Escape to the Mountains :: Fall in Cashiers, NC

A Fall Escape to Cashiers & Highlands, NC: Where to Stay, What to Do, and Where to Eat

This fall, we packed up for a cozy family getaway to the charming mountain towns of Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina. It was the perfect retreat with cooler temps, vibrant fall foliage, and time well spent with George’s parents, and Addy. We’ve had this trip planned for the better part of the year and I’ve been counting down the days. My sweaters were screaming to see the sunshine again, and we were more than ready to escape the southern heat.

George and I traveled to Highlands, NC a few years ago for a wedding and instantly fell in love with the mountain towns. The windy drive up the mountain is lined with vistas as you enter the national forest and then pops you out into a mountain chic town. The streets are lined with quaint local businesses and eateries, tourists are strolling around in felt-lined hats and scarves and everyone decorates for the season.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or a bustling small-town adventure, this area has it all. Here's a recap of our trip, broken down into where to stay, what to do, and of course, the best places to eat!

Peep my video recap HERE.

Where to Stay

For this trip, we chose a beautiful VRBO in Cashiers, which was truly perfect for our family. The space was so thoughtfully decorated—I’m still obsessed with the wallpaper! It had just the right amount of charm for a mountain getaway, but also all the modern comforts we needed, especially with a toddler in tow. The layout was spacious and allowed for downtime, something we all appreciated after long days of adventuring.

If you're planning a trip just for two or a smaller group, George and I have previously stayed at 200 Main in Highlands. It's a great boutique hotel right in the heart of town. But for a family trip, this VRBO in Cashiers hit all the right notes—plenty of space, easy access to nearby trails, and a peaceful vibe that let us fully unwind.

We also scheduled a tour of High Hampton, an absolutely stunning property in Cashiers. Mr. and Mrs. Nunnelley actually stayed here on their babymoon 35 years ago, so it was extra special for them to return for the first time since the property has been revamped. The grounds are gorgeous—Addy even got to meet their resident donkeys, Ed and Fred! This spot is definitely a bucket-list stay for us. Dreamers keep on dreamin'—maybe one day we’ll get to stay there!

Activities

Our days were a mix of exploring and relaxing, with plenty to see and do. Here are the highlights from our trip:

Hiking: One of the most memorable parts of our trip was hiking Whitewater Falls, located just 20 minutes from Cashiers. It’s an easy, paved trail that takes you to an incredible vista at the top, making it super kid-friendly (~0.5 miles, one way). There's also a lower viewpoint that’s accessed by a flight of stairs for a more dramatic look at the falls—well worth the effort! We took plenty of scenic stops along the way to marvel at the beauty of the mountains, especially with the fall colors in full swing.

Shopping: One afternoon, we headed to Highlands, which was bustling with energy. The small-town charm mixed with high-end shopping was a fun balance. We wandered through boutiques and shops, and even though we didn’t buy much, the window shopping was top-notch. If you're in the mood to treat yourself or pick up something special, Highlands is the place to be.

Relaxing: Sometimes the best part of a vacation is just slowing down. We spent plenty of time unwinding at the VRBO, enjoying coffee on the porch while taking in the crisp mountain air, and simply relaxing (as much as one can with a toddler). It was a perfect balance of activity and rest.

Places to Eat

Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in some delicious food (we always joke about strategizing for our next meal while we’re sitting down to eat), and the area is known for their foodie scene *hair flip in mountain chic*.

Buck’s Coffee (Cashiers): The ideal spot to grab your morning coffee or take a midday break. Located right in the heart of Cashiers.

Bistro Four65 (Highlands): If you’re in Highlands for lunch, I highly recommend Bistro Four65. We stopped here and enjoyed some amazing pizza—perfect for refueling after a morning of shopping. George highly recommends their hot sandwiches. Well. Really, everything on the menu is delicious.

Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers): Great beer, even better food, and a laid-back vibe. We loved it so much that it’s officially on our “must-visit again” list. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back & relax with a burger and brewskie after a morning of hiking. They have a great grassy field area for kiddos to run around — it’s very family friendly!

Canyon Kitchen (Sapphire): This place has been on my list since George and I first traveled to the area a few years ago. The property blew us away. With insane views of the mountain and equally impressive food, it’s a must-visit if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience. It’s a splurge, but well worth it for the atmosphere and dishes. If you just want to go for a cocktail, arrive early and try to find yourselves a pair of Adirondack chairs!

Mountain Fresh Grocery (Highlands): Whether you need a quick snack, coffee, bottle of wine or a light meal, this spot is a great stop. If you can get here for breakfast, do it. Perfect for grabbing a few essentials or a treat between adventures.

Cornucopia (Cashiers): We couldn’t get enough of their fried green beans and cocktails! The relaxed atmosphere made it a perfect spot for a casual yet delicious meal that was kid friendly. We sat out on the deck to enjoy the fresh mountain air and let Addy run around.

addy’s fall wardrobe

Mama’s Mini Outfit. I squealed when I saw this one ~adds to cart immediately~

Floral Sherpa Jacket. Again. Who doesn’t love a baby in a sherpa?!

Green Ruffled Peter Pan Collared Outfit. We ended up matching with our colors for this day, too! Adorable.

Pink Overalls & Long Sleeve Shirt. This little outfit was so perfect for fall! Loved the ruffle sleeve detail.

Final Thoughts

Cashiers and Highlands are a fabulous weekend trip any time of the year, but fall is extra special to me. Whether you’re there for the hiking, the views, or simply to relax and enjoy great food, these little mountain towns are worth a visit. Our family loved the balance of adventure and downtime, and we can’t wait to plan another trip back to explore even more.