Highlands: Let the altitude affect your attitude
If you are looking for high times, head up to Highlands, at 4,118 feet in elevation the second-highest incorporated town east of the Mississippi River.
Other unique features? Highlands (and neighboring Cashiers) are within the boundaries one of the few temperate rainforests in North America. This makes for lush vegetation, plus special designations such as "salamander and lichen capital of the world." This isn't a place many average Joes live: the median home price in 2005, pre-economic bust, was $662,000.
The area has evolved as a high-end resort community, home to upscale boutiques, spas, wine tastings, fine art galleries, professional theater troupes, a summer chamber music series, numerous country clubs and golf courses, and an endless selection of fine dining.
It is said that the town of Highlands was conceived in the late 1890s by two developers, Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson. Kelsey and Hutchinson drew two lines on a map, one from New York to New Orleans, the other from Chicago to Savannah. The intersection, they thought, would be ideal for a resort. They thought right.
In the late 1920s, construction of Highlands Country Club put the town on the map. Golfing great Bobby Jones had a summer home at the club, and he still holds the course record.
In addition to its high-end resorts and galleries, Highlands is also a mecca for outdoors lovers. The nearby Panthertown Valley is full of trails, creeks and waterfalls, and town is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest.
Attractions
• The Bascom — An independent non-profit art center, this gallery offers a host of workshops, lectures and exhibits for adults and kids, which vary in length. Located at 554 Main Street in Highlands. 828.526.4949.
• Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center — The Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center brings the performing arts to the Highlands. 828.526.2742.
• Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden — On the campus of the Highlands Biological Station, a research and educational facility of the University of North Carolina founded in 1927. The WPA-built Nature Center features exhibits, daily programs and weekly summer camps for children, a Thursday evening lecture series exploring environmental topics, and special programs for all ages throughout the summer. The Botanical Garden offers 12 acres of native plants in a diversity of natural habitats, from upland woods to cove forest and wetland. Special features include a native azalea garden, Plants of the Cherokee, a butterfly garden, and the Station's own self-guided Bartram Trail consisting of 30 native plants associated with 17th century naturalist William Bartram. Garden tours are given weekly. The Nature Center is open 10 am - 5 pm Mon - Sat mid-May through October, and is available for school groups by appointment the remainder of the year. The Botanical Garden is open year round, dawn to dusk. Admission to the Nature Center and Botanical Garden is free, though some special programs and camps have a small fee. Call 828.526.2623 or see www.wcu.edu/hbs for detail.
• The Highlands Playhouse — Professional theater on the plateau. Season runs July-October. Call 828.526.2695 for shows, times and prices.
• Waterfalls — Driving 64 West will take you past Lower and Upper Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, some of the area's most popular waterfalls.
• Whiteside Mountain — Perhaps the most famous site on the Plateau. The rocky face of the mountain is familiar to all who visit the region. The mountain is between Highland and Cashiers and is accessible by a two-mile loop trail that begins off Whiteside
Dining & Nightlife
• Buck's Coffee Café — Coffee drinks and more with live music on weekends. 384 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.0020.
• Cyprus Restaurant — Sophisticated international cuisine in a vibrant open kitchen environment. Generous hours, full wine bar. Live entertainment every Friday night. 490 Dillard Rd. 828.526.4429.
• Fressers Eatery at Helen's Barn — A full service restaurant in Historic Helen"s Barn serving lunch and dinner. Sandwiches, salads, homemade soups as well as fresh seafood and decadent desserts. Complete wine list. 151 Helen's Barn Ave. 828.526.4188.
• Madison's Restaurant and Wine Garden — Located in the historic Old Edwards Inn and Spa, the 92 seat fine dining restaurant features Carolina High Country cuisine with an exceptional wine list. Winner. Alfresco dining in the wine garden. Menu changes weekly. 455 Main Street. 828.787.2525,
• On The Veranda — American Fusion overlooking Lake Sequoyah. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1987 and Wine Enthusiast Award of Distinction. Serving dinner 7 nights a week with a wine bar and entertainment nightly. 1536 Franklin Rd. in Highlands. 828.526.2338.
• Ristorante Paoletti — Italian dining since 1953. Specializing in veal, chops, pasta and seafood. 1,000 selection wine cellar. 440 Main St. 828.526.4906.
• Wolfgang's on Main — Cozy, relaxed setting. Outdoor seating available. 474 Main St. in Highlands. 828.526.3807.
Visitor's Center
• In Highlands, the Visitor Center is located in the historic Partridge-Rice-Thurmond house at 269 Oak Street. 828.526.2112 or www.highlandschamber.org.
Resources
• U.S. Post Office — 675 S. 4th St. 828.526.2667.
• Hudson 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.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 554 Main St. 828.526.3031.
