Hero - Interior Page Hero Module
NC's mountains love the camera
Western North Carolina is no stranger to the Hollywood spotlight, thanks to films such as “The Fugitive,” “Dirty Dancing” and “The Hunger Games” having filmed here. And Fox Searchlight’s Oscar-winning “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” was added to the mix in 2017. Fans of the movie will enjoy exploring the North Carolina towns where “Three Billboards ...” was filmed.
In Sylva, you can walk in the shoes of Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) as she battles with her community to dig deeper into her daughter’s violent death. A journey into writer-director Martin McDonagh’s creation of fictional Ebbing covers other cinematic North Carolina towns including Dillsboro, Black Mountain and Maggie Valley.
Image Aside Copy Module
Jackson County Historic Courthouse
Begin your trip where “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” opens — at the Jackson County Historic Courthouse. Now home to the public library, this spot offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and downtown Sylva.
Main Street
Walk along West Main Street, where you’ll find locations from the film, including the building that stood in for the Ebbing Police Department and Red Welby’s advertising office. While the office is private, you can still spot the window made famous in the movie.
City Lights Café
A favorite local hangout and a popular stop for the film’s cast and crew, City Lights Café serves coffee, light bites, beer and wine, with outdoor patio seating perfect for soaking in the small-town charm.
Dillsboro
A five-minute drive from Sylva, Dillsboro invites visitors to stroll along the Tuckasegee River and browse century-old storefronts. Stop by Dillsboro Chocolate Factory for handmade sweets before checking in at the Dillsboro Inn, an eco-friendly riverside retreat.
Black Mountain
The scenic North Fork Left Fork Road in Black Mountain served as the backdrop for the movie’s billboards. Though they’re no longer there, the drive offers stunning mountain views. Afterward, explore the artsy downtown, visit the local farmers market and browse handmade crafts.
The Town Pump Tavern
Unwind at this classic dive bar, where Dixon and other “Three Billboards ...” characters gathered. The Town Pump Tavern is a cash-only spot known for local beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
Stay at The Red Rocker Inn
Spend the night at this historic 1896 Victorian bed and breakfast, known for cozy accommodations and a farm-to-table restaurant featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Western North Carolina Nature Center
This was home to the “magical” deer (her name was Becca) from the film. This hands-on wildlife center also houses black bears, red wolves and other native species.
Burial Beer Co.
Tap into one of the best craft beer cities in the country with stops at breweries like New Belgium, Burial Beer Co., Hi-Wire Brewing and Wedge Brewing.
J. Arthur’s Restaurant
Visit the steakhouse where James takes Mildred to dinner in the film. Maggie Valley’s J. Arthur’s Restaurant is a must for fans looking to step into a scene from “Three Billboards ...”
Wheels Through Time Museum
While in Maggie Valley, stop by this one-of-a-kind museum featuring rare American motorcycles and memorabilia, offering a deep dive into automotive history.
Cataloochee Ranch
End your “Three Billboards ...” journey with a rustic stay at Cataloochee Ranch, where you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and trout fishing with sweeping views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Jackson County Historic Courthouse
Stop 2
Main Street
Stop 3
City Lights Café
Stop 4
Dillsboro
Stop 5
Black Mountain
Stop 6
The Town Pump Tavern
Stop 7
Stay at The Red Rocker Inn
Stop 8
Western North Carolina Nature Center
Stop 9
Burial Beer Co.
Stop 10
J. Arthur’s Restaurant
Stop 11
Wheels Through Time Museum
Stop 12