC
"Ski Sapphire" and " Ski Sapphire Valley" created in 1964 by Gene Howerdd, Jr
**The Sapphire Country: learn more about this at History of Sapphire Valley.org