16 Best Things To Do In Highlands, North Carolina

The town of Highlands, North Carolina, is a retreat in every sense of the word. Situated high within the Nantahala National Forest, near where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, this quaint community is a getaway destination for much of the Southeast. With enchanting inns, five-star spas, and white-tablecloth dining, the outdoors isn't all this mountain town has to offer—but it's definitely at the top of the list. The town became known as a health and summer retreat over a century ago, a spirit it still embodies today. From the best overlooks to our favorite meals in Highlands, here's how to spend a long weekend in this quaint corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What To Do

Admire Mountain Views

If it's views you're looking for, Nantahala National Forest is a gold mine. Beginner and expert hikers can make their way from gushing waterfalls and panoramic peaks on any given day. You also can take in the views on Whiteside Mountain, a landmark along the eastern continental divide. The moderate 2-mile loop will take you by cliff edges and sprawling views. Keep your eyes peeled for falcons flying above.

Explore The Waterfalls

Warm up with a trip to one of the closest waterfalls, Dry Falls. An easy start to the day, the short, half-mile stroll will take you to where the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff. A path lets you venture behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name.

Keep things flowing with a trip to Glen Falls. The trailhead is 3 miles from downtown, and the trip to the multilevel, 640-foot splash and back is just over 2 miles total. Don't let the downhill start trick you. Be sure to conserve your energy for the walk back up.

For visitors looking for accessibility, drive to Bridal Veil Falls. The drop is roadside, so you can take in the view from the comfort of your car. It's the only waterfall in the state that a vehicle can drive under.

Spend The Day Fly Fishing

Highlands is a jumping off point for outdoor adventures, from zip-lining to golf. Brookings Anglers can outfit you for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. Or, book a tour with one of their friendly guides at the nearby Cashiers location—just make sure you reserve your spot a month or two out.

Race In A Mountain Coaster

Take the kids 8 miles west of town to Highlands Outpost for the longest gravity-powered roller coaster in the state. Then check out the gem mine to see what treasures you can find. Snow tubing and ice skating begin in November.

Where To Eat

Fuel Up For Breakfast

Begin your day at Mountain Fresh Grocery where a homemade breakfast sandwich is sure to fuel the day's adventure. Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road. 4th Street Market, a small convenience store, will come in handy at the start of the day with to-go snacks for the trail. Much more than a convenience store, this market carries breakfast biscuits, warm cinnamon rolls, and barbecue fixings you can bring on a picnic.

Eat Lunch On A Patio

If you're not still in the mountains mid-day, stop by The Wine Garden at the Old Edwards Inn for its can't-miss patio. Sunshine and stonework mixes with great sips, dips, salads, and sandwiches for a lunch that feels like a destination in its own right. Another local favorite, Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas. The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair. If you don't get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service as well.

Enjoy Fine Dining

If you like, never leave your hotel and stay for dinner at Madison's Restaurant. The indoor dining room serves farm-to-table fare where you can treat yourself to everything from pork saltimbocca to a crispy leg of duck confit. Or, take things up a notch at Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro, where a taste of Europe and New Orleans accompany a wine list more than 700 bottles long. Also on the main strip, Ristorante Paoletti offers excellent Italian fare from pastas to veal and fish. Reservations are recommended at these restaurants, especially during the vacation season.

Grab A Burger At The Pub

There are many good reasons to wander away from the inn, as dinner options within walking distance of downtown are endless. Bring a picture of your pup with you to The Ugly Dog Public House, and they'll put it on their photo-studded walls while you grab a burger and a local beer.

Get Some Turtle Fudge

Around town, opportunities abound for frozen treats, pastries, and chocolates. Between shopping or after a meal, be sure to stop into Kilwins for a plethora of confections and ice cream cones sure to keep your blood sugar from dropping. Most of their recipes date back to the 1940s, and their turtle fudge is nearly impossible to pass up.

Where To Shop

Gear Up For Adventure

Stick around downtown at least one day to explore the many shops. Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street. Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures at Bear Mountain Outfitters. From outdoor appeal and equipment for the trail to casual wear you can sport around town, this local shop has something for everyone.

Check Out Clothing Boutiques

Pop into Rosenthals Boutique for an elevated look. A family store that's been passed down three generations, the shop prides itself on a selection of designer brands and high-end service. Wander into TJ Baily's for classic style. This once men's only store now carries women's clothing too.

Browse Home Decor

Find a little something for your home at Dutchmans Casual Living where you'll be delighted by colorful decor and handcrafted furnishings. The boutique has planted 700,000 trees since 2005, with the goal to plant one tree with every piece of furniture sold. On North Fourth, CK Swan sells carefully selected home goods and furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and even bouquets of flowers.

Seek Old Treasures

Downtown Highlands has a number of antique stores that are definitely worth checking out, but it's also worth a trip to Reclamations. Located between Highlands and Cashiers, Reclamations is so much more than an antique store. You'll find an incredible array of architectural salvage, hand-crafted hardware, yard art, and more. After an hour of browsing their vast barn, you're sure to find buried treasure somewhere.

Buy Local Art

A short drive or walk from downtown, a 6-acre horse farm is home to The Bascom, a visual arts center that exhibits local and world-renowned artists. After visiting the exhibits, meander down the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail to enjoy the beauty of nature and art.

Where To Stay

Splurge On The Old Edwards Inn

While plenty of rustic cabin rentals dot the woods, you can splurge on a stay at Old Edwards Inn and Spa for a taste of refined mountain charm. Spend your nights at the elegant inn or in one of their charming cottages. Located in the heart of downtown, this mountain refuge delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, and dining options galore. You'd be remiss to checkout without experiencing the property's heated mineral pool or standout spa treatments.

Check Out A New Hotel

Trailborn Highlands, a 63-room downtown Highlands hotel, is the second in a set of luxury stays that hotel brand Trailborn has planned for popular outdoor destinations across the country. Set on 4.5 acres, the property’s epicenter is a 1924 log cabin that houses Highlands Supper Club restaurant. Other amenities include cold-plunge showers, saunas, firepits, a lily pond, and flower gardens. 

Cozy Up At The Highlander Mountain House

Also downtown, you can stay at the 18-room Highlander Mountain House, a cozy establishment that was converted from a retired sea captain's sprawling home. The inn calls itself "equal parts Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate." An all-day tavern, The Ruffed Grouse, serves a menu featuring seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers. Highlander Mountain House's latest venture and sister property Outpost Inn is another worthy option. The lodge-style, summer camp-inspired stay features 14 guest rooms, plus thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and banana bread, a guest happy hour, bikes, a vinyl collection, and a healthy selection of board games and books.