Highlands, NC Travel Guide
Nestled among the North Carolina pines you’ll find the quaint little mountain town of Highlands, NC. Highlands is a popular weekend destination for those who reside in the southeast, especially since the altitude offers a respite from the sweltering southern sunshine in the summer. As you wind your way up the Blue Ridge Mountains (some ~4,000 feet above sea level), you’ll drive through the Nantahala National Forest, weaving in and out of scenic lookout spots that would make even Darius Rucker gasp.
Highlands, NC is a magical mountain destination. The town itself only has a permanent population that hovers right around ~1,000, but increases to at least 5x its size in the summer. I would imagine summer in Highlands, NC is like an SEC gameday in Auburn, Alabama in terms of population growth.
As someone who grew up in central Texas and now resides in eastern Alabama, I had never heard of Highlands before moving to the Auburn-Opelika area. However, upon arrival, the idea of a North Carolina weekend in the mountains started floating in and out of my conversations fairly frequently. I think most regions have their “hidden gems” of weekend destinations. For Texas, one of those hidden gems is Fredericksburg. For the Alabama/Georgia area, one of the gems is Highlands. The drive from Auburn-Opelika clocks in just under 4 hours (which is about the same as driving down to 30A) … just inside the radius for a fun weekend getaway!
George and I were invited to a July wedding in Highlands and we decided to extend our trip to enjoy more of what the area could offer. I wanted to share our recommendations and a sample weekend travel itinerary!
Highlands, NC Travel Guide
Where to Stay
NOTE: If you’re hoping to travel in the summertime, I would book ASAP. Rooms fill up quickly, especially on the weekends. Old Edwards Inn typically has weekends booked seven to eight months in advance.
On Main Street …
Old Edwards Inn. European style retreat known for receiving multiple hospitality accolades (i.e. Conde Nast). For the luxe traveler hoping to relax.
200 Main. Mountain lodge chic, atop a hillside and on the edge of Main Street. George and I stayed at 200 Main and LOVED it.
Highlander Mountain House. A “blend of Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate” per their website. I would agree.
The Park on Main. Dog friendly and just on the edge of Main Street!
In the mountains …
The Wells Hotel. Located just a couple of blocks off of Main, this spot is also a good location.
Skyline Lodge. Beautiful views - you’re on top of the mountain!
Half-Mile Farm. Another beautiful Old Edwards property located on the side of a mountain lake.
What to Do
Hike. Part of the fun of being in the mountains is being able to enjoy the views. George and I asked a couple of locals which hike we should absolutely hit and they all suggested Whiteside Mountain. We would ALSO suggest hiking Whiteside Mountain if you only have time for one hiking excursion. The views were incredible! The loop is 1.5(ish) miles long with plenty of lookout spots. I would also suggest exploring Dry Falls and Sunset Rock.
Madelyne on the Move has a FANTASTIC blog on the different hikes in the area (complete with distances and difficulty levels). I’d suggest referencing her blog post if you want to plan out your excursions.
Golf. According the Wikipedia, Highlands became a “golfing mecca” when Bobby Jones (and friends)founded the Highlands Country Club. George and I would concur. We played a round of golf at Old Edwards Club (a perk of staying at an Old Edwards property) and we both didn’t want our round to end. Its definitely the most beautiful round of golf I’ve ever played (watch THIS VIDEO for views).
Relax. I think part of the lure of a weekend getaway is the ability to unplug. Cell service is spotty in the mountains, but I doubt you’d want to be too connected when surrounded by natural beauty. Old Edwards Inn offers a plethora of spa services and many hotels in the area have amenities you can take advantage of to unwind (pools, fire pits, hammocks, etc.). I suggest packing a deck of cards.
Shop. You could easily spend an afternoon popping in and out of boutiques and antique shops along Main Street! And if you hit everything in Highlands, you could head over to Cashiers. There are a number of unique galleries and antique shops in between the two towns - Reclamations looked like a cool spot!
Live Music. Keep an eye on local events! Many spots around town will invite musicians to play on the weekends. George and I were able to attend a Concert in the Orchard session at The Farm and hear Erick Baker live. The concert felt like something out of a storybook as we sat beneath crabapple trees, sipping on a glass of wine and enjoying the music.
What to Eat
Ristorante Paoletti. $$$$. Our friends and family members claim this is the best spot in town. You will need to call for reservations.
Madison’s Restaurant. $$$$. George and I were able to grab breakfast here (another perk of staying at 200 Main) and if dinner is anything like their breakfast, it would be 10/10.
On The Verandah. $$$. George and I had dinner here on our first evening in Highlands and really enjoyed it! Try to sit on their enclosed patio, so you can have a view of the lake.
Wolfgang’s. $$$. George and I attended a rehearsal dinner here and I ate everything on my plate. Zero photographic evidence of my meal before it was inhaled.
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar. $$. One of our favorite spots in Highlands. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Be sure to order their caesar salad.
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands. $. Casual pub that stays open late!
Whiteside Brewing Company. $. Located in Cashiers, I’d recommend hitting Whiteside Brewing after your hike up Whiteside Mountain. Typically, beers shine at breweries, but the food was the star here.
Mountain Fresh Grocery. $. High-end grocery store where you can order full meals. I’d recommend for breakfast and lunch! Their biscuits and gravy were delicious, and their vanilla latte is the best in town (in my opinion).
What to Drink
Madison’s Wine Garden. Imagine sipping on a glass of wine in an incredibly lush secret garden with an umbrella to shade you. Add it to your list.
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Full bar and a great patio.
Whiteside Brewing Company. Good brews and good food!
Satulah Brewing. Located just off of Main Street, this casual spot would be great for a beer if you don’t want to drive all the way to Cashiers.
NOTE: I’d recommend grabbing a bottle of wine from Mountain Fresh Grocery’s extensive collection and cozying up in front of a fireplace or enjoying a glass on your balcony.
VIDEO DIARIES:
Our 1st Day in Highlands // 200 Main + Concert in the Orchard + Dinner on the Verandah
Whiteside Mountain + Whiteside Brewing
Old Edwards Club + Bistro Four65 + Madison’s Wine Garden
If you’re looking for a destination that offers a good mix of activities and relaxation (with some jaw-dropping views), Highlands is your spot. George and I actually met a couple who have been visiting the area for 20+ years! He recommended visiting in October for the fall foliage and she mentioned her favorite time of year to visit was February (dustings of snow, roaring fireplaces and less tourists). Sounds like we will have to make a return trip ASAP.
Suggested Blog Posts
Checking into 200 Main // Our Stay in Highlands, NC
Photocred: Molly Harris || @mollyharris.photo
Photocred: Molly Harris || @mollyharris.photo
