Highlands Fanatic

Sweeping mountain views, mild temperatures and southern hospitality. Expect all of that, and more, when you visit Highlands, NC!

A mountain retreat for over a hundred years, Highlands is a three hour drive from Atlanta. It’s the perfect vacation spot for those who want to leave the daily grind and escape to a place where you can spend time soaking up the fresh air. 

The population swells from 3,200 to almost 20,000 during the summer as people from all over the country come out to play.  A true outdoor lover’s paradise, Highlands offers a wide array of activities for everyone.  Whether you enjoy the serenity of a long hike, or the adventure of rock climbing, this is the place you will find it all.

Convenience is king in Highlands, and you won’t even have to bring your own equipment to take part in the activities.  Canoes, kayaks, bikes and rock climbing equipment is all available for rent.  Arrangements can also be made for ATV adventures, horseback riding and white water rafting trips.

After playing hard all day, take time to relax at one of the areas many spas.  Enjoy a massage or have a personal trainer design an exercise plan especially for you. 

Highlands offers plenty of choices for children as well.  Stop by the Fun Factory in the Smokies where the kids can ride go-carts and play miniature golf.  For the smaller folks in your crew a visit to the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is a must.   While at the railroad, they will be able to see – up close and personal – all of their favorite railroad stars. Thomas the Tank Engine,  The Little Engine That Could and The Polar Express are all on display. 

Several day camps are available as well.  There are camps featuring horses, art, ecology and drama.

Highland also offers rich cultural experiences.  There are several theater groups, a summer music festival and the Cullasaja Center for the Arts.  There is also a museum of cut and engraved glass. 

Top off your trip with some shopping.  There are several blocks of shopping where you will find fine wine, jewelry, furniture, arts and crafts and much more.

There are as many choices for accommodations as there are for activities.  Whether you prefer the intimacy of a bed and breakfast, the convenience of a hotel or the privacy of a cabin, all are available for both short term and longer term visits. 

Several vacation packages are offered through the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.  wellness packages, romance packages and art packages are available.  Whatever your interests, you will be able to find plenty to do in Highlands, North Carolina.

Highlands, North Carolina, is home to a dazzling array of natural diversity. For travelers seeking amazing natural waterfalls North Carolina may not be foremost in their minds. But Highlands is alive with waterfalls and other amazing terrain. No less than five spectacular waterfalls greet tourists who find their way to Highlands.

Whitewater rafting as well as more sedate canoeing are all located in Highlands, North Carolina. Forests and hills provide outdoor activities such as all terrain vehicle trips, camping, and even llama hikes. For travelers who seek sports such as tennis or golf, the area is an extremely worthwhile place to visit for its many sporting opportunities. For those with even more specific tastes, there are natural gem mines nearby with gem mining day trips available.

But one of the most amazing things about Highlands, North Carolina, is that it is home to North America's only rain forest. This amazing spectacle averages no less than 115 inches of rain each year. The rain forest also hosts an amazing biodiversity of both the flora and fauna. By stepping just outside the rain forest, visitors are amazed at the variety of cultural attractions.

Highlands, North Carolina, is home to several day spas for those who seek pampering on their vacations. There are also more than 20 restaurants available to visitors- some the recipients of culinary awards of excellence. A summer stock theater and a specialty museum are available for those seeking cultural entertainment. The American Museum of Cut and Engraved Glass is an interesting and educational experience. The Highlands Historic Village sends travelers back in time to when Highlands was a much simpler, but no less beautiful, place.  The historic buildings and historical recreations make the trip especially fun for children.

Shopping in Highlands, North Carolina, includes many interesting specialty shops and art galleries. Antique shops, jewelry stores, specialty gift shops, and more, dot the town of Highlands. The town is a popular draw from the nearby cities just for the unique shopping experience is available.

And for those outside the North Carolina area, there are a wide range of accommodations available for tourists. Some visitors prefer camping outdoors, while others prefer the many available inns and quaint lodges. There are also several beautiful bed and breakfasts available to tourists, as well as cabin rentals. The wide range of choices available means the vacation can be had to suit any taste and budget.