Local Recommendations
Where to Eat, Shop, and Play
Explore the Best of
Cashiers and Highlands
Welcome to our guide to the best local places to shop, eat, and play in Cashiers and Highlands. Whether you’re staying at one of our gorgeous getaway properties with Barberry Retreats or exploring the area on your own, we have you covered with recommendations for the top restaurants, boutiques, hiking trails, and more. Discover the hidden gems that will make your mountain getaway truly unforgettable!
Restaurants
Overall, you’ll find a variety of dining options in Cashiers and Highlands, whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fine dining experience. See below a list of restaurant recommendations in the Cashiers and Highlands areas.
In Cashiers
- Cashiers Valley Smokehouse
- Location: 281 US 64W, Cashiers, NC
- Description: This restaurant offers mouth-watering smoked meats and homemade sides with a cozy atmosphere.
- Website: cashiersvalleysmokehouse.com
- Chile Loco
- Location: 45 Slabtown Road, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Experience delicious Mexican food with excellent service at Chile Loco.
- Website: chilelococashiers.com
- Cornucopia
- Location: 16 Cashiers School Road, Cashiers, NC
- Website: cornucopianc.com
- Description: Enjoy modern American cuisine with a touch of southern flair at Cornucopia.
- Website: cornucopianc.com
- Crossroads Custard
- Location: 45 Slabtown Road, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Indulge in a wide range of frozen treats and milkshakes at Crossroads Custard.
- Website: crossroadscustard.com
- Slabtown Pizza
- Location: 45 Slabtown Road, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Savor delicious Italian food at Slabtown Pizza in a cozy setting.
- Website: slabtownpizza.com
- The Orchard
- Location: 905 Highway 107 South, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Enjoy delicious food, great service, and gorgeous mountain views at The Orchard.
- Website: theorchardcashiers.com
- The Ugly Dog Public House-Cashiers
- Location: 25 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Experience an English pub-style atmosphere with live music and drinks at The Ugly Dog Public House in Cashiers.
- Website: theuglydogpub.com
- Whiteside Brewing Company
- Location: 128 NC Hwy 107, Cashiers, NC
- Description: Enjoy a wide range of craft beers with stunning mountain views at Whiteside Brewing Company.
- Website: whitesidebrewingcompany.com
- Mountain Smoothie
- Location: 333 US 64, Highlands, NC
- Description: Grab a healthy smoothie or acai bowl, as well as other light bites, at Mountain Smoothie in Highlands.
In Highlands
- Kilwins
- Location: 341 Main Street, Highlands, NC
- Description: A charming confectionery offering a variety of handmade chocolates, fudge, ice cream, and other sweet treats.
- Website: kilwins.com
- Wild Thyme Gourmet
- Location: 343 Main St, Highlands, NC
- Description: A gourmet food shop offering a selection of specialty foods, wines, cheeses, and gourmet gifts. Located in Town Square, next to TJ Bailey’s.
- Website: wildthymegourmet.com
- Location: 343 Main St, Highlands, NC
- Ugly Dog Public House
- Location: 294 S 4th St, Highlands, NC
- Description: A cozy pub known for its craft beer selection, gastropub fare, and live music events.
- Website: theuglydogpub.com
- Location: 294 S 4th St, Highlands, NC
- Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden
- Location: 445 Main St, Highlands, NC
- Description: An upscale restaurant offering a fine dining experience with a focus on regional and seasonally inspired dishes. They also have an extensive wine menu.
- Website: oldedwardshospitality.com/old-edwards-inn-spa/dine/madisons
- Location: 445 Main St, Highlands, NC
- The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
- Location: 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC
- Description: Located in the Highlander Mountain House, this tavern is a cozy spot to enjoy craft cocktails, wine, and a selection of small plates.
- Website: highlandermountainhouse.com/the-ruffed-grouse-tavern
- Location: 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC
- Blue Bike Café
- Location: 423 N 4th St, Highlands, NC
- Description: A funky cafe known for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious coffee and espresso drinks.
- Website: bluebikecafe.net
- Location: 423 N 4th St, Highlands, NC
- Four65 Woodfire Bistro Bar
- Location: 465 Main Street, Highlands, NC
- Description: A casual bistro offering wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. They also have a full bar with craft beer and cocktails.
- Website: four65.com
- Location: 465 Main Street, Highlands, NC
Shopping
We’ve compiled a list of the best shopping options in Cashiers and Highlands that you won’t want to miss. These two gorgeous mountain towns have something for every shopper–and each store is easily accessible from either Cashier or Highlands! Happy shopping!
- Cashiers Farmers Market
- Location: 78 US-64, Cashiers, NC.
- Description: This market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, artisanal baked goods, and more. They also have a selection of gifts and souvenirs for visitors.
- Website: www.cashiersfarmersmarket.com
- Location: 78 US-64, Cashiers, NC.
- The Corner Store
- Location: 44 Village Walk Way Cashiers, NC.
- Description: The Corner Store is a boutique that offers a variety of fashionable clothes, jewelry, and accessories for women.
- Location: 44 Village Walk Way Cashiers, NC.
- Highland Hiker
- Location: 47 St Route 107 Cashiers, NC.
- Description: Highland Hiker is a store that offers apparel, gear, and footwear for outdoor enthusiasts. They also have a selection of books and maps about the local area.
- Location: 47 St Route 107 Cashiers, NC.
- Website: www.highlandhiker.com
- Nearly New
- Location: 60 Village Walk Way Cashiers, NC.
- Description: Nearly New offers a variety of high-end women’s clothing, jewelry, and accessories in gently used condition. This boutique offers affordable and sustainable fashion options.
- Website: www.nearlynewnc.com
- Location: 60 Village Walk Way Cashiers, NC.
Activities
If you’re looking for fun things to do while staying at your magical mountain getaway, we’ve got you covered. From hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape to adventurous zipline tours through stunning forest canopies, we have something for everyone.
Cashiers
- Lake Glenville Scenic Waterfall Cruises
- Location: 2799 Pine Creek Road, Cullowhee, NC 28723
- Description: Enjoy a scenic boat tour on Lake Glenville, surrounded by stunning waterfalls and picturesque landscapes.
- Website: www.worldclasswaterfalls.com
- Hiking Trails
- Description: Explore the beautiful hiking trails in Cashiers and surrounding areas, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Website: https://www.highlandschamber.org/surrender/
Highlands
- Gorges State Park and Whitewater Falls
- Description: Discover the natural beauty of Gorges State Park, featuring stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Don’t miss a visit to Whitewater Falls, one of the tallest cascading waterfalls in the Eastern United States.
- Website: ncparks.gov/state-parks/gorges-state-park
- Highlands Aerial Park
- Location: 9625 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
- Description: Experience an exhilarating adventure at Highlands Aerial Park, offering zipline tours and excursions through a stunning forest canopy.
- Website: highlandsaerialpark.com
- Location: 9625 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC 28775
- Highland Excursion
- Description: Consider taking a guided tour with Highland Excursion to explore and learn about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of the Highlands area. Website: highlandexcursion.com