For some people, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year, and with many Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina, it’s never too soon to start making plans! Picking out a live Christmas tree is a classic holiday tradition. When visiting the plateau area, make sure to put at the top of your list to visit your favorite Christmas tree farm, so you can take back a very special souvenir from the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A big reason to choose a live Christmas tree is because they help the environment! According to the North Carolina Christmas Tree Association, every acre of Christmas trees planted gives off enough oxygen for 18 people. Today, there are enough Christmas trees planted to give 18 million people their supply of oxygen. Christmas trees are also a sustainable crop. When one is cut down, one or two are planted in its place. Live Christmas trees also take place of artificial trees, which are made of petroleum-based products that use up natural resources. Artificial trees are also not recyclable and will remain in landfills for centuries while live trees are 100% recyclable. And you can’t forget that it is also a great opportunity to help out local Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina.
Many people believe information about Christmas trees that actually turns out to be incorrect. One of the biggest statements is that you save a tree by using a fake tree. While a tree is being cut down, farms replace that tree with seedlings. Another belief is that live Christmas trees aggravate allergies. While in some cases this is true and people are allergic to pollen and sap, it is not as widespread as many believe. Many also believe that trees end up in landfills, but they are actually biodegradable and decompose naturally. Some even choose to use their old Christmas trees to place outside for wildlife shelter during winter months.
The Fraser Fir is a local staple for Christmas tree farms in Western North Carolina as they thrive in climates over 3,500 feet above sea level. When looking for the perfect living Christmas tree, you want to make sure it looks just right! It is recommended to step back 5 to 8 feet and look at the tree from several different angles. Trees that are densely branched are most desired, and so is having a good shape and color. You should look for a tree with a straight trunk and it should not be visible through the branches.
It is important to also check how fresh the tree is. One easy way to do that is to check the trunk! A fresh Christmas tree should have a slightly sticky trunk. You can also tell by bending the needles. Fresh fir needles should snap, while fresh pines should not break. When picking a tree that will last the longest, you should grab a branch while pulling it towards you. If it is fresh, the needles should stay on the tree. In general, fresh trees should lose a minimal number of needles when bothered. Some trees will turn a dull gray-green color if they are dried out. As a caution, it is always best to stick with a greener tree!
Once you pick out the perfect tree from the Blue Ridge Mountains it is time to take it to its new home! If this task isn’t done at the Christmas tree lot, then you need to cut about a half-inch from the bottom of the tree’s trunk. Doing this will allow the fresh cut to absorb more water. This helps for keeping needles and holding on to color longer. Try to place the tree in water as quickly as possible after cutting. You also may need to add water 2 or 3 times a day for the first few days. As tempting as it may be to place your tree next to the fireplace, heat sources work towards drying out your tree faster. Place your tree in a nice, cool and dry spot to keep it looking fresh!
Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm & Elf Village – At Tom Sawyers Christmas Tree Farm, you can choose and cut your own tree or they’ll do it for you! Their trees range from 3 to 12 feet tall and provide many helpers to assist you. They can bail and tie your tree to the car for you, and even wrap it in burlap in order to prevent wind and sun damage to your tree! Also, don’t forget to check out the wreaths while you visit, as they offer plain and decorated along with garlands as well. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has changed a lot of tradition this year, one being the Tom Sawyer Elf Village in Glenville, NC. Though his elves will not be attending, Santa will be available for socially distanced visits on the weekends. The farm will also be offering horse drawn carriage rides and tractor pull hayrides during the weekends, make sure to call ahead if weather is questionable!
Moss Tree Farm – Since 1976, The Moss Tree Farm has been producing Christmas trees for the plateau area to enjoy. They farm trees for wholesale distribution across the southeast along with choose and cut services for families to enjoy. Some of the trees at Moss Tree Farm are just now getting to the size to sell so they are not selling any five-foot trees this year, so they can keep growing for years to come! Due to Covid-19, the farm is offering online tree orders, 1 day notice for trees and 1 week notice for wreaths. Moss Tree farm also offers a variety of wreaths of different sizes and styles, and you can get them decorated. They also offer table arrangements, kissing balls, door swags, and variety of different styled bows.
Bear Valley Farm – Bear Valley Farm in Glenville, NC provides mountain grown Christmas trees. They are some of the finest Fraser Firs. Bear Valley provides old fashioned cider, coffee, and hot chocolate to enjoy by a warm fire while looking for the prefect tree. Their staff cuts, bales, and loads the tree for you so your tree can make a safe journey home. Look for the red caboose when making a visit to this Christmas tree farm in Western North Carolina.
When making those special holiday memories, whether it be visiting Christmas farms in Western North Carolina or simply spending time with the family, we at Landmark Vacation Rentals strive to make it the easiest stay possible. We always make it our goal to provide an easy stress-free stay so our visitors can make the best out of their stay here on the plateau. Interested in visiting the area for the holidays? Call Landmark Vacation Rentals!
In Cashiers, North Carolina, shopping is a great pastime! Here on the plateau, we have an abundance of nature scenery and outdoor hobbies, but like anywhere else, we sometimes have our gloomy and rainy days; especially being in a temperate rainforest environment. What better way to make use of the day than to take advantage of all the shops that the town has to offer, rain or shine!
Cashiers, NC shopping has a wide variety of options to pick from. There are many different kinds of shops to browse from such as boutiques, outdoors, antiques, and even sweets! No matter what the interest, there is something for everybody! Listed below are some of our most popular shops in the Cashiers area:
Bella Cotn – Bella Cotn has become known as an all-inclusive shop to find sleepwear and fashions made with acclaimed Prima Cotton. Diane Brady knows how important it is to feel and be comfortable and that is why she highlights the luxury of Pima Cottons. Beyond the Pima Cotton are fashionable tops and clothing from well-known brands like Johnny Was. Under the same roof are unique Bee Bags, one-of-a-kind handmade bags, made from genuine leather and high-quality fabrics. Create a whole look, all in one shop!
236 Highway 107 North, Suite C
Cashiers, NC
Victoria’s Closet – Victoria’s Closet has had the largest selection of fine consignment in the Southeast since 1991. Their ladies store consists of boutique clothing, estate jewelry, and furs! They even have everyday wear along with new overstock items with original tags! Victoria’s Closet has three stores to shop from including Victoria’s Closet, Victoria’s Shoes and Purses, and Victoria’s Closet for Men (Vics for Men).
29 Marmalade Lane
Cashiers, NC
Brookings Anglers – Brookings is an official Orvis dealer, offering a wide variety of men and women outdoor gear including clothing, boots, shoes, fishing rods, reels, flies and accessories. Brookings is also staffed with experienced fishermen and guides, who are able to help with all fishing needs!
49 Pillar Drive
Cashiers, NC
Bucks Coffee Café – Although Buck’s is a coffee shop, they offer more than just coffee. Bucks has local-made jewelry, paintings, and other unique objects for sale around the shop. It’s great to look around and browse while you’re waiting on your cup of joe.
6 Highway 107 South
The Corner Store – The corner store is open year-round and carries an array of stuff for all ages such as toys, gifts, books, cards, Cashiers, NC t-shirts, and much more!
44 Village Walk Way
Cashiers, NC
Highland Hiker – Highland Hiker family business has been catering to outdoor needs for over 25 years, offering a wide selection of clothing and shoes along with luggage, packs, and youth apparel.
47 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, NC
The Look Boutique – The Look Boutique offers a collection of fashionable apparel, jewelry, and accessories, making it easy for you to find and create your very own “look!” When visiting, look out for the white cottage with picket fencing!
137 Highway 107 North
Cashiers, NC
Rusticks – Rusticks has been serving the Cashiers area for 29 years, providing an array of “mountain chic” furniture and accessories. With an ever-changing merchandise, there is always the chance to find something!
32 Canoe Point
Cashiers, NC
Narcissus – Narcissus offers some of the most sophisticated and understated clothes from abroad. Some of the labels and makers are not easily found within the US, but are available in this tiny shop, making it a must-visit staple for Cashiers, NC shopping.
71 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, NC
Robin’s Nest – Robin’s Nest offers a unique shopping experience from apparel, jewelry, wedding/hostess gits, home décor, art, and one of a kind finds! Go to Robin’s Nest to find a gift to fit any budget!
426 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, NC
Mantiques – Mantiques is a Cashiers, NC shopping must as it isn’t just any other shop, it is a “combination of a museum, treasure chest and a scavenger hunt all rolled into a rustic clapboard sanctuary for memorabilia, antiques, furniture, and other fine collectables.” Even though the store gives off a more masculine feel, it is interesting and alluring to all who visit!
16 Marmalade Lane
Cashiers, NC
Sugar Cloud Baking Company – Since 2008, Sugar Cloud Baking Company has been producing cakes for celebratory events, making them a very popular bakery in the area. Sugar Cloud goes beyond events and even has their own retail stores where you can pick up some sweets for yourself, occasion or not.
113 US Highway 64 East
Cashiers, NC
Vivianne Metzger Antiques – Vivianne Metzger Antiques is a family-owned and operated retail shop featuring the finest 18th and 19th century English and French antiques, including furniture and accessories. Every spring, they scour the countryside of Europe bringing back over 1,000 items to fill their shop!
31 Canoe Point
Cashiers, NC
Sashay Around – Located in an 80-year-old historic roadside cottage, Sashay Around of Cashiers provides high quality, decent priced merchandise, along with a great reputation for outstanding customer service.
97 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, NC
TJ Bailey’s – TJ Bailey’s is a boutique offering many styles and great customer service since 1985. Visit this store if you strive to dress for success!
104 Highway 107 South
Cashiers, NC
S’More Kids Klothes – S’More Kids Klothes is a popular clothing store in the area, featuring top designer lines. S’More offers crib and highchair rentals for when the kids come to visit! S’More even donates a portion of their sales to Lauren’s Kids, a foundation that helps raise funds for child sexual abuse prevention.
64 Highway 64 East
Cashiers, NC
Whether you’re planning your vacation around Cashiers, NC shopping, or you’re wanting to go explore nature, there are always fun and exciting things to do on the plateau. Landmark Vacation Rentals has amazing properties to rent throughout the surrounding areas, so you can come and experience all the fantastic things we have to offer, including shopping! Stay in a lakeside cabin or single-family home and enjoy the view and our breathtaking landscapes. We look forward to seeing you!
Highlands, NC is such a beautiful and fun place to visit. Whether it’s going shopping downtown, exploring one of the many hiking trails, seeing one of the beautiful waterfalls the area has to offer, or witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat. With it being fall, the leaves are changing, animals are preparing for winter, and the weather is nice and cool; definitely things worth seeing. However, as you’re journeying through Highlands, you will need to gather groceries to continue your adventure during your stay. It is very important to make sure you are prepared for any adventure that awaits you by having plenty of snacks, meals, drinks, and other essentials you might require whether you are spending the day walking around town or hiking in one of our many wooded areas. Highlands does not have too many grocery stores to offer, but the ones that are offered are definitely worth your business.
Mountain Fresh Grocery, located on 521 East Main Street, is not just a grocery store where you purchase specialty food and wine, it is also a restaurant. This is one of the Highlands grocery stores that is a regular go to for several locals and the staff is very warm and welcoming. The owners, Steve and Jennifer Snead-Smith, are not the original owners of Mountain Fresh but have definitely made it their own. Three of their children have even joined them in running this wonderful business. Mountain Fresh for a long time has not just been a store, but a gathering place for the community, and the Snead-Smiths have helped maintain that.
Here, everyone can acquire something they want. They have wood-fired pizza, baked goods, artisan cheeses, coffee that is roasted in-house with beans from all over the world, grilled products such as burgers and sandwiches, a deli, as well as seasonal items. On Friday nights, they have a steak night that a lot of regulars come to every Friday night. While enjoying that steak, you can eat outside where they have a wood-burning fireplace that can keep you warm if it’s cold outside. At the bar, there is a great selection of beer, some are local, and a great selection of wine as well. The bar also apparently has a great mimosa as well! If you want to order to go there is an app you can download to order your food! They also have a delivery van that can bring you whatever you need from the store as well. This is definitely a treasure to the locals and all who visit Highlands and it gives everything that a person might want while they are in Highlands.
Bryson’s Food Store is one of Highlands grocery stores that has been around for a while. They first opened in 1977 by Jim Bryson, 26 years old at that time, and his brothers who started this business. Located at 103 Highlands Plaza, it is a great choice for all of your grocery needs as well as excellent customer service.
This local gem has a grocery and dairy department, fresh produce, gourmet wine and craft beer, a deli, and a meat and seafood department. The grocery and dairy department contains an ample selection of gourmet, organic and other important items. When it comes to their fresh produce, this department is filled with their fresh produce for the season with a lot of organic and local choices. As far as their gourmet wine and craft beer section, they have many options to choose from! The options include foreign and domestic beers and wines as well as customer service who can assist you with the options presented and special orders. Their deli has Boar’s Head meats and cheeses as well as a large variety of sandwiches (pre-made or made-to-order), daily breakfast specials, daily lunch specials, and pre-cooked meals. The meat and seafood department has multiple options of USDA Prime and choice meats, as well as organic choices and seafood that is fresh. This is one of Highlands grocery stores that is worth your business.
Dusty Rhode’s Superette is another one of Highland’s grocery stores that is a family run business (second generation) that is a wonderful place to get your everyday grocery needs. Located on 493 Dillard Road and open since the early 1950’s, it is nostalgic of a more uncomplicated time and was once the area’s only grocery store! It is well known for its fantastic butcher shop and crisp meats as well as deli specialty foods and bakery. If you’re looking for a place that is reasonably priced, Dusty’s should be your go to. Dusty’s is treasured by the locals and is a great grab and go for tourists.
On The Plateau, this is where the majority of the locals and visitors do the majority of their shopping. People drive from Lake Toxaway and the other side of Highlands to reach this grocery store on Highway 64 East in Cashiers. This may not be one of Highlands’ grocery stores and Highlands contains a select few wonderful local grocery stores, however Ingles seems to have endless options that will complete anyone’s grocery list. From the large area in the store where you can get a meal to go, the deli, seafood counter, large selection of grocery products, produce, dairy, wine/beer selection, home goods, HBA products, and pet care; it’s hard to compete with the variety of items at this store. Also to begin your grocery shopping, there is a Starbucks up front that serves some of the best coffee in the area. Some locals just come in on their way to work to pick up their daily coffee from there. The customer service is top notch and will assist you in whatever you need help with. You can even find the owner out stocking the shelves and helping customers! They really care about the store as well as their customers and it shows.
Whether you’re planning your vacation around going shopping, or you’re wanting to go explore nature, there are a few great places to get your grocery shopping done while you’re here visiting. Landmark Vacation Rentals has amazing properties to rent throughout the plateau, so you can come and experience our way of life and find everything you need to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Stay in a lakeside cabin or single-family home and enjoy the view and the area’s breathtaking landscape. Right now is a wonderful time to come visit the Plateau. With the leaves changing, the area take on a whole different level of beauty. People from all over the world come to visit the area just to see the leaves change and experience our wonderful fall weather. While you’re here, relax and take a break from your everyday life, roast marshmallows on an open fire, go explore our wilderness with plenty of snacks and drinks, grab a cup of coffee before shopping, enjoy a nice meal with your family outside in the fall weather, create memories that you will always cherish, breathe in that crisp fall air and most importantly have a wonderful time on the Plateau.
Cashiers, NC is known as a quaint, charming and upscale village that vacationers flock to when the southern heat becomes too hot to handle. In Cashiers, you’ll find one-of-a-kind small businesses and unique shops that truly encompass the mountain culture. You won’t be able to find them anywhere else in the country. Cashiers is truly unique in every sense and this is part of its allure.
One thing about Cashiers that can be a bit of a shock to newcomers is its lack of chain stores and restaurants. You won’t find an Applebees, CVS, or Wal-Mart. For people who are coming from bigger cities and who may not be familiar with the area, this might be a challenge. You can drive around aimlessly seeking the familiar logos of the chain stores you rely on for daily needs, like groceries. And you’ll ask yourself, ‘Where do you find groceries in Cashiers, NC?’ This is a question many first-time visitors ask themselves when looking for food to bring back to their mountain vacation rental.
We know Cashiers like the backs of our hands, and we can tell you exactly where you should stop and resupply for all of your food and drink needs.
This is one of two chain stores in all of Cashiers and one of the few Cashiers, NC grocery stores around. The other chain is a Subway restaurant. If you are from the southern part of the United States, you’ll probably recognize this grocery store’s name. It started in Asheville, NC in 1963. Ingles has remained a staple grocery store chain throughout the Southeast since its inception. Now, there are 400 Ingles stores in six states across the south, making it something you may only find here, if you are from other parts of the country.
Ingles in Cashiers will prove to be very helpful to you during your stay here. Of course you’ll find your basic groceries, but you can also find other necessities. You’ll find a selection of drug store-type items, like vitamins, make-up, and sunscreen. There is also a pharmacy for those who may need to refill their medications while they’re staying here.
If you are visiting to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or another life event, there is a fully operating bakery inside, as well as a soup and salad bar if you want to grab a quick lunch. Ingles is going to have a lot of quick-fixes for those typical vacation needs you might have.
A true local gem and favorite, this place is always bustling with activity in the warmer months. The Cashiers Farmers Market isn’t necessarily a Cashiers, NC grocery store, but you will find some solutions for your needs for fresh foods and quenched cravings. The Farmers Market is easy to spot from the Crossroads and it’s about half-a-mile up the road from Ingles.
While you’ll of course find fresh produce here, as you would expect with any farmers market, you can also expect a pleasant and surprising selection of wines, baked goods, local meats and cheeses, and fresh, seasonal seafood! Even more, if you’re craving something sweet, homemade ice cream is available here, too.
The surprises don’t stop there with the Cashiers Farmers Market. There is also a to-go barbeque restaurant located inside! On-The-Side BBQ is great for a pulled pork sandwich. We bet you won’t be able to resist trying it once you step inside and smell it cooking!
Even though those are the only Cashiers, NC grocery stores in Cashiers, other towns, like Highlands and Sapphire, are only a 10-20-minute drive away.
Located on Main Street, Mountain Fresh Grocery is easy to find and serves as a little bit more than your typical small-town grocery store. You’ll find delicious to-go dinner meals and they’re available for you to order on different nights of the week. Some options include low country lobster and shrimp boil on Monday or baby back ribs with baked apple and baked beans on Thursday. Mountain Fresh is a great grocery store to go to if you need to pick up a few things, but want to pick up a fresh take-out meal as well.
Bryson’s is definitely your more classic, hometown grocery store. You can expect a selection of fresh produce, meats and other favorite foods here. They’ll all be easy to find. Bryson’s is located in-town at Highlands Plaza, which you’ll get to by making a left soon after you turn onto Dillard Road. Bryson’s is a great place for you to stop and stock up if you are coming up that way from Georgia.
This is not quite a grocery store, but it’s important for you to know where it is. There is a Dollar General in Sapphire, NC, near our Burlingame office. If you need any quick items, including snacks, drinks, and other knick-knacks, you can always pop over to this Dollar General if you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals in Sapphire, NC.
Grocery stores can be simple to come by in many towns, but we know if you are new to visiting the area, that you may not know exactly where to go in a town full of almost exclusively local shops. That’s why we created this blog and other guides to help you find exactly what you need around Cashiers, NC, grocery stores included! If you need any help or advice on getting the most out of your mountain vacation, please reach out to us. We love helping others learn to love mountain life like we do!
If you are familiar with us, you know that Cashiers, NC has been a vacation haven in the south for many families for the past few generations. Some of the best parts about living and staying in Cashiers are the culinary delights located within the village.
In future blog posts, we’ll cover the best restaurants in neighboring towns like Highlands and Sapphire, NC, but for now, we’ll give you the run down on the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
If you are looking for a casual, fun night out, everyone who is local heads to The Ugly Dog (in either one of their locations!). We feel like we are kindred spirits with The Ugly Dog Pub. For one, our office is right next to The Ugly Dog in Cashiers and we frequent them often for lunch! We also share something else in common with their dining room. When you walk into either Ugly Dog location, you’ll notice frames upon frames of dog photos. When you walk into either our Highlands or Crossroads office, you’ll find frames of dog paintings, too. Landmark Realty Group is a dog-friendly company, so places that celebrate dogs are friends to us! Fruity cocktails and regional beers are available at either location of The Ugly Dog Pub, along with an easy, casual menu. In other words, you can watch the game, and get that juicy burger and beer you’ve been craving since you got into town! Locals will tell you this is one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC. It’s one of the best spots in Highlands, NC, too!
Open for over a decade, The Zookeeper Bistro is a restaurant in the Slab Town Plaza, in Cashiers. While The Zookeeper Bistro serves breakfast and lunch exclusively, folks love to frequent them for weekend brunch. The Zookeeper Bistro serves an array of mouthwatering breakfast and brunch dishes, like Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries, crab omelets with avocado or a vegetarian quiche with fresh fruit. If you are visiting around lunchtime, you can expect an array of fresh salads and sandwiches. There is something for everyone. For over a decade, this eatery has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
Craft beer lovers wanted! This is where you’ll want to hang out in Cashiers. Whiteside Brewing is just a stone’s throw away from the Cashiers Crossroads, and it’s very easy to find. Indoor, outdoor and patio seating where you can bring your dogs and kids to hang out make Whiteside one of the most fun weekend hangouts. Of course, what makes Whiteside stand out is their incredible selection of craft beer. And of course, you came to this blog to read about food, so don’t worry, Whiteside Brewing has a menu that consists of small plates, sandwiches and soups that you can munch on while you’re there. If you aren’t a beer lover, Whiteside is known for having great dishes regardless, so you should definitely check it out. After all, it’s one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
Randevu is another restaurant open year-round and it’s one of the few places you can get breakfast in Cashiers. Grab one of their various omelets and a coffee to start your day, or wait until lunch time and enjoy a Cranberry Chicken Salad Wrap, a Black Bean Burger Wrap or try a Curry Chicken Salad with Pineapple, if you’d like something lighter. Randevu is located just past the Cashiers Farmers Market on the left.
The Orchard has been open for 20 years, and has consistently provided excellent food for its guests ever since. The Orchard in Cashiers serves American cuisine with southern flare, so you can expect dishes like crab cakes, Carolina quail and fried green tomatoes. And those are just appetizers! Meat eaters will love the selection of beef, venison and lamb. Reservations are recommended with this restaurant so you can secure your spot for dinner. They’re open year round as well, which is great for those visiting in the off-season.
This local pizza joint doesn’t do delivery, but it’s worth making the trip to Slab Town for a pie! If you’re a picky eater, or you like to try it all, you’ll love that you can build your own pizza. Choose from several types of sauces and an array of toppings to craft your dream pizza. Slab Town Pizza prides itself on having the freshest ingredients and putting a lot of love into a unique spin on America’s favorite food. Slab Town is one of the few restaurants that remain open throughout the winter, so you can enjoy their pizza all year long, no matter when you stay.
Cornucopia is a hotspot for lunch in Cashiers, especially in the summertime, as it’s been open for decades. The dining room at Cornucopia is like dining on the front porch. The restaurant has a patio-like layout. They even call themselves “Cashiers’ favorite porch.” The menu consists of appetizers like smoked trout dip, leafy salads, bisques, sandwiches of all kinds and more of your favorite lunch foods. The rule of thumb is to get here as it opens to ensure you have little to no wait, as it fills up quickly! Those who have been living in or visiting the mountains for years will proudly dub this eatery one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
If Mexican dishes are what you are craving, Chile Loco is located in Slab Town and has a long menu of fresh, authentic Latin-centric meals. The environment is bright, vibrant and fun which makes it a great place to go in the evening for dinner or just margaritas if you’d like to grab a drink. Chile Loco prides itself on staying true to the culture of Hispanic food, so this is a great place to go if you want genuine Latin flavor and flare with your meal.
If you’re in the mood for BBQ in Cashiers, we have the perfect place for you. On-The-Side Barbecue is located within the Cashiers Farmers Market. It’s strictly takeout, but you are always welcome to sit on the benches outside or take your meal across the street to The Village Green and have a picnic. Although On-The-Side Barbecue is tucked away inside The Farmers Market, it’s no secret to residents of Cashiers. If you want some North Carolina-style barbecue, but you aren’t sure what to order, the pulled pork sandwich is a classic and you can never go wrong with it!
Aside from the gorgeous landscape and fun hikes, the unique dining experience you can have on the plateau is a major driving force behind why people continue to vacation here. We hope this list of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC helps make your vacation even more special. We advise anyone reading this list to either call ahead before you visit a restaurant for reservations, if possible. It’s also a good idea to see what their adjusted hours might be depending on the season. You’ll be surprised at just how many dining options you have during your stay. If you are a little overwhelmed at the possibilities, ask one of our team members at Landmark Vacations for their recommendations. We know the area well and can point you in the perfect direction for you.
Cashiers, NC (pronounced CASH-ERZ for those unfamiliar) is a small mountain community tucked into the western corner of the North Carolina mountains, and just a stone’s throw away from the South Carolina border.
Since Cashiers’ inception in the early-mid 1800s, the village has grown and evolved drastically. Cashiers’ transition from small mountain town to a luxury vacation destination and second home real estate market is a remarkable one. Below you’ll find an overview of the interesting history of Cashiers, North Carolina. This guide to the history of Cashiers will talk about how Cashiers, NC got its name, what Cashiers is known for, historical hot spots like the High Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn and more.
Cashiers, NC is one of the most popular vacation destinations in North Carolina. It’s in Jackson County and enjoys easy access to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll love being surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. This charming town is known for its southern hospitality, local shops and boutiques, unique restaurants and for being one of the most sought after luxury vacation destinations in the country. Cashiers is a popular place to visit during the summer and early fall because of its cool temps and abundance of nature activities and because its natural surroundings are second to none.
Some things Cashiers is known for:
This is a tricky question because different people will argue the legend behind Cashiers name! Some people say that Cashiers’ “claim to fame” was originally being a vacation spot of Civil War general, Wade Hampton and the name of the town came from General Hampton’s bull; but this has been disputed as the timeline of General Hampton’s settlement and when Cashiers was named doesn’t quite add up. Some people say it was after a donkey named Cash and his “ears” (hence Cashiers) but that seems more like a fun folktale.
According to research done by the Laurel Magazine, apparently Cashiers, NC gets its name from a boarding house/general store opened up by the Zachary family in the 1830s. The business also doubled as somewhat of a “bank” as it allowed for locals to barter, and exchange gold for cash. Early locals referred to the visit to the valley as going to the “Cashers” and eventually, the spelling evolved into the proper word Cashiers. The name has stuck ever since.
Camp Merrie-Woode was established in 1919 under the name Lake Fairfield Camp as a retreat for young girls all across the southeast to come and learn and enjoy outdoor activities and develop outdoor living skills. A few years later in 1922, Mabel Pye Day purchased the camp and re-named it Camp Merrie-Woode. Over the course of the next several decades, the camp changed ownership a few times, but the traditions and activities have stayed constant. For over 100 years, Camp Merrie-Woode has fostered summer programs that help young girls develop new skills and a sense of community while maintaining the integrity of a classic summer camp experience. For example, to this day, the camp remains an “unplugged” camp. No iPods or phones are allowed. Parents and their girls are allowed to write to one another and send packages. Camp Merrie-Woode has brought families to Cashiers, NC that may have never come here otherwise to fall in love with Cashiers Valley. For that reason, it’s made a huge impact on the history of Cashiers, NC.
Remember the Civil War General mentioned earlier, Wade Hampton? Yes, this is where him and his family come in! Originally, the Hampton family owned 450 acres in Cashiers Valley. Their home was originally called Hampton Place and as it was passed down eventually to Caroline Hampton Halsted and her husband, they dubbed the summer house “High Hampton.” During their tenure of ownership, Dr. William Halsted expanded High Hampton to 2,200 acres. After the couple passed away, with no heirs, it was put on the market and bought by the McKee family, locals to Jackson County in 1922. Under the McKee family’s ownership, many of the original buildings burned down in a fire in 1932, and what we know as the present-day High Hampton Inn was built in 1933 where it has remained a big part of the history of Cashiers, NC ever since. Over the years, a golf course among other amenities were added to make High Hampton a place for visitors to flock and beat the summer heat. Today, High Hampton is still open, but is now surrounded by a residential community of people who loved the area so much they wanted to stay!
Built in 1896, this historic inn is located in Sapphire, NC, and sits on Fairfield Lake; a neighbor to Camp Merrie-Woode! The Fairfield was able to have a front row seat to a handful of historic events. In the 1960s, in preparation for the Vietnam War, US Army Rangers actually began training in Sapphire Valley and had access to Fairfield Lake. In this special way, Fairfield Inn was home to a unique time in the history of Cashiers, NC. Fast forward to 1986; the Inn caught on fire, which revealed that it was not in as good condition as previously thought. So the original Fairfield Inn was sadly torn down and then rebuilt to it’s current glory. Today, Fairfield Inn is still up and running.
The Zachary-Tolbert House is also known as the Mordecai Zachary house. The family who built it were some of the first people to settle in Cashiers Valley. The restored pre-Civil War home was built sometime between 1950 and 1952. It’s owned by the Cashiers Historical Society and is operated as a historic museum. Attendees will love knowing that the furniture, made by Zachary, is considered the largest collection of Plain Style furniture crafted by a solo maker. When the house was finished, Zachary gave it to his wife, Elvira Keener, as a wedding gift. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the home has been a true part of the history of Cashiers, North Carolina.
Today, Cashiers, NC is home to a full-time population of approximately 150 within the “village limits.” However, thousands of people own homes or condos in the Cashiers area, and even more people than that travel from all over to visit the area, the majority of which coming from the deeper, more humid parts of the Southeast. As you enter Cashiers, you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of Highways 107 and 64, and in each direction you can find fine dining and unique shopping unlike any other place in the country. The aesthetic of Cashiers is true to its mountain heritage and there are so many things to do in Cashiers, NC. You can look around anywhere you go and take in the rustic charm. Even the Subway restaurant is required to maintain the same rustic look as the village.
What started out as a small village that economically thrived with the timber industry, evolved into a vacation destination of the highest caliber as the secret about the beauty and tranquility of the area got out.
In 2004, Landmark opened its first office in the heart of Cashiers, NC on Frank Allen Road. There are now five offices. Three of them are in Cashiers, and one of those is our Vacation Rentals office. Landmark has had the opportunity to watch Cashiers continue to grow and change over the past 16 years. We are excited that we’ve gotten the chance to grow our company to mirror the growth of Cashiers and the surrounding areas. While we are grateful to be a part of the history, we are even more excited to be a part of the future of Cashiers in a meaningful way. If you are thinking about laying down roots in Cashiers, and making it a part of your family’s story, get in touch with us today.
We offer a variety of vacation rentals in Cashiers and in the surrounding areas. Discover this charming mountain town and embrace the history. There is so much to learn and discover! If you’re up for learning even more about the area, study the history of Highlands and stop by the Cashiers Historical Society to learn more!
If you have any questions about the area, staying in Western North Carolina, or would like help finding the perfect North Carolina vacation rental, we’re happy to help. Give us a call today and see how easy it is to start planning your next mountain vacation!
