Guidebook for Highlands
Local Foodie Fare - Restaurant Guide
Here's a little guidance to the Highlands restaurant scene.
Be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible, and no later than 2 weeks before you travel!
Terrific food and wine list. Beautiful view of Lake Sequoyah. Make your reservations early and ask for an outdoor table with a lake view at sunset. It is stunning!
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on the Verandah
1536 Franklin Rd Terrific food and wine list. Beautiful view of Lake Sequoyah. Make your reservations early and ask for an outdoor table with a lake view at sunset. It is stunning!
Madison is a must for Sunday lunch. This beautiful restaurant is located in the Old Edwards Inn. The service is impeccable. The lunch price is reasonable. The chicken salad is superb!
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Madison's Restaurant
445 Main StMadison is a must for Sunday lunch. This beautiful restaurant is located in the Old Edwards Inn. The service is impeccable. The lunch price is reasonable. The chicken salad is superb!
One of the best restaurants in town. Authentic Italian fare. The owner returns to Italy every winter and always returns with something new! The mussels and halibut are incredible! Make your reservations several weeks in advance!
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Ristorante Paoletti
440 Main StOne of the best restaurants in town. Authentic Italian fare. The owner returns to Italy every winter and always returns with something new! The mussels and halibut are incredible! Make your reservations several weeks in advance!
My favorite in-store restaurant for fresh (and huge) burgers, sandwiches, desserts. The salads and meals are huge - you can split them and will not go hungry! They also make custom pizzas to order and have a wonderful pastry shop. Here's the secret - they have wine and cheese tasting every Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. They also have a Friday night steak night from 6:00 to 8:00.
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Mountain Fresh Grocery
521 Main StMy favorite in-store restaurant for fresh (and huge) burgers, sandwiches, desserts. The salads and meals are huge - you can split them and will not go hungry! They also make custom pizzas to order and have a wonderful pastry shop. Here's the secret - they have wine and cheese tasting every Friday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. They also have a Friday night steak night from 6:00 to 8:00.
Best fish in town, Hands Down! The Vidalia onion encrusted salmon is unbelievable. Great wine list, but not overwhelming.
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Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main StBest fish in town, Hands Down! The Vidalia onion encrusted salmon is unbelievable. Great wine list, but not overwhelming.
Best grocery store and most reasonable in Highlands. Great wine selection, fresh produce and they have firewood and starter logs!
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Bryson's Food Store
103 Highlands PlazaBest grocery store and most reasonable in Highlands. Great wine selection, fresh produce and they have firewood and starter logs!
German-born Wolfgang Green’s culinary career has taken him around the globe, including serving as Executive Chef for the Brennan Family of Commander’s Palace. An excellent menu and wine list, and a lovely setting on Main Street.
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Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
474 Main StGerman-born Wolfgang Green’s culinary career has taken him around the globe, including serving as Executive Chef for the Brennan Family of Commander’s Palace. An excellent menu and wine list, and a lovely setting on Main Street.
Excellent Pizza, Calzone and Beer located right on Main Street. Great for lunch or pizza with the gang!
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Pizza Place of Highlands
365 Main StExcellent Pizza, Calzone and Beer located right on Main Street. Great for lunch or pizza with the gang!
Always a stop when we come Highlands. Very friendly and clean. My kids love the ice cream and the fudge. The location of this Kilwin's is wonderful because you can sit outside and enjoy your ice cream or chocolate treat while people watching. A wonderful addition to Main Street Highlands!
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Kilwins Highlands
341 Main StAlways a stop when we come Highlands. Very friendly and clean. My kids love the ice cream and the fudge. The location of this Kilwin's is wonderful because you can sit outside and enjoy your ice cream or chocolate treat while people watching. A wonderful addition to Main Street Highlands!
Great for breakfast. In fact, they serve breakfast anytime they're open. The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is also killer!
The staff is exceptional and very accommodating in helping the customer. Kyle Bryner is the manager and has a great sense of humor!
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Blue Bike Cafe
423 N 4th StGreat for breakfast. In fact, they serve breakfast anytime they're open. The Buffalo Chicken Wrap is also killer!
The staff is exceptional and very accommodating in helping the customer. Kyle Bryner is the manager and has a great sense of humor!
Great locally owned coffee shop right in the heart of downtown Highlands! While exploring the area, this is the perfect stop to grab a coffee and a snack.
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Calders Coffee Cafe
384 Main StGreat locally owned coffee shop right in the heart of downtown Highlands! While exploring the area, this is the perfect stop to grab a coffee and a snack.
Great food, great people watching.
But the desserts are to-die-for. The Australian dessert chef creates master works of art that are beautiful and sinfully delicious! Stop by for a late dessert and a glass of wine!
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Midpoint Highlands
332 Main StGreat food, great people watching.
But the desserts are to-die-for. The Australian dessert chef creates master works of art that are beautiful and sinfully delicious! Stop by for a late dessert and a glass of wine!
Parks & Nature
Great nature center and trails for families.
Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens - Highlands Nature Center was founded as the museum of the Highlands Biological Station in 1927, and was originally housed as an annex to the Hudson Library. Its present home, the Clark Foreman Museum building, was constructed between 1939 and 1941 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using native granite from the local quarry and wormy chestnut salvaged from the Nantahala National Forest. Following a renovation in 2001, the Nature Center now offers exhibits and year-round educational programming focusing on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region.
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Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens
265 N 6th St Great nature center and trails for families.
Highlands Biological Station, Nature Center and Botanical Gardens - Highlands Nature Center was founded as the museum of the Highlands Biological Station in 1927, and was originally housed as an annex to the Hudson Library. Its present home, the Clark Foreman Museum building, was constructed between 1939 and 1941 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) using native granite from the local quarry and wormy chestnut salvaged from the Nantahala National Forest. Following a renovation in 2001, the Nature Center now offers exhibits and year-round educational programming focusing on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachian region.
Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrGreat hike to beautiful views!
NOT TO BE MISSED!! This is a great little 1 hr round trip hike from the cottage (suitable for children as well). There are fantastic views at the top of this lovely neighborhood and some beautiful homes as well. And.... no crowds because you're walking on a gravel road through the Big Bear Pen neighborhood.
DIRECTIONS: Go out the front gate, turn left and walk down the hill about 500 yards. Take a left on to Biscuit Rock Rd. You'll walk past a pond up hill (this first hill is the most strenuous, but short). Biscuit Rock Rd. will intersect with Upper Lake Road. So turn left on Upper Lake Rd. Upper Lake Rd. shortly dead ends into Big Bear Pen Rd. Take a right on Big Bear Pen and follow it all the way to the top. It's a loop that will give you beautiful panoramic views of Whiteside Mountain and many other scenic views. You can return the same way, or go straight on Big Bear Pen all the way to town or to the Nature Center. The hike is about 3 miles roundtrip and will take about an hour.
Big Bear Pen Road
Big Bear Pen RoadNOT TO BE MISSED!! This is a great little 1 hr round trip hike from the cottage (suitable for children as well). There are fantastic views at the top of this lovely neighborhood and some beautiful homes as well. And.... no crowds because you're walking on a gravel road through the Big Bear Pen neighborhood.
DIRECTIONS: Go out the front gate, turn left and walk down the hill about 500 yards. Take a left on to Biscuit Rock Rd. You'll walk past a pond up hill (this first hill is the most strenuous, but short). Biscuit Rock Rd. will intersect with Upper Lake Road. So turn left on Upper Lake Rd. Upper Lake Rd. shortly dead ends into Big Bear Pen Rd. Take a right on Big Bear Pen and follow it all the way to the top. It's a loop that will give you beautiful panoramic views of Whiteside Mountain and many other scenic views. You can return the same way, or go straight on Big Bear Pen all the way to town or to the Nature Center. The hike is about 3 miles roundtrip and will take about an hour.
Entertainment & Activities
A local long-time playhouse that shows quality performances. It started in 1938 and is the oldest theater in North Carolina. The season for theater performances extends from May to October. You can see a movie here too!
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Highlands Playhouse
507 Oak StA local long-time playhouse that shows quality performances. It started in 1938 and is the oldest theater in North Carolina. The season for theater performances extends from May to October. You can see a movie here too!
This is a fun activity for people of all ages. They give you a bucket filled with dirt and hidden gems. Just sift through in the troughs they give you in the water.
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Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine
9770 Highlands RdThis is a fun activity for people of all ages. They give you a bucket filled with dirt and hidden gems. Just sift through in the troughs they give you in the water.
Every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., The Ugly Dog features live blue grass music featuring a variety or artists throughout the year. But if you want a seat, come by 5:30 and have an early supper. We recommend the grilled salmon salad!
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The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StEvery Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., The Ugly Dog features live blue grass music featuring a variety or artists throughout the year. But if you want a seat, come by 5:30 and have an early supper. We recommend the grilled salmon salad!
Sightseeing
Awesome waterfall that you walk behind! Wonderful paved trail with handrails. Beautiful views!
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Dry Falls
U.S. 64Awesome waterfall that you walk behind! Wonderful paved trail with handrails. Beautiful views!
Glen Falls is a triple waterfall near Highlands with four great scenic stops along the roughly 2-mile round-trip hike in the Nantahala National Forest. The upper and middle cascades are the most beautiful. From the parking area, take the woodland trail downhill. We suggest not stopping until you get to the middle section (photo at top) since it's downhill all the way. Then you can stop at the upper section and other vantage points as resting stops on your hike back uphill!
Located just a few miles from downtown Highlands, Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area. The hike makes a gradual descent with about 400 feet in elevation change. There are quite
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Glen Falls
Glen Falls is a triple waterfall near Highlands with four great scenic stops along the roughly 2-mile round-trip hike in the Nantahala National Forest. The upper and middle cascades are the most beautiful. From the parking area, take the woodland trail downhill. We suggest not stopping until you get to the middle section (photo at top) since it's downhill all the way. Then you can stop at the upper section and other vantage points as resting stops on your hike back uphill!
Located just a few miles from downtown Highlands, Glen Falls is on the east fork of Overflow Creek in the scenic Blue Valley area. The hike makes a gradual descent with about 400 feet in elevation change. There are quite
Very popular hike (7/10ths mile) to the top of a ridgeline that overlooks the entire Town of Highlands and provides a sweeping vista of the Appalachians. Sunset is beautiful from here! You can park at the trailhead across the street from the Highlands Biological Center (the Nature Center).
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Sunset Rock
131 Highlands Gate DrVery popular hike (7/10ths mile) to the top of a ridgeline that overlooks the entire Town of Highlands and provides a sweeping vista of the Appalachians. Sunset is beautiful from here! You can park at the trailhead across the street from the Highlands Biological Center (the Nature Center).
Bridal Veil Falls
Drive under these falls while on your way to Dry Falls!
A popular swimming and sliding area along US Highway 64. Also known as Quarry Falls or Bust-Yer-Butt Falls. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters.
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Bust Your Butt Falls
A popular swimming and sliding area along US Highway 64. Also known as Quarry Falls or Bust-Yer-Butt Falls. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters.
Located near Cashiers, this beautiful waterfall and swimming spot is a short walk from the highway.
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Silver Run Falls Trailhead
Located near Cashiers, this beautiful waterfall and swimming spot is a short walk from the highway.
This natural waterslide, created by the Chattooga River, glides over a 10-ft. high rock face with a few large potholes. It's a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.
Directions: From the intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, follow NC 107 south for 1.9 miles to Whitesides Cove Road. Turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road and follow it 2.8 miles to the bridge over the Chattooga. Park and follow a short trail to the river
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Cashiers Sliding Rock
This natural waterslide, created by the Chattooga River, glides over a 10-ft. high rock face with a few large potholes. It's a popular local spot during the summer because the water is quite cool. You can slide down the rock, cannonball into one of the potholes or just wade in the pool below the rock.
Directions: From the intersection of NC 107 and US 64 in Cashiers, follow NC 107 south for 1.9 miles to Whitesides Cove Road. Turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road and follow it 2.8 miles to the bridge over the Chattooga. Park and follow a short trail to the river
Arts & Culture
Wonderful art museum and pottery mecca! The Bascom’s major exhibitions highlight the work of the artists who live and work in our region, Bascom instructors and students, Artist Fellows and Residents, as well as world-renowned artists whose work might not otherwise be seen in this region. The Bascom's 7 galleries and the Winkler Sculpture and Nature Trail are host to approximately 30 exhibitions each year, which pair with our Outreach and Education departments to attract 35,000 visitors to The Bascom. Free guided tours are available upon advanced request.
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The Bascom
323 Franklin RdWonderful art museum and pottery mecca! The Bascom’s major exhibitions highlight the work of the artists who live and work in our region, Bascom instructors and students, Artist Fellows and Residents, as well as world-renowned artists whose work might not otherwise be seen in this region. The Bascom's 7 galleries and the Winkler Sculpture and Nature Trail are host to approximately 30 exhibitions each year, which pair with our Outreach and Education departments to attract 35,000 visitors to The Bascom. Free guided tours are available upon advanced request.
Every July and August, the Town of Highlands and Cashiers co-host a chamber music festival.
The world's greatest music, internationally-known performers, beautifully intimate settings, the cool mountains, fine dining and art, theatre and film, golf, shopping – it is all available to you in Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina.
Highlands Cashiers Chamber Msc
507 Chestnut StEvery July and August, the Town of Highlands and Cashiers co-host a chamber music festival.
The world's greatest music, internationally-known performers, beautifully intimate settings, the cool mountains, fine dining and art, theatre and film, golf, shopping – it is all available to you in Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina.
Enjoy a painting or crafting class with a glass of wine and your friends. Jeanie will walk you through step-by-step, while you relax and get creative. Whether you are a professional artist or you have never touched a paint brush you will have a great time in our relaxed environment.
Studio owner, Jeanie Edwards-Bozeman, is an accomplished sculptor, mural artist, and art instructor.
A native of Alabama, she considers Highlands the home of her heart.
Easely An Artist
221 N 4th St
Enjoy a painting or crafting class with a glass of wine and your friends. Jeanie will walk you through step-by-step, while you relax and get creative. Whether you are a professional artist or you have never touched a paint brush you will have a great time in our relaxed environment.
Studio owner, Jeanie Edwards-Bozeman, is an accomplished sculptor, mural artist, and art instructor.
A native of Alabama, she considers Highlands the home of her heart.
Shopping
The top of the line in women's clothing. The Rosenthal family has been in the fur business for three generations. In 1992 , Mark and Laura Rosenthal established a retail store in beautiful Highlands, NC. Laura, who is the creative force behind the store, decided to expand the business and incorporate designer clothing. Laura is one of the nicest people you will meet!
( ARMANI, AUSTRALIA LUXE, AVENUE MONTAIGNE, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, ESCADA, ETRO, J. BRAND, JIMMY CHOO, KATE SPADE, LORO PIANA, LUISA CERANO, M MISSONI, MICHAEL KORS, MANOLO BLAHNIK, PAIGE DENIM, RALPH LAUREN, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, STUART WEITZMAN, TORY BURCH, TAHARI, VALENTINO, VERSACE)
Rosenthal's Boutique
375 Main StThe top of the line in women's clothing. The Rosenthal family has been in the fur business for three generations. In 1992 , Mark and Laura Rosenthal established a retail store in beautiful Highlands, NC. Laura, who is the creative force behind the store, decided to expand the business and incorporate designer clothing. Laura is one of the nicest people you will meet!
( ARMANI, AUSTRALIA LUXE, AVENUE MONTAIGNE, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, ESCADA, ETRO, J. BRAND, JIMMY CHOO, KATE SPADE, LORO PIANA, LUISA CERANO, M MISSONI, MICHAEL KORS, MANOLO BLAHNIK, PAIGE DENIM, RALPH LAUREN, SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, STUART WEITZMAN, TORY BURCH, TAHARI, VALENTINO, VERSACE)
Everything Else
Highlands Pharmacy
195 Main StIf you get sick or need some quick meds, this is the place to go!
Looking for a House in Highlands or a rental, this is THE place to go. Ask for Dan Chapman or Terry Potts. They are personal friends and know everyone and everything about Highlands, its homes and real estate. No pressure. Just great guys!
Country Club Properties
183 Main StLooking for a House in Highlands or a rental, this is THE place to go. Ask for Dan Chapman or Terry Potts. They are personal friends and know everyone and everything about Highlands, its homes and real estate. No pressure. Just great guys!