Highlands, NC Guide
Things to Do, Where to Eat & Local Tips
Staying in Highlands, North Carolina, places you in the heart of the Southern Appalachians—known for scenic hiking, charming downtown streets, waterfalls, art, and exceptional food. This guide highlights our favorite things to do, where to eat, and helpful local tips to help you make the most of your stay.
Dining, Bars, & Coffee Shops
Adventure, Recreation & Attractions
- Calders Coffee Cafe (Coffee & Cafe)
Coffee, baked goods, and unique gifts. - Blue Bike Café (Breakfast & Lunch)
Casual breakfast and lunch with table service and online ordering. Family-friendly. - Highland Country Wine & Provisions (Wine Bar & Light Fare)
Wine shop and provisions market offering small plates, curated wines, and specialty foods. - Highlands Burrito (Casual Dining)
Burritos, bowls, tacos, and margaritas in a relaxed setting. - Highlands Pizza Place (Casual Dining)
Casual pizza, subs, and salads. Order at the counter or online - Highlands Smokehouse (Casual Dining)
Casual BBQ with a full bar. Counter service and online ordering. Family-friendly. - Ristorante Paoletti (Fine Dining)
Upscale Italian dining featuring classic dishes, steaks, and seafood. Reservations recommended. - Stubborn Bull (Casual Dining)
Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails in a lively downtown setting. - Edelweiss (Dessert)
Pastry boutique offering grab-and-go pastries, hot and cold beverages, and packaged goods, including coffee and candies. - Kilwins (Dessert)
Ice cream, chocolates, and classic sweet treats.
- Brookings Anglers
Guided fly fishing trips on local rivers and streams, offering half-day and full-day experiences for anglers of all skill levels. - Highland Excursions
Backcountry tours to rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas. Pickup available from Fairview House. - Highlands Aerial Park (15 minutes)
Zip-lining and adventure courses for various ages. - Highlands Outpost(15 minutes)
Rail coaster, gem mining, trout fishing, and summer tubing; snow tubing during the winter season, weather permitting. Multiple lanes and a lift make it easy for all ages - Highlands Recreation Park (Walkable)
Public tennis and pickleball courts, indoor/outdoor pool, playgrounds, and open green space. Equipment rentals available at the Rec Center. - Kelsey-Hutchinson Park (Walkable)
Open lawn space just a few blocks from Fairview House, with a small water feature and room to play or relax outdoors. - Lake Glenville(25 minutes)
The closest lake for boating and tubing. Pontoon boats and tubes available through Signal Ridge Marina. - Sapphire National Golf Club(30 minutes)
Public 18-hole mountain golf course offering play for all skill levels. - Whiteside Mountain(15 minutes)
Family-friendly hike with dramatic cliffside views. Suitable for older children and adults. - Nantahala Outdoor Center(approximately 1 hour)
Whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, and guided hikes near Bryson City.
Arts & Culture
- The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts (5 minutes)
Rotating exhibitions, art classes, and creative programming for all ages. - Highlands Performing Arts Center(down the street)
Steps down 4 ½ Street to the live theater for concerts, lectures, film screenings, and special events throughout the year.
Groceries
- Bryson’s Grocery – In-town grocery store with a solid selection
- Ingles (Cashiers) – Closest large chain grocery store (about 25 minutes)
Private Chefs & Catering
- Richard Cooper
Email: cooperrichard9@gmail.com
Phone: 501-765-9466 - Ken Naron
Email: ken@envienc.com
Phone: 225-573-6093 - Highlands Smokehouse
Catering Director: Leslie Lewis
Phone: 828-526-3554 - Kitchen Carryaway & Catering
Phone: 828-526-2110 - Rhodes Superette
Phone: 828-526-2762
Walk from Fairview House
One of the best parts of staying at Fairview House is how much of Highlands you can enjoy on foot. Leave the car behind and explore trails, parks, dining, and downtown—just minutes away. Walkability means slower mornings, spontaneous plans, and easy group outings—no parking or car coordination required.
Dining & Downtown
- Downtown Highlands – Four blocks walk to Main Street restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream, boutiques, galleries, and seasonal events.
- Highlands Performing Arts Center – Steps down 4 ½ Street to the live theater for concerts, lectures, film screenings, and special events throughout the year.
Outdoor Spaces & Trails
- Sunset Rock – An easy 1.4-mile round-trip hike with panoramic mountain views and one of the best sunset spots in town.
- Kelsey-Hutchinson Park – Open green space just a few blocks from the house, ideal for kids or a casual afternoon outside.
- Highlands Recreation Park – Two blocks away. Features an indoor/outdoor pool, pickleball and tennis courts, skate park, and playgrounds. Equipment rentals available at the Rec Center.
- Highlands Biological Station – About three blocks away. Enjoy wildlife walks, native plant gardens, and educational programs for all ages.