Your Guide to Highlands, NC
While planning our honeymoon, Raymond and I kept coming up short on where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do. Nashville was high on the list but after talking to several people we ruled it out based on it’s high party vibe. We were looking for something more quaint.
A few others had recommended Old Edwards Inn & Spa in the Highlands; we looked it up and thought, “why not?”
We were so pleased with our experience at Old Edwards but also very charmed by the town of Highlands and the surrounding areas. If you are planning a trip to Western NC then let this be your guide on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do.
WHERE TO STAY
First, I recommend staying in Highlands rather than Cashiers. There is a sweet downtown vibe to Highlands that is lacking in Cashiers.
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Complimentary champagne at check-in. :)
The majority of their rooms are all different in size and layout. My favorite thing about the rooms were the framed Bible verses throughout the suite. We stayed in the Falls Cottage but the Main Inn or the Lodge would all be amazing. TIP: stop by a grocery store for a few supplies such as bottled water, drinks, adult beverages, and snacks. They don’t have much in the room for you.
200 Main
This property is part of the Old Edwards suite of hotels. It is still near downtown but not right in the thick of things. I’m a fan of anything Old Edwards so I’m sure this would be wonderful.
The Park on Main
We intend to stay here in May as it is pet friendly. Highlands is a VERY dog friend community and we heard from many that this was a wonderful option for vacationers who wanted to bring their fur baby.
WHERE TO EAT
Mountain Fresh Grocery is the Highlands version of Dean & Deluca. We decided to have dinner in our cottage on our first night so we dropped by and ordered prepared food from their deli. It was a great way to start the trip and the food was very good!
The Ugly Dog Public House was a lively way to have dinner. Not stuffy at all and the food was amazing!
Los Vaqueros was a delicious choice for lunch.
Madison’s is the swanky option downtown and connected to Old Edwards. Make reservations for a table WHILE making reservations for your room. It is that popular.
Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards was also a sweet little spot to spend the evening. Order a glass of wine and relax by the fire. Cozy indeed! There is a rooftop above the Hummingbird Lounge; it was closed for the season but offered wonderful views of the town.
Wolfgangs Restaurant was highly recommended over and over. TIP: call ahead for reservations!
Ristoranti Paoletti was also recommended as a wonderful Italian spot!
Blue Bike Cafe is where the locals go for breakfast. TIP: get there early to avoid waiting.
Highlands Smokehouse was high on the list of the locals as well.
WHAT TO DO
Hike to waterfalls. This part of the state is deemed waterfall country. It is breathtaking how much beauty is tucked away for all to see. :)
Golf. Most of the courses were closed for winter, but we intend to check out several courses when we return in May. And by we, I mean Raymond. ;)
Shopping. There are so many boutiques along Main St that make shopping easy and convenient. We browsed and browsed one day!
Thrifting. As you know, this is my kind of shopping so we ventured out to Clayton, GA for a day of thrifting. It did not disappoint, but if you wanted to stay closer into town, then I recommend these.
RELATED
I found several other posts that touch on things to do in Highlands - enjoy!
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