Visit Highlands, NC Destination Guide 2024

2024 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

visithighlandsnc.com

Globally CONNECTED.

Welcome to a

LIFESTYLE like no other.

Locally RESPECTED.

828.526.1717 | www.MeadowsMountainRealty.com 488 Main Street, Highlands | 2334 Cashiers Road, Highlands | 1 96 Burns Street, Cashiers ©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

2024

highlands experience guide A publication of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC

Publisher: Kaye McHan, Executive Director Editor-in-chief: Johanna Fein, Communications Director Photo Editor Greg Newington Graphic Design Ansley Tolleson Contributing Writers Winter Gary, Marlene Osteen, Randolph P. Shaffner Content Curators Johanna Fein, Anna Dayton, Colleen Kerrigan, Kaye McHan, Tina Rogers Contributing Photographers Brock Fenton, Sherri Fenton, Molly Harris, Chip Henderson, Colleen Kerrigan, Dylan Lytle, Greg Newington, Brian O’Shea, Cookie Patterson, Max Renfro, Susan Renfro, Cynthia Strain Advertising Colleen Kerrigan Circulation Anna Dayton, Genevieve Schmidt

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reprinted without prior consent of the publisher.

Highlands Experience Guide has made every effort to ensure information is accurate and assumes no liability for errors or omissions. The views and opinions that appear in this publication are not necessarily those of the staff or organizations.

Highlands Experience Guide: is owned and published once each year by Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, 108 Main Street/P.O. Box 62, Highlands, NC 28741. 828-526-5841.

Periodical postage paid at Asheville, NC and additional mailing offices.

Please send address changes to Highlands Experience Guide, P.O. Box 62, Highlands, NC 28741.

To subscribe to future issues: welcome@highlandschamber.org or 828-526-2112 To advertise in future issues: businessservices@highlandschamber.org or 828-526-5841

@VisitHighlandsNC

@visithighlandsnc

@VisitHighlandsNC

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CONTENTS Things to Do

Food & Drink

Events

Places to Stay

Insider's Guide

Plan Your Trip

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Business Guide 178

Destination Stewardship As we continue to work towards our vision to be a year-round destination for those seeking an authentic leisure experience that makes the most of the area’s resources and unique culture, it is imperative that we also prioritize and champion the principles of Destination Stewardship. This approach, defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council as "a process by which local communities, governmental agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and the tourism industry take a multi-stakeholder approach to maintaining the cultural, environmental, economic, and aesthetic integrity of their country, region, or town," embodies our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.

Destination Stewardship is not merely a concept; it is a guiding philosophy that empowers all of us to make a positive impact on the places we visit and the lives of the people who call those destinations home. It means recognizing that our actions affect not only the environment but also the social and economic wellbeing of the places we explore.

Incorporating the principles of Destination Stewardship here in Highlands will require dedication, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of tourism. Our goals are ambitious, but the potential rewards are immeasurable. By embracing this approach, we will continue to: Preserve Culture: We will honor and respect the traditions, values, and cultural heritage of Highlands, ensuring that our activities contribute to the preservation of local culture.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Enhance Aesthetics: We will ensure that the beauty and integrity of our destination is preserved, making it enjoyable not only for today’s residents and visitors but for future generations.

As part of our Destination Stewardship effort, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC will: Educate and Train: Invest in the understanding of sustainable tourism principles and best practices.

Engage with the Community: Forging meaningful partnerships with our residents and businesses, acknowledging their role as key stakeholders.

Measure Our Impact: Regularly assess our environmental, social, and economic impacts and strive for continuous improvement.

Advocate for Change: Collaborate with governmental agencies and like-minded organizations to influence policy changes and industry standards in favor of sustainable tourism.

Promote Responsible Travel: Encourage visitors to be mindful travelers, respecting local cultures and environments.

Our journey is not one to be undertaken lightly, but it is one that holds tremendous promise for the future of Highlands. I invite all of you to be active participants in this endeavor. Together, we can make a real difference.

Protect the Environment: We will take proactive steps to minimize our ecological footprint and actively engage in efforts to conserve and restore the natural environment.

Support the Local Economy: We will continue to prioritize collaboration with local businesses, fostering economic growth for our community.

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Kaye McHan

Executive Director Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC

Things to Do

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T H I NG S T O DO A R T A N D C U LT U R E

WHERE

Art & History MEET

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is more than just a premiere art destination in the heart of Highlands, NC. It's a living testament to the art of preservation, where creativity flows like a river and old tales find new life.

Ever since construction first began on the six-acre campus in 2007, The Bascom has ingeniously integrated the past into its present, transforming relics into masterpieces and breathing new life into forgotten treasures.

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THE DAVE DR AKE STUDIO BARN: REPURPOSED

THE MAIN BUILDING: REASSEMBLED Step inside The Bascom's main building, and you'll find yourself in a space where history whispers from every corner. This sprawling 27,500-square-foot museumquality haven is a fusion of old-world charm and modern design. The architects behind this masterpiece, Dewolf Architecture and Lord Aeck and Sargent Architecture, were visionaries who created a timeless connection between art and history.

At the main building’s core lies a 49-foot by 97-foot barn frame that was built in 1838 in Linglestown, PA, where it functioned as a stagecoach stop until the 1920s and was then repurposed for farm operations. Thanks to the expertise and generosity of Wayne Yonce, a local contractor from Franklin, NC, the heavy oak timbers were meticulously disassembled, relocated to The Bascom, and reassembled on site in 2007. The barn siding, predominantly oak and hemlock timbers aged over a century, traveled from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia to become part of this captivating narrative. Now refurbished and incorporated into the art center, the barn is home to modern galleries, classrooms, meeting spaces, and more while staying true to its historic character.

Another element that really sets the main building apart is the old-growth white pine wood beneath your feet. The

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Bascom's floors aren't just any floors; they are pieces of history reincarnated. David Grant Howard, once a parttime Highlands resident, led the charge in purchasing recycled wood from several historic barns. Some of these floorboards once served as "threshing floors" where wheat was painstakingly scattered and struck with sticks and leather beaters. This age-old process bestowed upon The Bascom's wood its unique irregular nicks and warm patina. These floors bear the marks of their past lives, adding character to every step. Hand-sanded and finished with three to four coats of heavy-bodied urethane, these floors are not just a surface; they are a testament to honoring the past.

A pivotal moment in The Bascom's journey is the transformation of the Dave Drake Studio Barn. Once an integral part of Crane Horse Stables, a well-known landmark in the Highlands community, the barn now stands as a symbol of history’s enduring spirit. Where decades ago, Highlands residents and guests could pay $1.50 to ride horses, they can now attend pottery classes and enjoy three-dimensional arts instruction. Rebuilt with meticulous attention to detail, The Bascom was committed to honoring the property’s authenticity and incorporating this iconic structure into their modern campus. A successful feat to preserve history while nurturing creativity.

THE WILL HENRY STEVENS BRIDGE: RESURRECTED Yet another example of The Bascom's dedication to preserving history is the Will Henry Stevens Bridge. Formerly known as the Bagley Bridge, this massive rough-hewn structure spans an impressive 87 feet and 5 inches. Its origins date back to the early 1800s when it spanned the Warner River in New Hampshire.

But for 40 years, it languished in storage, a forgotten relic.

T H E B A S CO M ISN' T JUST AN ART C EN T ER ; IT'S A S A N C T UA R Y W H ER E H I S TO R Y FINDS A C A N VA S The Bascom, however, saw the potential for resurrection. With generous donations this bridge found a new home in Highlands. In the hands of bridgewright Arnold Graton, using handcraft techniques and trunnel (treenail) joinery, it was reconstructed with meticulous care in 2009. Today, it proudly serves as the one-way entrance into The Bascom's campus. This bridge is more than just a structural marvel. In fact, it's worth noting that this bridge, once lost in obscurity, is now most likely the largest recycled object in all Western North Carolina—an embodiment of The Bascom's dedication to breathing new life into the past.

The Bascom isn't just an art center; it's a sanctuary where history finds a canvas. It's a place where every brush stroke tells a tale, where the past isn't forgotten but celebrated. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or anything in between, The Bascom awaits, ready to share its mesmerizing tale of preservation and creativity with you.

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The Arts

The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing. For more than 30 years, we’ve served as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, and we continue to build on that legacy through our work and advocacy for the arts.

We invite you to visit our quaint downtown to see for yourself why Highlands draws makers to the mountains for inspiration.

EDUCATION

VISUAL ARTS The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts creates experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing.

Located on the pastoral lands of a former horse farm, The Bascom offers a wide variety of classes, workshops, lectures, and seminars for seasoned and budding artists.

Byron Tenesaca Photography

EXHIBITIONS

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC thebascom.org 828-526-4949

CREATIVE MAKERS & GALLERIES Art Highlands Gallery 521 N. Fourth Street, Highlands, NC arthighlands.com 828-482-4945

Kirsten Stingle, Odyssey of Belonging

EXPERIENCES

David Stuempfle demonstrates during a workshop.

Image Credit: Max Renfro

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Art League of Highlands-Cashiers P.O. Box 2133, Highlands, NC artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com 828-421-1466

TheBascom.org | 828.526.4949 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC

Bijou "little jewel" of Highlands 125 S. Fourth Street, Highlands, NC Bijoujeweler.com 828-787-8032

Corey James Gallery 228 S. Third Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4818 Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry 388 Main Street, Highlands, NC highlandsfineart.com 828-526-0656 HOP Gallery 353 Main Street, Highlands, NC houseofpicsnc.com 828-200-0618 Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 152 S. Second Street, Highlands, NC janniebeandesigns.com 828-526-5858 Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 223 S. Fourth Street, Highlands, NC jedwardsfineart.com 828-526-2933

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Scaly Mountain Crafters 8106 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC scalymountaincrafters.com 828-526-8800

right here in Highlands. They produce Broadway-style musical productions in their Mainstage Season which runs from June through December.

Silver Eagle Gallery 349 Main Street, Highlands, NC silvereaglegallery.com 828-526-5190

Mountain Theatre Company 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC mountaintheatre.com 828-526-2695

T.A. Anderson Goldsmith 187 Main Street, Highlands, NC taagold.com 828-526-4177

Highlands-Cashiers Community Players is powered by the local dramatic community with an all volunteer troupe who perform dramas, raucous comedies, and musical revues.

The Gallery at Highlands 468 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC galleryflatrock.com 828-342-9841 The Highlands Gem Shop 201 S. Fourth Street, Highlands, NC highlandsgemshop.com 828-526-2767

PERFORMING ARTS We are fortunate to have two venues for performing arts in our area.

The Highlands Performing Arts Center (HPAC) offers an array of programs throughout the year on two stages. The HPAC’s concert series features nationally recognized singers and bands of all varieties.

The HPAC is also home to resident performing arts companies including Mountain Theatre Company, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and The Highlands-Cashiers Community Players.

Screenings of live performances of the Metropolitan Opera and Britain’s National Theatre are shown at the HPAC on the Martin-Lipscomb Stage.

ARTS & CR AFTS For nearly two decades the Mountain Top Rotary Club has sponsored the Highlands Mountaintop Art and Craft Show (highlandsartshow.com) to highlight the work of regional artisans. The proceeds from the two days of art, folk art, crafts, rustic furniture, demonstrations, live music, food, and fun go to charitable causes within the community.

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The Highlands Plateau nurtures a longstanding love of the creative spirit. Artists of every genre have homes in the Highlands and the surrounding mountains. The result is a profusion of creativity in the lifestyle that can be found in local shops, galleries, theaters, festivals, and outdoor concerts

Highlands Performing Arts Center 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC highlandsperformingarts.com 828-526-9047 The nearby Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts in Franklin offers year-round entertainment including plays and musical productions, dance and choral festivals, lectures, recitals, special events, movies, and awardwinning touring concerts.

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road Franklin, NC smokymountainarts.com 828-524-1598

THEATRE With a rich history of storytelling as a favorite way to pass time on the mountain, Highlands offers two groups to entertain and provide you with an intimate experience that brings a story to life right before your eyes.

Mountain Theatre Company, Western North Carolina’s premier professional theatre company, can be found

Highlands-Cashiers Community Players 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC highlandsperformingarts.com 828-526-8084

MUSIC The same magic that has drawn artists to Highlands since its inception has worked upon musicians as well.

Various businesses around town are known for their musical guests, and their work resonates in hearts and minds long after the venue is closed for the night.

Of course, if hearing live music makes you want to dance make a point to attend the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series – Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine. Or if you prefer to sit back and delight in extraordinary, internationally known musicians performing opera or chamber music, you will enjoy the annual Bel Canto Recitals and the HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival.

Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC h-cmusicfestival.org 828-526-9060

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THE HEIGHT OF ENTER TAINMENT

2024 CONCERT SEASON

CATAPULT – SHADOW DANCE COMPANY SATURDAY, JANUARY 27

MOJO & THE BAYOU GYPSIES

SATURDAY, MAY 4

THE TEXAS TENORS FRIDAY, JULY 5

CHI-TOWN: CHICAGO TRIBUTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

END OF THE LINE – ALLMAN BROTHER TRIBUTE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

DARREN NICHOLSON

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

MARK O’CONNOR’S AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS FEATURING MAGGIE O’CONNOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29

THE FABULOUS EQUINOX ORCHESTRA MONDAY, DECEMBER 30

NEW YEAR’S EVE PRE-PARTY

DECEMBER 30

Highlands Performing Arts Center PO Box 296 | 507 Chestnut Street, Highlands, NC | 828-526-9047 boxoffice@highlandsperformingarts.com HighlandsPerformingArts.com

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HIGHLANDS

History The village of Highlands was founded in 1875 by two developers who, according to legend, took a map and drew a line from New York to New Orleans.

They drew another line between Chicago and Savannah, creating an “X.” These lines, they predicted, would be the great trade routes of the future, and where they crossed would someday be a great population center.

What evolved was a health and summer resort on the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

This paradisiacal settlement provided common ground for both northern and southern pioneers.

By 1883, nearly 300 immigrants from the eastern states were calling Highlands home. Little changed in the town until the late 1920s, when the Cullasaja River was dammed to form Lake Sequoyah, providing hydroelectric power. By the time the Chamber of Commerce was established in 1931, the town’s population had increased to five hundred, with 2,500 to 3,000 summer guests.

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Once again, little changed from the 1930s through the 1960s. Highlands missed the Great Depression because most of its residents were accustomed to surviving hard times, growing their own meat and vegetables, so no one went hungry. The mid-1970s saw the sudden influx of multi-family homes and shopping centers that spawned land-use plans and zoning laws intended to protect Highlands’ natural assets.

Since its creation in 1875, the demographics of Highlands have been unique. Founded by pioneers, industrious tradesman from the north, ScotchIrish laborers and craftsmen from the surrounding area and wealthy aristocratic planters and professionals from the south, the town has served as a cultural center for well-known artists, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, scholars, and scientists who have thrived in its natural setting.

For more information about Highlands’ history, please visit highlandshistory. com or stop by Highlands Historic Village, 524 North Fourth Street.

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12 OCTOBER

HERITAGE DESCENDANTS RECEPTION Join the Highlands Historical Society in a reception to honor multi-generational descendants of early Highlands settlers. This event is sponsored by the Highlands Historical Society. For more information visit highlandshistory.com or call 828-787-1050.

HIGHLANDS HERITAGE JAMBOREE Celebrate Highlands’ history and traditions during this event in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. This event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

Celebrating Highlands’ Heritage Featuring traditional music, dancing & crafts PERFORMANCES BY THE RENOWNED BAILY MOUNTAIN CLOGGERS, Highlands Bagpipers & Fox Fire Boys Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Saturday, October 12

Join us!

For more information about NC Year of the Trail, visit greattrailsnc.com or @ greattrailnc.

Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC

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visithighlandsnc.com

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HIGHLANDS

Heritage Trail The town of Highlands, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is unique among the communities of Western North Carolina.

It’s chief claim to fame, bolstered by commercial, sociological, and historical advantages, is aesthetic. It is still a small village nestled in an ocean of mountain peaks blanketed with forests as far as the eye can see.

Highlands was founded in 1875 as a health and leisure resort, due to its natural beauty and healthful climate. Over the years Highlands has attracted strong, caring citizens from every state.

As a result, it is too cosmopolitan to be provincial, too broadly based to be singular in attitude and perspective, too enamored of its natural surroundings to be indifferent to them, and just isolated enough and small enough to be anxious about the benefits and setbacks of growth and development.

We treasure our history and culture.

Get a glimpse of historical sites and buildings on

Partridge-Rice Home (1883) Boynton-Norton Home (1881) Hick’s Building (1927) Rice and Thompson Building (1928) Potts Livery Stable and Grocery (1902, 1926) Cleveland’s Grocery Site (1885, 1920) Bascom-Marett Store Site (1883) First School Site (1918) Second School Site (1918) Old Hudson Library Building (1915) House-Trapier-Wright (Prince) House (1877) Bug Hill (1908-1918) Anderson-Sullivan Home Site (1906) Zoellner’s Garage (1878) Bascom’s original store (1883) Dr. O’Farrell’s Drug Store (1882) Highlands House-Highlands Inn (1880) Grey Cottage (1883) Episcopal Church of the Incarnation (1896) Hutchinson-Frost-Hall-Farnsworth Home (1878) Reinke Home (1934) Kelsey-Harbison-Harris Home Site (1875) Kelsey Memorial (1929) First Presbyterian Church (1885) Central House (1878) Rock Store (1889)

Post Office-Telephone Exchange (ca. 1923) Davis House-Lee’s Inn Site (1889) Islington House-King’s Inn Site (1883) Pierson Inn Site (1899) Satulah Mountain District Kibbee-Hines Cottage (1878) Selleck-Hill-McCall Home (1879) Anderson Dime and Drug Stores (1924) Highlands Bank-Gem Shop (1923) Bill’s Soda Shop (1883) Dimick’s Cheap Cash Store Site (1878) William B. Cleaveland Home (1888) Arthur Home Site and Park (1979) T. Baxter White House (1875) Highlands Methodist Church (1909) Masonic Hall (1893) Marett General Store (1920) Root’s Gift Shop and Tea Room Site (ca. 1926) Helen’s Barn (1935) Salt Rock Old Log law House Site Dobson-Stewart-Memminger-Raoul Home (1879) Marchant-Parker-Davis-Patterson House (1879, 1926) Methodist-Baptist Church (1885, 1940) Hunt-Esty Cottage Site (1883)

a walking tour within the business district.

To obtain a full guide and map stop by the Welcome Center at 108 Main Street 

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or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

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T H I NG S T O D O OU T D O O R AC T I V I T I E S

PRESERVING AND SHARING

THE LAND F

or two centuries people have come to Highlands to be awed by its pristine landscapes, to take in its woodsy splendor, its lush forests and its rushing waterfalls set amid stunning mountain silhouettes. It is here, on miles of hiking trails, and in unsullied natural settings that people of all ages capture a sense of wonder as they explore.

Thanks to a diverse topography, varying elevations, moderate climate, and being a temperate rainforest Highlands is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. A haven of environmental wonders, and teeming with life, it is home to an estimated 10,000 species of plants and animals, and a sanctuary for various animal species from the elusive Carolina northern flying squirrels to majestic black bears.

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The delicate natural balance of the area is at risk due to the dual effects of climate changes and population growth. An influx of new visitors and residents seeking refuge in this mountain paradise during the Pandemic underscored the importance of responsible stewardship of the land. Protection of thousands of plant and animal species, water quality and availability, and avoidance of natural disasters continue to be a focus of environmentally engaged organizations, businesses, and community members.

The Highlands Biological Station (HBS) and the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT) serve as beacons of hope, steadfast in their commitment to preserving the land and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

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T H I NG S T O D O OU T D O O R AC T I V I T I E S

course on the Plateau, adventures at Highlands Aerial Park, the highest rated PLATEAU golf zipline adventure park, and Highlands Outpost, with year round mountain coaster, The Atlanta side of Highlands offers a plethora of fun! Featuring the only public

PLaYGROUND

Play at a higher levEL

tubing, gem mining, and cafe. Waterfalls (Estatoah, Mud Creek, Middle Creek), Hiking Trails, (Bartram, Sky Valley, High Holly) and Scenic Overlooks offer a great mountain experience for all ages.

ZIPLINING Thrilling Adventures for All Ages

Unequaled views. Unbeatable Fun.

OPEN EVERY DAY 9625 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 HighlandsAerialPark.com 828-360-3533

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust actively acquires and protects vital lands, ensuring their perpetual conservation. Since its founding in 1909, HCLT has paved the way for conservation, protection and restoration of wildlife and rare species habitat, public recreation opportunities, and water quality.

Discussing the current ecological crisis, HCLT Executive Director Lance Hardin explained that “During the Pandemic there was the perception that being in rural areas was healthier than city living, and with its abundance of amenities Highlands is high on people’s list.

The mission of the land trust is now more critical than ever.” He went on to say that “Our natural resources are not inexhaustible. They are here to be enjoyed but they need to be used with a light footprint,” and he emphasized the importance of community involvement, “We want people to be conservative minded about our land and that begins with education. Take the time to learn more about our area and what makes it special.”

Through its research, education and outreach initiative, the Highlands Biological Station has been instrumental in understanding and advocating for conservation of biodiversity in the area since 1927. Charlotte Muir, Executive Director explains that HBS works to advance the understanding of the region’s ecology and teach the basic tenets of good stewardship. “It is vital for people to recognize how important these resources are. We have so much flora and fauna that can’t be found anywhere else in the US.”

As an example, Muir points to the work being done by Dr. Rada Petric research assistant professor at UNC Chapel Hill, and director of the Institute for the Environment at Highlands Biological Station. Petric specializes in mammals, studying the effects of human activity on native wildlife. Admittedly obsessed with bats, Petric explained their role in maintaining a healthy eco-system. “NC has more bats species than any state east of Texas, and each species is an insect feeding species.

They get rid of pests that destroy gardens but also those that transmit diseases like mosquitoes. Bats have had a hard time in the past 15 years due to the introduction of a fungus which makes them more sensitive to human noise and light. The result has been the loss of millions of bats on the east coast.” For those of us who can recall the days when Highlands was mosquito-free, we can blame the decline in the bat population for the increase in mosquitos– a single bat can eat over 1100 mosquitoes in one night.

In a unique collaboration, HCLT and HBS have come together through the Coins for Conservancy Program – a community driven initiative that invites individuals to contribute spare change towards land conservation efforts. The innovative approach showcases the power of collective action and emphasizes the notion that even a small donation can make a notable impact in ensuring that this mountain wonderland endures for generations.

With the dedication and work of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, the Highlands Biological Station, and commitment of the community, we embrace the responsibility of preserving this land for centuries.

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HIGHLANDS

Heritage Trail Founded in 1967 by a cohort of outdoor enthusiasts concerned about the impact of human activity on the environment, the “Leave No Trace” Program (LNT) is a global leader in outdoor ethics education. By following the LNT principles you can help in the protection and preservation of the land for future generations.

• Plan ahead and prepare: Know the area you are visiting and be prepared for the conditions.

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: This means staying on trails and avoiding sensitive areas.

• Leave no trace: Pack out what you pack in and leave no trace of your presence.

• Dispose of waste properly: Bury human waste at least six inches deep and pack out toilet paper.

• Respect wildlife: Do not disturb animals and stay at least one hundred yards away from them.

• Be considerate of other visitors: Be respectful of other people's experiences and leave the area as you found it.

INDIVIDUALS ARE ALSO URGED TO: • Plant native species: Using native plants in the garden supports local biodiversity and attracts native wildlife.

• Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about environmental issues and educate others about the importance of preservation.

• Respect wildlife and their habitats: Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disrupting native habitats.

• Practice responsible land use: Make mindful choices about land development and construction and consider the impact on wildlife habitats.

• Support Conservation Organizations: Consider contributions and volunteering with local organizations.

• Adopt sustainable practices: Consider recycling and energy conservation.

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HIGHLANDS

The Highlands, NC Responsible Travel Code The town of Highlands is nestled in the heart of a temperate rainforest amidst the mountains of Western North Carolina. We treasure our environment, local culture, and diverse visitors. We believe that respect is the key to safeguarding the precious and delicate natural beauty of our town, both today and for future generations. As you explore and discover Highlands, we kindly ask you to adhere to the Highlands, NC Responsible Travel Code:

R E S P E C T

oam Responsibly: While you wander through Highlands, approach your journey thoughtfully and responsibly, demonstrating utmost respect for all living beings and the environment around you.

ducate Yourself: Before arriving in Highlands, take the time to research and familiarize yourself with local regulations and community concerns. Recognize that these guidelines may evolve over time, so staying informed is essential. afety First: Maintain mindfulness of your surroundings, showing consideration for drivers, pedestrians, and wildlife. Please respect private property and refrain from using closed trails.

reserve Highlands: Protect and nurture the pristine outdoor spaces of Highlands by leaving only a light footprint during your visit. Be attentive to the delicate ecosystem and take care not to disturb or harm the flora and fauna.

mbrace Community: As you appreciate the beauty of Highlands, support and contribute to the success of local businesses. Your actions play a crucial role in ensuring their long-term prosperity and the vitality of the community. elebrate Culture: Immerse yourself in the richness of Highlands’ local cultures. Embrace the traditions and practices you encounter, appreciating the uniqueness they bring to our town.

each Others: Lead by example and share these responsible travel practices with your fellow travelers.

Together, we all share the responsibility to protect and preserve the natural wonders of Highlands.

By adhering to the Highlands, NC Responsible Travel Code, you become an integral part of our collective effort to safeguard the charm of this destination. Your thoughtful actions today will leave a positive and lasting impact on the environment, culture, and people of Highlands.

Thank you for being a responsible and caring traveler.

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Hiking

wander without wifi BARTRAM TRAIL – OSAGE OVERLOOK Named after the distinguished naturalist, Bartram Trail runs more than 100 miles from Oconee State Park in South Carolina through Georgia and North Carolina to the Great Smoky Mountains. This long-distance trail is marked with yellow blazes. The two-mile segment from the Osage Mountain trail head is a difficult hike, due to an elevation gain of 1,100 feet.

The reward is views of Blue Valley and Tessentee Valley from the top of Scaly Mountain.

To get there: From downtown Highlands take N.C. 106/ Dillard Road.

Travel 5.5 miles to a paved overlook area and trail head to the left. Park on the same side as the overlook but access the northbound Bartram Trail to Scaly Mountain on the opposite side of the road via the stairs. Look for the sign reading “Bartram Trail to Hickory.”

Highlands is perfect for those looking to lose--or find-themselves amidst forests, meadows and hills. Generations of naturalists, artists and dreamers have discovered paradise on the trails that wind through our wilderness.

So, check the weather, grab your gear and a camera, and prepare to create memories in these magical places.

(Just don’t wander off the marked trails.)

CHATTOOGA LOOP TRAIL & CHATTOOGA RIVER TRAIL TO WHITESIDE COVE Chattooga Loop Trail is almost two miles and begins to the left of the notable Iron Bridge. Moderate in difficulty, it is a great hike for the entire family. Chattooga River Trail – a 6.25- mile, one-way hike – begins at

the same place but ends at Whiteside Church on Whiteside Cove Road, so two vehicles are required.

To get there: From Highlands, travel east on Main Street for 4.5 miles. Main Street will become Horse Cove Road.

Look for its intersection with Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove roads. Turn right onto Bull Pen Road (#1178/#1180).

Proceed for 5.4 miles to the Iron Bridge. The trailhead is on the left, just before the bridge.

CHINQUAPIN MOUNTAIN The trail head for this 3.2-mile round trip is at the Glen Falls parking area near downtown Highlands. It is a moderate walk, and the trail crosses streams several times. A mile-long series of switchbacks leads to the top.

To get there: Head west on U.S. 64 and turn left on N.C. 106. Drive 1.7 miles and look for the sign to Glen Falls Scenic Area on the left. Turn left, then immediately bear right onto Glen Falls Road. Travel on this gravel road for one mile to the parking area.

CLIFFSIDE LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA This is a delightful plunge into nature’s glorious bounty! Enjoy several hiking trails – some of which lead to waterfalls – as well as picnic tables with grills and a lake for swimming and fishing

(with a N.C. fishing license). A dayuse fee is required, and picnic shelters must be reserved. Its Cliffside Loop Trail is an easy 0.75-mile walk around the lake.

To get there: Follow U.S. 64 West for 4.5 miles, turn right at the Cliffside Lake sign and continue for 1.5 miles.

ELLICOTT’S ROCK & BAD CREEK TRAILS This area boasts Ellicott’s Rock, an enormous boulder embedded in the Chattooga riverbank, bearing the letters “NC” as carved by surveyor Andrew Ellicott who thought this was the intersection of North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina.

(Spoiler Alert: It wasn’t. That’s Commissioner’s Rock, bearing the symbol NC/SC 1813.) Choose from two trails: Bad Creek Trail to Ellicott’s Rock is a moderate trail that stretches three miles, one way. Ellicott’s Rock Trail is 3.5 miles and more difficult. Prepare for a good workout!

To get there: From downtown Highlands, head northwest on Main Street, which will become Horse Cove Road.

Turn onto Bull Pen Road and pass the Iron Bridge. Ellicott’s Rock trail starts at six miles; the Bad Creek trail starts at 10 miles. Both drop steeply down from opposite sides of the river near Ellicott’s Rock (on the left bank looking down stream) and continue down river.

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HICKORY KNUT GAP You’ll feel like you’re far away from civilization! This moderate, 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail is great for birding.

From the trail head, walk for approximately 0.3 mile to where the trail splits to the right. Follow the blue blazes through the rhododendron canopy to the junction with Bartram Trail at approximately one mile. Turn right onto the yellow-blazed Bartram and continue to the Scaly Mountain summit. Side trails to the left and right also offer amazing views. Be cautious of the bare rock sections, which can be slick when wet or icy.

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Just a half mile from downtown Highlands awaits this is lovely, little jewel with several gardens to explore. The gardens are free and open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset.

To get there: From Main Street, head northwest as it becomes Horse Cove Road. Look for Highlands Nature Center and park in the gravel area across from it. The garden paths begin to the left of the Nature Center, with maps posted along the trails.

HIGHLANDS PLATEAU GREENWAY

To get there: From Highlands, take N.C. 106 four miles to Turtle Pond Road and turn right. Turn left onto Hickory Knut Gap Road and drive 0.9 mile to the trail, which is a Forest Service Road on the left. Park on the right.

“Connecting the heart of Highlands” is this system of walking and hiking trails that protect and connect the natural settings and historic sites of the area.

More than 10 miles of natural trails and sidewalks are open daily, from sunrise to sunset.

HIGHLANDS BOTANICAL GARDEN & HIGHLANDS BIOLOGICAL STATION

To get there: The trail head is on Oak Street between the intersection of S. 3rd St. and S. 2nd St. It is the nexus to any trail on the Greenway.

JONES KNOB This portion of the Bartram Trail features spectacular views, with Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain being the highlights. An old roadbed leads right to a wildlife management field.

After the trailhead, at the far end of the field, yellow blazes mark Bartram to the right and blue blazes mark the Jones Knob spur trail to left. Follow the blue-blazed trail for .03 mile to a delightful mountaintop view.

To get there: Take U.S. 64 West to Turtle Pond Road. Turn left and travel 1.1 miles to SR1678. Turn right on the road (which may be marked Dendy Orchard Road) for 1.4 miles to the top of a hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Road (FR4522) and continue two miles to the parking area. The trail leaves the parking area on the right.

THE NARROWS This is an easy, four-mile round trip hike off Whiteside Cove Road. It features spectacular views of the Chattooga River forced into a narrow channel, exploding over boulders, and revealing an unexpected swimming hole.

To get there: From downtown Highlands, take N. 4th St./Horse Cove Road and turn left onto Whiteside Cove Road. Travel 0.9 mile. The trail is on a logging road on the right and descends two miles to The Narrows.

You’ll pass a trail to the right, which continues to Bull Pen Bridge on Horse Cove Road. Be sure to return the way you came.

RABUN BALD This steep hike offers 360-degree views of the Georgia and North Carolina mountains from the second highest point in Georgia.

To get here: From Highlands, take NC 106 East (Dillard Rd.) for about 7 miles, then turn left onto Hale Ridge Road.

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After five or six miles, look for trail marker no. 211 on the left.

curve, look for a pull-off and a steep, unmarked path on the right.

SATULAH MOUNTAIN

SUNSET ROCK

The payoff of this hike that begins in downtown Highlands is a peak of 4,543 feet with a 270-degree view to the south, east and west.

This astonishing site is just a few hundred yards from downtown Highlands.

Sunset Rock is an ideal choice for a late afternoon stroll. It’s a short, 0.5mile walk to the top. Beautiful sunsets and views of Brushy Face Mountain unfold over the town, while you sit on a natural amphitheater on slabs of granite.

To get there: Park downtown and walk south, up the hill on 4th St. At the curve, walk straight onto Satulah Road. Continue to the end of the road; then, follow the old roadbed an additional 0.5-mile to the clearing at the top of the mountain.

SLICK ROCK TRAIL This is a simple, 0.2-mile round trip.

The hike may be short, but the summit offers an impressive view of the mountains.

To get there: From downtown Highlands, take E. Main/Horse Cove Rd. to the end of the pavement. Take the right fork onto Bull Pen Road and continue one mile. On a sharp left

To get there: Take Main Street for 0.5mile east to the Highlands Nature Center on the left. Park and follow the sign to a gravel road to Sunset Rock and Ravenel Park. Note: The trail is a private drive, so do not block it when you park.

WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN This jaw-dropping spectacle is only six miles from town on U.S. 64 East. The moderate trail, crowned by a panoramic vista, is a two-mile loop that climbs above sheer cliffs.

To get there: Take U.S. 64 East from downtown Highlands and turn right at the sign onto Whiteside Mountain Road. Travel one mile to a well-marked parking area on the left. This is a fee area, and a restroom is at the end of the parking lot.

WHITEWATER FALLS TRAIL This easy, 0.6 mile-round trip trail will reward you with a spectacular view of the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States.

To get there: Take U.S. 64 East to Cashiers and turn right onto N.C. 107 South. Turn left onto Wigington Rd., then left at the stop sign onto S.C. 130, which turns slightly left and becomes N.C. 281. Look for the Whitewater Falls sign and turn right. The trail descends steeply into the river. An overlook is located along the trail. To the left, the trail continues and fords the river. There are numerous spots for picnicking and shallow pools for wading and quick dips.

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HIGHLANDS

Heritage Trail

HIGHL ANDS IS A BEARWISE COMMUNIT Y If you spend any time in town – in the woods, at a home on the edge of the woods, at one of the country clubs, even on Main Street – you may encounter one. They’re uninterested in you but they are looking for any source of food such as an overstuffed garbage can, or a generously seeded bird feeder. The last thing they’re looking for is a confrontation with you (and your dog) but respect for bears is of highest importance.

There are some simple steps that you can take to ensure that any Bear Encounter is a simple learning experience for both parties.

SAFET Y TIPS FOR HIKING IN BEAR COUNTRY • Talk or make noise to avoid surprising a bear, especially near rushing water where it may not hear you.

• Stay alert. Don’t hike with earbuds in.

• Keep an eye on the trail ahead.

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• Dogs may help detect bears, but they can also quickly escalate the situation that neither side wants, so keep them on a leash.

• If you encounter a bear, avoid eye contact, and remain still and calm, or slowly begin walking backward.

• Raise your arms (to appear larger) and talk gently while backing away to safety.

• Don’t throw your pack at the bear – that provides a “reward” that trains the bear to approach people for food.

• Never try to pet or feed a bear or get close for a picture – that is how most injuries occur.

• Hike in groups during daylight and on established trails.

• Learn proper camping techniques to avoid problems.

• If you’re riding a mountain bike, pay attention. You sure don’t want to startle a bear.

• Avoid standing between a female bear and her cubs.

If you find yourself in this situation, slowly and calmly walk backwards.

• Keep children nearby.

• Never ever feed a bear.

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T H I NG S T O D O OU T D O O R AC T I V I T I E S

Since its earliest days, Highlands has promoted itself as a healthy escape from the stresses of the rest of the world. Dr. Mary Lapham’s pioneering medical work here in Highlands during the late 1800s was predicated upon this nugget of wisdom:

“Get up and get busy! ” Our quaint community has clearly taken the good doctor’s advice to heart. You will find an abundance of things to do that will ensure that you are following in this cherished Highlands tradition. Be inspired to make the most of every moment with recreation and adventure on our mountains.

Blue Star Ranch

fishing, gem mining, roller coaster, summer/winter tubing, winter ice skating

2555 Norton Road, Cashiers, NC bluestarranch.com 828-743-3281 equine coaching

Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center

Brookings Anglers

600 N. Fourth Street Highlands, NC highlandsnc.org 828-526-3556 dog park, exercise classes, fitness center, covered swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts

273 Spring Street, Highlands, NC brookingsonline.com 828-482-9444 fly fishing guides

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & VanHook Glade

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14014 Highlands Road Highlands, NC gofindoutdoors.org 828-526-5912 camping, fishing, hiking, picnic area, swimming

Highland Hiker

Harris Lake Park

Highlands Aerial Park

1241 Leonard Street Highlands, NC highlandsnc.org 828-526-3556 fishing, picnic area

Highland Excursion

highlandexcursion.com 864-373-4022 hiking, sightseeing tours

561 Main Street Highlands, NC highlandhiker.com 828-526-8673 fly fishing and travel guides 9625 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC highlandsaerialpark.com 828-526-8773 adventure ropes course, dual tree climb, giant mountain swing, nature trails, UTV tours, ziplines

Highlands Outpost 7420 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC highlandsoutpost.com 828-526-3737

Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine 9770 Highlands Road Highlands, NC jacksonholegemmine.com 828-524-5850 gem mining

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Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Pine Street, Highlands, NC farmer’s market (Saturday mornings April – Oct), live music (Saturday nights May – mid-Oct), picnic area, winter ice skating

Lake Glenville Scenic Waterfall Cruises 2799 Pine Creek Road Cullowhee, NC worldclasswaterfalls.com 828-526-6300 sightseeing tour

Sapphire Valley Resort

100 Cherokee Trail Sapphire, NC sapphirevalley.com 828-619-0097 activity field, boat rentals, dog park, fishing, foot golf, golf,

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hiking, lake, tennis, winter skiing and snowboarding, zipline

Sky Valley Country Club 568 Sky Valley Way #1 Sky Valley, GA skyvalleycountryclub.com 706-746-5302 golf

The Nature Center and Botanical Garden

930 Horse Cove Road Highlands, NC highlandsbiological.org 828-526-2623 educational sessions, walking trails

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society highlandsaudubonsociety.org special events

Whitewater Equestrian Center

6420 Whitewater Road Sapphire, NC funhorsebackriding.com 828-966-9646 gem mining, guided trail rides

Wildwater

1251 Academy Road Long Creek, SC wildwaterrafting.com 800-451-9972 Jeep adventures, kayak tours, team building, white water rafting, zipline

H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

T H I NG S T O D O OU T D O O R AC T I V I T I E S

ELEVATED BIRDING H

ighlands has long been revered as a place where wildlife flourishes and birds find sanctuary amid a tapestry of

natural beauty and diverse habitats. Boasting an impressive array of bird species year-round, the region is a haven for both resident and transient bird species, and a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by the avian world. Highlands was even designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Audubon Society.

From low lying valleys to mountain ridges, the melodic songs of warblers and thrushes resonate as a chorus of birds can be heard chirping and singing, ensconced in their unique environments.

In our tranquil forests, Wood Thrushes and Carolina Chickadees can be found rustling among the leaves, elusive warblers find haven in the woodlands. In meadows and open spaces Eastern Bluebirds are seen perching atop fences, while Mourning Doves serenade and Northern Cardinals add a colorful flourish to the backdrop. In the high elevations, raptors ride thermals and Redshouldered Hawks and Broad-winged Hawks soar.

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In this temperate climate, the changing seasons bring forth an ornithological parade – transforming our mountain town into a bustling rest stop for birds undertaking their extraordinary journeys across continents. Here, the elevation combines with the forests, wetlands and grasslands that make up the diverse eco-system to create an ideal and important stopover and breeding habitat for migratory birds.

During spring migration, typically from April to May, neotropical migratory birds return from their wintering grounds in Central and South America to breed in North America and use the abundant food sources and ideal habitats of Highlands to rest and refuel before continuing their journey to the north. During fall migration, from September to October, many species fly south, using Highlands as a final pit stop before crossing the Gulf of Mexico and other barriers on their way to wintering grounds. In both seasons, altitude plays a role as birds traverse the vertical mountain realms, up and down the gradient in response to changing environmental conditions, seeking milder temperatures and more accessible food sources.

But, as weather patterns have shifted, so have many species of birds shifted their migratory patterns. Regional trends in avian demographics are monitored by both the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society and the Highlands Biological Center (HBS). Every December, volunteers with the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society conduct an annual Christmas Bird Count, tallying the number of birds seen in a 15-mile radius.

At HBS, Associate Director Jason Love and his team have been studying avian productivity and survivorship in a long-term continent-wide project known as MAPS. The bird-banding work focuses on capturing, marking, and releasing birds to collect valuable data about their populations, movements, and behaviors. “There are many birds where the southern Appalachian Mountains represent the southern edge of their range.” Love said.

Teeming with diverse avian life, Highlands offers an unequaled opportunity to observe and relish the beauty of a wide array of birds. One of the most notable spots to enjoy birdwatching is the Highlands Biological Station where guided bird walks are offered, and there’s an opportunity

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to explore a variety of habitats. Their trail system and road to Sunset Rock is another terrific way to view local birds. Some of the best birding can be found along Flat Mountain Road, Ranger Falls Trail and adjacent National Forest land. Dependable hot spots can be found along Turtle Pond Road and Rich Gap Road in Horse Cove. In September, a short hike up Whiteside Mountain provides a breathtaking front row seat for the hawk migration, as the kettles ride thermals rising 700 feet up the mountain’s sheer face. And if you are lucky, you might even see the fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon. Once on the brink of extinction, the species has been removed from the endangered list and today there are at least thirteen pairs nesting in North America – including one pair on Whiteside Mountain!

Birds frequenting elevations above four thousand feet are what you can expect during a bird-watching expedition. In the summer, you can see Black-throated Green Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Canada Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Veery. In a typical day’s outing, you are likely to see as many as fifty different avian species. It is no wonder that Highlands has been deemed a bird wonderland.

A complete list of birds of the Highlands Plateau can be found at highlandsaudubonsociety.org

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S I M P L E WAY S T O H E L P B I R D S

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Make Windows Safer, Day and Night Simple adjustments to your windows can save birds’ lives.

Keep Cats Indoors Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. Outdoor cats kill more birds than any other non-native threat.

Reduce Lawn by Planting Native Species The U.S. has 63 million acres of lawn. That’s a huge potential for supporting wildlife.

Avoid Pesticides Look for organic food choices and cut out some of the 1 billion pounds of pesticides used in the U.S. each year.

Drink Coffee That’s Good for Birds Shade-grown coffees are delicious, economically beneficial to farmers, and help more than 42 species of North American songbirds.

Protect Our Planet from Plastics 91% of plastics are not recycled, and they take 400 years to degrade.

Watch Birds, Share What You See Bird watchers are one of science’s most vital sources of data on how the ecological world is faring.

T H I NG S T O D O WA T E R WA Y S

R ESTOR ING

Mirror Lake Created in 1918, Highlands’ picturesque Mirror Lake is a cherished landmark with a rich history, long prized as one of the town’s most charming locales. Originally named “Wells Lake” after its owner, E.A. Wells, it was eventually renamed Mirror Lake in tribute to its clear, reflective waters. In the early 1930s upstate SC residents put up summer cabins here to escape the heat and others came to recover from tuberculosis. In the century since it was originally dammed, a bracelet of 250 homes encircling the lake were built. Today, they comprise the small population of the Mirror Lake community.

This pastoral more than 100-year-old lake has long been a place where one could get away from everything. It’s where residents and visitors came to embed themselves in nature and inhale the landscape from the many vistas along the lakeshore. Many came for recreation: to fish for freshwater trout; to dive into the icy, cold waters; to paddle or kayak; and in winter to ice skate. Artists and photographers came to capture and memorialize the reflection of the surrounding trees and mountains.

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The most important lake in Highlands, isn’t aging well.

Lurking below the surface of the waters is silt – accumulated from years of runoff and the discharged sediment that originates from development and natural run off upstream from Mirror Lake. Over time, erosion and sedimentation contribute to the build-up.

Mirror Lake is important: it is a “critical watershed” which flows directly into Lake Sequoyah, the primary water source for the town of Highlands. The accumulated silt has the potential to impact the local water quality and has already disrupted recreational activities on the lake. To date, six acres of lake have been lost to dry land, and the rest of the lake has become so shallow it is in danger of losing all lake attributes.

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A consequence of the disappearing water has been rising water temperatures and the loss of leisure pursuits– including diving, ice skating and fishing.

Devising ways to clean Mirror Lake has been the aspiration of many in the community for more than 20 years.

At last, five years ago, residents got together to create the Mirror Lake Improvement Association (M.L.I.A.).

Their mission: “People joining together sharing time and resources in order to save, restore and preserve Mirror Lake and its environs.” With a vision to: “provide all residents of the Mirror Lake area and the town of Highlands a pristine and healthy watershed in order to enhance our quality of life and to preserve property values,” they have banned together to pursue funding

to restore the lake. Led by president, Pat Gleeson, they have formed a coalition with the Town of Highlands, NC State Senator Kevin Corbin, and NC Congressman Karl Gillespie.

Phase one includes “limited dredging within the main body of the lake, and the removal of sediment in a targeted area. In phase 2 a channel will be created around a perimeter of six acres and a specified depth goal dredged. In the final phase sediment will be removed throughout all impacted areas of the lake. Once sedimentation removal is completed two recreational areas will be developed. The first at the Mirror Lake bridge, to be named “Mirror Lake Yacht Club,” will include canoe racks where space can be rented. A second area, at a

bay in the lake with two waterfalls, will house a gazebo for picnicking and a dock.

The lake is, at last, about to undergo the beginnings of its own transformation. As of this writing, sufficient funding to complete phase 1 has been raised, which is scheduled to commence February 2024. The work could take two to four years. Its onset is a milestone in destination stewardship for the entire community.

To get involved in restoring Mirror Lake visit savemirrorlake.org.

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T H I NG S T O D O WA T E R WA Y S

CHATTOOGA RIVER

ANGLER'S

PARADISE Nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, the

3 River Fly Fishing Festival which attracts anglers

charming town of Highlands is a true gem for an-

from all corners of the U.S. for a competitive trout

glers, boasting an incredible 2,200 miles of abundant

fishing tournament. Beyond the competitive spirit,

waterways, all within an hour's drive. From mean-

the festival fosters camaraderie among fellow en-

dering rivers to tranquil lakes and streams, this re-

thusiasts and provides a chance to celebrate the art

gion offers an unparalleled fishing experience that

of fly fishing against the breathtaking backdrop of

keeps fishing enthusiasts coming back year-round.

the surrounding natural beauty.

Whether you are an avid trout angler or prefer

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

chasing bass, catfish, or crappie, the waters sur-

(ncwildlife.org) diligently manages fishing seasons

rounding Highlands offer a diverse range of fish

and enforces regulations regarding bait, size, and

species to target. But fishing in Highlands is about

creel limits. Before embarking on your fishing ad-

much more than just catching fish. It is a chance to

venture, remember to secure a North Carolina fish-

immerse yourself in nature's embrace and find a

ing license, which can easily be obtained online at

serene place where there's only water, mountains,

gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com.

and the vast sky above. As you cast, you will feel the stress of daily life melt away, replaced by a sense of peace and connection with the natural world.

A highlight of the local fishing calendar is the annual

Whether you are an experienced angler seeking the next big catch or a novice looking for a peaceful fishing getaway, Highlands beckons with its endless waterways and unforgettable fishing experiences.

The upper Chattooga River above the Iron Bridge on Bull Pen Road is an easily accessible native trout stream.

The stream can be accessed by a trail beginning at the Iron Bridge and continuing along the river for approximately 2 miles upstream. Caution should always be used in wading this stream due to numerous deep holes and an abundance of boulders and shelf rocks.

The Chattooga holds a good population of both Brown and Rainbow trout. As a native trout stream, regulations require single hook artificial lures only and four fish, seveninch minimum limit.

Directions: To get to the Chattooga River at the Iron Bridge, you will pass through a beautiful hidden valley nestled between the mountains. The road is very windy, so care must be taken while driving. Take Main Street which becomes Horse Cove Road and drive approximately 4 miles. Here, the pavement ends and two gravel roads split. Take the right fork to get on Bull Pen Road. From here, it is approximately 3 miles to the parking area at the Iron Bridge.

CULLASAJA RIVER

The Cullasaja runs between Highlands and Franklin on highway 64 west. It is a beautiful and scenic river full of waterfalls, deep pools, and slow glassy runs. The river is stocked with Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout, but Browns and Rainbows seem to be the majority of the stream born population. The area between Turtle Pond Bridge (approximately 5 miles from Highlands) and Gold Mine Bridge (approximately 8 miles from Highlands) offers numerous pull-offs with easy access to the river. Across the road from Turtle Pond Bridge is Cliffside Lake. Stocked trout can be taken by bait, spinner, or fly for a small usage fee. The Cullasaja should be waded in extreme caution around waterfalls and during high water times.

Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 west toward Franklin.

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DAVIDSON RIVER

The Davidson River is in the Pisgah National Forest, north of Brevard. It offers some of the best wild segments in the region. The area beneath Avery Creek is great for large brown trout.

Directions: From Cashiers, drive east on Highway 64 approximately 29 miles to Brevard. Continue through Brevard on Highway 64 to Highway 276 north, approximately 3.4 miles. Turn left onto Highway 276 and enter the Pisgah National Forest. The Davidson River parallels the left side of the road for approximately three miles.

LAKE GLENVILLE

Lake Glenville is a stunning 1,470acre reservoir that came into existence in 1941 when the west fork of the Tuckaseegee River was dammed. Its depths mirror the surrounding mountains, with steep plunges just off the shoreline, reaching an impressive 80 feet or more. The lake comes alive in spring, offering a prime opportunity to reel in prized catches like walleye and bass, especially below the falls and around the rocky areas. As summer sets in, the best fishing experiences are to be had early in the day or during the late hours when the sun's intensity softens.

Come fall, as the water cools, trout and walleye gracefully move shallower, inviting anglers to test their skills. Lake Glenville features two ADA fishing areas— Pine Creek and the Powerhouse Site—making it inclusive and enjoyable for all visitors, regardless of their abilities.

Directions: From Highlands head towards Cashiers on Highway 64 east. Once you reach the four-way light in Cashiers, turn left; the headwaters at Hurricane Creek are less than two miles on the left.

NANTAHALA RIVER

The Nantahala is a freestone river that is 52 miles from Highlands. It is stocked with Brook, Brown, and Rainbow with Brown and Rainbows holding onto the stream born population. This is classic trout water full of runs, pools, and pocket water, which is great for the beginning fly angler to learn to read water. Nantahala also has wonderful hatches of both mayfly and caddis offering anglers great dry fly fishing in the Spring and Fall.

Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 west to Franklin and turn left on Highway 441 south/64 west.

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Take Highway 64 west for 6 miles until you get to Old Murphy Road (across from Baptist Church) and turn right. Go down Old Murphy Road for 100 yards until you get to a small gas station then turn left on Wayah Road. Follow Wayah Road over the mountain and down the other side past Nantahala Lake until the road comes in contact with the river. There is a delayed harvest section of the river from October 1st through June 1st, but it is on hatchery regulations the rest of the year.

TUCKASEEGEE RIVER

PANTHERTOWN CREEK

Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 east to the traffic signal in Cashiers. Turn left on Highway 107. In approximately 14 miles turn right onto Highway 281, travel 21 miles to Tanasee Creek Road. Parking and access are available at the bridge on Tanasee Creek Road.

The headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckaseegee River and twenty miles of native brook trout streams, including Panthertown, Greenland, and Flat Creeks, wind through Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs. The streams are stained brown with tannic acid from leaves that fall into the water.

Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 east for 12 miles. Turn left on Cedar Creek Road. Go 2.3 miles and turn right onto Breedlove Road.

TANASEE CREEK

Off Tanasee Creek Road, east of Tuckasegee, is a stretch of North Carolina water that shelters plenty of wild brown trout. Tanasee Creek, named one of the “Ten Best Places to Go Fly Fishing in the U.S.” by Travel + Leasure, is found within the scenic Nantahala National Forest. The creek is one of 15 fly fishing spots accessed by the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail (flyfishingtrail.com), the only designated fly-fishing trail in the U.S. Directions: From Highlands take Highway 64 east to the traffic signal in Cashiers. Turn left on Highway 107.

In approximately 14 miles turn right onto Highway 281, travel 21 miles to Tanasee Creek Road. Parking and access are available at the bridge on Tanasee Creek Road.

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Off Tanasee Creek Road, east of Tuckasegee, is a stretch of North Carolina water that shelters plenty of wild brown trout. Tanasee Creek, named one of the “Ten Best Places to Go Fly Fishing in the U.S.” by Travel + Leasure, is found within the scenic Nantahala National Forest. The creek is one of 15 fly fishing spots accessed by the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail (flyfishingtrail.com), the only designated fly-fishing trail in the U.S.

WHITEWATER RIVER

The Whitewater River above the Highway 281 bridge is accessible by several angler paths. The paths start out well defined but disappear quickly.

To book a guided tour with an experienced angler, contact one of our local outfitters.

Harris Lake Park

273 Spring Street Highlands, NC brookingsonline.com 828-482-9444

1241 Leonard Street Highlands, NC highlandsnc.org 828-526-3556 The lake contains a healthy population of bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, white bass, and northern pike.

Highland Hiker

Highlands Outpost

Brookings Anglers

601 Main Street Highlands, NC highlandhiker.com 828-526-5298

Family friendly fishing spots include:

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & VanHook Glade

14014 Highlands Road Highlands, NC gofindoutdoors.org 828-526-5912 Stocked trout can be taken by bait, spinner, or fly for a small usage fee.

7420 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC highlandsoutpost.com 828-526-3737 Stocked trout fishing. Gear provided.

Sapphire Valley Resort

100 Cherokee Trail Sapphire, NC sapphirevalley.com 828-619-0097 Fairfield Lake is home to several fish species, including bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie.

Fishing gear is available to rent.

Directions: From Cashiers take Highway 107 south, go past the South Carolina State border.

Approximately nine and a quarter miles south of Cashiers, one mile past the state line, you will come to Wigington Road (SC 413). There are several signs at the intersection. They read “Whitewater Falls 3 Mi.”, To Salem”, To SC 103”. Turn left onto Wigington Road and drive two and a quarter miles to the stop sign at SC 130. Turn left and drive two miles to the bridge over the Whitewater River, approximately 0.8 miles past the entrance to Whitewater Falls. Park your vehicle at the bridge, there are pull-offs on both sides of the bridge. From the bridge, follow the angler trails down to the river. Once at the river, pick your way upriver until you find a spot that suits you.

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T H I NG S T O D O WA T E R WA Y S

surrender to the spell of

Falling Water H

igh atop a mountain plateau and nestled by a unique rainforest, Highlands’ waterfalls draw visitors from around the world. Some are quiet and diminutive, just more than a rivulet. Others call with raging waters that tumble over granite cliff faces with commanding force. All are beguiling.

No trip to Highlands is complete without a trip along U.S. 64 West, the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, which offers four sequential waterfalls just outside of town: Bridal Veil, Dry, Bust Your Butt and Cullasaja.

As much as their beauty beckons, all waterfalls should be approached with great caution. Keep in mind: •

The best way to enjoy a waterfall is from a safe distance.

•

Heed posted warning signs and stay on established trails.

Avoid “shortcuts.”

•

Never climb on or around waterfalls. Stay behind guard rails and fences.

•

Never wade or play in water feeding a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery and currents swift; it is easy to lose your balance.

•

Keep children and pets close.

For more information on these and other favorite waterfalls, stop by the Welcome Center at 108 Main Street, Highlands, NC, call 828-526-2112 or visit highlandschamber.org.

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

1

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS

This small, picturesque fall – one of three main waterfalls in the Cullasaja Gorge – is one of the most unusual and popular in the South. Its 120-foot cascade is seen from U.S. 64 West, and visitors may walk behind its gentle “veil.”

According to Cherokee lore, a woman who walks behind the falls in the spring will be married by the first snow. Look for its rainbow in the afternoon sun.

To get there: From downtown Highlands, travel less than three miles on U.S. 64 and look for it on the right.

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BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS

A series of stair-step falls on the Cullasaja River, this is a highly popular spot. Park, stretch your legs, soak in the view and dangle your toes in the water. (But be aware of swift currents and slippery or hidden rocks!)

To get there: From downtown Highlands, drive about six miles on U.S. 64 West and pull over on the right or left.

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CULLASAJA FALLS

T H I NG S T O D O WA T E R WA Y S

5

GLEN FALLS

Comprised of three, 80-foot falls dropping 640 feet, the entire Glen Falls’ trail descends some 700 feet in one mile. So, the hike down is easy, but back up is steep.

To get there: From Highlands, take N.C. 106 towards Dillard, Ga. After driving about two miles, look for the sign to the falls. Turn left, then immediately right onto a dirt road. Drive just more than one mile to the parking area.

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KALAKALESKIES FALLS (Lake Sequoyah Dam Falls)

Though less popular than other falls along the Cullasaja Gorge, Kalakaleskies offers a series of smaller falls below the Lake Sequoyah Dam. Great caution should be taken when hiking the trail, as the riverbanks are steep. Taking young children and pets below the dam is not recommended.

To get there: Take U.S. 64 West from Highlands. About two miles after this highway intersects with N.C. 28, pull off into the parking area on the left.

This is a powerful series of rushing waterfalls along the Cullasaja River – 250 feet high and framed with a dramatic cliff face. While the gorge is breathtaking in the spring and fall, winter is when its rock formations can be seen. The falls are easily viewed from the road; it is not safe to try and hike down to the base.

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To get there: From Highlands, drive less than nine miles on U.S. 64 West and notice the pull over on the left side of the road. Drive further, turn around at a safe place and retrace your route to park in the pullover. Be sure to park your vehicle completely off the road, as passing trucks need two lanes to navigate the curve. Stay safe!

To get there: Travel south (towards Walhalla) on N.C. 28 from Highlands’ Main Street. Follow this road for just more than four miles and turn left onto Rich Gap Road. After 0.6 mile, make a right on Forest Service Road (FR45670), a gravel road that may be marked as Big Creek Road.

Drive approximately 1.75 miles on this unpaved road to the Upper Trail Head parking area on the right. The old road turns into a footpath which leads to the falls.

4 DRY FALLS

SECRET FALLS

Once a long-held secret, this fall is now accessible via a trail constructed across public lands. Enjoy the seclusion and undeniable sense of mystery that shrouds this charmer.

Thundering over a cliff, this 75-foot fall allows visitors to walk underneath while staying relatively dry. From the parking area, a pleasant walk down stone steps leads to a path that goes behind the waterfall fed by the Cullasaja River.

To get there: From Highlands, drive just more than three miles on US 64 West to the parking area on the left. A nominal parking fee is required.

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

8

SLIDING ROCK FALLS

Created by the Chattooga River, this natural waterslide glides over a 10-foot-high rock face with a few large potholes. The water is cool, making it a popular spot during the summer. Visitors can slide down the rock, or just wade in the pool below the rock. This quiet spot has delighted guests for generations. Stop along the way to see the World’s Smallest Post Office.

To get there: From Highlands, take Horse Cove Road to the end of the pavement. Turn left onto Whiteside Cove Road and travel approximately five miles. Look for a small parking area off the road.

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WHITEWATER FALLS

This is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, with the upper portion falling 411 feet. Fed by the Whitewater River, it cascades over massive rock pillars.

To get there: Take U.S. 64 East from Highlands to Cashiers and turn right onto N.C. 107 South. Travel about nine miles, crossing into South Carolina, and turn left onto S.C. 130 South. Follow signs to Whitewater Falls.

For more information on these and other favorite waterfalls, stop by the Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street, call 828-526-2112 or visit highlandschamber.org.

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T H I NG S T O D O K I D S I N H IG H L A N D S

The mountains are paradise for the young (and young at heart).

We asked the experts -

local parents -

to help create this ultimate guide for kids in Highlands.

Visit the Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine, a unique experience where kids can find treasures to brighten any rainy day.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING Check out some of these delicious kid-friendly spots to eat in Highlands!

PLAYGROUNDS AND GREEN SPACES Enjoying a beautiful day in Highlands is easy!

Four 65 has wood-fired pizzas and a kid friendly menu.

Highlands Recreation Park is home to a playground and an outdoor skate park, so bring your wheels.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is a beautiful place to enjoy a to-go meal from a nearby restaurant. Picnic tables dot the green space, and public restrooms are available.

During the warmer months, spend your Saturday checking out the Highlands Market in the morning and return in the evening to take in an Outdoor Concert Series show.

Located in the heart of town, there’s usually something happening in this park.

Highlands Burritos is quick and offers fantastic options for little ones.

The Secret Garden Market and Fressers Courtyard Café & Catering have kid-friendly options and are located adjacent to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, making it easy to enjoy your meal outside.

Mountain Fresh Grocery has indoor and outdoor seating for its breakfast, grill and Neapolitan pizza options.

You can also order a dinner to go or pick up a take-andbake pizza.

Highlands Pizza Place is just what it says it is and more; they also offer sandwiches and salads.

Offering “elevated pub food,” The Ugly Dog Public House is fun for the whole family. The kids will surely like the pictures of pups on its walls – or the real deal on its patio. On Wednesday nights stop in to enjoy live bluegrass!

Looking for a healthy snack? Whole Life Market and Nectar Juice Bar offers delicious smoothies, juices, and other healthy options.

Kids

IN HIGHL ANDS

Good luck trying to walk past Kilwin’s chocolates or SweeTreats’ ice cream without going inside. The intoxicating wafts are too tempting to resist. SweeTreats also has a deli – great for one-stop dining!

Close to town, Harris Lake Park is a lovely spot for a picnic, fishing and to watch its resident ducks play.

Highlands School’s playground is close to town and accessible to the public when school is not in session.

SHOPPING Shopping along and near Main Street in Highlands is a must-do. Check out these stores when shopping with or for the family: Highlands Kids offering baby and children’s clothing and toys, Highland Hiker for outdoor attire.

S’MORE Kids Klothes offers designer children’s clothing, accessories and gifts

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T H I NG S T O D O K I D F R I E N D LY

CAMPS & CLASSES A Highlands summer camp experience will create memories your child will likely have forever.

Head to The Bascom to enjoy art exhibits, classes and an indoor play area. They even have “Take & Make” art lessons on their website that kids can do from home.

The Highlands Biological Station offers highly-popular Nature Center Day Camps where kids ages four to 13 learn about plants and animals while having fun.

Be sure to call or check the website for dates, as these camps fill up quickly!

Hudson Library is a wonderful place for little ones to play or learn. The library offers a children’s playroom, educational computers and tablets. On certain days, the library offers Family Storytime and other engaging events.

The Bascom offers visual arts programming for youth and their families throughout the year, including workshops, classes, private lessons, field trips and demonstrations.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau offers a summer day camp from early June through late July for ages six and older. Some local churches offer Vacation Bible School in the summer; be sure to contact them directly for schedules. The Performing Arts Center has programs to get kids involved in the performing arts, so be sure to check those out if you have a young thespian.

For a sleep-away wilderness camp experience close to Highlands, Camp Merrie-Woode in Sapphire offers summer sessions for girls and young women.

Spend a rainy day exploring Highlands Historic Village and the town’s oldest home, the Elizabeth Wright Prince House. Enjoy learning about Highlands’ history through its exhibits and archives!

A hardware store may seem an unlikely destination for kids, but Reeves can keep kids entertained. Set them on a mission to find “Ace,” its feline resident, as you do some shopping.

Mountain Theatre Company, home to Highlands Playhouse, offers a year-round season, including “Theatre for Young Audiences” and show guides to assist students, parents and teachers with the production experience.

WINTER SPORTS & ACTIVITIES On sunny, winter days, Highlands has plenty of activities to keep kids entertained.

HAPPY HIKING Stop by Highland Hiker to pick up a book of good day hikes. You’ll find several trails that are child-friendly!

The Highlands Biological Station/Nature Center is a great place for young ones. With easy walking trails that offer views of the lake and creeks, it is also a wonderful place to learn about and see native plants, vegetation and wildlife.

Kids love their Kids Hike Highlands Challenge which awards the collection of all four stamps along the trails with a prize!

After your visit to the Nature Center, carefully walk across the street and up a short trail to experience Ravenel Park and Sunset Rock. Though it’s a favorite spot for sunsets, it’s spectacular any time of day.

The Highlands Plateau Greenway offers easy, in-town access to a system of walking and hiking trails that connect historic sites and natural settings. Kids love their Passport Challenge which awards the collection of all four stamps along the trails with a prize!

Looking to experience a family-friendly waterfall? Dry Falls and Glen Falls fit the bill. One of the area’s most popular destinations, Dry Falls offers the unique experience of walking behind its rushing, 75-foot cascade. An out-and-back hike, Glen Falls offers multiple viewing points along its 700-foot, one-mile descension. But be sure to conserve energy for the hike back!

KID-FRIENDLY EXCURSIONS Located between Highlands and Scaly Mountain, Highlands Aerial Park is a thrilling way to spend the day.

Kid-friendly activities abound, including ziplines, nature trails, a challenge course and a giant swing.

Highland Excursion offers eco-tours in the Highlands area, and all are kid friendly. A great one to check out is their Private Gem Mine Tour, which showcases sites along the Cullasaja Gorge and Jackson Hole Gem Mine.

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Be a part of a picture-perfect winter scene while ice skating in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The $5 fee includes rental skates, and you can warm up with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Just a short drive from downtown is the Highlands Outpost which offers snow tubing and the Scaly Mountain Screamer coaster (the longest in N.C.!), as well as a convenient barbecue restaurant on the premises.

(In the summer, enjoy the roller coaster, trout fishing and the tubing -- without the snow, of course.)

Ski Sapphire Valley also offers snow tubing, skiing for beginning and intermediate levels, and snowboarding.

Swim year-round at the Highlands Pool Complex! Enjoy a covered pool with dedicated times for adult, lap, and all-ages swimming as well as water aerobics. It’s great for rainy weather, too!

FOR R AINY DAYS Highlands is in a temperate rainforest and receives more than 80 inches of wet stuff each year, but don’t worry!

Highlands offers plenty of experiences for rainy days.

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T H I NG S T O D O S H O P P I NG

Easy on the Eyes, Easy on the Earth

M A I N S T R EE T, H

IGHLANDS, NC

189 0

shopping

Provenance

On Main Streets across America chain stores hawk ubiquitous merchandise out of look-alike buildings. A very different story unfolds in Highlands. For this is a place where history, tradition and individuality are prized. In Highlands, where downtown shopping is the provenance of the town’s earliest settlers, the retail community prospers on a culture of individually owned and curated stores. Many of these shops endure in the same locations where their founders once welcomed customers, preserving a legacy of multi-generational ownership that distinguishes Highlands from cookie-cutter retail districts elsewhere.

Washable Paper • Made In Italy 366 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741 828- 482-0228

UASHMAMA.COM

From concept to finish, our attention to detail is rooted in generations of Italian craftsmanship with a modern sensibility for style. UASHMAMA is family-owned and produced in Tuscany, where each product is created to thoughtfully enhance your daily lifestyle. Our passion is to simplify your life with eco-friendly products that deliver state-of-the-art design and functionality.

To walk down Main Street and its side streets is more than a shopping trip, it is a journey across a timeline that spans more than a century. It is a chance to embrace the past and meet the individuals and families who are responsible for preserving this unique place.

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Anchoring the northern end of the retail district is the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, located in the 1879 Marchant-Parker-Davis Patterson House at the corner of 1st and Main Streets. It’s an apt spot for any tour of the town to start. Formed in 1931 “to be the voice of business on the Highlands’ plateau”, the Chamber, has for all of its 93 years, been spreading the word about this little mountain town that’s thriving with a dash of panache”.

Across Main Street, at number 275, is Reeves Ace Hardware begun in Clayton, GA in 1928. In the 1930s, founder Lewis Reeves, Sr. started selling building materials in Highlands, and by the late forties had established his first store here.

Reeves’ son, Joe Luke, Jr., took over, and erected the current building in 1965. Their Highlands store (one of four) is now run by grandchildren of the founder – Jim Luke and his sister Leslie Luke - and Cousin Preston Rogers. Great Grandson Eli Luke is Assistant Manager. They continue to play a vital role in the growth of the community, focusing on the needs of homeowners and contractors.

Further down Main Street at number 384 is Highland’s oldest retail store, Wit's End, still owned and operated by the Young family. In 1940, following the death of her husband, Margaret Southard Young of Palm Beach, purchased the former Rice Meat Market for $2500, and began

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selling porcelains and home accessories. In the 84 years that followed the store has stayed in the family and been operated by two more generations – in the 1950s to Earl and his wife, Mary Lu and to Susie Young in 2006, who remains at the helm today. In the mid-seventies women’s clothing was introduced into the mix, and the store now specializes in classic women’s apparel.

Shoppers continuing South to 482 Main Street, will come across Dry Sink, Highlands beloved kitchen ware store since 1972. From its original ownership by the Parishes and an initial location near Old Edwards, the store was acquired in 1974 by the Hoveys and following continued growth, relocated once again, to its present location in 1980. Past occupants of the current building include a hardware store, a drug store and even a bowling alley.

Visiting the flagship store of the Highland Hiker at 601 Main Street is a chance to peek inside a structure built

by Joe Webb, a designer and builder native to the area whose signature log cabins are on the National Register of Historic buildings. Known as the Cabin, the store is one of the company’s four area locations (others in town are at 561 Main, and 547 Main). In 1982, David and Carol Wilkes bought the existing “Happy Hiker.” Ten years later and after forming a new partnership the store was renamed

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Shop our

Sursy

Gift Collection

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Highland Hiker. A true family business, the shops are now operated by David and Carol’s son, Chris, and his wife, Hilary. They continue to cater to travel and fishing enthusiasts and offer an extensive collection of outfitting and outdoor apparel, accessories, shoes, and boots.

Just off Main Street, Fourth Street, considered by locals as a “shopping destination.” It’s a warren of historic gems.

Actual gems can be found at the Highlands Gem Shop at 201 South 4th Street. Founded in 1952 by Archie Jellen of Fresno, CA and his wife Hazel as Jellen’s Gem Cutting and Mineral Shop, the store evolved from sales of lapidary and minerals to a fine jewelry store and moved to its current location in the vacated Jackson County Bank building in 1956.

Fifty-two years ago, Donna and Stan Cochran started Mirror Lake Antiques on the upstairs floor of their home on Mirror Lake. Three years later, they moved to their current location at 215 South 4th Street and have been selling “tabletop” antiques – silver, China, and glass – along with new, middle-aged, and antique jewelry ever since.

Though every season in Highlands has its own allure, there is no better time to explore its history and magnetism than December when the town is brought to life as a Currier and Ives drawing. The downtown holiday time officially begins Thanksgiving weekend. In the park and along Main

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SWAN

233 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828.526.2083 ckswan.com Just down from Old Edwards Inn & Spa

T H I NG S T O D O S H O P P I NG

Street, the trees are aglow with tiny lights, and in the center of town a large and magnificent spruce at the Methodist Church is trimmed with bows and ornaments. A Yuletide atmosphere saturates the artfully decorated shops and restaurants. And few things say holiday in Highlands, like ice skating at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park - there’s something particularly magical about skating in the center of town.

If you’re looking for a present for your family, just want to make them happy, or just want to make yourself happy, the stores are decked and full of the most endearing gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Spend the day shopping, lunching (with a special holiday drink), and end your day ice skating. It’s holiday bliss!

As daylight wanes, happy shoppers can find peace and rest, by the fireplace at Old Edwards Inn, built in July 1878, it was Highlands’ earliest boarding house. Or you can cozy up at The Highlands Inn which has been serving Highlands since the year 1880 or at the Highlander Mountain House, built originally as a home completed in 1885, turned into a boarding house and later an Inn. All our hoteliers clearly love everything about the holiday season. From fragrant wreaths to astounding cocktails, and wood-burning fires, the holiday season may be the best time of all to visit and experience a Highlands shopping trip.

For 147 years, since its founding in 1875, Highlands has stood as testimony to the ability of a small town to preserve its heritage, embrace sustainability, and withstand the perils of commercial conformity.

F O R 147 Y E A R S , SINCE ITS FOUNDING I N 1875 , H I G H L A N D S H A S S TO O D A S T E S T I M O N Y TO T H E ABILIT Y OF A SMALL TOW N TO P R E S ER V E I T S H ER I TAG E , E M B R AC E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y, A N D W I T H S TA N D T H E P ER I L S O F CO M M ER C I A L CO N F O R M I T Y. 75

342 Main Street, Highlands, NC Highlands | Cornelius | Saint Simons | Atlanta | Athens

dutchmanscasualliving.com

T H I NG S T O D O S PA S

H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

Spas TO SOOTHE THE SOUL A ND BODY Renew and heal your body surrounded by the beauty of our mountain forest. Indulge in a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and then delight yourself with a soothing skin treatment or restorative massage using locally grown and world-renowned herbs and botanicals. Our spas invite you to immerse yourself in luxury, dedicated to nourishing the mind, body and spirit.

Courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

ELEVATION SPA 2256 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-482-2834

GIFTED HANDS MASSAGE AND SKIN CARE 233 Spring Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-5069

Courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitalisty OLD EDWARDS INN AND SPA 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-9887

TAYLOR SPA 330 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-4192

ZEN SPA 4144 Cashiers Road, Highlands, NC 919-413-7411

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Food & Drink

FOOD & DR I N K

Sticky Sweet

Symphonies

Picture this: A tranquil haven nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, where the soothing hum of bees blends harmoniously with the rustling leaves of Pisgah National Forest. Welcome to the world of Killer Bees Honey, where sweetness isn't just a flavor – it's a way of life.

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FOOD & DR I N K

MODERN MEDITERRANEAN FARE IN AN URBAN-CHIC VIBE

order online

465 Main Street Highlands, NC Now, meet the dynamic duo at the heart of it all: Denise Altay and Sean Collinsworth. Their paths first crossed in the heart of Chicago, where the rhythms of life brought them together during a ballroom dance class. Sean, a retired Sheriff's deputy from LA, and Denise, a seasoned nonprofit professional, forged a connection that was a prelude to a far sweeter adventure.

After many years together, Sean's long-time beekeeping hobby re-emerged, embracing Denise along the way. The couple found themselves with three humble hives at their Charlotte, NC home. Then, about 12 years ago, their love for the outdoors, kindled by frequent escapades to western North Carolina mountains, led them to the serene welcome of Lake Toxaway. With each passing year, their apiary grew, growing from a handful of hives to a bustling operation of 90 – paving the way for their now-renowned honey enterprise.

Over a span of five years, Killer Bees Honey's guided tours transformed into immersive experiences, intertwining educational presentations, hive explorations, and honey tastings, all hosted by Sean, one of a hand-

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ful of Americans to be certified with the Italian Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey, in other words, a "Honey Sommelier." Every interaction radiates their deep-rooted belief in the purest honey, solidified by their unique practice of having their honey tested in labs across the world.

Denise and Sean's passion for their work is unyielding.

Their honey remains unadulterated, allowing its flavors to flourish naturally. Rather than flavoring the honey, they pair it with various foods, enhancing palates and experiences. Their Sourwood Honey even boasts a 2023 Good Foods Award from the San Francisco-based Good Food Foundation which encourages craft food and sustainability, both environmentally and economically. Now with their operation at 50 flourishing hives, their honey is a limited product and primarily a labor of love. With only two owners and two interns, the operation remains intimate.

Retired and in their sixties, their journey is far from linear. In August 2022, Denise and Sean paused their soldout honey tours and pivoted to private tastings, now

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FOOD & DR I N K

offered year-round for a flat fee. As you step onto their 75-acre property, the whispers of the Pisgah National Forest envelope you. Classified as a Wildlife Refuge by the North Carolina Resource Commission, their land was once slated for luxury home development. It is now a sanctuary where bees forage in an untouched, nontoxic environment. The twenty-one solar panels atop their roof and the recycled plastic deck underfoot speak volumes about their commitment to living in sync with nature. It's an experience you don't want to miss.

A nod to their "bee-centric" business approach, their relationship with their honeybees isn't transactional; it's symbiotic. Killer Bees Honey hives remain unmoved to minimize stress, and the honeybees are treated organically for pests. At the same time, their winter nourishment comes from a bit of their own saved honey, which remains unharvested. The couple's mantra, "They fly for us, we stand for them," resonates deeply, emphasizing their dedication to the well-being of their hives.

Their passion even led to the creation of their nonprofit organization, the "Queen's Brigade," which supports

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June 2022 | Mountain Life

research and education on the honeybee.

While honeybees are a cornerstone of their operation, their hearts are equally devoted to the often-unsung heroes: our native solitary bees, including bumble bees, carpenter bees, and hundreds of other species. These humble pollinators, distinct from hive-driven honeybees, are crucial for ecosystem balance. Located just up the road from Killer Bees Honey, Highlands, NC is designated as a "Bee City," emphasizing the importance of our native pollinators and our role in fostering habitats to support them. Over 2,000 native plants dot the Killer Bees Honey landscape, supporting these native pollinators – birds, butterflies, beetles, solitary bees – alongside honeybees.

Denise and Sean dance on the fine line between honeybee efficiency and native bee vitality. With each jar of honey that leaves their apiary, a piece of their story is shared, as well as that of the bustling honeybees and the unassuming native bees – a sweet symphony that resonates through the diverse landscapes. It's a story of dance, passion, and the sweet collaboration between

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

A Variety of Indoor and Outdoor Venues for Your Private Dinner, Reception, Party or Rehearsal Dinner.

American Cuisine with a German Twist and Creole Flair

Celebrating 30 Years

humans and nature, reminding us that our collective wellbeing is intrinsically tied to the delicate wings of bees.

Residents and visitors of Highlands will have the best luck finding Killer Bees Honey products as well as information about their Honey Tasting and Culinary Experience online at www.killerbeeshoney.com, where orders are limited to two jars. Their products grace the shelves of local spots such as Calders Coffee Shop and Acorns in Highlands.

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Bistro Opens at 4pm | Dining Room Opens at 5:30pm 474 Main Street, Highlands, NC | 828.526.3807 wolfgangs.net | wom2@me.com

FOOD & DR I N K

Bee City

USA Highlands, NC is designated as a Bee City by Bee City, USA.

Bee Cities are pollinator-friendly communities that work to improve local conditions for necessary beneficial insects. It is a program that endorses a set of commitments for creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet. Highlands was designated due to our communities’ efforts to work together to conserve native pollinators by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing pesticides.

The United States is home to just over 3,600 native (wild) bee species such as bumble bees, leafcutter bees, sweat bees, mason bees, longhorn bees, and mining bees. Native pollinators are particularly important because they evolved alongside native plants and in many cases are the most effective pollinators — and in a few cases, the only pollinators.

Pollinators are keystone species in essentially every terrestrial ecosystem on earth, assisting in plant reproduction and supporting other species of wildlife. Pollinators touch our lives in numerous ways each day, including being responsible for approximately one third of the food and drink we consume.

The steps that Highlands has taken to conserve our native bees will also help other pollinators including butterflies, moths as well as the non-native honeybee. We encourage others to think beyond the honeybee and recognize the true diversity of bees that sustain our communities.

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R EGENER ATI V E

Agriculture Four miles southwest of Highlands, a dwarf old-growth white oak forest sits perched atop 4200-foot-high granite cliffs at Little Scaly

Beer, Wine & Margaritas Muy Deliciosas 226 South 4th Street • Highlands, NC Highlandsburrito.com

Mountain. Sharing the forest and the mountain top is The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center.

Founded in 1979 by a group of friends and Unitarian Universalists as an ecologically mindful retreat, it stands as a testament to the power of sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, and the profound connection between humans and the natural world.

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TO PRESERVE AND IMPROVE BIODIVERSIT Y AND MAINTAIN THE ECOLOGICAL BALANCE AND INTEGRIT Y OF OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. In 2010 The Mountain created the Many Hands Peace Farm to produce food for use at the facility while playing a significant role in The Mountain’s overall credo of environmental sustainability. Here, amidst a landscape filled with the noises of hens clucking and bees buzzing and the earthy aromas of mushrooms flourishing on logs, resident sustainable agricultural experts are carrying out projects to teach the concepts and techniques of regenerative agriculture.

But the word “sustainability” does not adequately convey the agricultural measures that Many Hands has adopted in recent years. Beyond foregoing the use of pesticides, they employ roving livestock (donkeys, cows, and sheep) to help fertilize the fields, and plant cover crops to maximize soil fertility. Catalyzing interest in environmental stewardship is achieved through a variety of programs, including educational forums, foraging and wildlife edible tours, summer camp programs, and a Saturday’s farmers market. Further implementation of entertaining elements to encourage public interaction and education are part of a five-year “Farm Vision”.

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At the heart of Many Hands Peace Farm’s philosophy is the belief in regenerative agriculture as a means not merely to heal and restore the land, but to leave it better than it was the year before. Simply put its naturefriendly farming; thinking about the health of the soil, animals, and humans and how they all link together.

The idea is that by following basic principles of regenerative agriculture – not disturbing the soil, cultivating native fruit trees, growing a diverse range of crops, incorporating varied local organic materials, providing numerous areas for wildlife habitat, and utilizing hand tools instead of machinery to reduce soil compaction – they can work with nature to produce foods rather than trying to control it.

During the summer months, knowledgeable guides lead participants on guided journeys through the lush woodlands as they learn to identify and harvest a diverse array of wild plants and wild mushrooms. At “Farm & Forest to-Table” culinary experiences hosted jointly by The Mountain’s kitchen and farm managers, enthusiasts can harvest ingredients for a meal and learn how to utilize them in recipes. And, at “Make Your

Own Medicine” workshops, attendees learn to concoct all-natural medicinal remedies using the wild forest and organic plants growing on the farm.

The summer Farm Camp for children 12 to 18 years old is a haven of exploration and discovery, and an education in self-sufficiency skills and lessons in the future health of this planet. The weeklong sleep away camps are a chance for students to learn how to care for animals along with the different aspects of sustainable farming from planting and harvesting to selling at farmers markets.

Central to the farm’s commitment to sustainability is the Food Forest Project. Inspired by natural ecosystems, this innovative program involves planting an array of perennial crops that mimic the layers found in a forest, including shrubs, trees, vines and ground covers. The forest enhances biodiversity while providing a sustainable source of nourishment for humans and wildlife, serving as a model for regenerative farming practices.

From April through October, the seasonal produce grown, and exotic wild mushrooms foraged at Many Hands can be found at the Highlands Farmers Market at Kelsey Hutchinson Park on Saturdays. Shitake, Oyster, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms are among the rotating and widening varieties brought to market each week.

As Farm Manager Jesse Kirslis explains it is through all these programs and efforts that the goals of The Mountain are furthered; “To preserve and improve biodiversity and maintain the ecological balance and integrity of our environment for generations to come.”

FOOD & DR I N K

Sewing Seeds

savoring communit y Within the rainforest oasis that is Highlands, gardening is an integral part of the local tapestry. The roots run deeper than some may realize, even as they sample the fares at local restaurants, purchase goodies from Highlands Farmers Market vendors, or sit beside a member of the Highlands Community Garden during church. The community has cultivated a haven for foodies and nature enthusiasts alike.

Here, the earth and its bountiful harvests are celebrated with open arms, weaving together the stories of those who sow, grow, and savor the farm-to-table delights of Highlands.

Matthew Clayton, “Farmer Matt,” has been working as Director of Farms for Old Edwards Inn (OEI) since 2019. With a dedicated team of nine in tow, he orchestrates the magic at OEI's GlenCove, Cherrywood, and Lake Sequoyah farms and has cultivated something truly special.

GlenCove, an adventure wellness community, hosts a thriving Community-Supported Agriculture program (CSA) that captures the essence of the local food movement. Every Saturday, members of the GlenCove community eagerly pick up their boxes brimming with seasonal treasures. From maple syrup, honey, kale, and chard to cherry tomatoes and beets, the box overflows with 12 to 15 items harvested straight from the garden.

This member-exclusive offering has become one of

OEI's most beloved programs, with forty-five families eagerly participating. Registration opens, and slots are claimed within minutes – it's a testament to the community's passion for fresh, locally grown food.

OEI's commitment to organic farming means no synthetic pesticides or herbicides are used. Weeds are carefully plucked by hand, and an active composting program nourishes the soil. The result is top-quality produce that is delivered every Tuesday and Friday to grace the tables of OEI's restaurants including Madison’s, 465, the Wine Garden, the Grill Room at Old Edwards Club, GlenCove’s new entertainment barn and food truck, and Half-Mie Farm. This means that when you dine at these establishments, you're savoring the freshest ingredients. Cherrywood's greenhouses ensure a year-round supply of produce, making farmto-table dining an all-season affair, and GlenCove even boasts eight honeybee hives and sixty laying hens, adding variety to the mix.

While OEI brings the farm-to-table experience to a grand scale, the Highlands Community Garden, owned by Sara and Jack Mayer, offers an intimate connection with the land for the everyday Highlander. This garden, which used to be a horse pasture, now features twenty-one plots, each 9 sq. ft. Members pay a small fee to use a plot and the funds cover grass mowing and garden tilling.

Images courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

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Leslie Manning, a community garden member since 2020, says it’s a small price to pay for fostering a genuine sense of community. She cherishes the garden’s full sun setting and says it’s perfect for growing flowers and vegetables. She finds the experience invaluable, noting, "It's intergenerational and not cost-prohibitive. I can bring my kids along, and we strike up conversations and friendships that are truly valuable."

At the end of each season, garden members come together for a grand harvest dinner, sharing dishes and stories, celebrating the growth of their plots, and connecting with each other.

In addition to these community-driven initiatives, the Highlands Farmers Market provides a bustling hub for local growers and artisans to showcase their wares. It's the ideal place to access fresh, locally sourced ingredients and artisanal products that enhance the farm-to-table experience.

In Highlands, NC, farm-to-table isn't just a culinary trend; it's a way of life that celebrates nature, community, and sustainability, nurturing a unique bond among residents and visitors alike.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the flavors and friendships that define this little mountain town.

Courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

THE Y COME FOR THE FOOD. IT ’S BEEN T H AT WAY F O R E V E R .

T O D AY, H I G H L A N D S ENJOYS THE FRUITS OF A V I TA L R E S TAU R A N T ECOSYSTEM , FROM HOME Y MOM-AND POP PL ACES TO DINING EXPERIENCES T H AT H AV E D R AW N DEVOTEES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Relaxed Elegance at Old Edwards Inn, 445 Main Street, Highlands

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MADISON'S RESTAURANT & WINE GARDEN AT OLD EDWARDS INN 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2525

your

MOUNTAIN FRESH GROCERY 521 E. Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-2400

Culinary Journey begins here

Highlands fills your senses with the rich tastes and sights of the Appalachian Mountains. Downtown and beyond brims with excellent eateries, many featuring patio dining and views that are quintessentially Highlands. Our food and beverage scene is anchored by several Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants. Whether you are looking for a white-tablecloth experience, farm-to-table tastes or just a casual vibe, you’ll find it here.

NECTAR JUICE BAR 680 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-5999 HIGHLANDS PIZZA PLACE 365 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-305-7700 HIGHLANDS SMOKEHOUSE 595 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-3554 HIGHLANDS TAVERN 205 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-9002 HIGHLANDS WINE SHOPPE 269 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4080

4118 KITCHEN + BAR 64 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC 828-526-5002 ASIA HOUSE 151 Helen’s Barn Avenue, Highlands, NC 828-787-1680 AZTECA RAINFOREST BAR & GRILL 72 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC 828-322-1080 BLACK BEAR CAFE 137 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-482-7020 THE BLUE BIKE CAFE' 423 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-9922

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BLUE HOUND BARBECUE AT HIGHLANDS OUTPOST 7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 828-526-1663 BRYSON'S FOOD STORE & DELI 103 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC 828-526-3775 CHOCOLATE HEAVEN COMPANY 2254 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-421-2042 CALDERS COFFEE CAFE' 384 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-200-9308 DON LEON'S 462 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-482-1512

DUSTY RHODES SUPERETTE 493 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-2762

FOUR65 WOODFIRE BISTRO + BAR AT OLD EDWARDS INN 465 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2990

HUMMINGBIRD LOUNGE AT OLD EDWARDS INN 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2525

OAK STEAKHOUSE AT SKYLINE LODGE 470 Skyline Lodge Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-4008 ON THE VERANDAH 1536 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-2338 PRIMARY RESTAURANT & BAR 310 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3555 PRIME HIGHLANDS NC 490 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 828-526-3555 RISTORANTE PAOLETTI 440 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4906

KILWINS CHOCOLATE & ICE CREAM 341 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3788

ROSEWOOD MARKET 117 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-0383

FRESSERS COURTYARD CAFE' & CATERING 470 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-8847

THE KITCHEN CARRY AWAY & CATERING 348 S. 5th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-2110

THE RUFFED GROUSE TAVERN AT HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-2590

HIGH DIVE & THE DANCING BEAR 476 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 828-526-2200

LAKESIDE RESTAURANT 531 Smallwood Avenue, Highlands, NC 828-526-9419

SATULAH BREWERY 454 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 828-482-9794

HIGHLANDS BURRITOS 226 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-9313

LOS VAQUEROS 30 Dillard Road, Highlands, NC 828-482-7040

SPINX 545 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4191

STUBBORN SEEDS 445 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-5500 SUBWAY OF HIGHLANDS 73 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC 828-526-1706 THE SECRET GARDEN 208 North 5th Street, Highlands, NC 828-305-7509 THE VINEYARD AT HIGH HOLLY 37 High Holly Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 828-482-5573 WHOLE LIFE MARKET 680 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-5999 WILD THYME GOURMET 343-D Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4035 WOLFGANG'S RESTAURANT & WINE BISTRO 474 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3807 THE UGLY DOG PUBLIC HOUSE 294 South 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-8364

FOOD & DR I N K

Celebrate

W INE & NAT UR E The opening of a California winemaker’s tasting room in Highlands may seem to some an incongruous venture. Though winemaker Guy Davis of Davis Family Wines would describe the 2023 opening of High Country Wine & Provisions as ‘the magical confluence of vineyard dreams and mountain allure.’ It was also the realization of a dream decades in the making; and a testament to the shared values of destination stewardship, collaboration and community engagement that define both town and winemaker.

Guy Davis first fell in love with wine in the late 1970s. In 2005 he fell in love with Highlands, after connecting with a group of Highlanders on a visit to his winery. In the decades that followed, North Carolina became the largest consumer of

Davis Family Wines, and Davis a frequent visitor to Highlands. For years he had wanted to open a second tasting room in Highlands.

Davis, who tends his vines with respect for biodiversity and eco-friendly practices and likes to say that he’s been making all-natural wines “long before that term came about,” saw his principles as aligning with those of Highlands and its townspeople. "The climate and conditions of the Sonoma County coastline are the ideal spot to apply our passion and craftsmanship for grape growing and creating small lots of handcrafted wines. For me, it matches exactly with my love of these Blue Ridge Mountains. The people here are as much a draw for me as the climate, the vistas, or the vibes from these magical mountains.”

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For the connoisseur searching for quality, Highlands is home to shops, a vineyard, and six Wine Spectator restaurants as well as many other establishments that have wine lists and cellars not to miss! Use this list to assist

W INE IS ME A N T TO BE From the outset, Davis determined that High Country Wine & Provisions would be more than just a place to sample fine wines; it would be a showcase for local artisans and talent and an endorsement of the community’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. “Every detail was intentional.” It was important to Davis that everything sourced was rooted in quality, craftsmanship, and locality. Handmade beams, old timbers from nearby demolished structures, and red oak flooring set the tone. Tabletops made from 200-yearold olive tree stumps, sourced from a friend in Hickory NC. Jonathan Reed, former local chef, now woodworker, built live edge tables and cutting boards. Adorning the walls are photos of the winery, taken by Davis over many years. Downstairs the space is set and equipped for private gatherings and opens onto a courtyard with a panorama of the mountains, outdoor seating, and plantings of native flower beds.

The tastes on the classic wine bar menu are a celebration of the best of the South’s and Appalachia’s producers. There’s smoked trout dip from Waynesville’s Sunburst Trout Farms, cured meats from Georgia’s Spotted Trotter, Tomme and Pimento cheese from Thomas-

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ville, GA’s Sweet Grass Dairy, crackers from Charlie’s Hot Buns in Sapphire Valley, Highlands Smokehouse will deliver from next door and the coffee is from Birmingham’s Domestique – a socially responsible coffee importer and expert roasters dedicated to sourcing sustainably grown coffees.

Most importantly there are the wines. The tasting room sells a well-chosen collection of wines in cleverly titled categories “Classic, Pinot Lovers, Rhone Inspired, Bordeaux Blends, Chillables and Bubbles.” Four cruvinets dispense wines from some of the world’s finest wineries, and others are displayed on shelves along the walls.

But, as expected, the focus here is on the wines of Davis Family Vineyards. And the selection of those to choose from is a joyously delicious adventure – from the familiar to those virtually impossible to find elsewhere.

High Country Provisions is an easy-going spot with vivacious energy, a high-spirited celebration of wine and nature, and not surprisingly a favorite community gathering place.

Shared

Bryson's Food Store & Deli 103 Highlands Plaza, Highlands, NC 828-526-3775

Lakeside Restaurant 531 Smallwood Avenue, Highlands, NC 828-526-9419

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar at Old Edwards Inn 465 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2990

Madison's Restaurant & Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2525

High Country Wine and Provisions 621 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 828-482-4502

Mountain Fresh Grocery 521 E. Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-2400

you in finding something new or revisiting your favorite wine.

Prime Highlands NC 490 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 828-526-3555 Ristorante Paoletti 440 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4906 Stubborn Seeds 445 N. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-5500 The Ruffed Grouse Tavern at Highlander Mountain House 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-2590

Highlands Tavern 205 S. Fourth Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-9002

Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Lodge Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-4008

Highlands Wine Shoppe 269 Oak Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4080

On the Verandah 1536 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 828-526-2338

Wild Thyme Gourmet 343-D Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-4035

Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-787-2525

Primary Restaurant & Bar 310 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3555

Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro 474 Main Street, Highlands, NC 828-526-3807

The Vineyard 37 High Holly Road, Highlands, NC 828-482-5573

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Two inspiring event stories– the creative reuse of event flowers by Shayna Bigazzi of Altaterra Events and the invaluable efforts of Bonnie Dayton of the Highlands Food Pantry in combating food deprivation is a small sampling of Highlands community engagement.

Shayna Bigazzi has a simple philosophy: “I don’ t like waste.” Bigazzi is the owner of Altaterra Events, a luxury destination event and wedding planning company known for the extraordinary meetings and weddings they coordinate. “Yes, the events I plan are beautiful and lavish, but they’re wasteful too. It’s difficult to watch all the flowers being thrown into trash bags after the guests leave.” A typical large event like a wedding or gala can produce dozens of bags of flowers. She wondered if something else could be done with them.

Inspired by an Alabama event planner, Bigazzi recognized there was potential to make a positive impact by repurposing event flowers. Instead of letting them go to waste, she could share them with the people of Highlands. Science shows that flowers have a strong positive effect on emotional well-being.

events that

Give Back

When journalists write about Highlands, they talk about wildlife and waterfalls, great restaurants and grand country inns, spectacular hiking trails, stunning mountain views, and sensational trout fishing. They speak about biodiversity and the role of stewardship of the environment and protector of natural resources. It is of course for all these reasons that Highlands is a magical spot. But what sets this place apart is the vibrant, community spirit.

At the core of life in Highlands, is the humanity of its citizenry – their acts of sharing, caring, and giving back. The spirit of neighborliness and mutual support can be seen in the local businesses run by our residents.

Last year Alterra Events joined forces with Cal Isaacs at the Highlands Hospital to distribute the left-over flowers to the Eckerd Living Center (ELC) and patients at the hospital. After Bigazzi’s team collects and delivers the flowers, they are picked up by hospital volunteers.

Once they arrive at their destinations, the flowers are put in vases, and placed in ELC residents and patients’ rooms or displayed at nurses’ stations. “The flowers put a smile on everyone’s faces. It is a simple act of kindness that adds beauty, and spreads hope,” said Isaacs.

Looking to the future, Bigazzi is enthusiastic about the possibility of collaborating with other local planners.

“People want to use flowers. We can help them see how the amount of waste is alarming and what can be done to repurpose them and share with the community.”

Perhaps no organization has awakened the sense of cooperation and in the process transformed the fabric of life in Highlands as the Highlands Food Pantry, a program of the International Friendship Center. This vital resource not only provides relief and food security to those in need but also thrives on the incredible support it receives from businesses and townspeople.

“PEOPLE WANT TO

Understanding the importance of the food pantry’s work in assuring that there is food on the table for people who are struggling, local businesses and individuals have likewise rallied.

Donations of canned goods and other essentials are regularly received from familyowned stores, Bryson’s, and the Whole Life Market. Local gardeners, Old Edwards Farm, and Many Hands Peace Farm provide fresh produce during growing season, and Old Edwards Hospitality Group hosts an employee canned goods drive on behalf of the pantry during the holidays. Each fall, the entire town gets together to support the pantry at the “Empty Bowls Event”. Ceramic bowls for the attendees of the event are produced at The Bascom ceramic studio by local artists.

Local chefs donate large pots of steaming, tasty soups, and desserts. The event’s collective efforts assist in delivering on the promise that “no one goes to bed hungry”.

Highlands embodies the principles of community in the truest sense.

USE FLOWERS. WE

CAN HELP THEM SEE HOW THE AMOUNT OF WASTE IS ALARMING

AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO

REPURPOSE THEM AND SHARE WITH

THE COMMUNITY.”

Established more than two decades ago, the pantry experienced a surge in client usage with the advent of the Pandemic. As people lost jobs, more and more sought help, and sustenance from the Pantry. The pantry responded with an increase in days open and an expansion of the facility.

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HIGHL ANDS COMMUNIT Y EVENTS From parades and benefit galas to a world-class motoring festival, Highlands offers exceptional special events throughout the year.

JANUARY 27 CATAPULT

JANUARY 27 – 28 SNOW FEST @ 4118

Family Friendly show. A ShadowIllusion dance company that presents concerts around the world.

You may have seen them, as millions did on America’s Got Talent, taking storytelling and dance to a whole new level. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

This outdoor winter festival features snow (courtesy of machines, if needed) and activities for all ages.

This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber. org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

MARCH 16 BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE A fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, this bowling tournament, with multiple sessions, will be held at Galaxy Lanes in Sylva.

For more information, call 828399-9133 or email cashiers@ bbbswnc.org.

APRIL 18 MIKE KINNEBREW Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public.

Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites. Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

MAY 3 – 5 3 RIVERS FLY-FISHING FESTIVAL A three-day tournament/festival that brings together fly-fishing enthusiasts to raise money for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund. Organized by the Highland

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Hiker. For more information, email threeriverfest@gmail.com or call 828-526-0441.

MAY 4 MOJO & THE BAYOU GYPSIES All-original mojo music in the Louisiana Bayou traditions of pure americana! This bayou man, Mister Mojo, and his troupe of near-mad musical provocateurs, have poured Louisiana fire on audiences across the planet for over a quarter century... Few performers can lift an audience like Mojo & the Bayou Gypsies. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

MAY 11 – 12

A four-day automotive festival that brings together car enthusiasts from all over the south to raise money for

MAY 17 – 19 HIGH ST YLE

MTC stage in a high-octane production featuring all the hit songs you love, including: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “You’re the One That I Want,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.” Join Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 as they take you back to when drive-in movies, sockhops, and tough talkin’ Pink Ladies defined a generation. Organized

by Mountain Theatre Company. For more information visit mountaintheatre.com or call 828-526-2695.

A Celebration of Art, Cuisine, Fashion & Music featuring interactive art demonstrations and classes, culinary experiences, a fashion show, musical performances and so much more. For more information, email events@highlandschamber. org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

MAY 18 MAYFEST

BEAR SHADOW A springtime music festival that brings world-class musical talent to Highlands and the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Organized by Highlands Festivals, Inc and Eleven Events For more information, email info@ highlandsfestivalsinc.org; or visit bearshadownc.com.

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JUNE 6 – 9 HIGHLANDS MOTORING FESTIVAL

Organized by the Mountain Garden Club. For more information, email highlandsmountaingardenclub@ gmail.com.

This free family fun event includes storytelling, crafts, music, and wildlife. See Fire and Rescue equipment up close. Includes a ball drop and opportunity to win a ride in a helicopter. The event is free to the public from 12 – 3 p.m. including free food and beverages. The event is located at 558 Frank Allen Road, Cashier, NC 28723. Organized by Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. For more information go to bgcplateau.org or call 828 743-2775

MAY 25 MOUNTAIN GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL PLANT SALE An annual event where mountain hardy plants are potted and sold by members of the Mountain Garden Club to raise money for scholarships, conservation and more.

MAY 30 THE HIGHBEAMS Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m.. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public. Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites. Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

MAY 31 – JUNE 23 GREASE It’s still the word! One of the most beloved musicals of all-time hits the

JUNE 1 DIA DEL NINO (KID'S CELEBRATION DAY) Free family event organized by International Friendship Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.

For more information, email cashiers@bbbswnc.org or visit bbbswnc. org.

JUNE 6 VOLUNTEER FAIR Stop by to hear about opportunities to give time and talent to Highlands-area nonprofit organizations. This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

experiential, featuring a cocktail reception and a unique silent auction. A plated dinner follows with live music, a delicious dessert buffet, and dancing. Organized by The Bascom. For more information visit thebascom.org call 828-526-4949.

local human needs charities.

Organized by Highlands Motoring Festival, Highlands Rotary Club and Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands. For more information, email info@highlandsmotoringfestival.com or visit highlandsmotoringfestival.com.

JUNE 10 BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF THE PLATEAU SUMMER CAMP BEGINS Camp for rising 1st - 12th graders.

Activities include hiking, swimming, sports, games, arts, crafts, reading, STEM, and so much more! Camp runs June 10 – August 5. For more information visit bgcplateau.org or call 828 743-2775.

JUNE 11 BASCOM GALA The Bascom Gala is the signature annual fundraiser for The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. The festive evening promises to be fun and

JUNE 13 – AUGUST 8 ZAHNER LECTURE SERIES Join the Highlands Biological Foundation for their annual Zahner Conservation Lecture series. These talks serve to educate and inspire the public through a series of talks from well-known regional scientists, conservationists, artists, and writers. These free, public programs will be held at the Highlands Nature Center (930 Horse Cove Road) each Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. between June 13 and August 8. For more information visit highlandsbiological.org or call 828-526-2623.

JUNE 15 LOW COUNTRY BOIL The Low Country Shrimp Boil benefits Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The park is just one block from Main Street and serves as a venue for concerts, ice skating, arts and crafts, farmers market, nonprofit fundraisers, and festivals. Organized

by Friends of Founders Park. For

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more information contact foundersparkhighlands.org.

more information, email events@ highlandschamber.org, call 828-5265841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

JUNE 17 GALA FOR THE CHHS SHELTER PETS If every dog has its day, well, it turns out that every local dog (and cat) has its own glorious party. There will be plenty of wags, and whiskers at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, for this event to benefit the shelter pets at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Organized by CashiersHighlands Humane Society. For more information visit chhumanesociety. org or call 828-743-5752.

JUNE 20 ANDREW WOOTEN Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public. Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

JUNE 28 – 29 MOUNTAINTOP ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL A two day, two weekend event that brings over 80 artisans from the region to Highlands for demonstrations, fine art, crafts, and entertainment. Organized by Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands. For more information, email highlandsartshow@gmail.com or visit highlandsartshow.com.

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JUNE 29 NEIL BERG: 50 YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL With a cast consisting of both stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals, as well as Rock & Roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often unknown stories from the 50 year history of the music that changed the world forever, with tributes to important music icons such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Woodstock, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Disco, New Wave, Journey and others! Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

JULY 4 TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLFIELD Boy Scouts water rocket launch, traditional field games, fire trucks, free hotdogs at Rotary Cookout and more. All activities are free and take place at the ballfield next to the community building. Games organized by Highlands Recreation Department. Hot dog lunches organized by Highlands Rotary Club. For

The Highlands Rotary Club's annual rubber duck race brings excitement and raises money for Rotary Club charities on the Fourth of July. The free event will take place at 2 p.m.

Organized by the Highlands Rotary Club. For more information, visit highlandsduckrace.com or email ejmoorejr@yahoo.com.

JULY 4 OUTDOOR CONCERT & FIREWORKS Highlands’ Independence Day activities culminate with live music in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, followed by a thrilling fireworks display. This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@ highlandschamber.org, call 828-5265841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

JULY 5 THE TEXAS TENORS The Texas Tenors appeared on the most recent season of NBC's national hit television show America's Got Talent: The Champions. As consummate professionals these three friends with a simple All-American dream have proven their impact will be long lasting as their popularity continues to grow. They have performed more than 2100 live concerts in just the last 15 years. Organized

by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

JULY 6 COMMUNITY DAY AT THE BASCOM

by the Highlands-Chamber Music Festival. For more information, email hccmfnc@gmail.com or visit h-cmusicfestival.org.

JULY 11 BRANDON CROCKER Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public. Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

Hey kids and families! Save the date!!! An event made for you and your family! Community Day at The Bascom. Join us for a day filled with free art activities for the whole family. Organized by The Bascom Center for Visual Art. For more information, visit thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

An annual music festival that spans over six weeks and brings world class talent from singers to musicians to the Highlands Plateau. Organized

JULY 20 – 21 SUMMER COLORS FINE ART SHOW For more than 40 years, the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers has focused on promoting an appreciation of the visual arts in Highlands and beyond. For more information, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers. com.

JULY 26 – 27 THE BASCOM’S SUMMER POT TERY STUDIO SHOW The summer installment of our 13th annual pottery show will be held on Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Enjoy beautiful handmade pottery while supporting local artists in our community!

Organized by The Bascom. For more information, contact Frank Vickery at fvickery@thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

AUGUST 11 INVITATION TO THE DANCE

JULY 19 - AUGUST 11 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN JULY 6 – AUGUST 11 HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

visit mountaintheatre.com or call 828-526-2695.

This splashy spectacle follows the adventures of a globetrotting con artist. Based on the hit film and the incredible true story, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying was nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical. Catch Me If You Can is a big and bright spectacle with high-energy dance numbers and a riveting story. Organized by Mountain Theatre Company. For more information,

The Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s final concert and dinner is a not to miss event. The performance of Weber’s “Invitation to the Dance”; Liszt’s “Tarantella”; Enescu’s “Rumanian Rhapsody #1”; Piazzolla; Saint-Saens and more by musicians David Coucheron & Alice Hong, violin; Vijay Venkatesh, piano and friends will be held at the Performing Arts Center in the Martin Lipscomb Theatre followed by dinner at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club.

Organized by Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. For more information visit h-cmusicfestival. org or call 828-526-9060.

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AUGUST 15 MAT T ROGERS Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public. Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

AUGUST 15 CHI-TOWN Chicago Tribute: Chi-Town performs all the familiar and famous songs, covering four decades of steady hits from CHICAGO. These songs are guaranteed to bring back memories. Chi-Town’s emphasis is on the kind of live show that brings down the house and leaves the audience calling for more. The band has four vocalists, horn, and woodwind sections. Together they provide the dynamic and stage interest that CHICAGO is famous for. Organized

by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

AUGUST 15 THE BASCOM’S BARN DANCE Gather 'round, folks! It's time to kickup your heels and dance to the toetapping rhythm of our Community Barn Dance. Join us for an authentic country dance experience led by an Old Time Country Dance Caller.

Everyone can participate, regardless of experience. Organized by The Bascom. For more information, thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

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AUGUST 17 HIGHLANDS TWILIGHT 5K RUN, WALK OR STROLL An annual race held by the Rotary Club of Highlands raises money for a good cause while bringing the community together for a run or walk. Organized by The Highlands Rotary Club. For more information, visit highlandstwilightrun.com or call Derek Taylor at 828-200-9226.

AUGUST 23 – 24 MOUNTAINTOP ART & CRAFT SHOW A two day, two weekend event that brings over 80 artisans from the region to Highlands for demonstrations, fine art, crafts, entertainment.

Organized by Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands. For more information, email highlandsartshow@ gmail.com or visit highlandsartshow. com.

AUGUST 26 BRIGHT FUTURES TOURNAMENT Benefits the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. Located at High Hampton, the event includes golf, croquet, and pickleball. Organized

by Boys and Girls Club. For more information, go to bgcplateau.org or call 828 743-2775.

SEPTEMBER 5 DAHLIA POSTER PART Y, STUDIO POT TERY SHOW The Bascom, in collaboration with the Highlands Historical Society, is delighted to host the Dazzling Dahlia Poster Party on Thursday, September 5, from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. pm. Come join us for this vibrant

event. In addition to the Poster Party, the Dazzling Dahlia Festival's single bloom competition, will be held on The Bascom's terrace, and works made in The Bascom’s pottery studio will be for sale. Free to the public. Organized by The Bascom. For more information, thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

SEPTEMBER 7 DAHLIA FESTIVAL The 14th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival - Saturday, September 7: This annual festival celebrates the dazzling dahlias of the plateau with this year’s theme “Flower Power” and features the Single Bloom Competition at the Bascom, stunning vignettes throughout town and special entertainment. Organized

by Highlands Historical Society. For more information, visit highlandshistory.com. or call 828-787-1050.

SEPTEMBER 7 END OF THE LINE Allman Brother Tribute: End of the Line is the premiere Allman Brothers Tribute Band. Having carved up the southeast with sold-out concerts they are making a name for themselves with a sound as classic and heavy as the original brothers themselves. With the endorsement from the official Allman Brothers Museum, The Big House, End of the Line carries on the legacy of the Allman Brothers with poise and power. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

SEPTEMBER 15 PORCHFEST Porchfest is Highland's free-to-attend music festival. Over 40 musicians from every genre performing

at 14 hosting venues. Walk, bike, or drive from venue to venue to enjoy an entire afternoon filled with live music from talented local and regional musicians. Organized by Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment. For more information, visit highlandsporchfest.com or call 828-526-8811.

SEPTEMBER 27 – 28 THREE POT TERS SYMPOSIUM Celebrating the 14th anniversary of the Three Potters Symposium, The Bascom will welcome three noted ceramic artists and a keynote speaker to the Plateau. Each artist will share their stories, inspirations, and techniques learned through the years on The Bascom campus.

Free to the public. Organized by The Bascom. For more information, visit thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

SEPTEMBER 28 DARREN NICHOLSON A GRAMMY nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry, and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range, Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing. You can catch Darren almost every week sharing the music he loves somewhere, traveling both nationally and internationally. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

OCTOBER 6 HIGHLANDS ON THE HALF SHELL Join the Highlands Biological Foundation on Sunday, October 6 at Highlands Biological Station's Valentine Meadow (888 Horse Cove Road) for their annual oyster roast celebration as they raise funds to support their mission of stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research and education in the southern Appalachian Mountains.

For more information, visit highlandsbiological.org or call 828-526-2221.

OCTOBER 10 ERIK BAKER Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25

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cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public. Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

OCTOBER 11 – 12 THE BASCOM’S FALL POT TERY STUDIO SHOW The fall installment of our 13th annual pottery show will be held on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. – 5p.m.

Enjoy beautiful handmade pottery while supporting local artists in our community! Organized by The Bascom. For more information, visit thebascom.org, contact Frank Vickery at fvickery@thebascom.org. or call 828-526-4949.

South Mountain closed down after an accident in 1952 that resulted in the death of four miners. Ten years later, Jake Twitchell is an employee of that same company, doing the same job that took his own father's life. Much to the dismay of his movie-buff younger brother, Pete, the Pickaway Coal Company is going to begin re-mining The Burnt Part and send down the next generation of young men. Inspired by his silver screen heroes, Pete sets out for The Burnt Part with his best friend, a pack full of dynamite, and plans to blow up the mine in hopes of protecting his older brother. This new musical is a dangerous and heartwarming adventure following the journey to discover the importance of the choices we make to protect our family. Organized by Mountain Theatre Company. For more information, visit mountaintheatre.com or call 828-526-2695.

OCTOBER 12 HERITAGE DESCENDANTS RECEPTION Join the Highlands Historical Society in a reception to honor multi-generational descendants of early Highlands settlers. This event is sponsored by the Highlands Historical Society. For more information visit highlandshistory.com or call 828-787-1050.

OCTOBER 12 HIGHLANDS HERITAGE JAMBOREE OCTOBER 11 – 27 THE BURNT PART BOYS Siblings from a mining town learn the power of self-reliance in this Appalachian, bluegrass-inspired journey. Locally known as “The Burnt Part,” the Pickaway Coal Company's

Celebrate Highlands’ history and traditions during this event in KelseyHutchinson Founders Park. This event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

OCTOBER 13 EMPT Y BOWLS Hosted by the International Friendship Center to raise funds for their Food Pantry program here in Highlands, Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and food insecurity. This event pairs potters and other craftspeople with concerned citizens supporting the elimination of food insecurity. For more information, visit internationalfriendshipcenter.org or call 828-526-0890.

OCTOBER 16 CASINO NIGHT AT HIGHLANDS COUNTRY CLUB FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS AT CHHS Roll the dice for our furry friends at the Highlands Country Club and make a difference for these animals in need. Organized by CashiersHighlands Humane Society. For more information visit chhumanesociety.org or call 828-743-5752.

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OCTOBER 19 – 20 FALL COLORS FINE ART SHOW For more than 40 years, the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers has focused on promoting an appreciation of the visual arts in Highlands and beyond. Organized by ART League of Highlands-Cashiers. For more information, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

OCTOBER 26 WALK IN THE PARK Join the Highlands Historical Society as we visit our forefathers in Highlands Memorial Cemetery by highlighting the movers and shakers who made Highlands what it is today. This event is sponsored by the Highlands Historical Society. For more information, visit highlandshistory.com or call 828-787-1050.

OCTOBER 29 ENCHANTED FOREST Go trick-or-treating through the forest trails of the Highlands Botanical Garden from 5:30 – 7 p.m. A bonfire, refreshments, and more will be waiting at the end. Costumes encouraged! For more information visit highlandsbiological.org or call 828-526-2221.

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OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN ON MAIN Main Street is visited by ghosts and goblins of all ages during this popular event. Enjoy tricks and treats, along with live music. This event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

NOVEMBER 2 HOLIDAY ART SHOW/ SALE/STUDIO SHOW The Bascom’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Show provides a unique shopping experience on the plateau, showcasing a selection of high-quality handmade works by local and regional artists. Organized by The Bascom. For more information, visit thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

NOVEMBER 7 – 10 HIGHLANDS FOOD AND WINE An annual event full of food, fun, music, drinks and more. This event is organized by Highlands Festivals, Inc. For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com or email info@highlandsfestivalsinc.org.

NOVEMBER 29 GINGERBREAD WORKSHOP Fun for all ages! Gingerbread designers will find a buffet of all the sweets and confections needed to decorate imaginative gingerbread houses. Participants may enter their creations in a contest to be judged

by popular vote. The winner will receive a Bascom art by appointment gift certificate! Organized by The Bascom. For more information, visit thebascom.org or call 828-526-4949.

NOVEMBER 29 MARK O'CONNOR’S AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS FEATURING MAGGIE O’CONNOR Grammy-winning composer and fiddler Mark O’Connor has created arrangements of Christmas classics with a wondrous mix of instrumental and vocal music in bluegrass and other American music genres.

Concertgoers are treated to a fresh take on traditional songs with a few original compositions as well.

O’Connor and his ensemble have a dynamic energy on stage that brings their individual expertise to holiday themes and classics in the most delightful and musically satisfying way.

Organized by the Performing Arts Center. For more information contact ltrevathan@highlandsperformingarts.com or call 828-526-9047.

NOVEMBER 30 LIGHT UP THE PARK & MAIN Santa leads this celebration as the sparkling holiday lights turn on for the first time in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park and along Main Street. This event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@ highlandschamber.org, call 828-5265841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

DECEMBER 6 – 22 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Mountain Theatre Company at their annual holiday spectacular! Fun for all ages, this festive seasonal music revue promises dazzling costumes, high energy choreography, and is sure to fill audiences with plenty of good, oldfashioned holiday cheer! Organized

by Mountain Theatre Company. For more information, visit mountaintheatre.com or call 828-526-2695.

DECEMBER 7 HIGHLANDS OLDE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS PARADE What better way to kick off the holiday season than by an old-fashioned, small-town parade? This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

DECEMBER 7 CHRISTMAS BBQ LUNCH Come for the parade and stay for a delicious Pork BBQ lunch at Church of the Incarnation. The BBQ lunch supports the Highlands Emergency Council and Highlands Childcare Development Center. Organized by Church of the Incarnation. For more information, visit incarnationwnc. org or call 828-526-2968.

SATURDAYS IN DECEMBER SANTA IN THE PARK Santa will take his place at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park each Saturday during December. Come share your wish list! This free event is organized and hosted by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC. For more information, email events@highlandschamber.org, call 828-526-5841 or go to visithighlandsnc.com.

DECEMBER 12 FIRESIDE AT THE FARM WITH MIKE KENNEBREW Settle into comfortable seating in the magical setting of The Orchard while you relax into the sounds of well-known headliners. Concert at the Orchard from 6 – 8 p.m. $25 cover charge for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests & Members, $40 Cover Charge for the Public.

Cash Bar & Complimentary Light Bites Organized by Old Edwards Hospitality. For more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions or call 866-526-8008.

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DECEMBER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Organized by the Highlands Audubon Society, this annual event is part of a national effort to document bird life nationwide.

Participants will divide into teams for the day, record the number of species and the number of birds seen. For more information, visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

DECEMBER 25 HANDS HOLIDAY DINNER An annual Christmas Day Dinner and all proceeds are then donated to local nonprofit organizations

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in the area. The dinner will once again be served from 11a.m. – 5p.m.

Christmas Day at the Highlands Country Club. Reservations begin November 15. Organized by HANDS. For more information, call 904-270-9655.

rock sprinkled on top–and the stories behind them. Organized by Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact ltrevathan@ HighlandsPerformingArts.com or call 828-526-9047.

DECEMBER 30 The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra A Pre-New Year’s Eve party and concert. Across America and around the world, audiences have fallen in love with the high-energy show.

Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers the orchestra is making their own revisions to the Great American songbook including favorite melodies from recent history–a dash of Motown, a shot of Country, some folk and

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S AT U R D AY S O N P I N E C O N C E R T S E R I E S Highlands Chamber of Commerce / Visit Highlands, NC provides free, live, outdoor music every Saturday night May through October from 6pm - 8:30pm in the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street.

Bring your favorite lawnchair and picnic basket and join the fun!

MAY 18 CONTINENTAL DIVIDE For more than three decades, Continental Divide has performed across the Southeast. From the silky-smooth voice of Gene Pharr (A 2016 Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame Inductee), to the tightness of the rhythm section, to the flowing lines of the horn section, they put on a performance everyone will remember.

MAY 25 - SOUTHSIDE STATION Southside Station is a five-piece band of talented vocalists and musicians who play all the legendary hits from pop, rock, dance, country, and your favorites singer-songwriters with an eclectic instrumentation.

JUNE 1 JAY DRUMMONDS Jay Drummonds’ sweet Southern and twang-tinged baritone weaves lyric and melody together. His latest album, “Sweet,” pays homage to his faith, family, friends and love of writing music. He has called the North Carolina mountains home for the past two decades.

JUNE 8 BILL MATTOCKS Bill Mattocks is a true blues legend.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Bill packed up his Harmonica and headed to Western North Carolina where he brings his authentic delivery of Chicago Style Blues among others to our mountain stage.

JUNE 15 - BACK PORCH ORCHESTRA While Back Porch Orchestra started their journey as a modern band, there’s no doubt that they’re shaped by their homegrown, traditional

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roots. They prefer both original material rooted in blues, bluegrass, country, and classic rock, or covering any of your favorite hits from the 1950s to present day.

JULY 13 - DIVE BAR DIVAS Dive Bar Divas is made up of seasoned professional entertainers who play pop, rock, country, funk, R&B, soul, dance and disco music.

JUNE 29 - NO SHOW

JULY 20 - LAZRLUVR Break out your 3D shades, fingerless gloves, popped collars and teased hair, and get ready for and the best tributes to timeless favorites, straight from a page in your 1980s yearbook.

JULY 27 - NO SHOW

JULY 4 - THE BUSINESS The Business is the real deal. Eight of the best musicians around, including a horn section and powerful vocals and outstanding showmanship, deliver an unbelievable performance for any occasion. The Business gives you the goods to help you sing and dance along.

JULY 6 - BLAZE THE CITY With incredible vocal harmonies, funky dance rhythms and scorching guitar, Blaze the City captures audiences and sets the “room on fire” with their performance. From Pop, Funk, Top 40 Dance, Rock, Country, Blues, Motown, and everything in between.

AUGUST 3 - THE HOLIDAY BAND The ever-popular Holiday Band was established in 1991 in Burlington NC and performs the very best beach music to get crowds on their feet and dancing. They were inductees into Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in 2015.

AUGUST 10 - WILL THOMPSON BAND The Will Thompson Band is a talented energetic band from the gulf coast of Florida who recently won the best band on the Emerald Coast playing unique covers and head turning originals.

AUGUST 17 - NO SHOW AUGUST 24 - NO SHOW AUGUST 31 - FULL CIRCLE Full Circle refers to those songs you used to love with great vocals, tight harmonies, and jammin’ solos. Their range is wide, from the 60s to modern country.

LazRLuvr

SEPTEMBER 7 - THE BREAKFAST CLUB The Breakfast Club® is the longest running, most recognized ’80’s tribute band in the United States. Formed in 1993, the group was the first of its kind. The mission was simple: create an entertainment group that embodied the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of music and live performances of the original MTV generation of the 1980’s. That mission remains today.

SEPTEMBER 14 - HIGH 5 High 5’s sound incorporates rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass, country, jazz as well as other musical styles to provide a set list that is familiar and eclectic at the same time.

SEPTEMBER 21 - THE BOOMERS The Boomers are back by popular demand! Having shared the stage with Hootie and the Blowfish, Melissa Etheridge, Alison Krauss, Huey Lewis and the News and more. The Boomers are no strangers to the stage and know exactly what it takes to entertain a crowd.

SEPTEMBER 28 KAYLA MCKINNEY Join Nashville recording artist Kayla McKinney for an evening of energetic country songs mixed with classic rock.

Southside Station

OCTOBER 12 - NU BLUE Host of TV’s Bluegrass Ridge show, Nu-Blu has been bringing their unique sound to audiences around the world. A former Carolina Music Awards Country Band of the Year they tour over 200 days each year and with national TV appearances, five albums on the Top 10 Billboard Charts, a #1 most played song on Sirius/XM radio.

OCTOBER 15 - THIRSTY HORSES The Thirsty Horses have been making music appearances all over the Southeast for more than a decade.

They bring a high-energy show and setlist covering everything from 90s and today, 70s & 80s classic rock, country, Americana and 60s pop/ rock.

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Steady Hand String Band

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F R I D AY N I G H T L I V E C O N C E R T S E R I E S Highlands Chamber of Commerce / Visit Highlands, NC provides free, live, outdoor music every Friday night May through October from 6pm - 8:30pm in the Town Square on Main Street. Bring your favorite lawnchair and join the fun!

Television appearances include, NBC’s Today Show, the CBS Morning News and ABC’s Good Morning America. They have also performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and the Grand Ole Opry.

MAY 31 - BYRDS & CROWS Transylvania County-based Byrds & Crows play songs deeply rooted in the Appalachian Mountains, with styles ranging from bluegrass to folk to early country.

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JULY 26 - KETTLE Kettle is a lively three-piece band that plays an eclectic mix of songs, from alternative country, electrified americana, psychedelic folk, and all points in between.

JUNE 28 - JOHNNY WEBB BAND Offering laid-back, yet seasoned, country music, the Johnny Webb Band performs selections spanning more than 50 years with a down home flavor.

AUGUST 2 - EZRA & K ATIE Husband and wife duo, Ezra and Katie have been playing acoustic music together for over 10 years.

These Highlands natives recently spent seven years in Los Angeles pursuing their creative endeavors before returning to the area.’

Georgia. Performing bluegrass blends, the band has since graced the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

JUNE 14 - SPARE PARTS BLUEGR ASS BAND Hailing from Upstate SC, Spare Parts Bluegrass Band delivers delicate harmonies as well as tried and true barn burners within the bluegrass genre. With over 50-years of musical experience amongst them, Spare Parts Bluegrass is comprised of a tightknit group of multi-instrumentalists and talented vocalists that you do not want to miss.

MAY 17 - SILLY RIDGE Popular Highlands-based bluegrass band Silly Ridge incorporates an eclectic blend of Americana and folk into their music.

MAY 24 - MCCLAIN FAMILY BAND Hailing from Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, the McLain Family Band have become internationally known as one of the most spontaneous, creative and spirited groups performing original and traditional bluegrass music.

Since forming the band with Sam Cobb and others in 1960, Curtis Blackwell has led Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys and been honored in the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame.

AUGUST 9 - CRISP, BROWN, AULISIO With over 60 years of combined live music experience, Crisp, Brown, Aulisio brings a cornucopia of styles to the table. Mixing flavors and nuances of all genres to create a multi-course meal of skilled improvisation for your aural enjoyment.

JULY 5 - NITROGRASS Nitrograss, both sonically unique and visually appealing in their performances, provides a carefree and exciting atmosphere of pure acoustic ear-fodder.

JULY 12 - SILLY RIDGE (See May 17)

JUNE 7 - THE FOXFIRE BOYS Formed in the early 1980s, The Foxfire Boys grew out of its members’ participation in The Foxfire Fund’s Appalachian culture and music program in northeast

JUNE 21 - CURTIS BLACKWELL BAND

JULY 19 - LEADFOOT LILY Lifelong friends Dean English and Mike Hamilton, along with their wives Shelli English and Christy Hamilton, make up Leadfoot Lily.

The Band showcases an eclectic mix of 70s pop, R&B, country, folk, rock and bluegrass.

AUGUST 16 - STEADY HAND STRING BAND Lifelong friends Tom Nixon and Dean English are also the owners of Blue Ridge Music in Clayton, GA. Their music has an emphasis on their bluegrass roots.

SEPTEMBER 13 - SILLY RIDGE (See May 17) SEPTEMBER 20 - CURTIS BLACKWELL BAND (See June 21) SEPTEMBER 27 - NITROGRASS (See July 5) OCTOBER 4 - ZORKI As a young musician Zorki began his journey playing in Washington Square Park in New York City. He soon broke into the music scene on Bleecker Street, where he started performing and recording with some of the finest musicians in the business. He met the love of his life and together they ventured to Highlands North Carolina, raised two beautiful boys and are living happily ever after.

OCTOBER 11 - THE FOXFIRE BOYS (See June 7)

AUGUST 23 - SOUTHERN HIGHLAND BAND Lifelong friends Tom Nixon and Dean English are also the owners of Blue Ridge Music in Clayton, GA. Their music has an emphasis on their bluegrass roots.

AUGUST 30 - SPARE PARTS BLUEGR ASS BAND (See June 14) SEPTEMBER 6 - JOHNNY WEBB BAND (See June 28)

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

Places to Stay

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

SKYLINE LODGE HAS LIVED MANY DIFFERENT LIVES OVER THE LAST CENTURY 132

Located in the popular and picturesque mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina, the building’s storied history dates back to the mid-1930s, when it opened as a luxury escape catering to the wealthy who survived the 1929 stock market crash. The lodge’s original owner, Howard Randall, commissioned Arthur Kelsey – a working student and friend of the iconic architect Frank Lloyd Wright – to design the building, resulting in signature FLW touches like native stone, chestnut wood, and hand-cut cedar shakes. Despite its one-of-a-kind design and great popularity as one of the only places to stay overnight in the increasingly popular destination of Highlands, the lodge closed its doors in 1938 following the death of Mr. Randall.

Luckily, in the 1950s, it was rescued from disrepair, and by the 1960s was welcoming back guests with additional rooms and a much needed update to the structure. More than 80 years after its original construction, the lush greenery has flourished and now completely surrounds the lodge, exemplifying the Wright design tradition of architecture slowly becoming one with the natural environment. Today, Skyline Lodge, with its storied history, is newly reopened by Indigo Road Hospitality Group, which extensively renovated the property before reopening in summer 2021.”

P L AC E S T O S T A Y

A MID-CENTURY MODERN MOTOR LODGE NESTLED BETWEEN HIGHLANDS & CASHIERS, WITH MOUNTAIN VIEWS & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

470 SKYLINE LODGE RD • HIGHLANDS, NC 28741 828-526-4008 • SKYLINE-LODGE.COM

A MO DE R N TA K E O N T HE C L A S S I C A ME R I C A N S T E A K HO U S E

“A SERIOUSLY GOOD STEAKHOUSE” -M A X I M M AG A Z I N E

OAKS T EAKH O U S ER ES TAU R AN T.CO M

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

IN A WORLD THAT OFTEN

A PAT H OF

HURRIES BY, THERE ARE THOSE

Gardens

WHO PAUSE TO LISTEN. Debbie Delany, a modern-day sorceress of gardens, a visionary, and a steward of both the environment and community, belongs to this rare tribe. With hands that coax life from the earth and a heart that beats in tune with nature's rhythms, Debbie's journey from the cobbled streets of Bath, UK to the rolling hills of Highlands, NC is a story of growth, connection, and a touch of magic.

Decades ago, when the 1980s ushered in neon leg warmers and big hair, it also welcomed a young Debbie across the Atlantic, bidding farewell to Bath's timeless charm and embracing the promise of the US. Although her feet were on soil of another country her roots ran deep, with memories of tending to the earth alongside her mother during her formative years. The seeds of her lifelong love for gardening were sown in those moments, nurtured by a culture that revered the outdoors. Little did she know that this connection would anchor her Courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

future, subtly weaving threads binding her to Earth's natural charms.

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

Where Napa Valley Lifestyle Meets Blue Ridge Mountains Magic

As the Appalachian Mountains cradle Highlands, Debbie finds herself at home once more, embraced by a climate much like her beloved UK. The familiarity of the weather is more than meteorological; it's an echo from the past, a reminder that the land we inhabit was once connected in a single land mass. In this connection lies a gentle acknowledgment of how landscapes shape us

HALF-MILE FARM A Luxury Country Inn by Old Edwards HALF-MILE FARM A Luxury Country Inn by Old Edwards HALF-MILE FARM

and how we, in turn, shape them.

For Debbie, gardens are not just plots of land; they are living diaries, pages filled with stories of growth and

A Luxury Country Inn by Old Edwards

change. "Wherever I've lived, I've left a garden," she

A Luxury Country Inn Highlands, NC

muses. A testament to her unspoken commitment to leave a piece of herself behind, nurturing life even as she moves forward. Gardens are where she feels most at home, where her hands dance with the energy of the earth, subtly embracing the philosophy of leaving a

Arrive to a lakeside inn surrounded by lush fields, gardens and forests, just a five-minute drive from downtown Highlands.

Settle in with delicious inclusions like a champagne arrival, afternoon hors d’oeuvres and a hot chef-made breakfast to start each day.

Relax in sumptuous style with spacious guestrooms, cozy fireplaces and terraces that look out into the forest.

Delight in the embrace of home-grown hospitality, handcrafted cocktails and live music on weekend evenings.

Escape to serenity and bliss in luxury farmhouse style or a rustic-luxe cabin.

Open year-round for guests 18 and older.

place better than you found it.

Over the past two years, Debbie's creative spirit has takCourtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

en root at Old Edward's Half-Mile Farm as she has curated a garden that harmonizes with the land and beckons guests to explore its vibrant tapestry. A "Goldilocks

Eventually, Debbie's journey led her from the vibrant

Garden that receives just the right amount of sun," as

streets of Nashville, TN to the gentle embrace of

she fondly calls it. It's the first thing visitors see as they

Highlands, NC about six years ago. It's a path that trans-

make their way down the driveway. The garden pulses

formed her from a painter to a steward of herbs and

with life, weaving a silent tale of sustainability, coexis-

flowers, learning from wise medicine women and im-

tence, and the delicate dance of giving and receiving.

mersing herself in the world of plants. From this transformation emerged Romany Botanicals, a venture fo-

Through the Farm's "Garden to Glass" experience,

cused on botanical products that are a testament to her

Debbie guides guests through the garden's history, sig-

commitment to nurturing not just the land but also the

nificance, and sustainable gardening practices before

well-being of women – a manifestation of her passions

they delve into a journey of spirits and medicinal prop-

that touches lives with each bottle and essence.

erties. At the same time, Debbie subtly nudges guests toward a more connected way of life. Guests can snip

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

Check In and

Bliss Out

Stay in European-Style Luxury with Premium Ameni�es in the Heart of Downtown Highlands, with heated pools, mul�ple farm-fed restaurants and live music venues.

herbs and edible flowers while taking home a

As the seasons change, so does Debbie's gar-

curated assortment of potted herbs and other

dens, a living testament to her intuitive and

goodies handpicked by Debbie. As she nurtures

artistic approach. The mossy, magical space

her gardens, she nurtures our community, work-

thrives without the intrusion of modern tools, a

ing to bridge the gap between what we need

testament to her belief that gardens are can-

and what is already surrounding us. She finds

vases that do not abide by strict rules, especial-

purpose in encouraging others to connect to

ly those coming from the societal pressures to

and grow their own food.

keep a perfectly manicured and "weed-free" lawn with little to no biodiversity to support our native wildlife.

Debbie's influence spills beyond the Farm's garden gates. You can find lively bouquets from her personal garden decorating Lakeside Restaurant each week. Her homemade Romany Botanical essences bring tranquility to local spots like Natural Selection and Whole Life Market. She champions the nurturing power of herbs and plants, encouraging all to explore and noting that determining which herbs and plants merry well in your life is a personal choice. Debbie recommends species with nourishing digestive benefits, such as rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme, for those just beginning their own plant journeys. These can be easily incorporated into your everyday cooking.

Debbie Delany's story is one of reciprocity, stewardship, and growth. Her gardens are more than mere aesthetics; they are sacred spaces where meditation and intention weave magic and connection blossoms. Her journey from Bath to Highlands weaves a narrative of communion with nature, where gardens are not just plots of land but living manifestations of

445 Main Street, Highlands OldEdwardsInn.com

energy.

Courtesy of Old Edwards Hospitality

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200Main

mountain chic by old edwards

P L AC E S T O S T A Y

P L A C E S T O S TAY I N H I G H L A N D S , N C Highlands has always been the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives and allow themselves to relax and rejuvenate. Highlands’ accommodations range from boutique hotels to luxurious inns, yet each offers its own brand of escape. Allow yourself to be swept into the hospitality of Highlands by the dedicated staff, unique places, and welcoming environments that our accommodations have to offer.

H OT EL S A N D I N N S 200 Main

200 Main by Old Edwards offers tranquil rooms and suites with close access to Highlands’ downtown shops and restaurants at a casual lodging rate. Guests can enjoy outdoor amenities such as the outdoor fire pit, heated mineral pool and access to Old Edwards Club for golf.

200 Main Street, Highlands, NC oldedwardshospitality.com/200-main 828-526-2790

Half-Mile Farm

Half-Mile Farm by Old Edwards offers a peaceful escape for visitors 18 and older with guestrooms and cabins surrounded by lush forest and a lake. Amenities include a heated pool, a courtyard, patios, a forest trail, and access to Old Edwards Club for golf. The serene property is in the outskirts of Highlands.

214 Half-Mile Drive, Highlands, NC oldedwardshospitality.com/half-mile-farm 828-526-8170

Hampton Inn and Suites Cashiers Sapphire Valley

If you’re looking for a recognizable name, Hampton Inn

by Hilton – about 13 miles away in Cashiers -- offers the traditional hotel experience with free breakfast, friendly service, clean rooms, and amenities.

3245 Highway 64 East, Sapphire, NC hilton.com/en/hampton/ 828-743-4545

highlands casual-chic lodging by old edwards Stay in stylish comfort at a value rate with the convenience of Main Street. Relax in a woodland park setting with heated pool and new jacuzzi, fire pit, fitness and game rooms and access to golf at the private Old Edwards Club. Head out on the Greenway Trail from your back door.

200Main.com

Highlander Mountain House

Located on Highlands’ Main Street, The Highlander Mountain House offers cozy rooms and warm, relaxing common areas. Guests can stay in the Mountain House or the Bunk House, which is pet friendly, and has access to the main house amenities. Onsite you’ll find The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, offering a seasonal menu with ingredients sourced from farmers in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

270 Main Street, Highlands, NC highlandermountainhouse.com 828-526-2590

Highlands Inn

Highlands Inn is full of history, with it being the oldest accommodation in town. The inn has 31 charming rooms and is in downtown Highlands, making it perfect for guests wanting to explore Main Street.

420 Main Street, Highlands, NC highlandsinn-nc.com 828-526-9380

Highlands Inn Lodge

Highlands Inn Lodge provides a comfortable experience with several room options to fit your needs. The lodge provides access to greenspaces that include an outdoor firepit, outdoor fireplace and a seasonal whirlpool. Guests can enjoy other accommodations such as a complimentary breakfast, meeting rooms and a spacious lobby.

96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands, NC highlandsinnlodge.com 828-526-5899

The Inn at Mill Creek

Guests of the Inn at Mill Creek enjoy large patios and decks to gaze out at the clear mountain creek below.

This Inn offers a serene and peaceful stay but still has access to downtown Highlands' excitement, located only three blocks away.

420 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC millcreekhighlandsnc.com/rooms/ 828-526-9999

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Though conveniently located on a bustling corner in downtown Highlands, you’ll feel worlds away at Old Edwards Inn, a renowned luxury European style resort with premium amenities, a world class spa, a fitness center and tennis courts, onsite shopping, mountain golf and farm-fed restaurants.

445 Main Street, Highlands, NC oldedwardshospitality.com/old-edwards-inn-spa 828-526-8008

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

The Park on Main Hotel

This charming hotel on Main Street provides an experience for pets and their owners to relax and indulge.

Complimentary breakfast, a dog park and room amenities such as heated floors and Italian linen make The Park on Main the ultimate stay for visitors and their pet.

205 Main Street, Highlands, NC theparkonmain.com 828-526-4502 800-221-5078

Skyline Lodge

Located on a mountain top in Highlands, Skyline Lodge offers a five-star lodging experience with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy amazing meals at its Oak Steakhouse.

The on-site restaurant offers innovative dining with locally inspired dishes.

470 Skyline Lodge Road, Highlands, NC skyline-lodge.com 828-526-4008

The Outpost Inn

An updated version of one of Highlands’ oldest inns, the Outpost Inn formally called the Wells Hotel offers a boutique mountain retreat experience, with comfortable rooms and common areas just a few blocks from Main Street.

790 N 4th Street, Highlands, NC thewellshotel.com 828-482-7736

VACATION RENTALS Bowery Road Chateau, LLC highlandsncchateau.com 561-613-1496

Elevate Luxury Cabin Rentals www.elevatehighlands.com 404-281-8886

Flat Mountain Farm flatmountainfarm.com 828-526-3249

High Camp

www.highcampnc.com 828-634-1010

Highlands Vacation Rentals highlandsmountainrentals.com 828-526-9999

Lotts of Sky

404-395-4000

Rent in Highlands / Country Club Properties rentinhighlands.com 828-787-2002

The Fifth

TheFifthHighlands.com 828-200-1251

The Lofts on Main theloftsonmain.com 828-634-1572

Vineyard at High Holly thevineyardathighholly.com 828-482-5573

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

SUSTA INA BLE As a holistic mountain resort with a focus on organic culinary and spa programs, Old Edwards Inn and Spa has sustainable and energy-efficient operations throughout the property. Old Edwards Inn is the first hospitality provider in North Carolina to be awarded the NC Green Travel Award by the North Carolina Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach (NCDEAO) and the Center of Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina. NCDEAO is a governmental branch of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDNR) that strives to protect the natural resources of North Carolina. The NC Green Travel awards is designed to encourage the tourism industry to "go green" by recognizing businesses that have established an energy team, recycle material, excel in water efficiency, practice energy conservation, and strive to practice green standards." In 2016 Old Edwards Inn's rating was raised to a "three-dogwood blossom" status with additional "cardinal" - NC Green Travel's highest rating.

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P L AC E S T O S T A Y

Luxury OUTDOORS • Old Edwards Club golf course added filtered water stations to replace all plastic bottles.

• Electric Car charging stations • Three sustainable farms with organic vegetable and herb gardens supplying five restaurants, reducing the impact of produce transportation.

• Natural composting at Old Edwards gardens • Old Edwards employees participate in the annual Highlands Plateau Pick-Up, removing litter from area roads and highways.

• Through a $1 per stay opt-out donation during our reservations process, Old Edwards guests support the Highlands Nature Center and Biological Station.

As of January 2023, this has resulted in $105,350 of contributions through the generosity of our guests since 2011.

• Many employees within walking distance choose to walk to work rather than request the employee shuttle.

have lemon/antioxidant water stations that replaced all plastic bottled water, herbs from Old Edwards Gardens for seasonal treatments, and candles with rechargeable batteries. Learn More about The Spa's sustainable vendors.

• Reuse of office paper for internal printing • Moving to digital communications for internal longformat materials and many guest-facing materials.

• Biodegradable straws are available resort wide.

• Paper is shredded or used for fireplaces.

• Cardboard, glass (all glass bottles from water, alcohol, and wine consumption), plastic, and grease recycling bins resort wide. Packing materials reused or sent to Highlands Business Spot for recycling.

• Filtered water stations and reusable bottles replace plastic water bottles across the property, saving four tons of plastic waste per year.

• Molton Brown soap and shampoo dispensers replace single-use plastic bottles in guestrooms.

• Optional linen change every other day offered to hotel guests.

• Energy-efficient LED light bulbs • Ban on Styrofoam, polystyrene products, and internal to-go cup use, reducing the use of cellophane wrapping.

• Compostable cutlery kits • Reusable dining menus in The Wine Garden, Madison's Restaurant, Rooftop Terrace, Hummingbird

Lounge, Art's at the Lodge and The Spa Cafe • All kitchens have designated compost buckets to be taken to compost areas and used in Old Edwards Hospitality farms.

• Replaced five restaurant walk-in coolers with a freon condenser which uses water to cool the units, saving energy and avoiding possible contact with freon.

• Any extra wine used in stocks and sauces.

• Use local suppliers, when possible, to reduce carbon footprint.

• Elimination of all newspapers • Master thermostat control in portions of the property to reduce environmental impacts.

• Madison’s Restaurant and The Spa at Old Edwards Lutron system installation coming soon which will allow for the use of LED lightbulbs.

T R A I N I N G & M A N AG E M E N T • Posted literature to promote guests' involvement.

• Internal Green Team • Continued research and purchasing from green companies.

• Conducted Energy Assessment with the help of Waste Reduction Partners • Partnered with Western Carolina University's Natural Resource Conservation and Management Program 2017 senior class for a research project focused on uncovering new approaches to green hospitality.

INDOORS • The Spa at Old Edwards uses biodegradable tea bags, containers, Bare paper cups, and paper shopping bags. They clean, sterilize and reuse hairbrushes, combs, and slippers, provide on-site training to reduce carbon footprint and donate unsold products to local charities. The Spa has refillable soap containers in the shower and washcloths in place of paper towels. They

147

Do You Want Specialized?

Do You Want Focus?

Do You Want Individualized Dedication?

A spectacular mountain retreat, minutes from downtown Highlands.

A place to gather, celebrate and get away.

Inquire now, and discover what awaits at Rockwood Lodge.

828-526-8919 | INFO@ROCKWOODLODGENC.COM | ROCKWOODLODGENC.COM

The

PERFECT MOUNTAIN

RETREAT

Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and trails—yet minutes from the heart of downtown Highlands—High Camp offers the perfect respite for families and friends.

This is what a mountain escape should be.

Social, yet secluded. Rustic, yet modern.

Minimalistic, yet memorable.

Then WHY go with a company that TRIES to do Everything?

We do ONE thing…and We do it WELL! We are Specialized, Focused and Dedicated to Rent and Take Care of Your Property.

There’s nothing like this on The Plateau.

333 Flat Mountain Rd • Highlands, NC 28741 828.482.5115

419 N. 4th Street • Highlands, NC 28741

(828) 526-9999 www.HighlandsMountainRentals.com

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www.HighCampNC.com

Insider's Guide

The Business Sp t

I N S I DE R ' S G U I D E

Making Business on the Plateau Easier

inspiring supporting uplifting creating innovating powering good

Copy / Scan / Fax Mailboxes Wide Format Printing Notary Services Wrap / Pack / Ship FedEx / UPS / Post Office

The most important thing we do is good.

For nearly 100 years, we’ve been changing lives by giving communities access to the financial services they need. We know that when we empower people with the right financial tools, it benefits everyone.

Visit our local branches Franklin - 30 Hyatt Road

Design Services Banners & Signs Business Cards Passport Pictures Photo Printing So Much More

828.482.0286 www.businessspotnc.com 472 Dillard Road - Highlands

Highlands - 473 Carolina Way Sylva - 498 East Main Street

Bank on good

TM

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC

Come See Us At Our New & Expanded Location Highlands Creek Village - Across From Dusty’s

Reading

THE MOUN TA IN

N AO M I TA L L E Y C H A S TA I N ' S I N S I G H T S I N TO N AT U R E' S S I G N S Amidst the ancient rolling hills of Highlands, NC, resides a custodian of secrets passed down through generations. Naomi Talley Chastain, a fifth-generation resident born in 1940, embodies the harmonious dance between humanity and the environment. She is a living bridge between the past and the present, adorned with insights into the ancient practice of "reading the mountain," a practice that reveals an unbreakable bond with the land itself.

Naomi's roots run deep in this quaint corner of the world. Raised on a farm in an era untouched by the conveniences of modernity, her early years were painted with the hues of nature's rhythm. Electricity didn't grace her community until 1948. In the quietude of those days, young Naomi learned to listen to the whispers of the wind and the secrets of the clouds. These days, Naomi is in charge of keeping The Bascom clean, a place she grew up riding horses when it was a stable, and she has cleaned the Hudson Library for the past 35 years.

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Looking back, she recalls when winters in the region would usher in a quiet stillness as families winterized their homes and migrated away. The town's stoplight, once a bustling signal of summer, would dim into a mere caution light after Labor Day and not return to normal until Memorial Day the following year, a testament to the ebb and flow of the seasons.

Naomi's upbringing was interwoven with a profound respect for the environment. Guided by her grandparents' wisdom, she learned to decipher nature's cues, predicting the weather and anticipating the changing seasons. They watched the fluffy, white clouds on the horizon rise throughout the day, recognizing the telltale signs of an impending afternoon thunderstorm. Observing the cattle's behavior, they discerned when an afternoon tempest was imminent. "The cows wouldn't lay down in the rain, so they would lay down in the morning to get their rest in beforehand," she explains.

Among the treasures of this traditional knowledge were the insights into predicting the harshness of winters. Naomi's family closely observed white pines and rhododendron leaves, recognizing the significance of a year with abundant cones and a day with curling foliage. These signs became invaluable tools for planning their crops, tending to their livestock, and preparing for the cold months or days ahead.

During her formative years, she encountered two gentlemen, locals known for their uncanny ability to predict snowfall. Naomi's curiosity was piqued, and she embarked on a journey to unravel the mysteries of their methods. Full of wonder, Naomi learned from these gentlemen at the Post Office (located at the current-day restrooms of Kelsey-Hutchinson Park) each morning at 7 a.m. throughout August. Their teachings were simple yet profound: fixed objects, like the statue found in the churchyard across the way, served as messengers of impending snowfall. By observing the condensation and fog that clung to these objects during August, Naomi learned to foresee the weather of the upcoming winter. A foggy shroud hinted at snow, while a complete cloak of condensation forecasted deep "golly whoppers," as Naomi calls them.

In a world that shifts rapidly, Naomi's commitment to these age-old ideas remains unwavering. Her gift for predicting local snowfall patterns earned her the affectionate title of "snow witch." Like a timeless ritual, community members come to her to impart her insights at the end of each August. Over the past 15 years of predictions, only two of those years didn't align with Naomi's expectations.

In Naomi's eyes, every leaf that curls and every cloud that gathers has a story to tell – a story of the land and its people. Her life's work, like the ancient art of "reading the mountain," beckons us to pause, listen, and cherish the language of nature.

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Future–Proofing Highlands

FROM BOSNI A TO

Bats

As one of the nation’s largest Fiber-to-the-Home internet service providers, Hotwire Communications was thrilled to announce the partnership with the Town of Highlands in 2022 to bring the power of 100% fiber-optic internet to residents and businesses in the area. While expanding presence in the Carolinas, the industry leader offers a full suite of telecommunications services and customized fiber-optic solutions – Fision Fiber-Optics powered by Hotwire Communications.

Fision Internet

Fision TV+

Fision Voice

A dedicated fiber-to-the-home connection ensuring consistently fast speeds, unaffected by the number of users online, even during peak usage hours.

Live TV, On Demand, DVR, and all the popular streaming services on one device. No more

A modern touch to landline functionality with crystal-clear quality powered by Hotwire’s 100% fiber network.

switching inputs or remotes.

Beyond the advanced technology and impressive fiber-optic network, our commitment to concierge-level service for all customers is nothing new. For more than 20 years we’ve been providing a seamless, best-inclass service experience which includes project managers, technicians, and account managers who guide the process of in-home installation, quality assurance, surveying, education and training, as well as committed organizational support. All calls are answered in less than 60 seconds by our local U.S.-based agents available 24/7/365.

833.986.1570

In the heart of Highlands, NC, where stories from every corner of the world intertwine, a particular narrative stands as a beacon of resilience, connection, and scientific wonder. It's a story that unfolds through the life of Dr. Rada Petric. As the Director of the Highlands Field Site and a dedicated small mammal researcher, Rada's path from her homeland in Sarajevo, Bosnia to the Appalachian region is a testament to the transformative power of nature and the human spirit.

Arriving in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1997 as a young refugee fleeing civil war, Rada's journey was marked by challenges and adaptation. Overcoming language barriers and embracing a new way of life, she soon found herself captivated by the world of biology.

This fascination led her to UNC-Greensboro and the realm of medicine, volunteering in nursing homes and a local emergency room. With medical school on the horizon, Rada's undergraduate advisor suggested she gain laboratory experience. Little did she know that her path would soon take a surprising turn.

Her introduction to the research world came through an unexpected avenue - a bat and mouse lab at UNC-Greensboro. Here, she discovered the profound joy of "frolicking through the woods" as a legitimate career option. For someone who found solace and peace in the forest's embrace, realizing she could turn her passions into a profession was nothing short of an epiphany.

Yet, woven beneath her scientific pursuits is a thread of profound personal connection. Rada's experiences during the civil war, including separation from her family and enduring the trauma of conflict, deeply impacted her perspective. At seven years old, Rada was taken in by her aunt, who was living in Serbia. At night, she would often seek refuge in her aunt's barn, where the presence of bats, mice, and a soft chorus of insects offered some comfort during those tumultuous times. This connection with wildlife was a seed that would eventually blossom into a lifelong commitment to the natural world.

hotwirehighlands.com 670 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741 highlands@hotwiremail.com

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In 2016, her academic pursuits led her to the Highlands Biological Station, where research on small mammals and their responses to human-made noise contributed significantly to her Ph.D. work. Her affinity for the region's biodiversity deepened, and the Station became a space where her curiosity and dedication flourished.

Rada's return as a post-doc in 2021 to study bats marked a new chapter in her journey.

As fate would have it, an opportunity emerged for Rada to become the Director of the Highlands Field Site in August 2021, and she made her official move.

With a renewed focus on human impacts on the biodiversity of the southern Appalachians, this program she leads imparts vital skills to undergraduate students through hands-on experiences in the great outdoors.

Rada's influence on these future stewards is a testament to her commitment to education and reaching back to pull others forward along her journey.

Telling the story of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Discover the shows to see, where to shop, stay & dine, who to know, places to go, …and the magic that is the plateau at thelaurelmagazine.com.

One of Rada's most recent ventures is the BatPack citizen science project. Born from a conversation with colleagues about recording bat audio along trails, the project evolved into a grand endeavor to unveil the secrets of bats along southern portions of the Appalachian Trail. The project aims to determine which species are along the trail and how they use their environments.

Supported by grants from the Highlands Biological Foundation, the project marries scientific exploration with community involvement, highlighting the power of collective efforts in safeguarding our native wildlife.

The BatPacking crew she leads is open to all who wish to contribute to this noble cause. Anyone can tag along on their pre-planned BatPack trips or plan their own trip equipped with a bat audio detector. The only requirement is at least one overnight stay along the Appala-

chian Trail. Information about pre-planned trips and how to become involved can be found on BatPack's Instagram account: @batpackat.

Rada's dedication to this project stems from her understanding of bats' vital role in maintaining ecological balance. With North Carolina hosting the most bat species in the eastern United States and Highlands, NC containing 13 of 17 bat species found in the state, their impact is significant.

These species are insecteating; a single bat can eat over 1,100 mosquitoes in one night. Amazingly, bats contribute over $3 billion to the U.S. economy through natural pest control.

Through her research, Rada aims to raise awareness about the dire consequences of species extinction. Her passion for bats extends to advocating for native plant species, constructing bat houses, and inspiring stewardship in every individual she encounters. She is deeply involved in conservation organizations, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Highlands Biological Station, Mainspring Conservation Trust, and being the incoming President of the North Carolina Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Her life is a testament to the idea that every action, no matter how small, ripples outward, contributing to the well-being of our ecosystem.

Amidst her work, Rada finds strength in her family - her husband Elvis, their son Aleks, and their loyal German Shepherds Arya and Rusty. From her early struggles to her profound connection with the environment, her story echoes the sentiment that unexpected paths can lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Through her research, mentorship, and dedication, Rada conveys the importance of treading lightly on this earth, cultivating an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

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NURT UR ING NAT UR E'S

Balance

Within the intricate webs of our ecosystem, native plants stand as champions of biodiversity, nurturing the delicate balance of life. One individual who has passionately embraced this truth is Adam Bigelow, a spirited soul with an unwavering passion for nature. He has turned his ardor for wildflowers and native plants into an enthralling expedition through his botanical excursion company, Bigelow's Botanical Excursions.

Through his work, he extends an invitation to immerse ourselves in a world where every leaf, stem, and petal carries narratives of adaptation, evolution, and interdependence.

Adam's journey began far from native plants. Originating in coastal Virginia, yardwork and vegetables were not at the top of his list. The allure of TV production brought him to Southwestern Community College, even dabbling in radio for a bit. Yet, nature's impact unfolded as he settled in North Carolina's mountains.

"Living up here, it's hard not to notice plants," he muses, reflecting on his transformation.

A two-year stint at a local box store’s garden center transformed Adam's perspective, unraveling his dormant fascination for plants. He delved into a Master Gardener Program and explored work at plant nurseries and landscaping companies, nurturing a connection with nature.

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Through various horticultural endeavors, Adam gradually found his way to the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. This institution has been a driving force for his plant passion for a remarkable 18 years. He evolved from attendee to field trip leader, ultimately being invited to join the steering committee that orchestrates the conference. His expertise blossomed, culminating in the inception of his ecotourism venture.

The seeds of Bigelow's Botanical Excursions were sown when Adam was engrossed in a community garden and teaching gardening and wildflower classes at Southwestern Community College carving a path for others to share in his devotion. His vision is simple yet profound: nurturing a love for wildflowers to kindle the flames of preservation.

Adam's expertise extends beyond wildflower excursions. His personal vegetable garden melds organic and native plant gardening, creating a haven for pollinators and beneficial insects. He's captivated by the stories of plants and their intricate relationships with native wildlife. Native plants, he emphasizes, are not just a choice; they're a necessity. They have co-evolved with other native species and have adapted to local conditions. They demand less water and care, making them HCH84 ecological partners.

- Highlands- The Season 2024 print ad 7.5x4.94.pdf

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QUALITY CARE CLOSE TO HOME C

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Adam cultivates an array of nature's bounty in his garden, from culinary herbs like mountain mint to vibrant medicinal plants like elderberry. One of Adam's unique pest control methods for vegetable gardens centers around attracting bugs that devour pests themselves.

His favorite native plant to attract beneficial insects is the Short-toothed Mountain mint (Pycnanthemum muticum), a versatile perennial that safeguards and offers culinary potential. It's a testament to his holistic and sustainable approach to gardening. Adam believes that native plants are essential to ecological equilibrium.

For those seeking beauty in cut flowers, Adam recommends purple coneflower, goldenrod, asters, and native grasses. Food enthusiasts can savor violets, blueberries, mayapples, and redbuds. At the same time, those with a penchant for teas can indulge in sassafras, spicebush, and beebalm. To support and attract wildlife, consider St. John's wort, milkweed, jewelweed, and any native species that resonates with you. The invasive, non-native goutweed, English ivy, and oriental bittersweet underscores the significance of embracing natives. These intruders can lead to habitat and species loss, outcompeting the flora and fauna that define our ecosystems.

"IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE BUT ALLOW NATIVE PLANTS TO GROW, THE BENEFITS SPIRAL UPWARDS," For those inspired to join Adam's journey, there are many local garden centers for sourcing native plants.

"If you do nothing else but allow native plants to grow, the benefits spiral upwards," he affirms. With every wildflower walk, every word he imparts, and every garden he tends, he champions the cause of conservation. His journey is not just an exploration of flora; it's an odyssey of interconnectedness, a celebration of the guardians of biodiversity—the native plants that breathe life into our environment.

To embark on your own journey and explore Adam's offerings, visit www.bigelowsbotanicalexcursions.com.

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Plan Your Trip

P L A N YOU R T R I P

in the Carolinas With local roots and global connections, thanks to our partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International, our clients experience unrivaled connections, service, and expertise.

As the #1 luxury firm in the Carolinas, representing the best in luxury living, Allen Tate Realtors/Pat Allen Realty Group can help you find that small mountain cabin, luxury home with a grand view, or a lot to build your dream home.

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Driving Directions GET TING HERE

Our most popular airports are Asheville (AVL), Atlanta (ATL), GreenvilleSpartanburg (GSP) and Knoxville (TYS). From there, the drive to Highlands is easy and scenic. We can’t wait to greet you at The Height of Happiness!

FROM ATLANTA

Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

From Atlanta, take I-85 North towards Greenville, then continue to I-985 North towards Gainesville.

The road will then become GA 365.

Continue on GA 365 as it changes to 441 North. You will go through Tallulah Falls, Clayton, and Mountain City to Dillard, GA. At the traffic light in Dillard, take a right onto GA 246 that becomes NC 106 (Dillard Rd.).

At this point, you have a beautiful 20-minute drive to Highlands.

Proceed up GA 246/NC 106 until you enter Highlands. At the intersection of Main Street, you will see a traffic light by the Exxon Station where you can take a right to downtown.

FROM GREENVILLE

Driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Highlands-Downtown Main Office | 828.526.8784 Pat Allen, Broker in Charge

pat.allen@allentate.com | 828.200.9179

Wildcat Office/Cashiers Road | 828.526.4525

Scan to see homes for sale in the Highlands!

Julie Osborn, Broker in Charge

julie.osborn@allentate.com | 828.200.6165

Sapphire Office | 828.507.3156

Ken Fernandez, Broker in Charge ken.fernandez@allentate.com

Locally rooted. Globally connected.

From Greenville, you will take 276 North to Scenic Highway 11. About four miles from the bridge over Lake Keowee, turn right onto Route 130 towards Cashiers and Whitewater Falls. Follow Route 130 to Route 107 North. Turn right on Route 107 North and proceed to the traffic light at the intersection of highways 107 and 64 in Cashiers. Turn left onto 64 West and travel about 12 miles on Highway 64 into downtown Highlands.

If you are comfortable with reading maps and taking back roads, there is a shorter way from downtown Greenville. Travel to Pickens on Route

183. Then, from Route 183, turn right on Highway 133 past Pickens and proceed to Scenic Highway 11.

Take the left-hand turn to cross Lake Keowee bridge. Then, proceed to Route 130 which is about four miles ahead on your right. Follow Route 130 toward Cashiers to NC 107. Take a right on NC 107 and travel to the intersection at the crossroads in Cashiers. Finally, take a left onto 64 West to Highlands.

FROM ASHEVILLE

Driving time is approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic.

From Asheville, take the Scenic Route via Brevard and Cashiers on Highway 64. Take I-26 toward Greenville, then get off at the Airport Exit. At the Airport Exit take a right turn onto 280 South where you will pass the airport on the right.

Continue to 280 South to Brevard, then continue to 64 West through Brevard. Follow 64 West through Cashiers to Highlands.

FASTER ROUTE FROM ASHEVILLE

Driving time is approximately 1.5 hours.

From Asheville, take I-40 West to Route 23/74 West towards Waynesville. Take Route 23/74 West to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva, and Franklin. At Franklin, you will stay on the bypass, and look for the exit to Highlands/64 East. Turn left and follow 64 East

through the Cullasaja Gorge, a very curvy but beautiful road through the mountains.

SCENIC ROUTE FROM KNOXVILLE

Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours via route 411.

To arrive from Knoxville through the Smoky Mountain National Park and Gatlinburg, take I-40 East to 66 South. 66 South will turn into 321/441. In Gatlinburg, take 441 South toward and through Cherokee to 74 East. From 74 East, take 23/441 towards Dillsboro and into Franklin where you will stay on the bypass.

Just past the Holly Springs Shopping Center on the left, look for the exit ramp to 64 East/Highlands. Turn left and follow the curvy road through the Cullasaja Gorge and to Highlands.

QUICKEST ROUTE FROM KNOXVILLE

Driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

From Knoxville, take I-40 East into North Carolina towards Waynesville.

Take 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. Stay on the bypass in Franklin. Just past the Holly Springs Shopping Center on the left, look for the right-hand side exit ramp to 64 East/Highlands. Take a left on 64 East and follow the curvy road through the beautiful Cullasaja Gorge and to Highlands.

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Stop in for a copy of our monthly market update!

MountainLifeRE.com 828-239-8814

134 Maple St. Highlands, NC 28741 @mountainlifeproperties

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Restrooms are located at Founders’ Park Hub, The Bascom, Rec Center, and Nature Center.

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KELSEY-HUTCHINSON FOUNDERS' PARK & PUBLIC RESTROOM LO W ER OAD 2 3 LA K E R MONROE ROAD

1 Highlands Welcome Center & Public Restroom 2 Highlands Biological Station 3 Nature Center 4 Historical Society 5 Performing Arts Center 6 Public Safety 7 The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

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828.526.2112 visitor@highlandschamber.org visithighlandsnc.com

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FRANKLIN AREA MAP 177

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Business Guide

H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

ACCOMMODATIONS/ HOTEL

200 Main Highlands, NC 28741 200main.com 844-207-6818

Half-Mile Farm at Old Edwards Highlands, NC 28741 halfmilefarm.com 828-526-8170

Hampton Inn and Suites Sapphire, NC 28774 hamptoninn3.hilton.com 828-743-4545 Highlander Mountain House Highlands, NC 28741 highlandermountainhouse.com 828-526-2590 Highlands Inn Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinn-nc.com 828-526-9380

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

Skyline Lodge Highlands, NC 28741 skyline-lodge.com 828-526-2121 The Outpost Inn Highlands, NC 28741 thewellshotel.com 828-482-7736

High Camp Highlands, NC 28741 highcampnc.com 828-634-1010

828-526-4113

Highlands Vacation Rentals Highlands, NC 28741

Long Transfer, Inc Highlands, NC 28741 longtransferbusiness.site 828-526-9552

Rhodes Auto Repair Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0283

highlandsmountainrentals.com

Innatmillcreekhighlandsnc.com

ACCOMMODATIONS/ VACATION RENTAL Bowery Road Chateau, LLC Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsncchateau.com 561-613-1496

Highlands Transportation Company Highlands, NC 28741

specialoccasionslimo.com

Inn at Mill Creek Suites Highlands, NC 28741 The Park on Main Hotel Highlands, NC 28741 theparkonmain.com

Highlands Automotive Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsautomotive.com 828-787-2360

828-526-9999

Lotts of Sky Highlands, NC 28741 404-395-4000 The Fifth Highlands, NC 28741 TheFifthHighlands.com 828-200-1251 The Lofts on Main Highlands, NC 28741 theloftsonmain.com 828-634-1572

CAMPGROUNDS Cliffside Lake Recreation Area / VanHook Glade Highlands, NC 28741 cfaia.org 828-526-5912

Highlands Hidden Creek RV Resort Highlands, NC 28741

highlandshiddencreek.com

Highlands Inn Lodge Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinnlodge.com 828-526-5899

Old Edwards Inn & Spa Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com 828-526-8008

CCP/Rent in Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 rentinhighlands.com 828-787-2002

Elevate Luxury Cabin Rentals Highlands, NC 28741 halfmilefarm.com elevatehighlands.com 404-281-8886 Flat Mountain Farm Highlands, NC 28741 flatmountainfarm.com 828-526-3249

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828-372-5211 CHURCHES Vineyard at High Holly Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 thevineyardathighholly. com 828-482-5573

AUTOMATIVE, TRANSPORATION & MOVING SERVICES Car Spa of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 thecarspaofhighlands.com 828-526-2267

Community Bible Church Highlands, NC 28741 cbchighlands.com 828-526-4685

First Baptist Church of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 fbchighlands.org 828-526-4153

First Presbyterian Church Highlands, NC 28741 fpchighlands.com 828-526-3175

Highlands United Methodist Church Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsmethodist.org 828-526-3376

Lutheran Church of the Holy Family Highlands, NC 28741 lutheranchurchoftheholyfamily. yolasite.com 828-526-9741 Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church Highlands, NC 28741 olmhighlands.com 828-526-2418 The Church of the Incarnation Highlands, NC 28741 incarnationwnc.org 828-526-2968 COMMUNITIES & COUNTRY CLUBS Chestnut Hill of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 chestnuthillofhighlands.com 828-526-5251 Cullasaja Club Highlands, NC 28741 cullasajaclub.org 828-526-3531

Glen Cove Highlands, NC 28741 glencovelifestyle.com 828-526-1783 Highlands Country Club Highlands, NC 28741

highlandscountryclub.com

828-526-2181

Highlands Falls Country Club Highlands, NC 28741 clubhfcc.com 828-526-4118

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Mountain Laurel Tennis Club Highlands, NC 28741

mountainlaureltennisclub.com

828-526-4770

Old Edwards Club Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsclub.com/golf 828-526-1783

Sky Valley Country Club Sky Valley,GA 30537 skyvalleycountryclub.com 706-746-5302

Wildcat Cliffs Country Club Highlands, NC 28741

Highlands Performing Arts Center Highlands,NC 28741 highlandspac.org 828-526-9047 HOP Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-0618

Jeanie Edwards Fine Art Highlands, NC 28741 jedwardsfineart.com 828-526-2933

wildcatcliffscountryclub.com

828-526-2165

Corey James Gallery Highlands, NC 28741

Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands, NC 28741 h-cmusicfestival.org 828-526-9060 Highlands Community Players Highlands, NC 28741

Bespoke Design & Consulting Highlands, NC 28741

behance.net/Bespoke_Design

561-512-6376

Black Rock Design | Build Highlands, NC 28741

blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com

828-787-1100

CULTURAL ARTS Art League of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 artleagueofhighlands.com 706-746-5540

Center for Life Enrichment Highlands, NC 28741 clehighlands.com 828-526-8811

Barbara Desmond Décor Inc Highlands, NC 28741 404-664-0787

Bertone Tile Design and Flooring Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4943

Mountain Theatre Company Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsplayhouse.org 828-526-2695

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Franklin, NC 28734 greatmountainmusic.com 828-524-1598

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts Highlands, NC 28741 thebascom.org 828-526-4949

The Gallery at Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 828-698-7000

David Bock Builders Highlands, NC 28741 bockbuilders.com 828-526-2240

Edgens Herzog Architects Highlands, NC 28741 edgensherzog.com 828-526-2413 Futral Enterprises Highlands, NC 28741 futralconstruction.com 828-634-1010

Green Mountain Builders Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2297 Henkelman Construction, Inc Highlands, NC 28741 hcinc.net 863-666-3575

highlandscashiersplayers.org

828-526-8084

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

Sanctuary Developers Highlands, NC 28741 sanctuarydevelopers.com 828-547-2166 Highlands Decorating Center-

Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsdecorating.com 828-526-3571

Lupoli Construction & Real Estate Highlands, NC 28741 lupoliconstruction.com 828-526-4532

Spruce Interiors Highlands, NC 28741 spruceinteriors.com 770-532-4800

Calders Coffee Café Highlands, NC 28741 calderscoffeecafe.com

Summit Architecture Highlands, NC 28741 summitarchitecturepa.com 828-526-0328

Warth Construction Highlands, NC 28741 warthconstruction.com 828-526-2166

Don Leon's Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-1513

FOOD, BEVERAGES & CATERING

aztecahighlands.com 828-332-1080

4118 Kitchen & Bar, LLC Highlands, NC 28741 4118kitchen-bar.com 828-526-4002

Dusty Rhodes Superette Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2762 El Azteca Rainforest Cafe Highlands, NC 28741

MHK Architecture Highlands, NC 28741 thecarolinasarchitect.com Four 65 828-482-5280 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

Asia House Highlands, NC 28741 Mountain Construction Highlands, NC 28741 four65.com Engineering asiahouse-highlands.letseat.at 828-787-2990 Sapphire, NC 28741 828-787-1680

hesslingthomas@gmail.com

Fresser’s Courtyard Café 917-299-2019 August Produce & Catering

Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 Palillos Stone Masonry augustproduce.com wecaterHighlands.com Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4617 828-526-8847 palillosstonemasonry.net 828-526-3944

Romans Roofing Highlands, NC 28741 Bryson’s Food Store romansroofingnc.com Highlands, NC 28741 828-743-5291 brysonsfoodstore.com High Country Wine &

828-526-3775 Provisions Ross Landscape ArchitecHighlands, NC 28741 ture, PLLC Cake Bar & Chocolate highcountrywineandprovisions.com Highlands, NC 28741 Heaven 828-482-4502 rosslandarch.com Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5074 cakebarhighlands.com Highlands ABC Store 828-421-2042 Highlands, NC 28741 Sadlon & Associate abc.nc.gov/ Districts/ Franklin, NC 28734 Board/101 sadlonandassociates.com 828-526-5470 828-349-0400

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Highlands Burrito Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsburriotos.com 828-526-9313

Highlands Pizza Place Highlands, NC 28741 highlandspizzaplace.com 828-526-5660

Highlands Smokehouse Highlands, NC 28741 highlandssmokehouse.com 828-526-3554 Highlands Wine Shoppe Highlands, NC 28741 highlandswineshoppe.com 828-526-4080 Kelsey Place Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinn-nc.com/ kelsey-place 828-526-9380 Killer Bees Honey Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 killerbeeshoney.com 312-909-5878 Kilwins of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 kilwins.com/stores/ kilwins-highlands 828-526-3788 Lakeside Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 lakesiderestaurant.info 828-526-9419

Los Vaqueros Restaurant Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-7040

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com/dining/ madisons

828-787-2525 Mountain Fresh Grocery Highlands, NC 28741 mfgro.com 828-526-2400

Nectar Juice Bar Highlands, NC 28741 wholelifehighlands.com 828-526-2999

Oak Steakhouse Highlands, NC 28741 oaksteakhouserestaurant.com

828-482-4720

Root 64 Fresh Market The Highlands Tavern Sapphire, NC 28774 Highlands, NC 28741 sales@64freshmarket.com highlandstavern.com 828-966-7668 828-526-9002

Rosewood Market The Kitchen Carry Away & Highlands, NC 28741 Catering rosewoodmarket.com Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0383 thekitchenofhighlands.com

828-526-2110 Ruffed Grouse Highlands, NC 28741 The Secret Garden Market highlandermountainhouse.com Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2590 thesecretgardenmarket.com 828-305-7509 Satulah Mountain Brewery Co. Highlands, NC 28741 satulahmountainbrewing.weebly.com

828-482-9794

Spinx Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/4thStMarket 828-526-4191 Subway Highlands, NC 28741 order.subway.com 828-526-1706

The Blue Bike Highlands, NC 28741 bluebikecafe.net 828-526-9922

The Blue Hound Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 bluehoundbarbeque.com 828-526-1663

On the Verandah Highlands, NC 28741 ontheveranda.com 828-526-2338

Primary Restaurant & Bar Highlands, NC 28741 primaryhnc.com 828-526-3555

Prime Steakhouse Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3555

Ristorante Paoletti The High Dive Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 paolettis.com facebook.com/ 828-526-4906 highlandsdive

Wild Thyme Gourmet Highlands, NC 28741 wildthymegourmet.com 828-526-4035

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Highlands, NC 28741 wolfgangs.net 828-526-9807 INSURANCE McAllister Family Insurance Highlands. NC 28741

The Ugly Dog Public House Highlands, NC 28741 theuglydogpub.com 828-526-8364

Vineyard at High Holly Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 thevineyardathighholly.com

828-482-5573

Whole Life Market & Nectar Juice Bar Highlands, NC 28741 wholelifehighlands.com 828-526-5999

mcallisterfamilyinsurance.com

828-369-3699

Stanberry Insurance Highlands, NC 28741 stanberry-ins.com 828-526-8939 Wayah Insurance Highlands, NC 28741 wayah.com 828-526-3713 NON-PROFIT & COMMUNITY SERVICES

Big Brothers Big Sisters Highlands, NC 28741 bbbswnc.org 828-253-1470 Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau Cashiers, NC 28717 bgcplateau.org 828-743-2775

Carpe Diem Farms Highlands, NC 28741 carpediemfarms.org 828-526-2854

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H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

Highlands Community Child Development Ctr. Highlands, NC 28741 highlandscommunitychildcare.org

828-526-8905

Highlands Plateau Greenway Highlands,NC 28741 highlandsgreenway.com 828-526-2385

Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation Highlands, NC 28741 highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org 828-482-6510 Highlands Cashiers Land Trust Highlands, NC 28741 hicashlt.org 828-526-1111

Highlands Cashiers Hospital Highlands,NC 28741 828-526-1200 Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands, NC 28741 highlandschamber.org 828-526-2112 Highlands Historical Society Highlands, NC 28741 highlandshistory.com 828-787-1050

Hudson Library Highlands, NC 28741 fontanalib.org/highlands 828-526-3031 International Friendship Center/ Food Pantry Highlands, NC 28741 internationalfriendshipcenter.org

828-526-0890

Literacy Council of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsliteracy.com 828-526-0863

Mountain Retreat & Learning Center Highlands, NC 28741 mountaincenters.org 828-526-5838

Mountaintop Rotary of Highlands Highlands, NC 28734 mountaintoprotaryclubhighlands.org 404-444-5477 Peggy Crosby Community Service Center, Inc. Highlands, NC 28741 peggycrosbycenter.org 828-526-9938 Rotary Club of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsrotary.org 828-200-9226 PET CARE

Highlands Plateau Animal Wellness Hospital Audubon Society Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 awhhighlands.com highlandsaudubonsoci828-526-8700 ety.org Cashiers-Highlands

Highlands Welcome Center Humane Society Sapphire, NC 28774 Highlands, NC 28741 chhumanesociety.org highlandschamber.org 828-743-5752 828-526-2112

184

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

Posh Paws Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9581 PRINTING & MEDIA

Dauntless Printing Highlands, NC 28741 dauntlessprinting.com 828-787-1324

Highlander Newspaper Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnews.com 828-526-4114

Highlands Newspaper Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsinfo.com 828-200-1371

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty Highlands, NC 28741 meadowsmtnrealty.com 828-526-1717 Betty Holt, Realtor Highlands, NC 28741

berkshirehathawayhs.com/ betty-holt-real-estate-agent

828-526-1717

Christie's International Real Estate, Highlands-Cashiers Highlands, NC 2874 highlandscashierscire.com

828-482-5022

Cleaveland Realty Laurel Magazine Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 jcrealty.info thelaurelmagazine.com 828-526-4983 828-526-0173 Macon Printing Franklin, NC 28734 maconprinting.com 828-524-7045

The Business Sp t Making Business on the Plateau Easier

Making Business on the Plateau Easier

472 Dillard Road - Highlands, The Business SpotNC 828.482.0286 www.businessspotnc.com Highlands, NC 28741 businessspotnc.com 828-482-0286

WHLC FM 104.5 Highlands, NC 28741 whlc.com 828-526-1045 REAL ESTATE

Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsncrealestatepatallen.com 828-526-8784

Sapphire Valley Resort Sapphire, NC 28774 sapphirevalley.com 828-743-7663

REAL ESTATE/ VACATION RENTALS

Country Club Properties Highlands, NC 28741 ccphighlands.com 828-526-2520 Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors Cashiers, NC 28717 hcbor.net 828-743-0423

Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club Highlands, NC 28741 highlandscoverealty.com 828-482-1274

Highlands Properties Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsproperties.com 828-526-5522

Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty Highlands, NC 28741 highlandssir.com 828-526-4104 Katy Postell-Dearth, Realtor Highlands, NC 28741 katypostell@gmail.com 828-705-3852

Chambers Agency & Vacation Rentals Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsiscalling.com 828-526-3717 Rent in Highlands / Country Club Properties Highlands, NC 28741 ccphighlands.com 828-787-2002

Kevin Koach, Realtor Highlands, NC 28741 kevin@ncliving.com 828-556-9545

Highlands Concierge & Management Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsconcierge.com 828-482-5142

Landmark Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 landmarkrg.com 828-526-4663

Landmark Realty Group Highlands, NC 28741 landmarkrg.com 828-526-4663 RECREATION

Mountain Life Properties Highlands, NC 28741 mountainlifere.com 828-239-8814 Preferred Properties of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 ppoh.com 828-526-5587 Silver Creek Real Estate Group Cashiers, NC 28717 ncliving.com 828-526-2999 The Real Estate Buyers Guide Franklin, NC 28734 therebg.com 828-349-5845

Brookings Anglers Highlands, NC 28741 brookingsonline.com 828-482-9444

Fun Factory in the Smokies Franklin, NC 28734 franklinfun.com 828-349-8888

Highland Excursion Highlands, NC 28741 highlandexcursion.com 828-373-4022

Highlands Aerial Park Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 highlandsaerialpark.com 828-526-8733

Highlands Biological Station & Garden Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsbiological.org 828-526-2602

Signal Ridge Marina Glenville, NC 28736 signalridgemarina.com 828-743-2143 Whitewater Equestrian Center Sapphire, NC 28774 funhorsebackriding.com 828-966-9646 Wildwater Long Creek, SC 29658 wildwaterrafting.com 864-647-9587

Highland Hiker Highlands,NC 28741 SERVICES highlandhiker.com 828-526-5298 (main) #1 Nails

Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands Motoring nailsalonbeauty.com Festival 828-526-0222 Highlands, NC 28741

highlandsmotoringfestival.com American Pest Control Clayton, GA 30525 ampest.com 828-634-7678

Highlands Outpost Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 highlandsoutpost.com 828-526-3737 Highlands Recreation Park & Civic Center Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnc.org/recreation 828-526-3556 Jackson Hole Gem Mine Highlands, NC 28741 jacksonholegemmine.com 828-524-5850

Appalachian Animal Rescue Center Franklin, NC 28734 appalachiananimalrescue.com

828-524-4588

Balsom West FiberNET Sylva, NC 28779 balsamwest.net 828-339-2900 Bartlett Tree Expert Highlands, NC 28741 jbrown@bartlett.com 828-877-6601

185

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

THE MICHAUD/RAUERS GROUP

YOUR “HOME” TEAM

Beautifully Tidy Highlands, NC 28741 beautifullytidy.com 828-254-0242 Benjamin F. Edwards & Company Highlands, NC 28741 benjaminfedwardsco.com 855-526-3535

Bryson’s Enterprises, Inc Highlands, NC 28741 brysonsgrading.com 828-526-3775

The Business Sp t Making Business on the Plateau Easier

Making Business on the Plateau Easier

Judy Michaud 828.371.0730

Tom Goldacker 828.200.9045

Mitzi Rauers 404.218.9123

John Muir 404.245.7027

Brooks Kittrell 828.230.4453

The #1 Small Team in N.C. in the BHHS network Chairman’s Circle - Diamond award recipients (Top 1/2 of 1% of 55,000 network agents worldwide) in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 Ranked In the Top 25 Small Teams in the U.S. Certified Luxury Collection Specialists

THE MICHAUD/RAUERS GROUP OFFICE: 828.526.4101 MEADOWSMOUNTAINREALTY.COM 488 MAIN STREET, HIGHLANDS, NC ©2023 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

472 Dillard Road - Highlands, The Business SpotNC 828.482.0286 www.businessspotnc.com Highlands, NC 28741 businessspotnc.com 828-482-0286

C.A. Wilson Electric & Gas Highlands, NC 28741 wilsongas.com 828-526-2568

Computer Biz Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3735

Computer Man Electronics Highlands, NC 28741 thecomputerman.org 828-526-1796 Creation Music & Arts Highlands, NC 28741 creationcbc.com 910-689-5240 Creative Concepts Salon Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ creativeconceptssalon 828-526-3939 Curtis Matthews, CPA Highlands, NC 28741 curtis-mathews.com 828-526-2111

Dogwood Health Trust Asheville, NC 28813 dogwoodhealthtrust.org 828-771-6710

Duke Energy Franklin, NC 28734 duke-energy.com 800-777-9898

Edward Jones Investments Highlands, NC 28741 edwardjones.com 828-787-2090

Edwards Electrical Service Highlands, NC 28741 edwardselectricalservice.com

828-526-5147

Elevation Resources Highlands, NC 28741 elevationr.com 828-526-8840

Farmer’s Markket Exxon Highlands, NC 28741 exxon.com/en/ find-station/200311928 828-526-4382

First Bank Highlands, NC 28741 localfirstbank.com 828-526-3000 First Citizens Bank Highlands, NC 28741 firstcitizens.com 828-526-9692

Freeman Gas Highlands, NC 28741 freemangas.com 828-526-0040 Gordon Center for Children Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsmethodist.org 828-526-5084

Growing Studio K9 Meadows Boarding and Highlands, NC 28741 Grooming

Glenville, NC 28736 Happy Family Cleaners 828-743-2095 Highlands,NC 28741 Kurses and Karma (DJ) 828-526-8808 Highlands, NC 28741

Head Innovations kursesandkarma.com 828-482-5634 Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ Literacy and Learning Head-Innovations-Inc Center 828-787-2343 Highlands, NC 28741 theliteracyandlearningcenter.org High Mountain Home 828-526-0863 Services Tuckaseegee, NC 28783 Macon County Humane 828-273-3794 Society

Franklin, NC 28734 Highlands Barber Shop 828-524-4588 Highlands, NC 28741

828-482-9734 Main Street Payments Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands Express Mobil mainstreetpayments.org Highlands, NC 28741 888-381-2117 exxon.com/en/find-station/200323669 Men on the Move 828-526-2443 Franklin, NC 28741 menonthemove@windHighlands Fire Dept, stream.net Highlands, NC 28741 828-349-9995 highlandsfire.com 828-526-2118 Mountain Magic Beauty Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands Hair Studio mountain-magic-beauty.

Highlands, NC 28741 business.site 828-526-1899 828-526-4049 Highlands Police Dept.

Mountain Springs Spas Highlands, NC 28741 and Pools highlandsnc.org Franklin, NC 28734 828-526-9431 mountainhotspring.com 828-369-2871

Neumann Law Office Highlands, NC 28741 neumannlawoffice.com HotWire Communications 828-526-0200

Highlands, NC 28741 Peak Home Management 833-986-1570 Highlands, NC 28741 peakhomemgmt.com Hudson Library 828-222-3460 Highlands, NC 28741 fontanalib.org/highlands

828-526-3031

Pisgah Legal Services Highlands, NC 28741 pisgahlegal.org 828-210-3424

Spraggins Home Inspections Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 spragginshi.com 828-482-7239

Planters, Inc. Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 Stephen Lucas CPA Highlands, NC 28741 plantersgarden.com lucascpa.com 828-526-2140 828-482-0849

Pro Nails Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8777 Regions Bank Highlands,NC 28741 regions.com 828-533-9900

Renovation Options Highlands, NC 28741 renovationoptions@ gmail.com Robert Trescott, Attorney Highlands, NC 28741 305-581-0081 Smokey Mountain Transportaion Highlands, NC 28741 561-545-7368 Salt Organic Beauty Studio Highlands, NC 28741 saltorganicbeauty.com 770-778-5040 Shear Elevations Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ Shear-Elevations-Salon\ 828-526-9477 Smoky Mountain Sewing Company Franklin, NC 28734 828-634-1045 Smokey Mountain Transportation Highlands, NC 28741 561-545-7368

Swift Accounting Highlands, NC 28741 swiftaccounting.io 803-646-8994 Tate Landscaping Services Highlands, NC 28741 tatelandscapingservices.com

828-526-8953

The Counseling Center Highlands. NC 28741 counseling-center.org 864-481-0598 TNT Recycle Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/pages/category/Waste-Management-Company/ TNT-Recycle 828-369-6971

Town of Highlands Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsnc.org 828-526-4131 Unfurl Massage & Bodyworks Highlands,NC 28741

unfurlmassagenc@gmail.com

828-482-2219

United States Post Office Highlands, NC 28741 usps.com 828-526-2667

187

H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

Wilcox Travel Henderson, NC 28791 wilcoxtravel.com 828-254-0746 Zing! Branding and Advertising Highlands, NC 28741 www.think-zing.com 305-302-7878 SHOPPING & RETAIL

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

Gold-n-Clipper Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4989 Bear Mountain Outfitters Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/bmo97 828-526-5784 Bijou "Little Jewel" of Highlands Highlands,NC 28741 bijoujeweler.com 828-787-8032

ckSWAN Highlands, NC 28741 ckswan.com 828-526-2083

Cosmos Flowers Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0044

Blue Elephant Consignment Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/TheBlueElephantConsignmentStudio/ 828-526-9448

Dry Sink Highlands, NC 28741 thedrysink.com 828-526-5226

thedrysink.com

Bobby Grace Putters Highlands, NC 28741 bobbygraceputters.com 727-458-0787

Dutchmans Designs Highlands, NC 28741 dutchmansdesigns.com 828-526-8664

Bookworm Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ bookwormhighlands All About Bagzzz 828-526-3031 Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com C. Orrico 828-634-6046 Highlands, NC 28741

corrico.com Allison Diane Clothing 828-526-9112 Highlands,NC 28741

allisondianeclothing.com Celebrity Collections 828-526-5404 Highlands,NC 28741

Elena’s Women Golf & Activewear Highlands, NC 28741 828-533-9954

Elevation: High Fashion for Women Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ElevationofHighlands 828-526-0100

Acorn’s Designer Fashions & Home Interiors Highlands, NC 28741 acornshighlandsnc.com 828-787-1877

ACP Home Interiors Highlands, NC 28741 acphomeinteriors.com 828-526-4500

Annawear Highlands, NC 28741 annawearnc.com 828-526-4660 Appalachian Harvest Highlands,NC 28741 jamsnjelly.com 828-743-7300 Bardo Highlands, NC 28741 bardo49nc.mycloveronline.com

828-526-4030

188

celebritycollectionsjewelry.com

828-526-4994 Charleston Shoe Company Highlands, NC 28741 charlestonshoeco.com 828-482-7700

Citizen Wilder Highlands, NC 28741 stickcandles.com 315-369-0011

Estate Jewelers of Highlands Highlands,NC 28741 828-526-1960 Fibber Magee’s Closet Thrift Shop Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2591

Full House Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 fullhousegallery.com 828-526-6004

Highland Hiker Highlands, NC 28741 highlandhiker.com 828-526-5298 (main) Highland Hiker Shoes Highlands, NC 28741 highlandhiker.com 828-526-2511

J. Elliott Style Highlands, NC 28741 jelliottstyle.com 828-482-2282

J. McLaughlin Highlands, NC 28741 jmclaughlin.com/stores/index/ store/id/68 828-526-0844 Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry Highlands, NC 28741 JannieBeandesigns.com 828-526-5858 Lulu Blue Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/LuluBleuNC 828-482-4375

M & Co. Highlands Fine Art & Highland, NC 28741 Estate Jewelry

& Wine Shop Main Street Gifts Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsfineart.com 366mainstreet.com 828-526-0656 828-482-1414

Highlands Gem Shop Main Street Nursery Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 highlandsgemshop.com mainstreetnursery.com 828-526-2767 828-526-3956

Highlands Hatter Martha Anne’s on the Hill Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-1920 marthaannes.com Highlands Kids 828-526-4473 Highlands, NC 28741 highlandskids.com McCulley’s Cashmere 828-526-5799 Highlands, NC 28741

mcculleys.com Highlands Mercantile 828-526-4407 Highlands, NC 28741

828-482-0818 Milli 446 Highlands, NC 28741 Highlands Mountain 828-526-8600 Paws Highlands, NC 28741 Mirror Lake Antiques facebook.com/ Highlands, NC 28741 mirrorlakeantiques.com mountainpawsnc/ 828-526-2080 828-526-7297

189

H IG H L A N D S E X P E R I E NC E G U I DE

Mountain Findings Thrift Shop Highlands, NC 28741 mountain-findings.edan.io

828-526-9929

Mountain Heritage Highlands, NC 28741 heritagehighlands.com 828-526-5519

Nancy’s Fancys and the Exchange Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5029 Oakleaf Flower & Garden Highlands, NC 28741 oakleafstyle.com 828-526-8000 Potpourri (Town Square) Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com 828-526-9888

Potpourri Eyewear Highlands, NC 28741 potpourrihighlands.com 828-526-8886 Reclamations Highlands, NC 28741 globalreclamations.com 828-787-2299 Reeves Hardware Highlands, NC 28741 reevesacehardware.com 828-526-2157 Rosenthals Boutique Highlands, NC 28741 rosenthalsboutique.com 828-526-2100 Scaly Mountain Crafters Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 scalymountaincrafters.com 828-526-8800

Shakespeare & Co. Books Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/ ShakespeareAnd CompanyBookseller 828-526-3777

Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery Highlands, NC 28741 shirazrugs.com 828-526-5759 Silver Eagle Highlands, NC 28741 silvereaglegallery.com 828-526-5190 S’more Kids Klothes Highlands, NC 28741 smorekidsklothes.biz 828-787-1023

Spartina 449 Highlands, NC 28741 spartina449.com/highlands 828-787-1178 Spoiled Rotten Highlands, NC 28741 spoiledrottenhighlands.com 828-526-3608 T.A. Anderson Goldsmith Highlands, NC 28741 taagold.com 828-526-4177 The Christmas Tree Highlands, NC 28741 christmastreeshops.com 828-526-3687 The Molly Grace Highlands, NC 28741 themollygracecorp.com 828-526-8390

The Southern Way Highlands,NC 28741 facebook.com/ TheSouthernWayofHighlands

828-526-4777

BUSI N E S S GU I DE

The Spice & Tea Exchange Highlands, NC 28741 spiceandtea.com 828-482-1609 The Summer House Highlands, NC 28741 summerhousehighlands.com

828-526-5577

TJ Bailey For Men Highlands, NC 28741 tjbmens.com 828-526-2262

Gifted Hands Highlands, NC 28741 gifted-hands.com 828-526-5069 Taylor Spa Highlands, NC 28741 taylorspa.com 828-526-4192 Tranquility Cove Massage Highlands, NC 28741 tranquilitycovemassage.com

828-200-0018

Unfurl Massage & Bodyworks Highlands,NC 28741

unfurlmassagenc@gmail.com

Uashmama Highlands, NC 28741 us.uashmama.com 828-482-0228 Unique Elegance II Highlands,NC 28741 uniqueelegance.net 404-791-8609 Vivace Highlands, NC 28741 vivacenc.com 828-526-1880 Wish & Shoes Highlands, NC 28741 wishandshoes.com 828-944-9474 Wits End Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/pages/ wits-end 828-526-3160 SPAS Elevation Spa Highlands, NC 28741 elevationspahighlands.com 828-482-2834

Rockwood Lodge Highlands, NC 28741 Rockwoodlodgenc.com 828-526-8919

Silly Ridge Trio Highlands, NC 28741 sillyridge.com 813-951-1102

828-482-2219

The Farm at Old Edwards Inn Highlands, NC 28741 oldedwardsinn.com/weddings 828-787-2610

Zen Spa Highlands, NC 28741 zenspabyangeljoy.com 828-200-9934 WEDDING & EVENTS Altaterra Events Highlands, NC 28741 altaterraevents.com 828-200-1211 Double R Wedding Vows and Events Franklin, NC 28734 eventective.com 833-933-2877 Eleven Events Greenville, SC 29601 eleven.events 864-420-5565

Flat Mountain Farm Highlands, NC 28741 flatmountainfarm.com 828-526-3249 Hott Acts Highlands, NC 28741 hottacts.com 828-526-9572

Vineyard at High Holly Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 thevineyardathighholly.com 828-482-5573 WELLNESS Acupuncture & Healing Arts Highlands, NC 28741 acupunturehighlands.com 828-526-0743 Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture Highlands, NC 28741 aerychiropractic.com 828-526-1022 Blue Ridge Medical Highlands, NC 28741 brchs.com/directory/ blue-ridge-health-highlands-cashiers/ 828-482-6160 Center for Plastic Surgery Highlands, NC 28741 plasticsurgerytoday.com 828-526-3783

Four Seasons Compassion For Life Highlands, NC 28741 fourseasonscfl.org 828-526-2552

Highlands Cashiers Hospital Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1200 Highlands Dental Care Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3513 Highlands Pharmacy Highlands, NC 28741 highlandspharmacy.com 828-526-2366 Innovation & Creativity Institute Highlands,NC 28741 innovationandcreativityinstitute.com 828-371-2079

John Scott Baker, MD Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1700 My Choice Home Care Highlands, NC 28741 mychoicehome.care 888-505-2965

Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center Franklin, NC 28734 SMPCC.org 828-349-3200 The Counseling Center Highlands. NC 28741 counseling-center.org 864-481-0598 Yoga Highlands & Structural Integration Highlands, NC 28741 yogahighlands.com 828-526-8880

Listings in bold denote Highlands Chamber of Commerce Members.

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Highlands Welcome Center 108 Main Street Highlands, North Carolina 28741 welcome@highlandschamber.org 828-526-2112

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Experience the height of living.

H I GH LAND S • CASH I ER S • L AK E G L E N V IL L E • S AP P HIR E V AL L E Y • L AK E TOX AWAY