Guidebook for Highlands
Essentials
Bryson's Food Store
103 Highlands PlazaRegular grocery, wine.
Upscale grocery offering a butcher, bakery & wine shop, plus a deli, grill & wood-fired pizza.
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Mountain Fresh Grocery
521 Main StUpscale grocery offering a butcher, bakery & wine shop, plus a deli, grill & wood-fired pizza.
Everything Else
Butcher, Handcut Steaks, Deli, Bakery, Wines, Specialty Foods
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Rhodes Superette
493 Dillard RdButcher, Handcut Steaks, Deli, Bakery, Wines, Specialty Foods
High end spa offering facials, massages, and other spa services. Great cafe to enjoy a bite.
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Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main StHigh end spa offering facials, massages, and other spa services. Great cafe to enjoy a bite.
Food Scene
Restaurants, both casual and fine dining, breweries, ice cream shop, pizza, and more
Kilwins Highlands
341 Main StGreat ice cream and old fashioned fudge shop.
Satulah Mountain Brewing Company
454 Carolina WayNew local brewery.
Upscale Asian-influenced American cuisine served in a contemporary polished setting with full bar. One of our favorites in town for dinner. May need a reservation on popular weekends.
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Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main StUpscale Asian-influenced American cuisine served in a contemporary polished setting with full bar. One of our favorites in town for dinner. May need a reservation on popular weekends.
Cafe with a warm ambiance, deep wine list & an eclectic menu of German, American & Cajun cuisine. Reservation likely needed on popular weekends.
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Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro
474 Main StCafe with a warm ambiance, deep wine list & an eclectic menu of German, American & Cajun cuisine. Reservation likely needed on popular weekends.
Compact & quaint cottage on Lake Harris offering upscale American fare with a seafood focus.
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Lakeside Restaurant
531 Smallwood AveCompact & quaint cottage on Lake Harris offering upscale American fare with a seafood focus.
Polished European-style venue offering refined Italian dishes and wine, with separate bar seating. Reservation needed on busy weekends.
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Ristorante Paoletti
440 Main StPolished European-style venue offering refined Italian dishes and wine, with separate bar seating. Reservation needed on busy weekends.
Upscale establishment offering American fusion fine dining, romantic ambiance & lakefront seating.
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on the Verandah
1536 Franklin RdUpscale establishment offering American fusion fine dining, romantic ambiance & lakefront seating.
Cozy, classic tavern known for its live music lineup offering burgers & pub food, plus a kids' menu. This is a family favorite for us - great for a drink and a casual meal with the family. It can get crowded and a short line usually forms around 6pm.
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The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StCozy, classic tavern known for its live music lineup offering burgers & pub food, plus a kids' menu. This is a family favorite for us - great for a drink and a casual meal with the family. It can get crowded and a short line usually forms around 6pm.
Pizza Place of Highlands
365 Main StOur favorite pizza in town. Dine in or takeout
New restaurant (previously Cyprus). Global Cuisine. Great rooftop seating, weather permitting.
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Midpoint Highlands
332 Main StNew restaurant (previously Cyprus). Global Cuisine. Great rooftop seating, weather permitting.
Rustic mountain restaurant for barbecued ribs, brisket & pulled pork, plus classic Southern sides.
Very close to the house. Closed Tuesdays. Did not have high chairs as of August 2019.
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Highlands Smokehouse
595 Franklin RdRustic mountain restaurant for barbecued ribs, brisket & pulled pork, plus classic Southern sides.
Very close to the house. Closed Tuesdays. Did not have high chairs as of August 2019.
Blue Bike Cafe
423 N 4th StBrunch spot. Closed Wednesdays. Otherwise open 7-3.
American cuisine, small plates, outdoor seating.
Closed Tuesdays. Lunch Wednesday - Saturday. Dinner Nightly. Sunday Brunch. Reservation required for brunch and dinner.
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Meritage Bistro
490 Carolina WayAmerican cuisine, small plates, outdoor seating.
Closed Tuesdays. Lunch Wednesday - Saturday. Dinner Nightly. Sunday Brunch. Reservation required for brunch and dinner.
Shopping
Adorable home design store. Everything from candles to furniture. Unique finds and gifts.
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Dutchmans Designs
342 Main StAdorable home design store. Everything from candles to furniture. Unique finds and gifts.
High end outdoor clothing, shoes, and outdoor accessories. Knowledgeable staff. Maps of hikes around the area. Great local business.
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Highland Hiker
47 NC-107High end outdoor clothing, shoes, and outdoor accessories. Knowledgeable staff. Maps of hikes around the area. Great local business.
Arts & Culture
Various art exhibits inside and outside. An interesting spot very close to the rental house. Popular spot for weddings and events.
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The Bascom
323 Franklin RdVarious art exhibits inside and outside. An interesting spot very close to the rental house. Popular spot for weddings and events.
Parks & Nature
This popular swimming hole and natural slide on the Cullasaja River along US Highway 64 near Highlands is also known as Quarry Falls. It's a short walk over some rocks from a couple of pull-offs for parking. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. With all the slippery boulders, be extra careful! And check out the depth of water before diving since levels can vary depending on rainfall. The many large rocks also make a great spot for watching, picnicking and sunning. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/bust-your-butt-falls.htm
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Bust Your Butt Falls
This popular swimming hole and natural slide on the Cullasaja River along US Highway 64 near Highlands is also known as Quarry Falls. It's a short walk over some rocks from a couple of pull-offs for parking. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. With all the slippery boulders, be extra careful! And check out the depth of water before diving since levels can vary depending on rainfall. The many large rocks also make a great spot for watching, picnicking and sunning. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/bust-your-butt-falls.htm
This excellent loop, designated a National Recreation Trail, climbs to the top of Whiteside Mountain, with its spectacular 700 ft high cliff walls lofting the hiker for amazing views. Take a camera, as the cliff-top views are lined with beautiful mountain laurel which blooms in mid-June. See relics from the past, when Whiteside Mountain was a tourist attraction. You'll pass through some pleasant woods along the way. More info here:
https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/nantahala-ranger-district/whiteside-mountain
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Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrThis excellent loop, designated a National Recreation Trail, climbs to the top of Whiteside Mountain, with its spectacular 700 ft high cliff walls lofting the hiker for amazing views. Take a camera, as the cliff-top views are lined with beautiful mountain laurel which blooms in mid-June. See relics from the past, when Whiteside Mountain was a tourist attraction. You'll pass through some pleasant woods along the way. More info here:
https://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/nantahala-ranger-district/whiteside-mountain
Bridal Veil Falls near Highlands has been famous for generations as the only waterfall in North Carolina you can drive behind. However, the section of road behind the falls is now blocked off from automobiles for safety. This allows you to walk behind and enjoy it more. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/bridal_veil_falls_highlands.htm
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Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls near Highlands has been famous for generations as the only waterfall in North Carolina you can drive behind. However, the section of road behind the falls is now blocked off from automobiles for safety. This allows you to walk behind and enjoy it more. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/bridal_veil_falls_highlands.htm
Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/dry_falls.htm
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Dry Falls
U.S. 64Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry. More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/dry_falls.htm
Sunset Rock Trail is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s perfect for watching the sun set on clear day. More info here: http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/vendor/ravenel-park-and-sunset-rock-highlands-nc/
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Sunset Rock
131 Highlands Gate DrSunset Rock Trail is a 0.8 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It’s perfect for watching the sun set on clear day. More info here: http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/vendor/ravenel-park-and-sunset-rock-highlands-nc/
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! More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/glen_falls.htm
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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! More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/glen_falls.htm
The Highlands Botanical Garden is a demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the southern Appalachians and its unique communities. Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks. Several unique demonstration gardens display collections of Native Azaleas, Plants of the Cherokee, Mosses and Liverworts, Wildflower Meadow, Butterfly-pollinated and Rock Outcrop species. The Botanical Garden is free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. More info here: http://www.highlandsbiological.org/wp-admin/pdfs/garden/highlands_botanical_garden
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Highlands Nature Center
930 Horse Cove RdThe Highlands Botanical Garden is a demonstration garden for the diverse flora of the southern Appalachians and its unique communities. Nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks. Several unique demonstration gardens display collections of Native Azaleas, Plants of the Cherokee, Mosses and Liverworts, Wildflower Meadow, Butterfly-pollinated and Rock Outcrop species. The Botanical Garden is free and open to the public year-round from sunrise to sunset. More info here: http://www.highlandsbiological.org/wp-admin/pdfs/garden/highlands_botanical_garden
The Panthertown Valley is one of those unique places well revered by many different groups of outdoor enthusiasts: hikers, photographers, backpackers, mountain bikers, equestrians, waterfall seekers, and ecologists alike see the area as one of the foremost parcels of land in the southern Appalachian mountains.
**We suggest going to Highland Hiker and buying a map of Panthertown if you plan to hike there. There are a large number of trails and a physical map will be helpful.**
More info here: https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/panthertown-valley/
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Panthertown Trailhead
Hogback Spur AThe Panthertown Valley is one of those unique places well revered by many different groups of outdoor enthusiasts: hikers, photographers, backpackers, mountain bikers, equestrians, waterfall seekers, and ecologists alike see the area as one of the foremost parcels of land in the southern Appalachian mountains.
**We suggest going to Highland Hiker and buying a map of Panthertown if you plan to hike there. There are a large number of trails and a physical map will be helpful.**
More info here: https://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/panthertown-valley/
Ranger Falls Loop Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. More info here: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/north-carolina/ranger-falls-loop-trail
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Ranger Falls Loop Trail
14014 Highlands RdRanger Falls Loop Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Highlands, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. More info here: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/north-carolina/ranger-falls-loop-trail
Just 6.5 miles from busy downtown Highlands is this hidden oasis that is definitely a secret to many. Secret Falls (also known as Big Shoals Falls) is a gorgeous 50-ft. waterfall on Big Creek that cascades into a serene pool, deep in the Nantahala National Forest near the Georgia state line. What an idyllic swimming hole on a hot summer's day! More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/secret-falls.htm
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Secret Falls Trail Head
Big Creek RoadJust 6.5 miles from busy downtown Highlands is this hidden oasis that is definitely a secret to many. Secret Falls (also known as Big Shoals Falls) is a gorgeous 50-ft. waterfall on Big Creek that cascades into a serene pool, deep in the Nantahala National Forest near the Georgia state line. What an idyllic swimming hole on a hot summer's day! More info here: https://www.romanticasheville.com/secret-falls.htm
Playground, Flower and Butterfly Garden.
If you follow Google Maps to the Village Green in Cashiers, NC there is a great playground for all ages. If you pull into the parking lot, the Village Green is on your left and the playground is on your right. If you take the path away from the parking area and playground, there is a beautiful flower garden with so many beautiful butterflies (seasonal). Just past the garden is a nice, flat, open green space where kids can run. It's a nice change of pace for kids from hiking.
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The Village Green Of Cashiers
160 Frank Allen RdPlayground, Flower and Butterfly Garden.
If you follow Google Maps to the Village Green in Cashiers, NC there is a great playground for all ages. If you pull into the parking lot, the Village Green is on your left and the playground is on your right. If you take the path away from the parking area and playground, there is a beautiful flower garden with so many beautiful butterflies (seasonal). Just past the garden is a nice, flat, open green space where kids can run. It's a nice change of pace for kids from hiking.