Downtown Highlands North Carolina
A charming mountain town with upscale boutiques, fine dining, and stunning natural beauty, offering a cosmopolitan escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant leaf peeping
Downtown Highlands North Carolina
Best Time
Vibrant leaf peeping
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming mountain town with upscale boutiques, fine dining, and stunning natural beauty, offering a cosmopolitan escape.
"Beautiful shopping and dining in the charming and quaint downtown Highlands."
🛍️ Budget for Shopping
Highlands is known for its upscale boutiques. Have your checkbook ready for a delightful shopping experience!
📅 Check Off-Season Hours
Many shops and restaurants adjust hours in the off-season. Verify schedules before your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Charming Downtown Stroll
Main Street
Wander through beautifully decorated streets, discover unique boutiques, and soak in the town's cosmopolitan mountain charm.
Culinary Delights
Various Restaurants
Indulge in delicious Southern-inspired bites and fine dining experiences that cater to a well-heeled clientele.
Nearby Natural Wonders
Surrounding Areas
Explore breathtaking waterfalls and scenic hiking trails just minutes from the downtown core.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm, Pack Your Wallet
Seasonal Rhythms Matter
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛍️ Budget for Shopping
Highlands is known for its upscale boutiques. Have your checkbook ready for a delightful shopping experience!
📅 Check Off-Season Hours
Many shops and restaurants adjust hours in the off-season. Verify schedules before your visit.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
The downtown area is very walkable, perfect for exploring shops and eateries on foot.
🚗 Easy Access to Nature
Waterfalls and hiking trails are just a short drive away, offering a perfect nature escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛍️ Budget for Shopping
Highlands is known for its upscale boutiques. Have your checkbook ready for a delightful shopping experience!
📅 Check Off-Season Hours
Many shops and restaurants adjust hours in the off-season. Verify schedules before your visit.
🚶♀️ Walkable Downtown
The downtown area is very walkable, perfect for exploring shops and eateries on foot.
🚗 Easy Access to Nature
Waterfalls and hiking trails are just a short drive away, offering a perfect nature escape.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Stays
Look for pet-friendly accommodations if you plan to bring your furry friends along.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Downtown Highlands, NC, is celebrated for its charming, walkable streets filled with upscale boutiques and excellent dining options, offering a cosmopolitan mountain experience. Visitors appreciate the town's beauty, especially during the holidays, and its proximity to stunning natural attractions like waterfalls. However, some note that the town caters to a well-heeled crowd, with higher price points, and that off-season hours can vary.
"Beautiful shopping 🛍️and dining 🍝in the charming and quaint downtown Highlands. Pleasant and well-heeled seasonal residents and visitors 🧳that the downtown caters and serves.
Reminds me of Aspen ⛷️only bigger and opposite seasons of residents. Like many seasonal towns, Highlands NC operates a different ⏰schedule in the off season 🍂.
A beautiful place to stroll, eat, shop and vacation."
Tim Russell
"Very enjoyable downtown area to visit. Very nice shops, just have your checkbook ready!"
Mike Huggins
"Loved the Christmas lights they have up! And the ice skating ring!"
Chandler Moss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Highlands, NC, is best accessed by car. It's located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with major airports like Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) being the closest, about a 1.5-hour drive away. 
Public transportation is limited in Highlands. Most visitors rely on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services to get around and explore the surrounding areas.
Downtown Highlands is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and restaurants on foot.
Street parking is available in downtown Highlands, but it can be competitive, especially during peak seasons. Some businesses may also offer dedicated parking.
Yes, Highlands is a popular destination for day trips, especially from nearby cities like Asheville or Atlanta. However, to fully enjoy its charm and surrounding nature, an overnight stay is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit and stroll through Downtown Highlands. Entry to the town and its main street is free.
Shops and restaurants in Downtown Highlands operate independently, and while browsing is free, purchases and dining will incur costs.
Highlands often hosts seasonal events, including holiday decorations and ice skating during winter. It's best to check local event calendars for specific dates.
During peak seasons (summer and fall), most businesses are open daily. However, hours can vary significantly in the off-season, so it's advisable to check individual business websites or call ahead.
While downtown is free, some nearby natural attractions, like certain state parks or private nature preserves, may have small entrance or parking fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of upscale boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and specialty stores offering clothing, home decor, and unique gifts.
Highlands offers a range of dining, from casual Southern BBQ to fine dining establishments, often with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Yes, numerous hiking trails and waterfalls are just a short drive from downtown, offering beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
Highlands is family-friendly, with activities like exploring downtown, visiting nearby waterfalls, and enjoying the mountain air. Some accommodations are also pet and kid-friendly.
Highlands shares a similar vibe with Aspen due to its upscale atmosphere, high-end shopping, fine dining, and stunning mountain setting, though with opposite peak seasons for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The charming brick sidewalks, unique storefronts, and seasonal decorations (like Christmas lights) offer many picturesque opportunities.
Nearby waterfalls like Whitewater Falls and scenic overlooks in the Blue Ridge Mountains provide stunning natural backdrops for photography.
While not directly in downtown, there are places in the broader region that offer opportunities to see and photograph Highland cows, sometimes through animal experiences. +2
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for photographing both the town and the surrounding natural landscapes.
While not explicitly advertised for downtown, local guides or tour operators might offer photography-focused excursions into the surrounding natural areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, numerous waterfalls and easy hiking trails provide exciting outdoor adventures that are perfect for younger explorers. Look for pet-friendly accommodations if you're traveling with family pets, as some options are available. While the town is known for its upscale nature, there are dining options that can cater to family palates, and the overall ambiance is welcoming. The seasonal decorations, especially during the holidays, can add an extra layer of magic for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
and exploring the numerous free-to-access natural attractions like waterfalls and hiking trails. Pack picnics to enjoy amidst the scenic beauty instead of dining out for every meal. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or late fall) when accommodation prices might be lower and crowds thinner.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Beyond the town, couples can explore the breathtaking natural beauty together, from scenic hikes to the majestic waterfalls.
Enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains or a candlelit dinner creates lasting memories. Consider visiting during the fall for stunning foliage or during the holidays for a truly magical atmosphere. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Downtown Highlands
+2During the holiday season, the downtown area transforms with festive Christmas lights and even an ice-skating rink, creating a magical atmosphere.
It's important to note that Highlands has distinct seasonal rhythms. While vibrant in the summer and fall, many businesses adjust their hours or close during the off-season. Checking operating schedules in advance is recommended, especially if you plan a visit outside of the peak tourist months.
Nature's Embrace: Waterfalls and Hikes
+1 These natural wonders provide breathtaking scenery and fantastic opportunities for photography and outdoor recreation. The region is a hiker's paradise, with numerous trails catering to various skill levels. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk to a scenic overlook or a more challenging trek, you'll find options that immerse you in the lush mountain environment.
Many accommodations, including some Airbnbs, are located conveniently close to these natural attractions, making it easy to combine a town visit with outdoor adventures. +1Remember to wear appropriate footwear for hiking and be mindful of trail conditions, especially after rain. The proximity of these natural escapes to the charming town center makes Highlands a perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Highlands' Seasonal Charm
Summer brings a lively atmosphere to Highlands, drawing visitors who enjoy the cooler mountain temperatures compared to the surrounding lowlands. This is a peak time for exploring the downtown shops and enjoying outdoor activities.
The holiday season, especially winter, transforms the town into a festive wonderland with elaborate Christmas lights, creating a cozy and magical ambiance that draws many visitors. It's crucial to understand that Highlands operates on a different schedule during the off-season. While the natural beauty remains, some shops and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed. Planning your visit with this seasonality in mind will help ensure you can fully experience what Highlands has to offer, whether you're seeking autumnal splendor, summer vibrancy, or holiday cheer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit