The Best Small Town In The United States For A 3-Day Weekend
It probably goes without saying, but the United States is an extraordinary place. With over 19,000 incorporated villages, towns, and cities, your travel options within the country are nearly limitless. Among this tremendous variety, one town takes the cake this year as an exceptional weekend destination: Highlands, North Carolina.
This town of roughly 1,000 residents is located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest, providing beautiful opportunities for waterfall and mountain hikes. Meanwhile, a historic village, coffee shops, cheese shops, and southern-style restaurants keep things lively downtown. And the entire weekend is wonderfully rounded out by one of the local lodges or inns that capture that cozy mountain feel. So pack your weekend bag, strap on your hiking shoes, and bring your appetite, because you are about to discover everything that makes Highlands so special.
Waterfalls & Mountains
You’ll truly feel like you’re in paradise in Highlands, where waterfalls and mountain trails abound. Just an eight-minute drive northwest of town, waterfall chasers can reach Bridal Veil Falls, a waterfall with a 120-foot drop. If you visit during a cold spell in the winter, you might even see the falls turn into a frozen column of ice! Continue a few minutes farther northwest, and you’ll reach Cullasaja Falls. The drive alone is worth it, taking you through the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest. After parking, follow the short but steep trail to the overlook, where you’ll be able to spot the 250-foot cascade.
If you’re an avid hiker, you’ll appreciate the trek up Whiteside Mountain. This trail is one of the most popular in the area, featuring a 2-mile loop that meanders over the top of 750-foot-high cliffs. The views are phenomenal, looking out over the south, east, and west. You also might spot patches of wildflowers along the path, including white snakeroot, dwarf dandelion, and false Solomon's seal.
Historic Landmarks
After soaking in Highlands’ natural beauty, head over to the Highlands Historic Village for a trip back in time. This historic village is composed of several 19th- and 20th-century buildings, including The Prince House, and the Highlands Historical Museum and Archives. The Prince House dates back to 1877 and is the oldest surviving residence in town. It was later expanded in 1935 to become a commercial boarding house, today preserving much of its architectural details from that period.
Lastly, the Highlands Historic Museum is a fantastic place to learn more about the town’s history. This museum is maintained by the Highlands Historical Society and is open May through early November. New exhibits are added periodically, so there is always something fresh to see! The historic village and museum are conveniently situated on North Fourth Street, just a few blocks north of Main.
Shopping & Culinary Scene
Make sure to dedicate some time to exploring Highlands’ commercial scene, as the local businesses are well worth the visit. If you are looking to start your morning on an energetic note, grab some coffee at Calders Coffee Cafe, a local coffee shop on Main that serves espresso, loose-leaf teas, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and more. Continue the morning at some of the nearby gift shops, like Main Street Gifts, which sells everything from home decor and accessories to ornaments and holiday accents.
If you need a snack during the day, stop by One Wicker Cheese Co., a cut-to-order cheese shop that has a wide variety of artisan cheeses, meats, and pairings to sample. The Highlands Supper Club is a lovely place to conclude the evening, a cozy log cabin-style restaurant that serves classic southern comfort food. A few of the dishes on the menu are fried chicken, pork barbecue, and pecan trout.
Cozy Lodges & Inns
To wrap up your weekend in Highlands, you’ll need to find the perfect place to stay. If a more peaceful setting appeals to you, you might enjoy staying at Skyline Lodge, a renowned accommodation that sits on a mountaintop. Renovated in 2021, each room comes with complimentary coffee, heated flooring in the bathroom, an all-foam mattress, and other comfy touches to make you feel right at home. There is also an on-site steakhouse for guests craving a hearty meal!
If you prefer staying closer to town, Highlander Mountain House is a beautiful English country-style home right on Main Street. You’ll find warm and cozy communal areas throughout the hotel, featuring fireplaces, cozy seating, and curated art and literature. Each room has its own colorful and whimsical touches, so check out your options carefully!
The List Goes On
While this article covered some of the must-visit attractions in the Highlands, there is so much more to see for yourself. You’ll find numerous other waterfalls in the area, along with an extensive list of trails for hikers of all levels. Back in town, even more restaurants and hotels await, if you are looking for greater variety. You’ll likely find the toughest part of your trip to be packing up your bag at the end!
