Cashiers: Isolated, beautiful and plenty to do
The Village of Cashiers likes to boast of its location, perched on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina. And, there's no doubt this singularly unique geography is spectacularly beautiful, with hundreds of waterfalls, quiet lakes, stone mountains and rhododendron forests.
Additionally, Cashiers (pronounced CASH-ers) is a true crossroads community, with four roads coming in from each of the cardinal directions serving as the only arteries in or out. At this crossroads is the Village Green, a commons area lined with shops.
Cashiers and nearby Highlands are both characterized by populations that fluctuate widely between summer and winter. You'll find plenty of hikers and rock climbers amongst the permanent residents in the area. Panthertown Valley boasts 6,700 acres of sheer rock, waterfalls, diverse vegetation and hiking and biking trails.
Cashiers also has excellent golfing and country clubs. High Hampton Inn and Country Club and Fairfield Sapphire Valley are full-service resorts that provide rooms, golfing, dining and other amenities. In the village proper, a walking trail leads shoppers to the many retail shops and restaurants.
Attractions
• Lake Glenville — This beautiful mountain lake is located between Cashiers and Sylva along N.C. 107. It's an excellent place to get in some water recreation. There's a county campground, Ralph J. Andrews Park, with 47 camp sites, full hook-ups, tent sites, primitive camp sites, picnic shelter, picnic facilities, fishing, hot showers and bathrooms on Pine Creek Road. There's also a nearby boat ramp.
• Panthertown Valley — 6,700 acres of sheer rock, waterfalls, diverse vegetation and hiking and biking trails. Note that some plants in the valley are rare, so please stay on the trails. From Cashiers go east on U.S. 64 for two miles, turn left on Cedar Creek Road and travel 2.3 miles, turn right on Breedlove Road and travel 4 miles.
• Whiteside Community and Whiteside Cove Road — Here you'll find Grimshawes Post Office, the smallest post office in the U.S. The post office was established 1903 and served the public until 1953. Nearby is Whiteside School, built in 1910. The school is one of only four rural wooden schoolhouses remaining in Jackson County. The school's windows are all located on one side of the building, which was believed to prevent shadows on schoolwork.
• Whitewater Falls — This is the tallest waterfall in the east and is located about 10 miles from Cashiers. Head south on N.C. 107 along one of the most scenic drives in the region. Turn left just after crossing into South Carolina and follow the signs. A short paved trail leads to the falls. There are restrooms and lovely picnic facilities.
• Zachary-Tolbert House — An 1840 Greek Revival estate house on the National Register of Historic Places built by one of the founders of Cashiers. The home was never altered, never modernized and stands as a pristine example of the rural, antebellum South. 828.743.9002. Call for viewing. Located on N.C. 107 one mile south of Cashiers. 828.743.7710.
Dining and Night Life
• The Orchard Restaurant and Guest Cottage — American cuisine with a Southern flavor in a 100-year-old farmhouse. Highway 107 South; 828.743.7614
• The Brown Trout Mountain Grille — An eclectic menu featuring shrimp and grits, escargots, fish, steak, veal, pasta, pizza and a kids menu. Located on Highway 281 N. in Lake Toxaway. 828.877.3474.
• Wild Thyme Café and Bakery — Famous for homemade soups and pastries. 828.743.0185.
• Cornucopia Gourmet Deli — Highway 107 N.; 828.743.3750
• Café 107 — Hwy. 107 S. at the Village Walk Shops; 828.743.1065.
• Bella's Kitchen — 45 Slab Town Rd.; 828743.5355
• The Zookeeper Bistro — Slab Town Rd. at the Mountain Laurel Shops; 828.743.7711
• Buck's Coffee — 6 Hwy. 107 North; 828.743.9997
• Cashiers Farmer's Market BBQ — 78 Hwy. 64 E.; 828.743.4334
Visitors Center
• The visitor center is located in a log cabin at 202 U.S. Highway 64 W., just west of the town's main intersection. 828.743.5941 or www.cashiers-nc.com.
Resources
• U.S. Post Office — 1030 Frank Allen Road. 828.743.2565.
• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library — Free Internet access is available on six public access computers to all library visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Tues. and Wed. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. and sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 249 Frank Allen Rd. 828.452.5169.
