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The J. Cathell Guide to Cashiers and Highlands, NC

Aug 3

My husband and I have been going to Highlands, NC since 2010, and let me tell you, it’s a really special place for us. The Old Edwards Inn is a fantastic Relais & Châteaux hotel, and in my opinion, it’s THE place to stay in the whole area. The restaurant scene there is amazing, and the small-town vibe you get is just unbeatable.

We actually bought a house in the neighboring town of Cashiers back in 2022, and guess what? My parents loved it so much that they bought a place there too! The restaurants and stores I’ve mentioned are like the best of the best — they’re the ones I’d definitely book a dinner reservation at or drop by for lunch first. But trust me, there are so many more places to explore; it would probably take you several seasons to try everything the area has to offer.

If you’re planning a visit, consider this your go-to guide to really make the most of your trip. You won’t be disappointed!

WHERE TO STAY

HIGHLANDS Hotels

Old Edwards Inn

Old Edwards Inn and Spa is an expansive European-style resort offering spectacular music and dining venues, high-end amenities, and individually appointed guest rooms, suites, and cottages.

Half-Mile Farm

Discover a Napa-style setting and inn surrounded by bucolic landscapes and mountain vistas on the outskirts of downtown Highlands, NC.

Highlander Mountain House

In downtown Highlands, in a 19th-century Federal-style building, this elegant boutique hotel is a 9-minute walk to The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts and 1.4 miles to Highlands Country Club.

200 Main

Escape to the mountains to enjoy rustic-chic rooms and suites in downtown Highlands.

The Park on Main Hotel

A 24-suite luxury dog-friendly Boutique hotel with an upscale-rustic theme, located right on Main Street, the suites include both picturesque views of the hotel’s garden terrace, inspired by Central Park in New York City, and balconies overlooking the quaint streets.

CASHIERS Hotels

High Hampton

Sitting at the foot of a breathtaking rock face, at the edge of a peaceful private lake, the elegantly understated Inn is one of America’s most beloved historic hotels. It is protected as part of the National Registry of Historic Places and and has been carefully updated with modern amenities to serve guests.

Greystone Inn

Located on Lake Toxaway, nearby Cashiers, Greystone Inn is a luxury waterfront golf resort surrounded by the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forest.

Hotel Cashiers

A boutique mountain inn located in the heart of Cashiers, NC. Featuring warm hospitality and the perfect blend of modern and rustic design, they are the ideal basecamp.

The Wells Hotel

A quant boutique hotel in the heart of Cashiers that shares a property with their sister restaurant/brewery, Whiteside Brewing Co.

WHERE TO EAT

HIGHLANDS Restaurants

Ristorante Paoletti

Polished European-style venue offering refined Italian dishes & wine, with separate bar seating.

Madison’s

Dine on farm-fresh fare crafted by gifted chefs using ingredients grown in Madison’s own gardens and provided by regional farmers and purveyors. It is located in Old Edward’s Inn.

Lakeside

Located on Harris Lake, featuring fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and excellent service.

Madison’s Wine Garden

At the Wine Garden, dine with picturesque, lush surroundings and a distinctive menu featuring crisp salads, tempting burgers, soups, sandwiches, and a selection of Southern classics.

Roots & Vine

A tasting menu-only restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients from the Appalachian region.

Primary

This sophisticated spot has a wide variety on their lunch and dinner menus with locally sourced fish and meat.

Highlands Smokehouse

This roadside BBQ joint has been a staple for hungry tourists and locals for years. Serving pit smoked meats, fresh sides, family options and a full bar.

Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar

Four65 Bistro handcrafts wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches, and fresh salads using ingredients from local sources.

The Stubborn Bull

Inspired by Mediterranean Spanish, and South American influences, Stubborn bull cooks up rustic tapas and small plates.

Dinner at Madison’s

Dinner at Madison’s Wine Garden

CASHIERS Restaurants

The Library Kitchen & Bar

The original farm house of The Library is one of the best Sapphire Cashiers Restaurants and oldest structures. Built around 1864, it was part of a gold mining community and later on a working farm. It is now restored and led by a Michelin star trained chef.

Happ’s Place

Happs has been around for decades, hosting live music on the weekends and a summer concert series.

The Orchard

Southern-inspired American fare served in a restored farmhouse with scenic orchard & garden views.

Canyon Kitchen

Canyon Kitchen is one of the most beautiful restaurant settings, framed by forests and meadows, encircled by thousand-foot granite cliffs. Located inside the Lonesome Valley community but open to the public.

Cornucopia

A family-owned seasonal restaurant famous for cheese, sandwiches, and burgers.

Whiteside Brewery

Rustic brewpub offering pints & flights of its own brand of beers, plus pub eats & outdoor seating.

Slab Town Pizza

Build-your-own pies & calzones with handmade dough, plus sandwiches, salads & sides.

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse

Casual spot to kick back and enjoy a great meal of honest to goodness pit cooked barbeque pork, chicken or beef, with homemade sauces for every taste.

Dinner at the Orchard

WHERE TO SHOP

HIGHLANDS Shopping

Rosenthal’s

Rosenthals is a renowned boutique that has gained international acclaim for its exceptional offerings. They offer a range of the worlds best designers, as well as luxurious furs and a stunning selection of shoes, accessories, and fine fragrance.

TJ Bailey’s

A destination boutique offering classic, curated style from brands like Peter Millar, Beryll, Maliparmi, Shaft Jeans, and more.

Milli

Milli is a high end contemporary women’s clothing boutique. It is female founded and owned.

All About Bagzzz

A shop specializing in reselling and consignment for vintage, luxury bags and goods.

Potpourri

Specializing in luxury eyewear. Sister store to All About Bagzzz.

McCulley’s

Specializing in one of the largest selections of mens and womens Scottish Cashmere in the United States.

Vivace

An upscale ladies boutique for the woman, carrying brands like Staud, Janessa Leone, Ulla Johnson, and more.

Leisure Day

CASHIERS Shopping

TJ Bailey’s

A destination boutique offering classic, curated style from brands like Peter Millar, Beryll, Maliparmi, Shaft Jeans, and more.

Vivace

An upscale ladies boutique for the woman, carrying brands like Staud, Janessa Leone, Ulla Johnson, and more.

Bazaar Barn

The Bazaar Barn is an upscale resale store run by the Church of the the Good Shepherd in Cashiers, North Carolina. It offers gently used furniture, art, rugs and household items. Proceeds fund outreach grants for local charities.

The Village Hound

The Village Hound offers a shopping adventure for those who love dogs and horses – antique furniture, paintings, rugs and unique home accessories.

Fiddlehead Designs

Known for its elegant floral creations, this boutique store captivates visitors with a charming array of linens and fresh flowers.

Rusticks

Sophisticated, mountain chic furniture and interior design.

Vivianne Metzger Antiques

A family-owned retail shop featuring the finest in 18^th and 19^th Century English & French antique furniture and accessories.

Toby West Home

Private label upholstered furniture, unique found objects and antiques, elevated home accessories, handcrafted lighting, fine art and vintage art.

Whiteside Art Gallery

Whiteside Art Gallery was once a Civil War church built in 1865, repurposed to an Art Gallery in 1975 by William A. Whiteside.

Day In/Out

WHAT TO DO

Highland Excursion

Custom Adventure Tours within the Nantahala National Forest for individuals and up to 38 guests.

Jackson Hole Gem Mine

Family-owned, roadside destination providing covered gem mining & a shop with locally made goods.

Highlander Outpost

A family fun center that has a mountain coaster, trout fishing, gem mining, & “summer tubing” in the spring and summer, and ice skating and snow tubing during the fall and winter.

Brookings Anglers

Brookings is a fly-fishing outfitter that has become a destination for anglers to experience what Western North Carolina fly fishing.

Signal Ridge Marina

The only full service marina on Lake Glenville featuring pontoon, tritoon, canoe, kayak & paddleboard rentals.

Scotlyn’s Yard

A full service family-owned nursery that allows you to go in the fields to pick your flowers. Makes the most beautiful bouquets.

Private Chef – Richard Cooper –

Phone: 501-765-9466, Email: cooperrichard9@gmail.com”