Escaping the Heat in Highlands!

Spending a weekend in Highlands in August is very much like going to St. Simons in April and May…. you see many friends and neighbors from Macon there.  Everywhere we went (shopping and dining)- was just as if we had never left Macon!  Many Macon residents were there!

With an elevation of 4,118 feet, Highlands, North Carolina is beautiful destination on the southern plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This upscale mountain village, with breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, and wooded forest, draws visitors from around the world. As you stroll along Main Street you can explore great shops that include exquisite boutique clothing, upscale contemporary furniture, as well as antiques, fabulous works of art, and markets with fresh vegetables. You can also find handmade crafts indigenous to the area.   Highlands also has an artsy side- boasting art galleries, live music, and theater.
The areas of Highlands and Cashiers have great mountain trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, as well as beautiful lakes and rivers for tubing, canoeing, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting.

Highlands is perfect for all seasons.  Springtime is when the native Mountain Laurel blankets the forest in vibrant pink, fall produces gorgeous color with the changing leaves, and winter ushers in clear views of the mountains and freshly fallen snow. The pristine mountain air and panoramic beauty fills you with serenity in this mountain city.
There are many places to choose between for a variety of accommodations for every budget.  The Old Edwards Inn is probably the most recognized of all the hotels and it is in the center of town.  It may not be the easiest on the purse, but well worth the pampering.  Not only do they have a superb spa, they also have entertainment in the evenings. As of late, one of our own Maconites, Mike Kinnebrew, has been playing there on many weekends.

​There are several very nice Country Clubs in Highlands to play golf and have a fabulous meal.  Speaking of meals….  there are so MANY great restaurants it is hard to mention them all in one article.  However, a few that immediately come to mind that you cannot miss  for dinner are Paoletti’s, Wolfgangs, Lakeside, and Meritage.  For lunch, I am partial to the Wine Garden next to Old Edwards for ambience and food.

​It is no wonder that many friends from Macon are purchasing second (and third) homes in this fabulous town.  Highlands is the perfect long weekend getaway – no matter which season it is, but most certainly a great place to escape the heat of the summer!