Things To Do

The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands

Great late night spot!

Highlands Wine Shoppe

Dry Falls

Just a few miles from downtown Highands along US Highway 64 is this gorgeous 75 foot waterfall! Walk down a staircase to hear the roaring falls. You can even walk behind it! Take Highway 64 west, 3.25 miles from town.

Sunset Rock

Easy Hike, 15 - 20 minutes. A short walk leads to a natural cliffside where slabs of granite provide front row seats to beautiful sunsets and views over Highlands and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Across the street from Sunset Rock is the Highlands Botanical Gardens, a wooded canopy with walking trails and glimpses of local wildlife.

Tugs Eat Drink Live Proper

Tug's Proper is a mountain modern restaurant located in the heart of Highlands, NC.

The Spa at Old Edwards Inn

Satulah Mountain Brewing Company

3 Blocks North from Old Edwards Inn. Bringing you the freshest, tastiest mountaintop beer in Western North Carolina.

The Bascom - A Center for Visual Arts

A local jewel providing stimulating exhibits, studio art instruction and a wonderful cultural experience. The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking and doing.

Highland Hiker

A full service hiking, camping, and fly fishing store offering guide service as well as recommendations for area hikes and maps.

Quarry Falls (Bust Your Butt Falls)

15 min. drive This is a popular swimming hole and natural slide on the Cullasaja river along Highway 64. The many large rocks also make a great spot for picnicking and soaking up the sun. Take Highway 64 west for 6.5 miles and there will be a large pull off to the left.

Glen Falls

Glen Falls is a triple waterfall near Highlands with four great scenery stops along the two-mile roundtrip hike in the Nantahala National Forest. Take Highway 106 south, 1.7 miles, look for the sign to Glen Falls Scenic area on the left.

Turtle Back Falls

Moderate hike, 3.5 miles. A 30 minute drive from town, but totally worth it. This trail leads to a very cool natural water slide, a large rock waterfall in the shape of a turtle's back.

Whiteside Mountain

Moderate hike, 2 miles, 1.5 hours. This is one of the best trails in the area for a panoramic view of the Nantahala Mountains. The trail is a lush and wooded 2 mile loop and 500 foot climb around the back side of the mountain. It is located midway between Highlands and Cashiers on Highway 64. Just west of the Jackson/Macon line is a sign designating a turn for Whiteside Mountain.

The High Dive

Sister to The Ugly Dog!

Mountain Fresh Grocery

A little bit of everything! A grocery store, but they also do made to order breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Madison's Restaurant

The food is AMAZING and the service is wonderful. Reservations would definitely be needed.

Ristorante Paoletti

SO good! Quaint Italian restaurant right on Main Street.

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

Wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches, and fresh salads using ingredients from our own gardens, local growers and purveyors. Enjoy the full menu, craft cocktails and rosé on tap from the lighted onyx bar, or dine alfresco on the Terrazza seasonally. Y'all. The grilled cheese sandwich is awesome and the bar is so cool!

Wild Thyme Gourmet

A touch of American cuisine with an Asian influence. Outdoor dining available, and a really nice wine list. Great place for lunch.

Midpoint Highlands

Think, for a moment, of your favorite things – the feel-good indulgences that make for stand-out days. Ours are food, people and interiors. We believe that memorable moments are made with beautiful meals, engagingly delivered in exquisite environments. At Midpoint we strive to bring all of these things together for you to enjoy. Outdoor, rooftop dining.

Blue Bike Cafe

Kyle brings his 25+ years of restaurant experience, and Erin balances us out with the sweet Southern hospitality and genuine desire to create a sense of “community” within their cafe’s walls. Coming from sunny Sarasota, Florida 16 years ago to the majestic mountains of Western North Carolina, Kyle and Erin seek to blend the “brunch-lifestyle” of the Gulf coast with traditional “mountain food” of the Southern Appalachians…the results: Blue Bike Cafe. The BEST breakfast with a cool vibe. There's always a wait, so call ahead and get your name on the list, but we absolutely recommend!!

4118 Kitchen + Bar

Focusing on Southern flavors and modern technique there is sure to be something on our ever changing seasonal menu to whet your appetite. We also have a full service bar, custom cocktail list, and local beer selection. We've never been, but highly recommended by our local friends!

Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant

Another one recommended by the locals. Let us know if you like it!!

Kilwins Highlands

Ice cream and treats!

SweeTreats Craft Ice Cream

Ice cream and a fantastic deli! Our ice cream is a one-of-a-kind experience that is a must do when visiting Highlands, North Carolina. Over 30 years ago we developed our own ice cream blending machines, and with them, we create the perfect combination of creaminess, flavor, and texture. We can guarantee it will be the best ice cream you have ever had! Start with a base of vanilla or chocolate, ice cream or frozen yogurt. Then we blend in your choice of fresh fruits, tasty chocolates, decadent candies, and whole nuts to create your own unique flavor experience. The possibilities are endless -- limited only by your imagination and taste for adventure!