A WEEKEND IN HIGHLANDS, NC

Not to be confused with the Highlands in Scotland, Highlands, NC is a quaint rustic town in southwest North Carolina. There are a lot of outdoor activities to do here, coupled with wonderful restaurants and a wide variety of festivals that are sprinkled throughout the year. For example, when we visited in November, the Highland Food & Wine Festival was in full swing. So whether you are going to enjoy the mountains or a music festival, Highlands, NC has something for you.

Start Day 1 by checking into Old Edwards Inn and Spa. If you do opt for an Airbnb or a cabin rental in the woods, note that it is very hilly! Once you drop off your bags, head to Blue Bike Café for breakfast (you can sit down and eat or take it to go!) Now that you have the carbs needed for a big day, head to Whiteside Mountain, which is only a 15-minute drive from the town center.

The trail is a 2.5-mile loop. There is a parking lot where you can park, where you have to pay a fee to hike the trail. (You can pay this on an app or with cash, which is explained on a bulletin board in the parking lot.) To begin the hike, you will go up a set of stairs. Once you get to the top of the landing, you have the option to go left or right. The left is an easier ascent, while the right is a bit more technical. I would suggest going right, as I would rather descend using the easy route, so as to protect my ankles, and challenge myself going up. You will hit the best views first if you make a right. The majority of the people go left to start, so it is nice to walk without anyone around!

Return to the hotel to freshen up and have lunch at Madison’s, a delicious restaurant within the hotel. As the hotel is right on Main Street, take a stroll after lunch to explore the main drag. Spend the rest of the afternoon looking at waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls. While there are many waterfalls in the area, these are just two minutes away from each other and they are only a 10-minute drive from Main Street!

For dinner, take a drive to another town, Cashiers, NC! There is a fabulous restaurant there called The Library Kitchen & Bar. CJ and I both had the special that was offered that evening, schnitzel (I can never turn down schnitzel) and it was fantastic.

Start Day 2 at Calder’s Coffee Café. (Note that I know many people like Mountain Fresh Grocery, but I found it to be overpriced and overrated! If you want provisions, just head to Bryson’s Food Store.) Then hike Sunset Rock, a 1.4-mile trail that is a four-minute drive from Calder’s. Now I know it is called, “Sunset” Rock, but I like to avoid crowds, and going in the morning allows you unimpeded views!

Then in the afternoon head 30 minutes south over the border to Georgia, where you can go horseback riding at Dillard House Stables. On site there is a restaurant called The Dillard House Restaurant, so you can grab lunch there if you would like! Reserve you horseback riding spot in advance for a scenic farm ride or river ride. We went with the farm ride, and it was so wonderful to be looking out over a large field, soaked by the sun. We were with a large group, but you have the opportunity to book a private ride as well.

End the evening back in the heart of the town of Highlands with a delicious meal at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro. We hope you enjoy your time in Highlands, NC!

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