In a town that has perfected the art of relaxation, dramatic peaks and waterfalls still steal the show.
The town of Highlands, North Carolina, is a retreat in every sense of the word.
Beginner and expert hikers can make their way from gushing waterfalls to panoramic peaks on any given day.
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You also can take in the views onWhiteside Mountain, a landmark along the eastern continental divide.
The moderate 2-mile loop will take you by cliff edges for sprawling views.
Keep your eyes peeled for falcons flying above.
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A path lets you venture behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name.
Keep things flowing with a trip toGlen Falls.
Don’t let the downhill start trick you.
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Be sure to conserve your energy for the walk back up.
For visitors looking for accessibility, drive toBridal Veil Falls.
It’s also the only waterfall in the state that a vehicle can drive under.
Credit: Courtesy Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Then check out the gem mine to see what treasures you might find.
Snow tubing and ice skating begin in November.
Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road.
Credit:Courtesy of The Outpost Inn
Another local favorite,Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas.
The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair.
If you don’t get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service as well.
Reservations are recommended at these restaurants, especially during the vacation season.
Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street.
Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures atBear Mountain Outfitters.
Wander intoTJ Baily’sfor classic style.
This once men’s only store now carries women’s clothing too.
Located between Highlands and Cashiers,Reclamationsis so much more than an antique store.
You’ll find an incredible array of architectural salvage, hand-crafted hardware, yard art, and more.
After an hour of browsing their vast barn, you’re sure to find buried treasure somewhere.
Spend your nights at the elegant inn or in one of their charming cottages.
You’d be remiss to checkout without experiencing the property’s heated mineral pool or standout spa treatments.
Set on 4.5 acres, the propertys epicenter is a 1924 log cabin that houses Highlands Supper Club restaurant.
Other amenities include cold-plunge showers, saunas, firepits, a lily pond, and flower gardens.
The inn calls itself “equal parts Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate.”
An all-day tavern,The Ruffed Grouse, serves a menu featuring seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers.
Also, travel through the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive.
The best time to visit is all about preference.
