Highlands — Allie & Chris

Highlands Field Guide

A few of our favorites — the marks the ones we never miss.

Coffee & Breakfast

Reservations are strongly recommended — Highlands restaurants are small and fill up on weekends.

The Rooftop Terrace at Old Edwards
Grab a drink on the terrace while you wait for the shuttle.
Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards
No reservations unless you're staying at the inn.
The Wine Garden at Old Edwards
Highlands Wine Shoppe
The Ugly Dog Public House
Best late-night bar — open until 2 AM.
High Dive

Sunset Rock
A short climb with the whole town laid out below. Best in the evening, as advertised.
131 Highlands Gate Dr, Highlands, NC 28741
Secret Falls
A 1.4-mile out-and-back trail with gorgeous waterfall views.
Big Creek Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Whiteside Mountain
A two-mile loop with cliff-top views over the gorge.
91–170 Deville Dr, Highlands, NC 28741
Dry Falls
A short walk with stairs off the main road to a 75-foot waterfall.
US-64, Highlands, NC 28741
Highlands Plateau Greenway
A 10-mile system of connected paths around town — fresh mountain air without venturing far.

Shopping on Main Street
Galleries, bookshops, and a coffee or two among the shops of downtown Highlands.
Highlands Botanical Garden
Native trails and a quiet hour among the rhododendron.
The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
Book well ahead — it fills up, particularly on a Saturday morning.
Golf at the Old Edwards Club
An option for guests staying on Old Edwards properties.
The Bascom Visual Arts Center
A campus of galleries and studios just north of downtown.
Fly Fishing
Western North Carolina is home to some of the best trout streams anywhere — ask Chris where to go.
Explore Cashiers
Ten miles east on US-64, about twenty minutes — and a good excuse for a drive. While you’re there:
- · Whiteside Mountain Brewery — great food & beer
- · Cornucopia Restaurant
- · Cashiers Farmers Market
- · Brookings Anglers — fly shop, plus beer and live music