Where to Eat, Drink, Stay and Play in the Highlands of North Carolina
I went on this trip in March and then in April my life drastically changed so forgive me for holding onto this information for so long. The Highlands of North Carolina are magical — tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s one of those towns with an otherworldly frequency about it kind of like Ojai or Idyllwild. The air feels cleaner up there and it’s just a 2.5 hour car ride from Atlanta, an easy *anytime* weekend escape.
Where to Stay
My cousin and I checked into Trailborn Highlands, a new boutique property that boasts both elevated lodge vibes and modern, fun, design-forward touches. The standout feature? Their Nordic-inspired spa area, complete with a private sauna experience—perfect after a day of hiking or exploring town.
Bonus: It's also pet-friendly, so Juni got to join in on the adventure. Dog-friendly rooms are on the garden level, with a door that goes straight outside to a little patio and the parking lot. Easy access for potty breaks, walks, etc. We loved it and can’t wait to return.
Where to Eat & Drink
Outpost Inn, then Blue Bike Cafe
Outpost is a fun, stylish little stop that feels like a lifestyle brand meets mountain lodge (it is a hotel and the coffee shop is in the lounge/lobby/shop area). We grabbed our lattes and lingered for a bit and then went right down the street to Blue Bike Cafe for breakfast. The omelette and biscuit were amazing. Great fuel before hitting the trails.
Highlands Supper Club
Dinner at this new and still kind of hidden gem felt like stepping into another era—think moody lighting, perfectly sweet espresso martinis, and an elevated, locally inspired menu by a talented chef. A reservation here is a must. Everything was delicious including the Highlands Caesar, the elk tenderloin and the half chicken. And if you’re staying at Trailborn, get as drunk as you want. You just have to walk down the hill back to your room at the end of the night. They also do brunch here on Sundays.
Highlands Wine Shoppe
We kicked things off here our first night with a glass of wine on the outdoor patio, soaking up the crisp mountain air and warm hospitality. It's the kind of place where you can linger, chat with locals, and discover a new favorite bottle. We actually arrived as they were closing up and they still sold us a couple glasses of wine to drink outside. “When you’re done just leave the glasses over here,” the employee (who happens to live in Florida half the year) pointed to a little trough by the entrance. I love towns so small where it’s easy to become fast friends with the shop proprietor.
The Ruffed Grouse at Highlander Mountain House
Come for the cocktails, stay for the atmosphere. This beautifully restored inn has one of the coziest bars in town. Perfect for pre-dinner drinks or a casual bite. I will say it was a little rowdy when we were there (beginning of season, lots of girls groups) and the drinks weren’t exactly what we imagined. Something listed as a martini came in a coup glass and had zero elements of the classic cocktail (lol), but we enjoyed sipping, lounging, and people watching, nonetheless.
The Ugly Dog Pub
Laid-back, unpretentious, and just what we needed for a casual dinner. Expect classic pub fare with a Southern feel and a friendly crowd. We sat outside with the dog and it was kind of cold in March, but manageable.
The Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn
After dinner, we wandered over to the hotel for a nightcap. Their historic bar and softly lit lounge offered the perfect place to end the evening. There was live music, a more mature crowd, yet everyone was singing along. My cousin brings a deck of cards everywhere she goes so we played cards and gossiped before ending the night at a dive bar down the street.
Things to Do
Hike & Chase Waterfalls
Highlands is known for its natural beauty, so we made time to explore a few local trails and take in the waterfalls. The hikes are manageable but scenic, with just enough effort to earn your spa time. Bridal Veil Falls is a tiny one and a quick roadside stop; Dry Falls is massive and loud and so cool. We also made it to Whiteside Mountain.
Let the Dog Run Free at Mr. Pickles Dog Park
We had the park entirely to ourselves—Juni was in heaven. It’s a great stop if you’re traveling with a pup and want them to burn off some energy and a quick jaunt from Trailborn Highlands if you are walking toward the downtown area.
Explore Downtown Cashiers
A short drive away, Cashiers offers more boutiques, cafés, and a few charming hotels to peek into. It's a worthwhile detour to get the full Plateau experience.