There are many local restaurants worth checking out in Highlands. A few of our favorites are listed below:

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310 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.3555

Stop by for lunch or dinner at this mountain modern locale. The menu features a wide variety of options in American cuisine. Visit the website for menus, reservation information, and hours.

Wild Thyme Gourmet

343 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.4035

Offers a touch of American cuisine with Asian influence. Visit The website for menus, reservation information, and hours.

465 Bistro

465 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.787.2990

The best pizza on the plateau. 465 is open for lunch and dinner and offers a variety of neapolitan style pizzas and Italian inspired soups, sandwiches and salads. Visit the website for more information. Does not take reservations.

Madison’s

455 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.787.2525

Farm fresh fare in relaxed elegance. Madison’s is located at Old Edwards Inn in the Historic Inn and features farm to table fare using ingredients grown in its gardens and by regional farmers and purveyors. Reservations are encouraged.

The Ugly Dog

294 South Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.8364

The Ugly Dog Pub is a warm, and welcoming pub in the heart of Highlands.It is family owned and operated since 2010 and offers a variety of delicious menu options and an ever-changing selection of craft beers. For more information visit the website.

Mountain Fresh Grocery

521 East Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2400

A casual local hangout featuring comfort food and American fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Please visit the website for details on menus, hours, and more.

Highlands Supper Club

130 Log Cabin Lane | Highlands, NC | 828.482.1581

The Highlands Supper Club specializes in classic Southern comfort food with a contemporary point of view, from Carolina barbecue to crisp fried chicken and imaginative drinks. This new spot is sure to please. Visit the website for reservations, menus, and more.

The Ruffed Grouse

270 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2590

Field, forest, fish, fowl, and farm are the tenets around which The Ruffed Grouse builds its regionally-influenced menu, relying on seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers and growers to stock the kitchen’s pantry. Open for lunch and dinner. For more information on menus, reservations, and more visit the website.

Highlands Tavern

205 South Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.9002

Cultivating a true tavern feel, Highlands Tavern serves unique American food and drinks that are sure to delight your palate. Open for dinner. Please visit the website for more information.

Highlands Smokehouse

595 Franklin Road | Highlands, NC | 828.526.3554

This roadside BBQ joint has been a staple for hungry tourists and locals for years. Serving pit smoked meats, fresh sides, family options and a full bar. The bbq nachos are a can’t miss! Open for lunch and dinner. Visit the website for more information.

Blue Bike Cafe

423 North Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.9922

Dubbed “the meeting place of Highlands,” Blue Bike Cafe offers breakfast and lunch cuisine that’s bound to give you a great start to the day. Does not take reservations. Open for breakfast and lunch. Visit the website for the menu and more information.

OAK

470 Skyline Lodge Road | Highlands, NC | 828.482.4720

Oak Steakhouse is a contemporary steakhouse featuring the finest cuts of Certified Angus Beef and locally sourced produce from area farms. Located at Skyline Lodge just 4 miles from downtown Highlands, OAK offers some of the best in fine dining. Reservations recommended. For more information visit the website.

Shopping on Main Street is a must-do while you are here. Below is a list of a few of our favorite stores!

For clothing and accessories:

Rosenthals

375 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2100

Rosenthals is a women’s clothing store with brands like Veronica Beard, Teri Jon, Cinq à Sept and a fabulous selection of furs.

Highland Hiker

601 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.5298

Highland Hiker caters to travel and fishing enthusiasts by offering an extensive collection of outfitting apparel, accessories and fly shop goods, as well as curated outerwear and apparel for those seeking a mountain chic vibe.

Annawear

355 Main Street | Highlands, NC

Annawear is a women’s clothier offering comfy and eclectic finds from brands like Free People and more.

T.J. Bailey’s

343C Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2262

Classic and curated, T.J. Bailey’s offers fine clothing for men and women. Here you will find brands like Peter Millar, Brackish, Madison Creek, and Beryll.

McCulleys Cashmere

242 South Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.4407

Rumor has it McCulleys has the finest selection of Scottish Cashmere in the world. Stop in here for a fine selection of cashmere for men and women as well as clothes and accessories.

Monkees of Highlands

383 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.482.1487

Monkee's of Highlands is a women’s clothing, shoes and accessories boutique with brands like Farm Rio, Back 70, Pistola, and more.

The Highlands Hatter

221 North Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.482.1920

Complete your mountain chic look with a custom hat from The Highlands Hatter. Offering a variety of styles, colors and brands, the Highlands Hatter lets you customize your hat with feathers, ropes and more, making it uniquely yours.

For interiors and antiques:

Acorns

212 Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.7871877

Acorns is the shop at Old Edwards Inn and features a variety of interior decor and Old Edwards branded merchandise.

Mirror Lake Antiques

215 South 4th Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2080

Mirror Lake Antiques is located "on the hill" in Highlands, North Carolina across from Old Edwards Inn and offers antiques, jewelry, and sterling silver matching.

C.K. Swan

233 North Fourth Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2083

With everything from jewelry and gifts to art and antiques. There is something for everybody in CK Swan.

The Dry Sink

450 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.5226

The Dry Sink offers a wide variety of kitchen cookware, gadgets and small appliances. As well as a huge selection of candles, glassware, bath and body items, and other gifts. The greeting card selection is extensive, as are the offerings of partyware and seasonal items.

Bardo 49

460 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.4020

For unique and interesting interiors and home decor objects with a western vibe, visit Bardo 49 on Main Street.

Below is a list of our favorite hikes and outdoor activities, weather permitting.

Sunset Rock Trail

Sunset Road | Highlands, NC

In terms of mountain views, Sunset Rock is probably one of the most well-known hikes near Highlands, NC. This 1.4 mile trek is just minutes from the town center, making it a really convenient spot for a quick adventure. From the top, you’ll be able to get a bird’s eye view of Highlands and have a great view of the surrounding mountains.

Difficulty: Easy.

Whiteside Mountain Trail

Parking: 91-170 Deville Drive | Highlands, NC

Whiteside Mountain Trail is located just 10 minutes outside of Highlands. It’s a 1.9 mile loop with jaw-dropping cliff walls exceeding 700 feet. The trail includes a variety of viewpoints at the top.

Difficulty: Moderate.

Glen Falls

Directions: From Highlands, head down NC Highway 106 for approximately 1.7 miles. Look for the sign to Glen Falls on the left.

This 2.4 mile hike features a beautiful three-part waterfall that’s sure to keep you saying “wow” over and over!

Difficulty: Moderate.

Dry Falls

US-64 | Highlands, NC

What would this list be without Dry Falls? Arguably the most well-known attraction around Highlands, this incredible waterfall is easy to get to and it’s beautiful! It’s just a .4 mile trek, don’t forget to walk behind the falls for a different view.

Difficulty: Easy.

Bryson’s Food Store

103 Highlands Plaza | Highlands, NC | 828.526.3775

Grocery store with all the essentials. Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Highlands Pharmacy

195 Main Street | Highlands, NC | 828.526.2366

Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., closed on Sunday.