Welcome to Highlands NC

Find the best restaurants, shopping, and realtors in and around Highlands!

Highlands, North Carolina: Where Culinary Excellence Meets Unique Shopping Charm

Discover the exceptional quality of dining and shopping in Highlands, a charming mountain town located in Macon County, renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and unique retail experiences. Whether you're a food lover or a shopping enthusiast, the town offers a delightful blend of sophisticated elegance and rustic charm that promises an unforgettable experience.

Downtown Highlands' restaurants are a testament to culinary excellence, offering a diverse array of cuisines crafted with the finest ingredients. From gourmet American fare and authentic Italian dishes to vibrant Mediterranean flavors and smoky Southern barbecue, each restaurant showcases the skill and passion of its chefs. Enjoy hearty breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and exquisite dinners in settings that range from cozy taverns to elegant fine dining establishments, all providing exceptional service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Shopping in the town of Highlands, North Carolina, is equally enchanting, with an array of boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores that cater to every taste. Explore upscale clothing stores, discover unique treasures in charming boutiques, and find the perfect piece to transform your home in exquisite furniture stores. Indulge in gourmet delights at cheese and wine shops, and treat yourself to artisanal chocolates and fine jewelry, all within the town's picturesque streets.

Experience the unparalleled quality and charm of restaurants and shopping in Highlands, where every meal is a celebration of flavors and every shop a treasure trove of unique finds. Visit Highlands and immerse yourself in the extraordinary blend of sophistication and hospitality that makes this mountain town a premier destination.

Realtors in Highlands NC

Coming Soon…

Restaurant Collection

Explore curated lists of top restaurants in Highlands

Discover the top-rated restaurants in Highlands, North Carolina, where culinary excellence and mountain charm converge. Indulge in a diverse array of gourmet dishes, from succulent steaks and fresh seafood to vibrant vegetarian options and decadent desserts. Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience, combining the finest ingredients with exceptional service. Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual meal with friends, Highlands' top-rated restaurants promise unforgettable flavors in an enchanting setting. Experience why Highlands is a premier destination for food lovers.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands, NC, is a haven for food enthusiasts craving authentic American cuisine. This charming town offers a delightful culinary journey, where each restaurant brings a unique twist to classic American dishes. Whether it's savoring a perfectly grilled steak at the historic inn, enjoying fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a farm-to-table setting, or indulging in comfort food with a gourmet flair, Highlands' restaurants promise a dining experience that’s as rich and inviting as the surrounding landscape. With their warm hospitality and creative menus, these establishments capture the essence of American cuisine, making every meal a memorable adventure. Check out Lakeside Restaurant, Madison’s, Oak Steakhouse, On The Verandah, and Roots & Vine.

In the enchanting town of Highlands, NC, Italian cuisine finds a home that rivals the old country. Amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll discover restaurants where the passion for Italian cooking is evident in every dish. Picture dining on handmade pasta tossed in rich, savory sauces, enjoying wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients, and savoring decadent desserts that transport you straight to a trattoria in Rome. These establishments blend traditional Italian flavors with the finest local produce, creating a culinary experience that’s both authentic and innovative. The inviting ambiance, coupled with a dedication to impeccable service, makes dining in Highlands’ Italian restaurants a truly delightful and unforgettable journey. Visit Paoletti.

Highlands, NC, is a gem in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a taste of the Mediterranean that’s as vibrant and varied as the region itself. Here, restaurants transport you to the sun-drenched coasts of Greece, Italy, and Spain with every bite. Imagine savoring fresh, zesty salads, grilled seafood infused with aromatic herbs, and succulent lamb dishes that melt in your mouth. These culinary havens emphasize the use of fresh, local ingredients, creating dishes that are both healthy and bursting with flavor. The warm, inviting atmosphere, often complemented by al fresco dining options, enhances the experience, making each meal feel like a leisurely Mediterranean getaway. Highlands' Mediterranean restaurants blend tradition and innovation, offering a dining adventure that’s both delicious and soul-satisfying. Enjoy The Stubborn Bull.

The Best of Highlands Clothing Stores

Check out our list of wonderful clothing stores in Highlands

Discover the unparalleled quality of clothing shopping in Highlands, NC, where sophisticated style meets mountain charm. Explore an array of upscale boutiques offering the latest fashion trends, timeless classics, and unique pieces that reflect your individual taste. Each store is meticulously curated, providing high-quality apparel and accessories that ensure you look and feel your best. Experience personalized service and a delightful shopping atmosphere that make Highlands a premier destination for fashion enthusiasts. Elevate your wardrobe with the exceptional finds waiting for you in Highlands.

That’s also Highlands!

The Nantahala National Forest, the largest of North Carolina's four national forests, spans the mountains and valleys of western NC. It's the second wettest region in the U.S., after the Pacific Northwest.

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival enriches Western North Carolina's cultural life by hosting performances from acclaimed musicians and promoting education, outreach, and audience development programs to foster an appreciation for chamber music.

The PAC broadens its audience to include all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. Its mission is to offer quality venues and performing arts to the Highlands-Cashiers community, targeting children, youth, and local year-round residents.

The Town of Highlands is a natural environment of "magnificent beauty and unusual attraction," highlighted by its exceptional biological diversity, scenic mountain vistas, pristine watersheds, and ideal location within the Nantahala National Forest.

Dry Falls, a 75-foot waterfall, is located along the Mountain Scenic By-Way (Hwy 64 between Franklin and Highlands) in the Cullasaja Gorge. From the parking area, take the accessible walkway for a stunning view overlooking the falls, or follow the trail that leads behind the waterfall.

Mountain Theatre Company, North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating professional theatre, is a legacy of Highlands' early forward-thinking families. Discover their rich history, who they are today, and an exciting future.

Sightseeing Tours and Hikes

(864) 373-4022