Highlands, North Carolina, is everything a mountain town should be read on to discover why.
The Western North Carolina destination is simultaneously elevated and welcoming.
Read on to discover what makes Highlands, North CarolinaTravel + Leisures best small mountain town of 2023.
Summer is also a lovely time to visit Highlands, as the weather is near-perfect.
Things to Do
Breathe in the mountain air on a hike.
For a trek thats a bit more off the beaten path, she suggestsChinquapin Mountain Trail.
If youd prefer to hike with a guide,Highland Excursionoffers private hikes and tours throughout the area.
Spend a day chasing waterfalls.
Highlands is technically in a temperate rainforest, one of two in the United States.
Attend Highlands Food & Wine Festival.
Visit The Bascom.
Braucher recommends a stop byThe Bascom, which is described as a center for the Visual Arts.
Youll enter the campus through an 87-foot-long covered bridge, built in the early 19th century.
Brush up on your fly fishing skills.
Fly fishing is on both Braucher and Littlejohns to-do list when in Highlands.
Its a decidedly romantic retreat, thanks to its adults-only rule and location just outside downtown Highlands.
When the weather is nice, youll want to dine alfresco on the terrace.
Madisons
The truly unique, locally sourced items and elevated service setMadisons Restaurantapart, says Littlejohn.
[It was] one of my favorite spots as a kid, says Braucher.
Vivace
I love shopping atVivacefor clothing they have a mix of classic and hip clothes.
Not too old and not too young, says Braucher.
Credit:Kip Stahl/500px/Getty Images
Maggie Braucher/Courtesy of Highlander Mountain House
Courtesy of Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Andrew Cebulka/Courtesy of Skyline Lodge
Courtesy of Mountain Fresh Grocery
