An All Season Cashiers NC Travel Guide - Darling Down South (2024)

(Article last updated July 2021). I’ve spent many years exploring the dynamically beautiful town of Cashiers North Carolina getting to know the land, the people, and most importantly, the best things to do while in this unique mountain town. From a once in a lifetime dam release waterfall to unique casual and fine dining eating opportunities, there is something for everyone in this Cashiers NC Travel Guide.

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The first thing you need to know about Cashiers is that it’s not pronounced like the clerk who checks you out at a grocery store, it is pronounced “Cash-ers”. This small mountain town sits East of its popular neighbor, Highlands, but is not short of charm and things to do. Known for being a popular vacation home for golf enthusiasts, the downtown area is flooded with home decor stores, antique shops, and landscaping stores to serve the non-golf enthused. I’ve included all of the best things to do in this Cashiers NC travel guide. Just be aware that while exploring downtown, there are no sidewalks, so you’ll want to pay attention closely to traffic as you walk from store to store.

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Things To Do

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Golfing

A Cashiers NC Travel Guide would be remiss to mention golf first! Although I’m not much of a player, I’ve seen some beautiful courses in my day but none compare to the lovely ones in Cashiers with their stunning mountainous views. For these reasons, I’m perfectly receptive to a slow pace of play day on the course. While most clubs tend to be private, there are a few semi-public courses the enthusiast can look into at this link.

Pick Your Own Dahlia’s

This has to have been the greatest accident I ever stumbled upon. Past High Hampton Inn there is a beautiful landscape store called “Scotlyn’s Yard” (141 Little Terrapin Road Cashiers, NC) that during Dahlia season (June/July until October) is teeming with dinner plate size Dahlia’s in every color. What started as a quick stop for a photo ended up us finding an “honor system” cut-your-own-Dahlia bouquet. It was $2 for every size except for the Dinner Plate Dahlia’s which were $4. It was the best $20 I ever have spent and was able to make a lovely bouquet when we got home. (See my tips on Flower Arranging here)

Semi-Private Cooking Class

Kristin of the Barn hosts semi-private cooking classes in her rustic barn on a beautiful stretch of property just outside of Cashiers. I can’t wait to take one of these classes in the future and dine at her rustic barn table with all of our family.

Boating and Water Sports

This town sits right on the edge of Lake Glenville, which is a gorgeous natural lake with shimmering blue water and agreeable weather most weekends. You’ll see the ski boats, pontoons, tubers, and kayakers all out there together, and even on the busiest weekend, it doesn’t seem that crowded. This is the only rental place I’ve passed in town, but most people own there own boats that you’ll see out there.

High Falls Dam Release

This one could be lumped under hiking but it was way too cool of an experience to not get its own slide. Each month, Duke Energy releases the dam to Lake Glenville, and for those who time it right (because of this schedule), you can watch a small stream of water turn into a behemoth waterfall right in front of your eyes. As some would say, it’s Biblical. We went in the middle of summer and it was still chilly, so bring a rain resistant jacket and make sure to check out more info here on how to get there. You’ll definitely want to get there early to scope out a good spot for photos, it gets quite crowded!

Hiking

You can’t come to the mountains and not take advantage of one of the many trails they have here. There is a range of difficulty levels and experiences. From moderately easy hikes like Whiteside Mountain and Yellow Mountain, Sunset Falls to steep inclines with impressive waterfall views, there is no shortage of trails to go on. Check this link for a complete list of hikes and trailheads.

Garden Stores

Cashiers is a naturally occurring rainforest. The vegetation is lush and there are plenty of garden stores to indulge in. Chattooga Gardens is situated right on the edge of town before the Cornucopia and continuously features impressive displays of local vegetation to take home. I am particularly drawn to the antique cone hydrangeas, impatiens, dahlias, peonies and ferns. I loved the winding trellises of daisy vine and the dinner plate dahlias that were in front.

Antique Shopping

Cashiers is known for its collection of home decor stores and antique shopping. There are plenty of shopping places all lumped right next to each other which is great for those who don’t mind walking. Some of my repeat favorites are The Village Hound (pictured), Josephines for lithograph prints and French antiques, Rusticks, Vivian Metzger Antiques, Summer Place Antiques, and Robins Nest. While I may have been in each of these stores more than a handful of times, I always find something new that piques my interest.

Cashiers Farmers Market

I couldn’t decide whether to lump Cashiers Farmers Market under food, or things to do, but I feel like it’s such an institution for Cashiers it can be both. I love having this place as an excuse to run to town for some provisions. They stock their store with seasonal local veggies and fruits, have fridges full of meats, eggs, cheese, and dairy, and have shelves lined with homemade preserves, jams, jars of honey, and every sort of condiment your heart could call for. They also have a bevy of freshly baked treats like pies and cakes. It’s a dangerous place to be with a hungry stomach, but you can cure that with a trip to the BBQ place attached to it.

Places to Eat

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On The Side BBQ

The. Best. BBQ. No kidding. When a woman we met on one of our hikes told us about this place, we knew it was an immediate “must visit” because she said something about “life-changing mac n’cheese”. They specialize in pulled pork BBQ. They let the food do the talking, and it talks right to your bbq loving soul. Pro-tip, buy both varieties of their sauces and mix it together while you eat. It’s tangy and sweet and chock full of flavor. And if you were curious: yes, you can buy On-The-Side-BBQ before you leave town and drive it home to Atlanta for a future meal. It reheats excellently. You’ll find this place, “On The Side” of the Cashiers Farmers Market.

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse

The newbie in town, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse is an excellent BBQ institution to visit on a rainy day. Ample indoor and covered patio seating. Their pork is chopped, not pulled. The sauces are fantastic, although I’m partial to the mustard-based sauce myself. An excellent BBQ joint for those craving a classic BBQ experience, complete with texas toast as big as your head.

Cornucopia

Don’t let the exterior of this place fool you, it is MASSIVE on the inside. I was surprised by how open the dining space is and it has a charming little patio that you can sit at while enjoying the crispmountain air of Cashiers NC. Surprisingly, at one pm there was still quite a lunch crowd so we sat at the bar, enjoying a local brew and ordered some food to share. A plate of hummus and a chicken BLT that hit the spot nicely. Although our neighbors Spicy Cajun Turkey Melt looked incredible, we just decided next time we were in town we’d have to switch up our orders. Cornucopia is a definite must-visit for lunch.

Buck’s Coffee

Any good mountain town knows that you need to have a local place that serves up coffee. Buck’s is always on my “to-visit” list when we get to town. I don’t know if it’s because I actually need coffee or because it just doesn’t feel like a trip into town without strolling the stores with a warm (or iced) cup of coffee in hand. They have a ton of sandwiches and sweet treats on hand to cure any sort of “munchies” you may find yourself with while wandering the stores.

Slabtown Pizza

Located on the same strip as Valley Bakery, Slabtown Pizza has delicious pizza pies. Whether you create your own of pick from one of their menu favorites, everyone leaves satisfied from Slabtown.

Chile Loco

If pizza isn’t calling to you from Slabtown, Chile Loco right next door is the authentic Mexican you may be craving. Everything is homemade to perfection. This is a mountain institution and you should definitely come hungry and come often. Strong and delicious margaritas paired with spicy Mexican is just what the doctor ordered for vacation perfection.

Sugar Cloud Baking Company

Bursting to the brim with sweet confections, Sugar Cloud Baking Company is hiding in plain sight right across the street from Cashiers Farmers Market. They have sweet treats of all varieties and a variety of cupcakes to choose from. It’s mostly an in-town wedding cake company, but you can always pop in for a unique sweet treat!

The Ugly Dog Pub

This Highlands pub made an expansion to Cashiers and boasts an impressive patio area for dining and happy hour-ing. The Ugly Dog Pub in Cashiers has a weekly lineup of live music and an impressive Sunday Brunch and a Bloody Mary Bar that is not to be missed.

Canyon Kitchen

Definitely a place for a special occasion, you can’t beat the views at Canyon Kitchen! It is extremely beautiful and the food is delightful. Reservations are typically needed and the dress code is mountain casual, but that doesn’t mean you can’t wear a fun block print dress and a statement earring.

The Library Kitchen & Bar

A stunning and chef-driven restaurant just outside of the downtown area. You cant go wrong with anything on the menu. You’ll typically find local delights like Coriander Sauteed Carolina Trout on the menu at The Library. Sit at the bar and try one of their seasonal co*cktails!

Places to Stay

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AirBNB’s

Cashiers Cottage (pictured above): Owned by one of my friends in Atlanta, this cozy cottage is brimming with charm and is within walking distance of the Village Green in Cashiers NC. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms plus a beautiful kitchen worthy of a Food Network TV Show.

The Perch: Every corner of this little cabin is Instagram-worthy. The owners, Bryan & Stephen, have done an outstanding job with the entire cabin looking like a retreat Ralph Lauren would spend a weekend at.

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I’m not too familiar with the Hotel scene in Cashiers, however, I think AirBnB’s are the way to go in this mountain town. I stumbled upon the most adorable cottage called The Highlands Honeymoon Cottage on Instagram and was smitten instantaneously. It’s an Instagram dream cottage complete with shiplap walls, a Smeg fridge, modern-chic furniture and charming mountain touches throughout. You can find the link to the Highland Honeymoon Cottage here or check out other Cashiers AirBnBs here. (Photo Courtesy of Highlands Honeymoon Cottage)

Hotels

High Hampton Inn just received a full renovation and was recently purchased by the team who does Blackberry Farm. Every detail in the new establishment has been refined for the resort-experience seeker. They have plenty of things to do on the premises like canoeing, hiking, golfing and plenty of relaxing.

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(Photo from my friend Allie of Peachfully Chic)

Hotel Cashiers is within walking distance to the bustling downtown area.

Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway is a little bit of a drive but looks every bit worth it. Situated right on the lake, the restaurant, spa, and resort-style rooms will have you extending your vacation.

This casual mountain town is sure to capture your heart whether you are staying for a weekend or for a summer. It is not one that you want to skip out on during Fall and you’ll find that the lack of cell phone service can’t deter a good weekend away. Let me know if you get to use this Cashiers NC travel guide and if it helped you plan your vacation there! See you around town!

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An All Season Cashiers NC Travel Guide - Darling Down South (2024)

FAQs

Is Cashiers, NC worth visiting? ›

In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cashiers is home to Panthertown Valley, considered to be the 'Yosemite of the East' and features some of the most scenic views in the United States.

Why is Highlands, NC so popular? ›

The town became known as a health and summer retreat over a century ago, a spirit it still embodies today. From the best overlooks to our favorite meals in Highlands, here's how to spend a long weekend in this quaint corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What is the difference between Highlands and Cashiers? ›

Today, if there is a difference between the two towns, it is that Cashiers is a little bit country, Highlands a little bit country club. Highlands, fittingly, is also higher, at an elevation of 4,113 feet to Cashiers's 3,500 feet.

Is Cashiers NC expensive? ›

Explore Cashiers, NC

28717 has a median listing home price of $1.7M, making it the most expensive city.

Why is Cashiers.nc so expensive? ›

The cost of living in Cashiers is 18% higher than the state average and 11% higher than the national average. The housing costs are primarily the main reason living here is more expensive. Housing expenses are 39% higher than the national average due to the area and popularity of the town.

Is Highlands, NC wealthy? ›

3,578 people live in Highlands, where the median age is 60.7 and the average individual income is $53,983.49.

What is the average household income in the Highlands NC? ›

Median household income in Highlands, NC is $52,070. In 2021, the place with the highest median household income in Highlands, NC was Census Tract 9705.02 with a value of $77,188, followed by Census Tract 9509 and Census Tract 9705.01, with respective values of $71,328 and $54,654.

Why visit Cashiers in NC? ›

Sitting at a high elevation of about 3,500 ft. in the middle of the Nantahala National Forest, this cool, lush area has plenty of beautiful spots for outdoor activities. Surrounded by mountain peaks of more than 5,000 ft., Cashiers averages 75 inches of precipitation, so the area is filled with rivers and waterfalls.

What is the number one place to visit in North Carolina? ›

With more than half of its vast acreage in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most-visited national park in the country. If you prefer a rolling view, i.e., from the car, Cataloochee Valley at the park's eastern edge is a popular destination for spotting elk.

How do locals pronounce Cashiers in NC? ›

And here's a tip: If you want to blend in with the locals, know that Cashiers is pronounced not as the name of a person you pay for a purchase, but rather, “KASH-erz.”

What is the most-visited place in North Carolina? ›

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Officially the most popular destination in North Carolina — and the most-visited national park in the United States — this gorgeous park features miles of hiking trails through forests, over hills, and past stunning waterfalls.

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