Legend has it that in the mid-nineteenth century, Highland’s founders drew straight lines between Chicago and Savannah; and New Orleans and Baltimore. They found a serene plateau near the point where the lines intersected and decided the location would offer the perfect mountain retreat. They named the new village “of magnificent beauty and unusual attraction” Highlands.
Often described as the sister village to Cashiers, scenic Highlands exudes a welcoming, personal charm all its own. Only twenty minutes from Catatoga just west of Cashiers, Highlands is an idyllic spot to wile away the afternoon in search of antiques and offers a surprising array of dining options and cultural opportunities. No fewer than six of the town’s restaurants have received awards from Wine Spectator, and you can catch a show on many evenings at one of the town’s four theaters.
Nestled in the Nantahala Forest, the official year-round population of Highlands is less than 1,000. During the summer season, the population swells to more than 10,000 residents. An abundance of recreational opportunities are available minutes from town including hiking, world-class fishing, sightseeing at area lakes and waterfalls and golf at a number of public courses.
At more than 4,100 feet, Highlands is one of the highest municipalities east of the Mississippi. However, Highland enjoys four seasons of cool, comfortable weather because it is spared the occasional artic blasts many communities endure further north in the Appalachian Mountains. Highlands only receives an average of six inches of snow each year.
