Highlands offers many fantastic dining options. Here are a few favorites. *Be sure to make reservations in advance—things fill up fast in this small town!

Madisons: Farm-to- table fare

Four65 Woodfire Bistro and Bar: Best pizza

Wolfang's Restaurant and Wine Bistro: European and New Orleans flavors paired with a wine list of over 700 bottles

Ristorante Paoletti: Amazing Italian

Wild Thyme Gourmet: American cuisine with an Asian flair

Mountain Fresh Grocery: Legendary stollen bread

Oak Steakhouse: 10-minute drive from downtown with stunning mountain views.

The Ugly Dog: Bring a photo of your pup to add to the wall while you enjoy a burger and local beer

The Wine Garden

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

Lakeside Restaurant

Shopping in Highlands, NC, is awesome! Check out the cute streets full of unique boutiques, antique shops, and cool galleries. You'll find trendy clothes, handmade crafts, local art, and tasty treats everywhere. Enjoy the friendly vibes and discover some great stuff in this charming mountain town.

Highlands, NC, started out in the late 1800s as a cool getaway for people looking to escape the summer heat. Today, it’s still a charming mountain spot with lots of historic buildings and stories. The town’s past adds to its cozy vibe.

Highlands, NC, is a hiker’s dream! There are trails for everyone, with beautiful waterfalls, great views, and awesome forest scenery. Whether you’re into a quick stroll or a longer adventure, you’ll find some fantastic spots to explore and enjoy the outdoors.

*Dry Falls: This easy, half-mile walk takes you to where the Cullasaja River cascades over a cliff. A path allows you to walk behind the falls without getting wet—hence the name.

*Glen Falls: 3 miles from downtown, and the round-trip hike to the stunning multi-level, 640-foot waterfall is a little over 2 miles. Don’t be fooled by the downhill start—be sure to save some energy for the climb back up!

*Bridal Veil Falls: This waterfall is right by the roadside, so you can enjoy the view without leaving your car. It’s the only waterfall in the state where you can actually drive underneath it.

Brookings Anglers can set you up for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. You can also book a guided tour at their nearby Cashiers location—just be sure to reserve your spot a month or two in advance.

Just a short drive or walk from downtown, the 6-acre horse farm hosts The Bascom, a visual arts center featuring both local and world-renowned artists. After exploring the exhibits, take a stroll along the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail to enjoy a blend of nature and art.

Experience golf in the Blue Ridge Mountains with two great courses: Old Edwards Club and GlenCove. Even though they’re right next to each other, they each offer a totally different vibe. Both are just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Highlands. Don’t forget to book your tee times ahead of time!

Everyone loves a good spa day! Make sure to book your services in advance.

Greenville, SC, is a lively city with a cool downtown vibe and lots of green spaces. You’ll find historic buildings, trendy shops, great food, and fun events. Falls Park on the Reedy is a must-see for its beautiful views and relaxing atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot to hang out and soak up the local scene.

Asheville, NC, is a cool city set in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's known for its artsy scene, great food, and awesome craft breweries (Burial is Kyle & I's favorite). Stroll through the lively downtown, check out unique shops, and enjoy stunning mountain views. Asheville’s laid-back vibe makes it a fantastic spot to explore and hang out.

The drive from Highlands, NC to Asheville- Biltmore Estate takes about 1.5 hours.

Biltmore Estate is the largest privately-owned home in America. Built in 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II, it has 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning views, Biltmore Estate is a must-see for its historic charm and grandeur.

Beer lover’s dream! With tons of cool breweries around, you can try everything from new and creative brews to classic favorites. The city’s brewery scene is super chill and fun, making it a great place for a casual pint or a full-on brewery tour.

Tryon, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, is where Alivia was born and raised. This charming town is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant arts scene. It has a rich history, a strong equestrian culture, and offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and river adventures. If you're interested in horses, you should definitely check out the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

The drive from Highlands to Tryon is about 2 hours.