Mountain Town Guide: Highlands, NC

What’s not to love about a quaint, upscale town nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains?

SEE + DO

Hike

There are several great spots in the area, ranging from easy to more intense hikes, all offering spectacular views or scenery.

**Outfit Details:** Flannel Shirt | Fleece-lined leggings | Columbia Hiking Boots

Scenic Hikes

Sunset Rock – Great for evening hikes
Whiteside Mountain – Great 360 views of the surrounding area. Bonus for being able to picnic there!

Waterfall Hikes

Dry Falls – This short hike (approximately 0.5 miles) allows you to see the backside of water! Careful as the underpass does get slippery due to the falls.

Shop

There are so many cute shops that Highlands offers; whether you’re in the market for some outdoor gear, or just looking for something for yourself or for early Christmas gifts! Many of these shops are usually open during the day, and hours can be more limited during cooler weather.

Some of my favorite stores are Acorns Boutique, Dutchman’s Designs, and Reclamations,

Downtown Highlands is a great way to spend a day sauntering or even just strolling through before stopping to grab coffee or a drink.

Relax

Whether you’re picking up something at Mountain Fresh Grocery for an outdoor picnic (totally worth it!), or booking into a day spa, you definitely have a selection to choose from!

The Spa at Old Edwards Inn | This full-service spa offers a wide range of services. Advance reservations are highly encouraged.
Yoga Highlands | If you’re looking for a great combination between relaxing and strength training, check out Yoga Highlands!

Outfit Details: Oversized Lounge/Travel Set | Large Canvas Tote | Sleeveless Puffer Vest | New Balance sneakers | Goodr It’s Noir Darling Sunglasses

EAT

Breakfast + Brunch

Blue Bike Cafe | This is a great place to grab a hearty breakfast. The casualness and theme very much suit the place as well.

Calders Coffee Cafe | Whether you’re just grabbing coffee for any part of your day or staying in for a light breakfast and one of their specialty drinks, the vibe here is perfect for this mountain town.

Mountain Fresh Grocery | We absolutely adore this cozy spot for breakfast and lunch! It’s a charming little grocery store with a cafe inside, where you can enjoy a meal, relax, and also grab some snacks to take back to your hotel or cabin. They offer an impressive selection of wines and a wide variety of fresh cheeses, perfect for picking up something special to enjoy later.

Lunch + Dinner

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bistro | Four65 is one of our go-to spots for lunch or dinner, and their pizzas are absolutely delicious! The wood-fired atmosphere is charming, with olive trees and twinkling lights adding to the cozy ambiance. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed meal any time of day.

The Ugly Dog Pub | This cozy and inviting spot in the heart of downtown Highlands This family-owned and operated pub offers a diverse menu of delicious dishes and a rotating selection of craft beers, all served in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, what’s not to love about seeing all the dog pictures incorporated in the decor?

Drinks

The Wine Garden | This charming “wine garden” is nestled on the inside patio of Old Edwards Inn, right next to Madison’s. The atmosphere here is incredibly relaxing, with lush greenery, market umbrellas, and even a peaceful patio-side waterfall. I personally love to unwind with a cheese plate and a glass of wine on a sunny afternoon. This is very much a seasonal venue, so hours of operation vary.

**Outfit Details**: Loving My Life Pocket Tunic | black leggings | Sorel Emelie III Chelsea boots | similar Infinity Scarf

STAY + SLEEP

There’s a variety of places to choose from, and just about all unique or boutique places. With so many options, it’s hard to be able to choose! Plus, it all depends on the focus of the trip you’re looking for. We’ve only stayed at a few places, so here are some of our helpful recommendations:

200 Main – This cute hotel is the least expensive of the 3 hotels part of Old Edwards Hospitality (OEH) Group. Located on the outer edge of Downtown Highlands, it offers several options of rooms; we prefer the King Porch Fireplace room. It’s pretty much a rooms-only locations, although you can still make room charges at OEH sister properties and outlets.

Half-Mile Farm

Half-Mile Farm | This property is my favorite, offering a more remote/immersive experience of the Old Edwards Hospitality properties. Dedicated for adults (ages 18+), this property includes several amenities such as daily breakfast, pool + hot tub (seasonally), canoes (first come first serve),

Pack + Wear

Generally we visit Highlands in mid-to-late Autumn, when the leaves are turning beautiful fall colors and beginning to fall. The weather is generally a little cooler due to the elevation, so it’s always nice to pack layers.

During the day, locals typically dress casually in jeans. If you’re planning to dine at a nice restaurant in the evening, you’ll want to dress a bit more formally. Consider packing a dress or stylish pants, and encourage the men to bring a button-up shirt. For hiking, it’s a good idea to pack some workout clothes.