Sapphire Valley, North Carolina, is a jewel on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Its storied mining industry past meets a vibrant renaissance as a coveted resort and second-home destination for those seeking cool summer temperatures.
The Fairfield Inn and the Fairfield Dam were built in 1896, giving birth to the stunning 200-acre Lake Fairfield. The inn was demolished in 1987, but the area remained a retreat for vacationers. Two golf courses were built, one open to the public—Sapphire National Golf Course—and the other part of the prestigious Country Club of Sapphire Valley.
In contemporary times, the Sapphire Valley Resort reigns as one of Sapphire's preeminent destinations, offering an abundance of amenities and activities. The resort has forged partnerships with several local communities, sharing its facilities with residents and weaving itself into the vibrant tapestry of community life.
This locale is celebrated for its bountiful waterways and some of the most alluring waterfalls in the Southeast. The Thompson, Whitewater, and Horsepasture rivers gracefully meander through these rolling mountains, beckoning avid fly fishermen with their pristine flows. The awe-striking 7,909-acre Gorges State Park is a natural sanctuary, a mere step away for those seeking hiking, camping, and picnicking adventures. For devotees of the great outdoors, a slice of the U.S. National Forestry's Panthertown Valley nestles within Sapphire's embrace, unveiling boundless miles of untouched trails and unadulterated splendor.
When the snow blankets the landscape, winter enthusiasts can revel in the frosty season at Ski Sapphire Valley. Skiing, snowboarding, and tubing deliver exhilarating escapades. The resort offers two downhill runs, including a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical descent and a sprawling 1,600-foot course alongside a gentler beginner slope.
Here are a few of the best-loved attractions in Sapphire:
In the realm of culinary delights, Sapphire unfurls a delightful tapestry of dining experiences, ranging from relaxed to refined.
Here are a few of our favorites:
1,127 people live in Sapphire, where the median age is 64 and the average individual income is $62,426. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Median Age
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Average individual Income
There's plenty to do around Sapphire, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.
Explore popular things to do in the area, including Killer Bees Honey, Panthertown Cafe, and The Library Kitchen & Bar.
| Name | Category | Distance | Reviews |
Ratings by
Yelp
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining | 4.47 miles | 4 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.34 miles | 43 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 4.12 miles | 135 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.25 miles | 42 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.51 miles | 46 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Dining · $$$ | 1.86 miles | 69 reviews | 4.3/5 stars | |
| Dining | 4.32 miles | 18 reviews | 4.3/5 stars | |
| Dining | 3.97 miles | 2 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.55 miles | 56 reviews | 4.9/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.4 miles | 6 reviews | 4.7/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.64 miles | 5 reviews | 4.6/5 stars | |
| Active | 4.05 miles | 26 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Active | 0.93 miles | 3 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 2.47 miles | 3 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
| Active | 3.12 miles | 11 reviews | 4.5/5 stars | |
| Active | 1.28 miles | 5 reviews | 4.4/5 stars | |
| Beauty | 4.75 miles | 7 reviews | 5/5 stars | |
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Sapphire has 684 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sapphire do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 1,127 people call Sapphire home. The population density is 153.592 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Total Population
Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
Median Age
Men vs Women
Population by Age Group
0-9 Years
10-17 Years
18-24 Years
25-64 Years
65-74 Years
75+ Years
Education Level
Total Households
Average Household Size
Average individual Income
Households with Children
With Children:
Without Children:
Marital Status
Blue vs White Collar Workers
Blue Collar:
White Collar:
