I’m heading to the Highlands / Cashier area in North Carolina in a few weeks and I could not be more excited! Fun fact — Cole and I got engaged in there 16 years ago and it’s always been one of our favorite places to visit. It’s the perfect mountains meet adventure meet fine dining and great shopping spot.
Let’s dive in all the things…
Where to Stay:
We have done this trip a few ways and there are some great spots to stay — from hotel, to RV life to great homes to rent.
The Old Edwards Inn is definitely our favorite hotel to stay at if you are looking for a full service hotel experience. The rooms are beautiful and the amenities are great. I have always loved their spa and restaurant! It’s also in the heart of Highlands so the walkability factor is amazing! Just leave your hotel room and go to dinner, grab and coffee or do some shopping.
We also have stayed at quite a few VRBO houses when we are doing longer stays or multi family stays. This trip I’ll be staying at our dear friend’s new rental property and I cannot wait to show you all all the things!
What to Do:
I love this area of North Carolina as there are tons of trails all around and so many have beautiful waterfalls. Here’s some great ones to consider hiking…
Dry Falls has a path that goes behind the waterfall, so spray is part of the experience. For a proper waterfall hike, Glen Falls is approximately two miles round trip and is an actual hike rather than a roadside stop; Whiteside Mountain is a moderate two-mile loop with panoramic views. Sunset Rock is short, relatively easy walk with an excellent overlook. Bridal Veil Falls is also another drive to hike with scenic views along the way.
Click HERE to shop my What to Wear hiking look
I love walking the main streets in town and shopping for not only some local favorites but also some designer finds and everything in between. A few stores I have visited for years and years and will always love are Lulu Bleu, Monkee’s of Highlands and Rosenthal’s.
Another favorite thing I have done a few times when staying in Highlands and/or the surrounding area is go to the Old Edwards Inn Spa. You do not have to be a guest of the hotel to book an appointment and you spa appointment includes access to it’s solariums, whirlpools, steam rooms and sauna.
Putting a cute outfit recommendation for a spa day to the left — it feels appropriately luxurious without looking like pajamas. Click HERE to shop.
Golfing is a favorite of my hubby’s so of course playing is something he loves to do on vacation (I use to play some but now I’m more of a ride in the cart and look cute type of gal lol). Old Edwards Club is not generally open to the public. It is available to members and Old Edwards hotel guests. IF you do book your accommodations with Old Edwards you can arrange access through the hotel; current one- and two-night packages include a round and are offered May through October, subject to availability.
If you chose to stay elsewhere, getting a tee time is pretty difficult as even Highlands Country Club is a private member club.
Highlands Botanical Garden is free and open year round from dawn to dusk and is perfect for an early morning walk to kick off your day. Shop all outfit inspo HERE
The Bascom is a six-acre art campus includes galleries, a pottery studio, a covered bridge and a nature-and-sculpture trail with a cascading waterfall. Sunset Rock is an easy approximately half-mile walk with views over downtown Highlands.
Another amazing adventure to do is to head to Killer Bees Honey and book a private tour. You get to put on a bee suit to visit the hives es, learn all things bees and taste their delicious honey (trust me bring some whipped honey back with you as it’s INCREDIBLE!!!)
Where to Eat
Hummingbird Lounge: Fireside cocktails and weekend live music
Four65: Casual wood-fired pizza
The Wine Garden: At Old Edwards Inn — have lunch alfresco or enjoy a glass of wine
Madison’s: At Old Edwards Inn and I have not been disappointed even when we have gone with larger groups. Their wine selection is wonderful too.
Ristorante Paoletti: a beautiful dinner spot in town.
Edelweiss Highlands: a wonderful European-style artisan bakery shop that has even been featured on The Food Network
To shop the beautiful fall dinner outfits above to wear to eat CLICK HERE
Now time off to shop and get ready for my girls trip to the mountains!