Welcome to the beauty of the Highlands! The town of Highlands is located in North Carolina’s Jackson County, whose serene splendor and majestic mountain vistas have led it to become one of our beautiful state’s premier resort destinations. For over a century, visitors and seasonal residents have been drawn to Highlands to discover what our year-round residents already know—that the best way to experience Southern hospitality is from 3,500 feet above sea level! Mild temperatures, magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an abundance of outdoor activity, upscale shopping and top-notch dining are just a few of the aspects of Highlands’ unique mountain culture that bring families, professionals and retirees to our area to experience a quieter lifestyle away from urban stress that still maintains modern conveniences and amenities. The charm of our mountain hamlet will delight both the seasonal and the permanent resident alike, celebrating and preserving our natural beauty, historic heritage and rich tradition for generations to come. Highlanders are proud of the small-town values our community was built on, but we maintain a cosmopolitan outlook, offering our residents the best of both worlds. Tucked away and off the beaten path, but close enough for convenience and luxury, Highlands is your destination to find your own heaven in the mountains! To learn more about living, working and playing in Highlands, please visit:

Cashiers/Sapphire Valley/Highlands Area Travel & Tourism
http://cashiers-nc.com/

Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/

Stay & Play in the Smokies
http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/

Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Travel & Tourism
http://www.mountainlovers.com/

Franklin, NC Travel & Tourism
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/

Highlands, NC Travel & Tourism
http://www.highlandschamber.org/

North Carolina Travel & Tourism Guide
http://www.visitnc.com/

Visit the Land of Waterfalls
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/

Explore Asheville
http://www.exploreasheville.com

North Carolina Mountain Guide
http://ncmountainguide.com/

North Carolina Mountain Guide, Highlands Information
http://ncmountainguide.com/highlands/

North Carolina Mountain Guide, Cashiers Information
http://ncmountainguide.com/cashiers/

History

Highlands’ neighboring town of East LaPorte (“eastern door”), located alongside the Tuckasegee River past Cullowhee, was originally established as an Indian trading post by early French Huguenot pioneers. Highlands was settled in 1875 by Kansas developers, who when tracing a routes from New York to New Orleans and Chicago to Savannah, deemed Highlands to be in a power position, due to its strategic locale. Instead, the breathtaking natural beauty of Highlands drew businessmen from humid shipping towns seeking out the cool mountain breeze as a refuge from seasonal heat. Since then, visitors, tourists and seasonal residents have formed our cultural identity and supported the economy of our full-time residents, creating a balanced relationship of tourism, preservation and respect among our citizens. Local destinations of historic interest, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, include the former site of the Sapphire Valley Fairfield Inn, the High Hampton Inn Historic District, Camp Merrie-Woode, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Mordecai Zachary House. Less than an hour’s drive away from Highlands, visitors and residents can explore Asheville’s historic destinations, which among many others, include the world-renowned Biltmore Estate and Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site. To learn more about the regional history of Highlands or the Blue Mountain region of North Carolina, please visit:

Cashiers Historical Society
http://www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/

High Hampton Inn Historic District
http://www.highhamptoninn.com/history.aspx

Camp Merrie-Woode
http://www.merriewoode.com/information/infohistory.html

Church of the Good Shepherd
http://www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com/

The Sapphire Valley Fairfield Inn
http://blog.sapphirevalley.co/2011/07/26/sapphire-valley-the-old-fairfield-inn.aspx

Mordecai Zachary House
http://www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org/about/zachary-tolbert-house/

Biltmore Estate
http://www.biltmore.com/

Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
http://www.wolfememorial.com/

North Carolina Historic Sites
http://www.nchistoricsites.org/

Historic North Carolina Destinations
http://www.visitnc.com/journeys/highlights/north-carolina-historic-sites

Parks and Recreation

Welcome to the majestic vistas and breathtaking peaks of North Carolina’s town of Highlands, “The Yosemite of the East”! Our region is known world-wide for its granite domes, sparkling waterfalls, lush laurel and rhododendron thickets, dense forests, valley floors and rare high altitude bogs. In short: If you want to enjoy the splendor of nature at its most pristine, Highlands is perfect for you! One of the main draws of our area is the beautiful shoreline of Lake Toxaway and Lake Glenville, considered by many to be among the top 10 lakes in the nation. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the soaring height of 3,500 feet above sea level, the 26 miles of Lake Glenville shoreline are definitive of mountain paradise. Small and largemouth bass, walleye, trout, and bream populate the crystal waters of our lakes, with fishing and fly-fishing being two of the region’s most popular outdoor sports. Regionally, we are also known as the “Land of Waterfalls”, with over 250 rocky mountain cascades to enjoy. There are innumerable activities to enjoy outdoors, including hiking, gem mining, mountain biking, golf, field sports, tennis, zip-lining, canoeing, equestrian activities, kayaking, camping, river rafting, croquet, jet-skiing, geocaching, mountain biking, swimming and fly fishing, just to name a few. Explore the links below to discover what’s waiting for you outdoors in the “Yosemite of the East”!

Transylvania County Parks and Recreation
http://rec.transylvaniacounty.org/

North Carolina State Parks
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/main.php

North Carolina National Parks
http://www.nps.gov/state/nc/index.htm

Cradle of Forestry
http://www.cradleofforestry.com/site/

Lake Glenville
http://www.highlandsinfo.com/daytrips/lakeglenville.htm

Lake Toxaway
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/calendar/lake-toxaway-jam.html

Panthertown Valley
http://www.panthertown.org/

DuPont State Forest
http://www.dupontforest.com/

North Carolina Waterfalls
http://www.northcarolinawaterfalls.info/

Nantahala National Forest
http://www.fs.usda.gov

Land of the Waterfalls
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com

Franklin County Waterfalls
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/waterfalls.php

Blue Ridge Parkway
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org

Whitewater Falls
http://www.romanticasheville.com/whitewater_falls.htm

Tuckaseegee River Gorge
http://www.nantahala-river.net/

Chattooga River
http://www.chattooga-river.net/

Pisgah National Forest
http://www.fs.usda.gov

Gorges State Park
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/gorg/activities.php

Sliding Rock
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/sliding-rock.html

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Sapphire Valley Ski Resort
http://www.skisapphire.com/

Hikes and Trails
http://ncmountainguide.com/hikes-and-trails/

Franklin Area Hiking
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/hiking.php

Camping
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/camping.html

Sapphire/Cashiers/Highlands Area Campgrounds
http://cashiers-nc.com/campgrounds.cfm

Gem Mining
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/gemmining.php

Cycling
http://www.franklin-chamber.com/whattodo/cycling.php

Wildlife
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/wildlife.html

Zip-Lining
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/ziplining.html

North Carolina Geocachers Association
http://www.ncgeocachers.org/

Fly-Fishing
http://ncmountainguide.com/fly-fishing/

Transylvania County Fly-Fishing
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/fishing.html

Mountain Biking
http://ncmountainguide.com/mountain-biking/

Smoke Rise Field Club
http://smokerisefieldclub.com/about.html/

Golf
http://ncmountainguide.com/mountain-golf/

Asheville Area Golf Links
http://www.golfnow.com/Asheville

Golf and Tennis Links
http://tourism.mountainlovers.com/list/category/golf-and-tennis

Golf, Croquet, Tennis
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/golf-tennis-swimming.html

Tennis
http://ncmountainguide.com/tennis-in-the-mountains/

Whitewater Equestrian Center
http://www.funhorsebackriding.com

Smokemont Riding Stable
http://www.smokemontridingstable.com

Arrowmont Stables & Cabins
http://www.arrowmont.com

Western Carolina University Catamount Club
http://www.catamountsports.com/catamountclub/wcar-catamountclub.html

Water Sports
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/adventure/canoeing-kayaking-tubing.html

Wildwater Adventure Centers
http://www.wildwaterrafting.com

Rolling Thunder River Co.
http://www.RollingThunderRiverCo.com

Carolina Outfitters Whitewater Rafting
http://www.carolinaoutfitters.com

Dillsboro River Company
http://www.northcarolinarafting.com

Attractions and Activities

Though our area is best known for its outdoor beauty, there is a wealth of things to do indoors in the Highlands area. Our region is populated by a number of notable artists, drawn here by the tranquil scenery that own and operate working studios and galleries, many of which are open to the public. Local sculptors and painters show and sell their work at studios, galleries and art festivals that operate seasonally throughout the year. Music and culture are abundant throughout the communities of the mountains, affording our residents the ability to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle with all of the cosmopolitan luxuries of a city. To learn more about the cultural opportunities, exhibits and events of Highlands and the neighboring area, please visit:

The Old Edwards Inn & Spa
http://www.oldedwardsinn.com/

Wyndham Resort at Fairfield's Sapphire Valley
http://fairfieldsv.com/

Frozen Falls Tube Park
http://www.sapphirevalleyresort.com/

Cherokee Indian Reservation Museum
http://www.cherokeesmokies.com

Harrah's Casino
http://www.harrahs.com

Santa’s Land
http://www.santaslandnc.com/

Nantahala River Gem Mine
http://www.carolinaoutfitters.com

Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine
http://www.smgrm.com

Fun Factory in the Smokies
http://www.funfactoryinthesmokies.com

Cherokee Fun Park
http://www.cherokeefunparknc.com/

Biltmore House and Gardens
http://www.biltmore.com

Theatre, Culture and The Arts

Bascom Art Center
http://www.thebascom.org/

Highlands Playhouse
http://www.highlandsplayhouse.org/Box_Office.html

Highlands-Cashiers Players
http://www.highlandscommunityplayers.org/

The Art League of Highlands
http://www.artleagueofhighlands.com/

Cashiers Community Library
http://ncmountainguide.com/albert-carlton-cashiers-community-library/

Fine Arts and Crafts, Scenic 276 South
http://www.artsofbrevard.org/tours

Unto These Hills
http://www.cherokeeadventure.com

Brevard Music Center
http://www.brevardmusic.org

Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
http://www.GreatMountainMusic.com

Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions

Downtown Highlands
http://www.highlandschamber.org/shopping/

Mountain Laurel Shoppes
http://www.mtnlaurelinnandshoppes.com/

Biltmore Park
http://www.biltmorepark.com

Asheville Mall
http://www.ashevilleshopping.com

Biltmore Village Shopping Mall
http://www.biltmorevillage.com/

Ristorante Paoletti
http://www.paolettis.com/

The Ugly Dog Public House
http://www.theuglydogpub.com/Welcome.html

Main Street Inn & Bistro on Main
http://www.mainstreet-inn.com/

Boiler Room Steak House
http://boilerroomsteakhouse.com/

Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden
http://www.oldedwardsinn.com/dining/madisons

Carolina Smokehouse
http://www.thecarolinasmokehouse.com/

Wolfgang's Restaurant and Wine Bistro
http://www.wolfgangs.net/

Pescado’s Burritos of Highlands
http://www.pescados-highlands.us/

Flipside an All American Burger Joint
http://www.stayandplayinthesmokies.com/vendor/flipside/

Fressers Eatery
http://www.fresserseateryhighlands.com/Welcome.html

Sports Page Sandwich Shoppe
http://sportspagesandwichshoppe.com/

Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company
http://www.sapphiremountainbrewingcompany.com/

Gamekeeper's Tavern
http://www.gamekeeperstavern.com

The Dining Room at the High Hampton Inn
http://www.highhamptoninn.com

Zeke & Earl's Hot Dog Shop
http://www.zekeandearls.com/

Cornucopia
http://www.cornucopianc.com/

Brown Trout Mountain Grille
http://www.browntroutgrille.com/

Events

The peaceful tranquility of our mountain village is what draws visitors to the area; what keeps them coming back—or putting down permanent roots—is the amount of activity tucked away in the verdant forests of our communities. Highlands has such a broad range of activities, parks, events and attractions, our calendars are always full and filled with variety—exciting, artistic, cultural, sporting, tasty, relaxing and educational—whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s happening in Highlands! Local favorites include the Three River Fly Fishing Tournament, Brevard White Squirrel Festival, Leaf Festival of Cashiers, Highlands Annual Culinary Weekend and the Highlands International Film Festival. To find out what sporting, historic, cultural or ecological events are happening during your stay, please visit these sites:

Cashiers/Highlands/Sapphire Valley Area Events
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/events.cfm

Town of Highlands Scholarship Golf Tournament
http://thelaurelmagazine.com/news/2011/03/highlands-scholarship-golf-tournament/

Barn Dances at the Bascom
http://www.thelaurelmagazine.com/extra_one.php

Banff Mountain Film Festival
http://brevardnc.org/banff-mountain-film-festival/

Three River Fly Fishing Tournament
http://www.highlandsthreeriver.com/

Collective Spirits Wine and Food Fest
http://www.collectivespirits.com/

The Mountain Song Festival
http://www.mountainsongfestival.com/

Halloweenfest
http://brevardnc.org/halloweenfest-2009/

Old Time Music Competition
http://brevardnc.org/old-time-music-competition-%E2%80%93-2011/

Annual Squirrel Box Derby
http://brevardnc.org/white-squirrel-box-derby/

Annual Sapphire Valley Outhouse Race
http://www.skisapphire.com/activitiescalendar.htm

Cashiers Mountain Music Festival
http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf/index.htm

Highlands Annual Culinary Weekend
http://www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com/

Leaf Festival of Cashiers
http://www.cashiersvalleyleaffest.com/

Highlands International Film Festival
http://www.ncflix.com/NC-film-festivals.htm

Cashiers Rotary Arts and Crafts Show
http://www.cashiersrotary.org/events.asp

The Apple Festival at High Hampton Inn
http://www.highhamptoninn.com/events-detail.aspx?eid=35

Treasure Highlands Bird Hike
http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/SpEvents.htm

Mountain Black Bear Festival
http://thelaurelmagazine.com/news/2011/04/mountain-black-bear-festival/

Oktoberfest at Old Edwards Inn and Spa
http://www.oldedwardsinn.com/pressrelease/987-prost-oktoberfest-returns-to-old-edwards-inn-and-spa-for-a-resort-wide-celebration-

Highlands Historical Society Fall Festival
http://www.highlandshistory.com/

Sapphire Valley Craft Show
http://www.sapphirevalleyresort.com/community%20center.htm

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival
http://www.h-cmusicfestival.org/

Mountain Artisans Art & Craft Shows
http://www.mountainartisans.net/

Highlands Historical Society Dahlia Festival
http://www.highlandshistory.com/

The Brevard White Squirrel Festival
http://www.whitesquirrelfestival.com/