One of the most popular pastimes of residents here on the plateau is playing tennis. As a visitor, you might wonder where can I play tennis in Highlands, NC? We have many visitors and residents on the plateau who take part in the sport of tennis; for leisure and participating on competitive teams! Although most tennis courts in the area are offered through club memberships, through certain vacation rentals, these club amenities may apply to you as well!
Tennis is considered one of the oldest sports as early forms of the game were played in Europe during the 1100s. Tennis is even mentioned in the literature of William Shakespeare as “tennis balles” in Henry V dating back to 1599. Although, of course, rules of the sport have developed and changed over time, they have been consistent since the first Wimbledon tennis tournament in 1877. With such consistency throughout the sport, it makes it rather easy to pick up the rules of the game. Today, the modern game of tennis is played by millions of people in clubs and on public courts throughout the world.
Some may wonder why tennis in Highlands, NC is so popular. There are many reasons why tennis is so popular. One main reason is that it’s a sport for all ages! Children, teens, parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents play the sport. Tennis is considered a lifetime sport due to it being low impact, while also being a non-contact sport. The sport also provides many health benefits as well, like improving endurance, muscular fitness, flexibility, and reactivity. Successful tennis players vary in all different sizes and shapes. While many tennis players are great athletes, it is not necessary to be a certain height, or weight, and you also don’t have to be the fastest or strongest.
Tennis can be played as an individual sport or as a team sport. You can always play singles or doubles. Doubles can consist of a mens or womens team, but can also be mixed, where everyone plays together! This makes tennis a social game, giving you a great opportunity to meet others with similar interests while also having fun out on the court.
Tennis only requires a few pieces of equipment, a tennis racket, tennis ball, tennis shoes, and comfortable clothing! The goal of tennis is to hit the ball back and forth across the net until a point is scored. To score a point, your opponent must miss the ball, hit it out of bounds, or hit the net. It is important to remember you are waiting for your opponent to make a mistake, so you must focus and concentrate on hitting over the net.
One of the most intimidating things to learn about the sport is the scoring system. Each point adds up to a game, and games add up to set, and winning sets lead to winning the match! Points go like this: zero: love, first point :15, second point: 30, third point: 40, fourth point: game. Additional scoring terms include: tied score, except when you have a deuce, deuce: score 40-40, ad in: server needs one more point to win, ad out: receiver needs one more point to win. In order to win a game, you must be two points up. In order to win a game, you must win at least six games and be ahead by two in order to claim a set. Once two sets have been won, then you have won the match!
There are many additional terms and skills to learn about tennis beyond the basics, and some clubs instruct tennis in Highlands, NC. They teach the way of the game, rules, and help with developing helpful skills on the court.
Mountain Laurel Tennis Cub – The Mountain Laurel Tennis Club is a private club in Highlands, NC. This facility is open year-round with 24-hour access for members. They host activities that include weekly tennis round robins, and private and group tennis lessons in Highlands, NC.
Highlands Falls Country Club – Highlands Falls has an immensely active tennis program, along with interactive programs for every level of player. Their tennis center consists of three outdoor Har-Tru courts and offers a wide variety of clinics Monday through Saturday. They host interclub activity along with ladder play, members enjoy parties held on the tennis deck throughout the season as well as fine cuisine prepared for the events.
Highlands Country Club – In 2014 Highlands Country Club completed their major renovation of their Life Enhancement Center. The LEC provides an abundance of features, one of them is their Har-Tru tennis courts!
Cullasaja Club – Cullasaja’s tennis center features four Har-Tru courts, and two popular observation decks for spectators. Matches can be arranged at any time by contacting a tennis professional. They offer private and group instructions as well as clinics that teach basic elements of the game. Cullasaja offers a full-service tennis shop within their facility with the latest gear such as rackets, balls, tennis attire, and they also provide regripping and restringing.
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club – Wildcat Cliffs members and their guests enjoy tennis on two carefully maintained clay courts. Ladies tennis is weekly on Monday and Friday, while mens tennis takes place on Tuesdays.
Town of Highlands Recreation Center – The Highlands Recreation Park offers two public tennis courts for a small fee of $2.00 an hour per player, or $60 for a season pass.
Landmark Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of rentals within the plateau area, and many give you the opportunity to play tennis in Highlands, NC. When looking for something to do within the plateau, use some free time to check out the local pastimes such as tennis! Through vacationing with some select vacation rentals, club amenities may apply to you! Check out our selection online to see which rental and its amenities stand out to 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.
Highlands, NC is known for its culinary flair. When you are visiting Highlands, there is no shortage of amazing places to eat for every meal and dessert afterwards. Here is our list of the top Highlands, NC restaurants.
Blue Bike Cafe – A very casual cafe on North Fourth Street, you can stop by for breakfast or lunch, but breakfast here is pretty special, and keeps visitors coming back for more. While sipping coffee from their quirky mugs, you’ll love The Blue Bike’s creamy grits, thick and tasty gravy, and we can’t forget the banana bread French toast.
Calder’s Coffee – Calder’s Coffee is right in the heart of Highlands Main Street and fairly easy to find. Though it’s mostly coffee and lattes, Calder’s has a selection of breakfast bagels and sandwiches if you are looking for a quick pick-me-up in the morning before your day exploring Highlands. While you can definitely sit down and eat your breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee, this is more of a place for a quick breakfast rather than a full scale brunch. If that’s what you’re looking for, make sure you check this place out on Main Street.
Brunch HQ – Breakfast at Brunch HQ makes our mouth water every time! With one look at their menu, you’ll feel the same way. Try something light like the avocado toast, or start your day off with a full breakfast bowl that will give you energy for the big hike you have later. Wherever your day in Highlands is taking you, you’ll be glad you stopped by Brunch HQ.
Kelsey’s Place (In Highlands Inn) – Here is a little known fact: Kelsey’s place is located within Highlands Inn, and their breakfast is open to guests and the public. Having breakfast in this historic dining room in Highlands is a great way to get closer to the history of Highlands, NC. You’ll find classic breakfast meals that everyone in the family will enjoy and it will give you a dining experience that is the essence of Highlands.
Sweet Treats – This place is pretty easy to spot if you are in downtown Highlands. Look for the bright orange doors across the street from Old Edwards Inn, and you’ll wander into Sweet Treats. Half lunch spot, half ice cream parlor, Sweet Treats has undergone a recent renovation on the inside, but it maintains a lot of the same great food. Sweet Treats is great if you’re looking for a quick soup or sandwich for takeout.
Pizza Place of Highlands – On Highlands Main Street, you’ll pass by an old wooden screen door and if you’re in the mood for pizza, this is the place to be! Pizza Place has been around for years in Highlands, and it’s no secret why. Made fresh daily, The Pizza Place is a lunch spot that everyone can agree upon. Guests can choose from specialty pizzas like chicken and white pear or Hawaiian BBQ, or they can customize their own pizza and get exactly what they want. If someone in your party isn’t crazy about pizza, they also offer subs and salads.
The Ugly Dog – The Ugly Dog Pub is a casual American pub that has the bar food you crave, but with thoughtful tweaks to make it more unique. This restaurant has two locations and we’re referring to the one in Highlands. Both locations are awesome, but they do have separate menus, with some similar items, and some different ones. You’ll find a “Rise and Shine” Burger here, which is essentially a breakfast burger, and a guacamole burger, which is as delicious as it sounds!
Bistro on Main – One of the loveliest outdoor seating arrangements in Highlands, this is a great place to go when you want to enjoy the perfect summer weather and the view of downtown Highlands. Mandy times, you can find a live performer here too! Look for the red umbrellas outside of The Main Street Inn, and you’ll know you’ve found it. For lunch, you’ll want to check out their fried butterfly shrimp with aioli, their local mountain trout salad, or their red pepper gouda soup. There are so many delicious choices here. This restaurant is closed for the winter, but if you are visiting during the warmer months, be sure to check their hours.
Highlands Burritos – If you can imagine what a more local, down to earth Chipotle would be like, that’s a good way to imagine Highlands Burritos. This is a great place to walk in on your lunch hour to grab a yummy quesadilla. Outside of Highlands Burritos, if you turn right and look on the other side of the building, you’ll find a small dining area outside where you can bring your dog to sit with you and enjoy the weather. Highlands Burritos is a local favorite for a quick bite.
4118 Kitchen and Bar – 4118 Kitchen and Bar is going to be exactly what you want when looking for New American food. 4118 is aptly named after the towering elevation of Highlands and prides itself on a menu that revolves around seasonally available ingredients. Some of our favorite dishes when we visit are their shrimp and grits and wild mushroom ravioli with duck confit. We recommend you come hungry!
Tug’s Proper – People who have been visiting Highlands for a while will remember Sports Page. Where Sports Page used to be, you’ll find an expanded restaurant called Tug’s Proper. You’ll love the décor right and the blue velvet booth seats with leather barstool chairs and complimentary blue walls with quirky wall décor right away. Tug’s also has some outdoor seating if you like to people watch. For lunch here, we recommend you try the ahi tuna salad or the salmon BLT.
Rosewood Market – Rosewood Market is easy to miss, and trust us, you won’t want to. Right next to Main Street Nursery, in the same location as the local Exxon gas station, you’ll find Rosewood Market. When you walk in, you’ll see a huge selection of wine and a cooler in the back a lot of fresh goodies to choose from. Seasoned green beans, pork roast, twice-baked potatoes and so much more are available for you to choose from a-la-carte, and the selection varies by the day. There is no seating inside, so this place is strictly for on-the-go folks, but it’s absolutely worth a stop!
Dinner in Highlands, NC can be best broken down by the kind of place you want to go. We’ll start with the “fine dining” locations if you’re looking for a dressier night out on the town where you can treat yourself.
Wolfgang’s – Wolfgang’s in Highlands, NC has remained a staple in the community for years. Everyone who has been in Highlands for a while knows Chef Wolfgang Green and his family, and they know how top tier their food and service is. When you first walk into Wolfgang’s, you’ll come across their wine bistro. For a more casual evening with wine and nibbles, you can stay right there! By venturing further inside the restaurant, you’ll get to experience some of the best food on the plateau. We recommend trying the apricot honey chicken or the filet mignon if you want to treat yourself.
Wild Thyme – Wild Thyme is an American/Asian fusion restaurant that has brought a unique flair to the fine dining scene in Highlands for years. Easy to find on Highlands Main Street, you’ll fist spot the cozy outdoor patio with the red umbrellas, but inside you’ll find a beautiful, classic fine dining room equipped with a full bar. Dinner entrees that you’ll love at Wild Thyme include either the bacon wrapped quail or shrimp and tasso linguine.
Meritage Bistro – Meritage has prided itself on bringing Euro-Mediterranean cuisine to the tiny town of Highlands for the past few decades. While you would expect a Euro-Mediterranean atmosphere as well, the interior of Meritage resembles a luxury mountain cabin, bringing both worlds together beautifully. If Meritage is where you choose to dine, we recommend the crispy peekytoe crab cake or even the woodland mushroom risotto.
On the Verandah – On the Verandah is a seasonal restaurant that you’ll see as you enter Highlands from Franklin Road. This fine dining restaurant overlooks beautiful Lake Sequoyah and has unbeatable views. If you don’t feel like sitting outside on the lake, you can always choose to sit in the beautiful dining room and enjoy the views out the windows. If you want to eat here, two great choices for entrees include the Maine lobster piccata with fried capers and lemon-thyme beurre blanc, or if you want more of a “small plate,” you can try Heritage Farms pork belly confit with blueberry chipotle drizzle.
Lakeside – Overlooking Harris Lake in Highlands, NC, Lakeside Restaurant is true to its name. Pulling up to Lakeside, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve come home to your lakefront cottage, but inside, a fine dining experience awaits you. You can sit in the comfort of the dining room or soak in the lake views and dine outside. If you want to dine here on Harris Lake, you could have pecan crusted baked brie as an appetizer and then end the meal with grilled Colorado lamb chops.
Ristorante Paoletti’s – Cozy. Classic. Italian. Those are the main things you should know when considering dining at Ristorante Paoletti’s. This restaurant has been a staple in Highlands for over 35 years, and the quality of the dining experience is why it’s still around. The menus evolve at Ristorante Paoletti’s to make sure guests have the freshest ingredients possible. Reservations here at least 30 days before dining are recommended, but they do accept walk-ins if there is room.
Midpoint – Highlands’ first rooftop restaurant and bar does not disappoint. Newer to the Highlands dining scene, Midpoint has proven itself to have high culinary standards. Head up the iron staircase to find an inside dining room that opens up to the rooftop where you can dine, drink and enjoy a unique view of Highlands Main Street. With an American and Asian inspiration behind dishes, you’ll find some really interesting entrees at Midpoint. Vegetable mei fun stir fry trio tacos, and lemon crisp calamari with saffron aioli are just some of the tasty options for dinner. And don’t even get us started on their unrivaled desserts!
Madison’s – Madison’s Restaurant is a fine dining establishment connected to Old Edwards Inn. Locally sourced ingredients from greenhouses and nearby farms ensure that what you are eating at Madison’s is fresh and of the highest quality. Overlooking the Wine Garden and waterfall, you’ll love the cozy ambiance of Madison’s. Crispy leg of duck confit and the pork saltimbocca are wonderful choices if you dine at Madison’s.
The next restaurants on our list are places where you can dress up if you’d like, but if you come in your casual wear, that’s fine, too!
Bridge at Mill Creek – The Bridge at Mill Creek is one of the newest restaurants in Highlands. Locals watched as extensive renovations were made to create a beautiful restaurant (and of course, a new bridge) overlooking the creek running through Highlands. Though it’s a newer restaurant, it’s taken off in popularity, so you should consider making a reservation. On the menu here, you’ll find familiar entrees like fish and chips. You’ll also find some entrees you may not be so familiar with, like cauliflower couscous.
Fou65 – This is called a woodfire bistro for a reason! The brick ovens set this restaurant a part. As you may have guessed, Four65 has a lot of yummy gourmet pizza dishes that are amazing, including a meatball and ricotta pizza. However, it’s not all pizzas. At Four65 you can choose from a selection of soups, sandwiches, or even a charcuterie board to share with friends. Four65 is located near Old Edwards Inn, which makes it a great stop if you are near this side of town.
Asia House – Asia House is going to be your go-to place in Highlands, NC if you are craving classic Asian dishes. Fusing Chinese, Japanese and Thai foods, you’ll find a delightful range of Asian dishes that everyone in your family will love. And if you’re a sushi lover, they’ve got you covered there, too. Fresh fish are brought in weekly to ensure the sushi is of the freshest quality. For an entree with a kick to it, we recommend their Thai red curry chicken.
El Azteca Rainforest Bar & Grill – Located in Highlands Plaza, El Azteca is Highlands’ premier restaurant for authentic Mexican cuisine pulled from the hear of Mexico City. This family-owned and operated restaurant has based its brand off of blending the culture of their food with supporting the culture of Highlands; creating a unique spin on many Mexican restaurants you may be familiar with. And of course, they make a killer margarita. We personally love the carne asada when we visit El Azteca.
Highlands Smokehouse – Though it’s switched ownership a few times and undergone some renovations, Highlands Smokehouse has prevailed over many changes over the past several years. This is the only place in Highlands where you can satisfy your barbecue cravings, and lucky for you, it’s great! All of your favorite North Carolina barbecue dishes are here, from brisket, to pulled pork sandwiches. If you’re vegetarian, they didn’t forget about you. Their cilantro soft shell taco is just as yummy as their barbecue!
If there is a new and up-coming restaurant in Highlands, we are often some of the first to know, since our offices are in the middle of downtown Highlands. We can tell you exactly which restaurant will be perfect for you and your family based on what you’re craving and where you’re staying. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us for our recommendations tailored to you!
The history of Highlands, NC starts with the journey of Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson. The two Kansas developers chose Highlands because of its prime location between large cities from New York to New Orleans, and from Chicago to Savannah.
In 1844, Captain Joseph W. Dobson owned parcels of land in the area, where he kept his livestock. It’s known today as downtown Highlands. His family and the caretakers of his livestock, Hugh and Mary Ann Gibson, were the first people to settle in what is known as modern-day Highlands.
Fast forward approximately 30 years later to the arrival of Kelsey and Hutchinson, and they saw Highlands as being more than a trading town. They recognized that the cooler temperatures, thanks to the elevation of more than 4,000 feet, and the unique flora and fauna would set Highlands apart in more ways than one. It was a fascinating place for biologists to come and study, and it was a perfect place to vacation to and escape the brutal summer heat of the Deep South. Kelsey and Hutchinson were smart men who knew Highlands was destined to grow into something bigger than they imagined.
The Moccasin War is a big part of the history of Highlands, NC. In 1885, Highlands was a “dry” town which means selling alcohol wasn’t allowed. Georgia, however, did sell alcohol. This means people from Georgia hopped across the border to sell it, since Georgia is so close to Highlands. The people of Highlands weren’t happy about this, as most people in the town were very religious and “dry.” But the people who did like alcohol were upset that they had to compete with smaller, local underground stills.
The conflict began when two Georgia boys were arrested and jailed in Highlands. Fighting immediately broke out when a small militia of Georgia men came to Highlands. For three days, each side shot at each other from opposite sides of the street. Eventually, when one of the Georgia boys was killed, they retreated back to Georgia. They swore to come back to fight, but they never did. Instead, a blockade rose up from the Georgia side and they wouldn’t let anyone from North Carolina pass through into Georgia. But eventually, and thankfully, it fizzled out without any more casualties.
This war magnifies a lot of what early Highlands was about. It was a simple, small town settled mostly by New England Christians. At this point in time, Highlands wasn’t quite the resort town it is today. It still resembled many similar, surrounding small mountain towns.
In the 1900s, tuberculosis was sweeping the United States. Mary Lapham, a pioneer in tuberculosis treatment, used Highlands as the testing ground for her revolutionary method of treatment. Patients came from all over to be treated on what was called “Bug Hill.” Lapham put patients in tents so they could breathe in the fresh, cool mountain air at night. This would collapse their infected lung, allowing them to rest and recover. Unfortunately, the sanatorium burned down in February 1918 from an accidental fire, but the legacy of Mary Lapham and her contribution to the tuberculosis epidemic lives on.
Highlands remained a quaint town, and it was only really known for Lapham’s treatments, until approximately the 1920s when the Cullasaja River was dammed. This helped form Lake Sequoyah, the beautiful lake you see as you drive into Highlands. At this time, the Franklin Road was constructed, and it became a beautiful, scenic attraction. When the road was built, it was designed so that drivers could drive behind Bridal Veil Falls. To this day, it technically makes Bridal Veil Falls the only waterfall in the state that a vehicle can drive behind. Unfortunately, the road behind Bridal Veil is blocked off now, due to how badly it ices over in the harsh winters. Nonetheless, it’s still a really neat piece of Highlands’ history.
Golf was a huge driving force in the history of Highlands, NC. In 1928, Highlands Country Club opened its doors. Donald Ross designed and built a golf course that set the town of Highlands up to be a golfing destination. Famous golfer, Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones, was the first person to strike a golf ball on the course. In 1930, he went on to win the Grand Slam. This event set a precedent for Highlands, NC to be known as a luxury golf town.
As the years went by, the allure of Highlands became less of a secret. More people wanted to live and stay in Highlands, but there was one problem: the steep, rocky landscape and protected Nantahala National Forest restricted Highlands from growing as quickly as it demanded. Therefore, property in Highlands became very exclusive, and prices of real estate shot up, which chiseled Highlands into the luxury resort town it is today.
The same principle applies to businesses in Highlands. In the city limits of Highlands, there are rarely any commercial real estate opportunities. Building is extremely limited. This is also what makes it so expensive to own and operate a business in Highlands.
Because of its reputation as a resort town, Highlands has attracted people from all walks of life and from all corners of the country, and the globe. For that reason, there’s really no “culture” in Highlands. High-end? Definitely. Southern charm? Mostly. Artists, retired CEOs, architects, chefs, writers and lawyers alike have all made their homes in Highlands, which makes it a very diverse, small town.
The dining and shopping you find in Highlands is not like anything you’ve ever seen. It doesn’t quite fit the business culture of the small mountain towns surrounding it, but it doesn’t fit in with big city ideals, either. Locals have dubbed Highlands’ style “mountain chic” as you still have access to city luxuries, but you have to acclimate to the small town and outdoorsy style.
The history of Highlands, NC is colorful, for sure. Settled by tradesmen, farmers and pioneers, and now inhabited by some of the wealthiest people in the country (at least seasonally, anyway), Highlands has an array of influences that make it what it is today.
Landmark Vacation Rentals is proud to have plenty of vacation rentals to choose from in Highlands, NC. We invite you to come explore and appreciate the rich history of Highlands, NC and the surrounding areas. We can point you in the right direction and help you learn more about the area.
The Bascom in Highlands, North Carolina, perfectly represents the essence of this quaint mountain town’s artistic soul. The innovative art center and gallery invites guests to explore and create art. And it’s literally located steps from downtown Highlands. The Bascom is a must see for audiences of all ages.
Highlands has always been known as an artist’s destination and sanctuary. It welcomed the newly constructed Bascom Center in 2009. But, its origins began much earlier. Originally established in 1983 as The Bascom-Louise Gallery inside the Hudson Library, the concept was to showcase a wide collection of fine art including painting, pottery, photographs and modern baskets. The intent was to bring contemporary and cosmopolitan art collections and installations to Highlands.
Henry M. Bascom moved to Highlands in 1881 after falling ill with lung disease. At that time, the small mountain town was rumored to have holistic properties due to its clean air and natural setting. It didn’t take long for Bascom to become integrated into town business happenings. In fact, he was named the town’s second mayor and served five terms in two decades. Additionally, Mr. Bascom had several business interests including a tin shop, general store, gasoline and a hotel. He was among the first police assembly and was the first public notary. His daughter, Louise Bascom Barratt, shared her father’s interest in business and acquired the hotel her father built in 1889. Louise was an accomplished writer and lived in New York for most of her life with her Broadway producer husband, Watson Barratt. Following the deaths of Henry, his daughter Louise and then later, Watson, the Bascom Estate was bequest to the Hudson Library with the intent to create an art gallery in the family’s name.
The Bascom-Louise Gallery was opened in 1983 inside the Hudson Library. For two decades, the art gallery thrived showcasing exhibits from regional artists. By the turn of the century, the gallery was ready to expand. The community of Highlands formed an official non-profit board of directors and put in place a capital campaign to create and build a new, sophisticated visual arts center. The new Bascom in Highlands opened the doors to a state-of-the-art facility in 2009.
The vision behind a new Bascom art center was progressive, accommodating and encouraging. Showcasing art exhibits would always be a focus, but leadership also sought to encourage art experiences and creation. Local Highlands, NC artists would be encouraged to partner with the new complex. Spanning six acres and utilizing several structures, including the rebuilding of a historic barn, The Bascom in Highlands now stands at over 27,500 square feet of creative space.
As you pull into the entrance of The Bascom in Highlands, you will drive through the Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge. Designated a historic landmark, this covered bridge is one of only approximately 800 such structures that are still intact. Relocated from New Hampshire and reconstructed by Arnold M. Graton Associates, a covered bridge consulting firm, the bridge dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Now considered a national treasure due to its unique craftsmanship, this restored covered bridge begins visitors’ artistic experience at The Bascom in Highlands.
The main building at The Bascom in Highlands encompasses three floors and over 27,500 square feet. Here you’ll find two levels of gallery space, multiple classrooms, The Bascom gift shop, cafe and event space. Attached on the main level is a terraced event deck overlooking a mountain vista view. Over the years, The Bascom gallery in Highlands has hosted world-renowned artist exhibits including Francisco Goya, Frank Stella, Edgar Degas, Hattie Saussy and Pablo Picasso.
Art fosters community. This is true anywhere there is a place to appreciate the arts, and especially in a small town like Highlands. The Bascom, of course, is a place where people can come to appreciate the art of others, but arguably more importantly, it’s a place where members of the community can come and improve and share their own art with like-minded people.
The Bascom prides itself on being a place that’s very open to the public and anyone who considers themselves an artist, no matter what medium they use. Because of this, The Bascom in Highlands is a meeting place for a wide variety of established clubs and classes. The clubs are as follows:
Book Club- Every 4th Thursday, May-October. If you are a bookworm, this will be your next group of best friends. They even keep a list of recommended reads for the year on their website, so if you can’t make a meeting, you can still keep up to date on what the club is doing.
Photography Club- Select Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. All skill levels of photographers are welcome and embraced here! Members of this club typically gather on a monthly basis to listen to guest speakers talk about their favorite photography tips and tricks. Call The Bascom to find out which Wednesday the next meeting will be on, as it is subject to change.
Western North Carolina Woodturners- second Saturdays of the month, March-November, 10 a.m.-noon. Craftsmen and craftswomen from all over Western North Carolina are invited to come and share their work with others who share a passion for woodworking. Members get to come and work in the woodturning studio at The Bascom. A small annual dues fee is required upon joining this club.
Writer’s Group- Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. Not all artists use paint or clay. Some use words and The Bascom recognizes that! That’s why there is a designated group just for writers of the plateau. This group can be a resource to exchange ideas and offer feedback on writing.
Ceramics Open Studio Program- Monday –Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-5 p.m. If you love ceramics, you’ll be amazed at Dave Drake’s Studio. The 2,500-square-foot studio barn has all the supplies you’ll need to make something beautiful. Anyone wishing to enroll in this program must have taken at least one cycle of the Resident Artist Series or completed two Art by Appointments before they can officially be approved for the Open Studio Program.
Community Knitters- Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon. We know what you’re thinking at this point, The Bascom really does cater to all artistic interests! And it’s true. Community Knitters is a great club for those who love needlework. Share patterns and laughs with fellow knitters as you make new friends.
Studio Alive- Select Mondays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This class is for artists who love using live models as their muse. It doesn’t cost anything to take the class, but each artist chips in for hiring the model, which is usually $5-$10 per artist.
As a whole, The Bascom beacons art, culture and creative community to Highlands and the surrounding communities. The Bascom serves as an example for why it’s important to take care of the arts and keep them alive. Without art, no matter what the medium is, a community isn’t as vibrant, and life seems a little duller. We think we can speak for everyone on the plateau when we say that we cherish The Bascom and how it brings us all together.
At Landmark Vacation Rentals, we know these local treasures by heart. We understand how each little slice of Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire Valley work together to leave a positive impact on everyone who lives and visits here. If you want to learn more about the different community events and things to do, get in touch with us today so we can help you plan a meaningful, fun trip to the mountains.
