Kelsey's Guidebook
Live Music
Wonderful bands on Saturday nights, plus other fun throughout the week! They have plenty of delicious beer and cider options, including new releases frequently. You'll never be disappointed spending an evening or afternoon here. If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, they have music bingo, one of our favorites!
117 habitants recommandent
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.
188 W Main StWonderful bands on Saturday nights, plus other fun throughout the week! They have plenty of delicious beer and cider options, including new releases frequently. You'll never be disappointed spending an evening or afternoon here. If you happen to be in town on a Tuesday, they have music bingo, one of our favorites!
One of the things we love about WNC is all of the artistry in the area- whether that be live music, plays, or artwork. SMC offers affordable entertainment almost every weekend! From local plays, to bands of many genres, you will always find something fun. Most starts 7:30 on Saturday evenings, perfect for dinner downtown with a show to follow.
40 habitants recommandent
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
1028 Georgia RdOne of the things we love about WNC is all of the artistry in the area- whether that be live music, plays, or artwork. SMC offers affordable entertainment almost every weekend! From local plays, to bands of many genres, you will always find something fun. Most starts 7:30 on Saturday evenings, perfect for dinner downtown with a show to follow.
Live music almost every Friday and Saturday in the summer, with many events that are free. Enough said! Check the Highlands NC Chamber Events website page with dates for performances and other festivities.
228 habitants recommandent
Highlands
Live music almost every Friday and Saturday in the summer, with many events that are free. Enough said! Check the Highlands NC Chamber Events website page with dates for performances and other festivities.
The Highlands
If you are seeking a unique and cozy spot for dinner or cocktails, this is it! Enjoy a beautiful sunset drive into the Highlands and then settle in at the Ruffed Grouse- especially on chilly nights, their fireplace is always welcoming. The lounge is full of history, and often includes live music as well. We love the Bluegrass brunch!
7 habitants recommandent
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
270 Main StIf you are seeking a unique and cozy spot for dinner or cocktails, this is it! Enjoy a beautiful sunset drive into the Highlands and then settle in at the Ruffed Grouse- especially on chilly nights, their fireplace is always welcoming. The lounge is full of history, and often includes live music as well. We love the Bluegrass brunch!
Kelsey-Hutchinson park offers wonderful activities, from live music in the summer months, to ice skating at Christmas time (they also have beautiful decorations!). Check their website for other events, or simply go to enjoy a nice day outside. The town of Highlands provides free wi-fi, which also makes this a great spot to work remotely while the kids play.
12 habitants recommandent
Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
411-499 Pine StKelsey-Hutchinson park offers wonderful activities, from live music in the summer months, to ice skating at Christmas time (they also have beautiful decorations!). Check their website for other events, or simply go to enjoy a nice day outside. The town of Highlands provides free wi-fi, which also makes this a great spot to work remotely while the kids play.
Stopping by the Old Edwards Inn is always a prefect way to start or end your evening out in the Highlands. Whether it be sipping coffee at the lodge or enjoying their wine garden, it will not disappoint with it's ambiance and historic elegance.
38 habitants recommandent
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main StStopping by the Old Edwards Inn is always a prefect way to start or end your evening out in the Highlands. Whether it be sipping coffee at the lodge or enjoying their wine garden, it will not disappoint with it's ambiance and historic elegance.
History fans, this is definitely the place for you when visiting the Highlands. They offer guided tours around the oldest house in town, as well as other exhibits displaying relics of the culture.
Highlands Historical Society
History fans, this is definitely the place for you when visiting the Highlands. They offer guided tours around the oldest house in town, as well as other exhibits displaying relics of the culture.
Sightseeing
Gorgeous waterfall directly off US-64. You can't miss it! Perfect stop on the way to or from the Highlands for pictures, it's a short walk down. Unless it's icy or very muddy, you can go under the falls as well!
229 habitants recommandent
Chutes Dry
U.S. 64Gorgeous waterfall directly off US-64. You can't miss it! Perfect stop on the way to or from the Highlands for pictures, it's a short walk down. Unless it's icy or very muddy, you can go under the falls as well!
A beautiful spot with a short walk and area to view these falls off of 246 (also on the way to or from the Highlands). If you want, you can continue hiking down further to the pools and streams below. There is another trailhead here as well that will lead you up Chinquapin mountain (~4 miles) with great lookout spots.
58 habitants recommandent
Glen Falls
A beautiful spot with a short walk and area to view these falls off of 246 (also on the way to or from the Highlands). If you want, you can continue hiking down further to the pools and streams below. There is another trailhead here as well that will lead you up Chinquapin mountain (~4 miles) with great lookout spots.
Wonderful spot directly off the parkway! It's a great place to take in the scenery, have a picnic or swim/wade.
123 habitants recommandent
Skinny Dip Falls
Blue Ridge ParkwayWonderful spot directly off the parkway! It's a great place to take in the scenery, have a picnic or swim/wade.
These are perfect falls to wade in, or enjoy a picnic on the rocks below. It’s a very short walk from the parking area, which makes it a great option for those with small children. We like to stop (or stall!) here when we’re heading back to Atlanta.
64 habitants recommandent
Minnehaha Falls
These are perfect falls to wade in, or enjoy a picnic on the rocks below. It’s a very short walk from the parking area, which makes it a great option for those with small children. We like to stop (or stall!) here when we’re heading back to Atlanta.
While it's a bit of a drive at ~1.5 hours, and often a bit crowded, this is a perfect spot for 365 degree views for miles into the mountains. It's also a great option if you want to explore Cherokee or Bryson City - both are right on the way.
319 habitants recommandent
Clingmans Dome
While it's a bit of a drive at ~1.5 hours, and often a bit crowded, this is a perfect spot for 365 degree views for miles into the mountains. It's also a great option if you want to explore Cherokee or Bryson City - both are right on the way.
Hiking
Stunning views along an easy loop trail (~2 miles). Enjoy lunch or dinner in the Highlands after, it's right on the way!
139 habitants recommandent
Whiteside Mtn Trail
91-170 Deville DrStunning views along an easy loop trail (~2 miles). Enjoy lunch or dinner in the Highlands after, it's right on the way!
Beautiful trail with waterfalls and streams at the base, ultimately leading to a short, slightly challenging, walk to the summit of William's Pulpit. The view is well worth it. At around 4.5 miles total, this is a perfect morning hike, grab some lunch and a cold brew in Franklin after you finish!
28 habitants recommandent
Bartram Trail: Wallace Branch to William's Pulpit
1719 Ray Cove RdBeautiful trail with waterfalls and streams at the base, ultimately leading to a short, slightly challenging, walk to the summit of William's Pulpit. The view is well worth it. At around 4.5 miles total, this is a perfect morning hike, grab some lunch and a cold brew in Franklin after you finish!
While it’s slightly over an hour to drive here, this hike is well worth it! At 3 miles, it’s a perfect length for a short trek with both water and mountain views.
176 habitants recommandent
Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
Blue Ridge ParkwayWhile it’s slightly over an hour to drive here, this hike is well worth it! At 3 miles, it’s a perfect length for a short trek with both water and mountain views.
Enjoy a decent workout on this moderate trail with some rewarding views from the top, including a look out from the old fire tower! At about 3.5 miles and ~30 minutes from the house, this is a great day hike and option heading to or from the Highlands.
13 habitants recommandent
Rabun Bald from Beegum Gap Trailhead
Kelsey Mountain RoadEnjoy a decent workout on this moderate trail with some rewarding views from the top, including a look out from the old fire tower! At about 3.5 miles and ~30 minutes from the house, this is a great day hike and option heading to or from the Highlands.
A short drive down into GA, you'll find this amazing spot. Hike the full circle up and around the mountain, which connects through the James Edmond Trail to the stunning Lookoff mountain (~8 miles) or do a shorter, but still scenic tour of the waterfalls and creeks below.
126 habitants recommandent
Parc d'État de Black Rock Mountain
3085 Black Rock Mountain PkwyA short drive down into GA, you'll find this amazing spot. Hike the full circle up and around the mountain, which connects through the James Edmond Trail to the stunning Lookoff mountain (~8 miles) or do a shorter, but still scenic tour of the waterfalls and creeks below.
Take a short hike to Becky Branch falls (.5 miles), a longer adventure all the way up to Pinnacle Knob (~8 miles, the view is worth it, especially in the fall), or anything in between! This is a great place to enjoy, with well marked trails and beautiful scenery.
Bartram Trailhead / Warwoman Dell Picnic Area
Take a short hike to Becky Branch falls (.5 miles), a longer adventure all the way up to Pinnacle Knob (~8 miles, the view is worth it, especially in the fall), or anything in between! This is a great place to enjoy, with well marked trails and beautiful scenery.
Food scene
Classic bar with tasty, local food and beers on tap, and a huge dog friendly patio. We almost always stop here on the way in from Atlanta.
160 habitants recommandent
Universal Joint
109 N Main StClassic bar with tasty, local food and beers on tap, and a huge dog friendly patio. We almost always stop here on the way in from Atlanta.
Home of the best charcuterie board we've ever had! Four65 also has a lovely ambience and serves delicious pizzas and other Italian fare,
20 habitants recommandent
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
465 Main StHome of the best charcuterie board we've ever had! Four65 also has a lovely ambience and serves delicious pizzas and other Italian fare,
The best apple turnovers & fritters! Their hot cider is great after a fall hike on the parkway.
32 habitants recommandent
Barber Orchard Fruitstands Inc
2855 Old Balsam RdThe best apple turnovers & fritters! Their hot cider is great after a fall hike on the parkway.
The Ugly Dog is a favorite and a great ambiance and is a family friendly option (home of my stepson's "greatest of all time" chicken tenders & fries). In addition to traditional pub food, they offer fresh local dishes and beers on tap.
98 habitants recommandent
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th StThe Ugly Dog is a favorite and a great ambiance and is a family friendly option (home of my stepson's "greatest of all time" chicken tenders & fries). In addition to traditional pub food, they offer fresh local dishes and beers on tap.
Cozy up with a freshly made pastry and latte at this neat little spot! Located in an old bed & breakfast, the Bent Willow is a great stop for working, reading, or grabbing a bite before heading downtown.
13 habitants recommandent
Bent Willow Baking Co
473 E Palmer StCozy up with a freshly made pastry and latte at this neat little spot! Located in an old bed & breakfast, the Bent Willow is a great stop for working, reading, or grabbing a bite before heading downtown.
Stop by Yonder to pick up some local goodies- from honey to beer to grab and go homemade meals, you’ll always find something delicious here. The also have live music most Sundays on their lovely front lawn area.
18 habitants recommandent
Yonder
151 Hillcrest AveStop by Yonder to pick up some local goodies- from honey to beer to grab and go homemade meals, you’ll always find something delicious here. The also have live music most Sundays on their lovely front lawn area.
Craving quintessential Mexican cuisine? Franklin has several options, but this is our favorite! Typical staples including great lunch combos and margaritas are always fresh and delicious here.
11 habitants recommandent
El Charro Mexican Grill
201 Highlands RdCraving quintessential Mexican cuisine? Franklin has several options, but this is our favorite! Typical staples including great lunch combos and margaritas are always fresh and delicious here.
While they don’t offer delivery to Otto, it’s easy to swing by and pick up one of their delicious pizzas (or, my personal favorite, Cheestix!). Papa’s is a small North GA/WNC chain that serves as a much better option than typical takeout at the same price.
Papa's Pizza To Go
While they don’t offer delivery to Otto, it’s easy to swing by and pick up one of their delicious pizzas (or, my personal favorite, Cheestix!). Papa’s is a small North GA/WNC chain that serves as a much better option than typical takeout at the same price.
Delicious breakfast or lunch option! Their bagels are top notch and they also offer a wide variety of hot and iced coffees, as well as deli sandwiches and salads. Grab something to go and enjoy it in the park downtown.
Brooklyn Bagels
Delicious breakfast or lunch option! Their bagels are top notch and they also offer a wide variety of hot and iced coffees, as well as deli sandwiches and salads. Grab something to go and enjoy it in the park downtown.
A bright, lively spot for delicious and fresh breakfast or lunch! Highly recommend their burritos.
20 habitants recommandent
828 cafe
228 NE Main StA bright, lively spot for delicious and fresh breakfast or lunch! Highly recommend their burritos.
Another Clayton spot worth visiting, especially if you are heading to or from the Atlanta area. Excellent service, plus classic Italian dishes and pizza with a good vibe.
60 habitants recommandent
Mama G's Italian Restaurant
777 US-441Another Clayton spot worth visiting, especially if you are heading to or from the Atlanta area. Excellent service, plus classic Italian dishes and pizza with a good vibe.
While we always come for the food (which consists of incredible dining, always local, fresh, & seasonal) we stay for the scenery. Nestled in a beautiful valley, you can stroll around the farm, watch the animals, and enjoy a beverage from their market or bar. Their market is also top notch for unique and lovely finds!
35 habitants recommandent
Julep Kitchen
500 GA-246While we always come for the food (which consists of incredible dining, always local, fresh, & seasonal) we stay for the scenery. Nestled in a beautiful valley, you can stroll around the farm, watch the animals, and enjoy a beverage from their market or bar. Their market is also top notch for unique and lovely finds!
Cozy and romantic spot for delicious tapas in the heart of Asheville. Make it a great end to your day after exploring downtown.
201 habitants recommandent
Zambra
85 W Walnut StCozy and romantic spot for delicious tapas in the heart of Asheville. Make it a great end to your day after exploring downtown.
Old school Italian, great service, and homemade sauces and dressings!
22 habitants recommandent
Lucio's Restaurant
313 Highlands RdOld school Italian, great service, and homemade sauces and dressings!
Wine & Beer
Enjoy some local sips and views from this lovely vineyard! 12 Spies is the perfect place to spend an hour or an entire afternoon. There is live music most Saturdays as well.
70 habitants recommandent
12 Spies Vineyards
550 Black Branch RdEnjoy some local sips and views from this lovely vineyard! 12 Spies is the perfect place to spend an hour or an entire afternoon. There is live music most Saturdays as well.
Located just outside of downtown Franklin in a refurbished gas station, this is a gem! The vibe is great and the wine is delicious. Highly recommend ordering one of the "adult lunchables" as well.
9 habitants recommandent
Slanted Window Tasting Station
587 Harrison AvenueLocated just outside of downtown Franklin in a refurbished gas station, this is a gem! The vibe is great and the wine is delicious. Highly recommend ordering one of the "adult lunchables" as well.
If you're in the mood for a good beer on a nice day, this is the spot! They have a beautiful outdoor space on the river with tons of seating and a food truck. There is also live music and fun events - music bingo, trivia, etc. happening almost every evening.
66 habitants recommandent
Currahee Brewing Company
100 Lakeside DrIf you're in the mood for a good beer on a nice day, this is the spot! They have a beautiful outdoor space on the river with tons of seating and a food truck. There is also live music and fun events - music bingo, trivia, etc. happening almost every evening.
Unique and ever rotating beer selection, plus delicious food, makes this a perfect stop if you are visiting Waynesville. Their Gem Bar (located below the main taproom), hosts live music on the weekends and a fun karaoke night on Wednesdays!
203 habitants recommandent
Boojum Brewing Company Taproom
50 N Main StUnique and ever rotating beer selection, plus delicious food, makes this a perfect stop if you are visiting Waynesville. Their Gem Bar (located below the main taproom), hosts live music on the weekends and a fun karaoke night on Wednesdays!
Quaint tasting room in the country with wonderful wine and views. Enjoy a round of bocce ball or bring your own games for a nice day on the patio!
68 habitants recommandent
Stonewall Creek Vineyards
323 Standing Deer LnQuaint tasting room in the country with wonderful wine and views. Enjoy a round of bocce ball or bring your own games for a nice day on the patio!
If you only stop at one brewery in Asheville (which we don’t recommend btw!) make it Wicked Weed. Their beer has made it all over the southeast, but it’s always the best right from the tap at it’s origin here downtown. The vibe is great and they offer a huge selection of homemade brews.
478 habitants recommandent
Wicked Weed Brewing Pub
91 Biltmore AveIf you only stop at one brewery in Asheville (which we don’t recommend btw!) make it Wicked Weed. Their beer has made it all over the southeast, but it’s always the best right from the tap at it’s origin here downtown. The vibe is great and they offer a huge selection of homemade brews.
A fun stop on the way to or from Asheville, Bear Waters is a local favorite of ours. They have tasty brews, snacks, games, and a great vibe.
64 habitants recommandent
BearWaters Brewing Company
339 W Park StA fun stop on the way to or from Asheville, Bear Waters is a local favorite of ours. They have tasty brews, snacks, games, and a great vibe.
Amazing places to visit in the area!
Most of these recommendations are super kid friendly, but feel free to reach out to us if you have any specific questions.
Lake Glenville is a beautiful lake nestled about 30 minutes north of the Highlands. Boat rental is very affordable from Signal Ridge Marina- spend the day on the water and enjoy tubing, fishing, or simply floating in the mountains.
57 habitants recommandent
Lake Glenville
Lake Glenville is a beautiful lake nestled about 30 minutes north of the Highlands. Boat rental is very affordable from Signal Ridge Marina- spend the day on the water and enjoy tubing, fishing, or simply floating in the mountains.
This is a perfect spot for families year round, we've spent almost an entire day here snow tubing. When the weather warms up, their Scaly Mountain Coaster is a big hit. The restaurant on site serves up tasty BBQ (+ fast Wi-Fi for parents needing to squeeze in some work).
73 habitants recommandent
Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
7420 Dillard RdThis is a perfect spot for families year round, we've spent almost an entire day here snow tubing. When the weather warms up, their Scaly Mountain Coaster is a big hit. The restaurant on site serves up tasty BBQ (+ fast Wi-Fi for parents needing to squeeze in some work).
The Dillard House is great for southern cooking, and their farm and property is beautiful to enjoy trail riding. The have several different options in length, with very experienced guides (great for beginners or younger children).
49 habitants recommandent
Dillard House Stables
768 Franklin StThe Dillard House is great for southern cooking, and their farm and property is beautiful to enjoy trail riding. The have several different options in length, with very experienced guides (great for beginners or younger children).
While this is not the most exciting destination, sometimes even remote work is essential (my job falls into that category, despite being far away from my HQ). If the weather is bad, the internet can be slow, but this is a great solution. If you call in advance they will make sure to reserve a room for you. Plus there is a Starbucks at Ingles on the way! They have a wonderful children's area and fun things for them as well.
Macon County Library station
While this is not the most exciting destination, sometimes even remote work is essential (my job falls into that category, despite being far away from my HQ). If the weather is bad, the internet can be slow, but this is a great solution. If you call in advance they will make sure to reserve a room for you. Plus there is a Starbucks at Ingles on the way! They have a wonderful children's area and fun things for them as well.
This is a little bit of a drive from our place (~1.5 hours), but so much fun in the summer! I had many wonderful memories here as a kid and have since been able to share with my stepson. You can make a day of it with a stop in Waynesville for lunch or shopping on the the way.
384 habitants recommandent
Sliding Rock
This is a little bit of a drive from our place (~1.5 hours), but so much fun in the summer! I had many wonderful memories here as a kid and have since been able to share with my stepson. You can make a day of it with a stop in Waynesville for lunch or shopping on the the way.
For history buffs, this should be on the list (also a good option for a rainy day). The WNC area was a place many Scottish immigrants settled, and they preserve the culture still today.
24 habitants recommandent
Scottish Tartans Museum
86 E Main StFor history buffs, this should be on the list (also a good option for a rainy day). The WNC area was a place many Scottish immigrants settled, and they preserve the culture still today.
Drive along one of the most scenic roads in the USA and enjoy the beauty the mountains have to offer. There are many places to park along the way, including some with picnic areas. Head to the closest entrance (~45 minutes away in Sylva). Have an entire day to spare? Drive the long route to Asheville via the parkway and end your journey with some delicious food & local brews.
757 habitants recommandent
Blue Ridge Parkway
3884 Blue Ridge ParkwayDrive along one of the most scenic roads in the USA and enjoy the beauty the mountains have to offer. There are many places to park along the way, including some with picnic areas. Head to the closest entrance (~45 minutes away in Sylva). Have an entire day to spare? Drive the long route to Asheville via the parkway and end your journey with some delicious food & local brews.
Soak up all of the history and learn about the background of the Pisgah area at this preserve & museum. It's a great place to visit with children and has paved trails to stroll around the property.
68 habitants recommandent
Cradle of Forestry in America Heritage Site
11250 Pisgah HwySoak up all of the history and learn about the background of the Pisgah area at this preserve & museum. It's a great place to visit with children and has paved trails to stroll around the property.
The Appalachian culture is amazing (and one of the reasons we chose this area to build a home!). This museum is dedicated to preserving it. Unique in that you stroll through a trail to visit historic buildings dating back to 1820, Foxfire is a must see, especially if the weather is nice. Check their website for events and craft demonstrations too.
54 habitants recommandent
The Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center
98 Foxfire LnThe Appalachian culture is amazing (and one of the reasons we chose this area to build a home!). This museum is dedicated to preserving it. Unique in that you stroll through a trail to visit historic buildings dating back to 1820, Foxfire is a must see, especially if the weather is nice. Check their website for events and craft demonstrations too.
If your route took you on 441 North, you might have noticed this unique spot already! These cuties love people and are so much fun to stop and visit/feed. They also sell tons of goat merch, fudge, ice cream, and have a food truck most days.
85 habitants recommandent
Chèvres sur le toit
3026 US-441If your route took you on 441 North, you might have noticed this unique spot already! These cuties love people and are so much fun to stop and visit/feed. They also sell tons of goat merch, fudge, ice cream, and have a food truck most days.
Kayak or tube on the Little Tennessee river! These are the folks to visit- they offer affordable rentals that include shuttle service so your ride down the river will end directly at your vehicle. This is a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon cooling off.
7 habitants recommandent
Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp & Safaris
81 Bennett RdKayak or tube on the Little Tennessee river! These are the folks to visit- they offer affordable rentals that include shuttle service so your ride down the river will end directly at your vehicle. This is a perfect place to spend a summer afternoon cooling off.
Wonderful general store - great place to find your NC souvenirs, outdoor gear, as well as lots of locally made items!
60 habitants recommandent
Mast General Store, Waynesville NC
63 N Main StWonderful general store - great place to find your NC souvenirs, outdoor gear, as well as lots of locally made items!
A short and scenic drive towards Asheville is well worth it to visit this incredible historic home (the largest in the USA) and grounds. While it’s beautiful year round- especially their gardens in the summer- the Biltmore is also famous for wonderful Christmas decorations!
1485 habitants recommandent
Biltmore
1 Lodge StA short and scenic drive towards Asheville is well worth it to visit this incredible historic home (the largest in the USA) and grounds. While it’s beautiful year round- especially their gardens in the summer- the Biltmore is also famous for wonderful Christmas decorations!
The Grove Park Inn has been a classic Asheville favorite of ours for many years. Even if you only stop by for a cocktail at sunset, you will not be disappointed with the beautiful views and details the Grove Park offers. Feeling indulgent? Book a spa appointment or enjoy a special meal on their terrace overlooking a sweeping view of Asheville and the mountains (make reservations in advance!).
573 habitants recommandent
The Omni Grove Park Inn Spa
290 Macon AveThe Grove Park Inn has been a classic Asheville favorite of ours for many years. Even if you only stop by for a cocktail at sunset, you will not be disappointed with the beautiful views and details the Grove Park offers. Feeling indulgent? Book a spa appointment or enjoy a special meal on their terrace overlooking a sweeping view of Asheville and the mountains (make reservations in advance!).