Experience the Enchantment of Highlands: Where Mountains Meet Masterpieces and Memories are Made.

Highlands: A Timeless Mountain Escape Amidst the Blue Ridge Grandeur

Perched gracefully within the embrace of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands has long served as a cherished summer haven for over a century. Each warmer season witnesses a vibrant surge in its population, transforming the town into a bustling hub. Travelers continue to be captivated by this artistic sanctuary, a place where captivating sculptures line walking paths, refreshing swimming holes invite a dip, majestic waterfalls command awe, and a flourishing artistic community thrives, offering a diverse array of creative experiences.

Nature's Masterpieces: Waterfalls and Scenic Drives Await in Highlands

Highlands marks the commencement of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway, a renowned mountainous route in North Carolina celebrated for its incredible swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls. Just a short distance from the town, the captivating Bridal Veil Falls presents a 120-foot cascade of natural beauty, alongside Dry Falls, one of North Carolina's most iconic waterfalls. Continuing northward on the same highway, the aptly named Bust Your Butt Falls, previously known as Quarry Falls, features natural rock slides that can be quite exhilarating. For even more spectacular water features, venturing eastward reveals an iconic natural wonder: a massive rock slide that offers an unparalleled natural water park experience. The journey to Highlands itself is an integral part of the adventure, with many choosing to fly into Asheville Regional Airport, a scenic 1.5-hour drive through meandering mountain valleys.

Immerse Yourself in the Creative Spirit and Outdoor Wonders of Highlands

For those with a passion for the arts, The Bascom beckons—a sprawling six-acre campus that has been the pulsating heart of the community's visual arts since the 1980s. Beyond its 87-foot covered bridge entrance, The Bascom hosts a series of galleries showcasing dynamic rotating exhibitions. Adjacent to the main building, the Dave Drake Studio Barn serves as a ceramic studio, offering a variety of art classes and workshops. While exploring The Bascom's grounds, be sure to wander along the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail, a brief 0.1-mile path that winds through the forest, highlighting captivating installations by local artists. Also along this trail is the Read2Me Story Walk, where pages from a children's book are thoughtfully displayed on markers, creating an engaging experience for families to read together as they stroll. For those seeking a more adventurous array of trails, the Highlands Aerial Park offers thrilling experiences. Its centerpiece, the Bridge Loop Trail, features a 180-foot suspension bridge that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This half-mile trail also delights visitors with a whimsical fairy and gnome scavenger hunt, as well as geocaches, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Another notable gem is the Hidden Falls Nature Trail, a self-guided walk that commences at the park's treehouse and leads to the spring-fed High Holly Creek. As evening descends, consider catching a performance at the contemporary Highlands Performing Arts Center or experiencing the Mountain Theatre Company, one of North Carolina's oldest theatrical groups, which has been captivating audiences with Broadway-style musical productions since 1931. This venue also proudly hosts the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival every September.

Highlands' Culinary and Lodging Delights: Historic Inns, Lush Gardens, and Local Brews

Find tranquility and comfort at one of Highlands' enduring establishments. The Old Edwards Inn, a landmark since 1878, continues to welcome guests at its original Main Street location. Beyond its charming accommodations, the inn boasts a fitness center, a European-style spa next door, a heated pool, a Jacuzzi, and dining options accessible to both guests and the public. Its stylish yet inviting rooms and suites, some featuring private terraces and rooftop vistas, also offer amenities like fireplaces, bathrooms with heated marble floors, and Jacuzzi tubs. Adjacent to the inn, Madison's restaurant and wine garden offers an exquisite dining experience. Guests can enjoy the patio in a verdant setting, shaded by umbrellas, alongside a serene waterfall. Pair a crisp chardonnay or a smooth pinot noir with the day's fresh market catch. Conclude your evening at The Ugly Dog Pub, a family-owned establishment since 2010. Here, you can enjoy live music while savoring Southern comfort food favorites, such as fried green tomatoes adorned with homemade crab dip. Complement your meal with their rotating selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines, including Bold Rock, an apple cider crafted from North Carolina apples.