Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands offers a unique blend of natural beauty, upscale shopping, and gourmet dining, making it the perfect destination for our wedding festivities.

Explore the Surrounding Areas

Highlands is conveniently located near several charming towns that offer additional experiences:

Cashiers and High Hampton: Just a 20-minute drive away, Cashiers is known for its antique shops, boutiques, and the historic High Hampton Resort. Explore unique stores like Vivianne Metzger Antiques and Rusticks for distinctive finds.

Asheville: Approximately a two-hour drive from Highlands, Asheville is a vibrant city renowned for its historic architecture, eclectic arts scene, and the famous Biltmore Estate. It's an excellent option for a day trip to explore more of North Carolina's rich culture.

Nearby Towns: Consider visiting Black Mountain, known for its arts and crafts heritage, or Murphy, which offers rich history and natural beauty. Both towns provide unique experiences and are within a reasonable driving distance.

Our Favorite Spots

To help you make the most of your visit, we've compiled a list of our favorite local spots:

Dining

Mountain Fresh Grocery: A local favorite combining a gourmet market with a casual eatery, known for its delicious sandwiches and pizzas.

The Ugly Dog Public House: A lively pub atmosphere featuring a diverse menu, local brews, and live music.

Whiteside Brewing Company: Located in nearby Cashiers, this brewery offers a selection of craft beers and a hearty food menu.

Julep Kitchen: A short drive from Highlands, this farm-to-table restaurant offers Southern-inspired cuisine in a picturesque setting.

Recreation

Bridal Veil Falls: A unique waterfall that you can walk behind, offering a memorable photo opportunity.

Dry Falls: An easily accessible waterfall with a trail that allows visitors to walk behind the cascading water.

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center: Home to the Scaly Mountain Screamer, a thrilling mountain coaster ride suitable for all ages.

Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley: Enjoy a poolside lunch with breathtaking views of the surrounding canyon.

Shopping

Highlands Gem Shop: A family-run store since 1952, offering fine jewelry, loose gemstones, and unique mineral specimens.

Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry: Featuring a stunning collection of pre-owned estate and modern jewelry, timepieces, and art glass.

Reclamations: An architectural salvage and antique store located between Highlands and Cashiers, offering a wide selection of unique and one-of-a-kind items.

Mantiques: A vintage collectibles emporium in Cashiers, where you'll discover carefully chosen antiques, memorabilia, and accessories that add intrigue to any space.

Acorns Boutique: Located within the Old Edwards Inn, this boutique offers a range of gifts, home décor, and apparel.

Highland Hiker: With multiple locations in the area, this store provides all the hiking essentials and outdoor gear needed to explore the beautiful mountain trails.

Highlands Food & Wine Festival 2025

Coinciding with our wedding, the Highlands Food & Wine Festival is scheduled from November 13 to 16, 2025. This annual event celebrates culinary excellence and features world-class musical performances. Tickets are available for purchase on the official Highlands Food & Wine Festival website. We encourage you to secure your tickets early, as events often sell out quickly.