Are you looking for info on things to do in Highlands, NC?
Yes? Then you’re in the right place!
I’ve invited fellow travel blogger Jenny Lynn Anderson from Jenny Lynn on a Journey, to share her favorite day trip to Highlands, NC complete with a specially-curated, one-day itinerary just for you!
Jenny Lynn has spent over 20 years visiting the area of Highlands, NC and intimately knows the favorite spots that she has returned to time and time again.
She often takes cruises and writes about her adventures on the sea, but when she is land-side, Highlands is one of her happy places.
What Makes Highlands, NC a Good Day Trip?
By Jenny Lynn Anderson
Highlands, North Carolina is an enchanting mountain village in Western North Carolina with an elevation of 4,118 feet making it a popular destination to escape the south’s heat and enjoy scenic mountain vistas.
What is Highlands Known For?
The town’s name aptly describes the elevated feeling visitors achieve when they experience this town known for its . . .
✅ upscale dining
✅ cultural activities
✅ high-end shopping
✅ and outdoor adventures
Highlands attracts affluent travelers, couples and families looking for a luxury vacation in a quaint, picturesque setting.
What Makes Highlands Special?
Everything about Highlands is lovely.
People dress up for dinner, are well styled to go shopping and conduct themselves with graceful sophistication.
Since it’s in the Nantahala National Forest, it offers a temperate rainforest as a backdrop for one of the most biodiverse regions of the world.
Seldom do you find towns in the south that offer four distinct seasons with a true winter. However, Highlands even delights you with snow each winter and opens an ice skating rink for the season!
💦 Waterfalls
🦌 Wildlife
🥾 Hiking trails
🌿 And amazing flora make
Highlands a perfect vacation spot for nature lovers.
How to Get to Highlands, NC?
Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Highlands is located in the southwestern corner of the state and is only 30 minutes north of Dillard, Georgia.
🚗 It takes 1.5 hours to travel the 72 miles from Asheville
🚗 and for those traveling from Charlotte, expect a 3.5 hour trip to travel 177 miles.
The Fall’s vibrant leaf season is a spectacular time to visit Highlands; however many people choose to travel here during the sultry, humid months of July and August.
Visitors love the comfortable days and cool evenings when temperatures seldom reach over the high 70s in this mountain town.
The Best Places to Stay in Highlands, NC?
Luxury:
The most extravagant hotel and resort is The Old Edwards Inn and Spa which stands as the grand dame in the middle of town. Designed in European style, it offers a luxurious spa, Madison’s Dining Room, Hummingbird Lounge, Wine Garden and impeccable service.
Unique:
One of my favorite hotels unique to Highlands is Skyline Lodge.
If you are a fan of mid-century modern design, you’ll love the bones of this beautiful property which was conceptualized by architect Arthur Kelsey who studied under the tutelage of Frank Lloyd Wright.
The 1930s Lodge was extensively renovated in 2021 and you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
Once you get here, you’ll never want (or need) to leave because it has outdoor fire pits that sizzle and soothe, a rustic bar inside the lobby complete with fireplace and The Oak Steakhouse.
Pet-Friendly:
If you’re traveling with your fur baby, check out pet-friendly The Park on Main. It is two blocks down from the center of town and you’ll find that many people walk their dogs in Highlands and some businesses are even pet friendly and allow your pooch in their shops.
One Day Sample Itinerary for Highlands, NC
Morning:
If you are visiting Highlands for a day, take time to do indoor and outdoor activities. Start your morning with fluffy, mouth watering pancakes at the Blue Bike Cafe.
This popular breakfast spot has indoor and outdoor seating.
Once you’ve fueled your appetite, head to Whiteside Mountain and take a hike on the 2.5 mile loop.
The mountain is only 5.4 miles from town and has parking for $2 a car.
Shopping!
Later in the morning, take a stroll downtown and meander through women’s boutiques, Native American and estate jewelry shops and home decor stores.
Searching for a new pickleball outfit? Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear has you covered.
If you are looking for distinctive gifts, stop by Highlands Mercantile next to Lulu Bleu Women’s Clothing. (Both are owned by Lulu).
Highlands Mercantile is retail therapy on steroids and you’ll find exquisite, uncommon gifts for the person who has everything.
✅ From children’s toys
✅ and coffee table books
✅ and luxury makeup counters
featuring Westman Atelier and Jane Iredale, I promise this store will bring a smile to your face.
If you have teenage daughters or if you are a hip, young dresser at heart, you can’t visit Highlands without stopping into AnnaWear.
It’s been showcasing new and popular women’s brands for over 20 years. And, don’t miss their awesome shoe selection on the second floor.
While shopping downtown, stop in at Bardo’s for one-of-a-kind furniture pieces
and Highland Hiker for everything you’ll need for your hiking and fishing excursions.
From a shopping perspective, you could literally spend an entire day browsing the stores since there’s such diversity in merchandise.
The richness of the retail experience reminds me of my recent journey when I cruised on Virgin Voyages to Ibiza, off the coast of Spain.
Lunch:
At midday, walk a few doors down and dine outside on the patio of Wild Thyme Gourmet which is tucked away in the corner next to T.J. Bailey Menswear and Spoiled Rotten Women’s Clothing Store.
Wild Thyme offers an American/Asian Fusion menu that never disappoints.
Leave room for sweets because you can walk about 20 steps and enjoy a scoop of ice cream or homemade fudge at Kilwin’s Highlands.
Waterfalls Near Highlands, NC
After lunch, take a ride a few miles out of town and visit
Bridal Falls
and
Dry Falls.
Both waterfalls invite you to “walk behind” these natural features.
Children and adults alike will be awestruck with how close you are to the falls and are Instagram worthy.
Book a Waterfall Tour in NC
Late afternoon, the comfortable chairs on the lawn of The Highlands Wine Shoppe are the perfect spot to enjoy wines by the glass, charcuterie, cheeses and great conversation with other vino lovers.
Evening:
For dinner, make a reservation at Restorante Paoletti or On the Verandah. Both are culinary icons in Highlands, NC and have stood the test of time.
🍽 Try the Roasted Beet Salad at Paoletti’s for starters and all of their pasta dishes are divine from generations of excellent cooks perfecting their recipes.
🍽 Enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Sequoyah while dining at On the Verandah and dine on the Spicy Thai Coconut Shrimp while dining lakeside.
After dinner, relax in the genteel ambience of The Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn. It’s an irresistible place to end the day with a handcrafted cocktail, wine or handcrafted beer.
Other Things to Do in Highlands, NC
Highlands is a cultural hub for the arts, music and theatre. Look at the activities calendars at The Bascom Visual Arts Center and Highlands Performing Arts.
Other must do’s are:
✅ to walk through history at the Highlands Historical Society’s Museum
✅ and catch the Outdoor Concert Series each Friday and Saturday night from May through October at Town Square or Kelsey-Hutchinson Founder’s Park.
✅ Antique lovers will flip out over the thousands of treasures you can find at Reclamations. Whether you want to reclaim, repurpose or revitalize something for your home, you will find an eclectic blend of vintage old and somewhat new among all the heirlooms and relics.
Yoga
If you’re staying in Highlands for a few days, try a yoga class with Ashby Underwood who owns the thriving yoga studio Yoga Highlands.
With over 3000 practical hours in her 22-year yoga career, she has built a robust yoga community in the mountains and the southeast.
When is the Best Time to See Fall Foliage in Highlands?
Fall colors in NC are at their peak in October. To plan the timing of your fall visit, check out the NC Fall Colors Prediction Guide for details on the best week in October to visit.
Wrapping Up Highlands, NC
A big thank you to Jenny Lynn Anderson from Jenny Lynn on a Journey for sharing her insights on Highlands, NC.
Her expert tips and suggestions make planning a day trip to this charming mountain town a breeze.
Whether you’re exploring the best places to stay, following her one-day sample itinerary, booking a waterfall tour, or discovering other activities, Jenny Lynn’s guide ensures you’ll have an unforgettable experience. For more travel inspiration, be sure to visit Jenny Lynn on a Journey.
Happy travels!
