Cashiers Note

Cashiers: Boutique Inn or Classic Resort

Hotel Cashiers
is described as “the first boutique inn in town… in the heart of Cashiers,”
blending modern and mountain design and making an ideal basecamp for exploring
both Cashiers and Highlands.

“The first boutique inn in town… located right in the heart of Cashiers, NC…
the ideal basecamp for your trip.” – Hotel Cashiers

If you want more of a resort feel,

High Hampton
offers a restored historic inn, cottages, trails, and lakeside lounging
with Blue Ridge views right on property.

Highlands: In-Town Luxury

In Highlands,

Old Edwards Inn & Spa
anchors Main Street with a Relais & Châteaux hotel, spa, and multiple
restaurants—“perched atop the southwestern plateau” with European-style charm.

“Our retreat is the perfect setting for a few days of lingering over flavorful
meals… and enjoying those unexpected moments.” – Old Edwards Inn & Spa

For a slightly more casual in-town stay, check

200 Main
Also  part of the Old Edwards family, with modern rooms and easy walking
access to everything downtown.

Morning: Arrive & Settle In

• Check in to Hotel Cashiers
  or High Hampton.
• Walk or drive into the Cashiers crossroads to orient yourself:
  village green, a few shops, coffee, and the lay of the land.
• Pick up picnic supplies at a local market or café for later on the lake.

Midday: Lake Glenville Cruise

Spend your first afternoon on Lake Glenville, the high mountain lake
just north of Cashiers. It’s been called “the highest lake east of the Rocky
Mountains,” with 26 miles of shoreline and relatively quiet, glassy water.

“Lake Glenville… the highest lake east of the Rocky Mountains… a serene mountain
lake with quiet waters and 26 miles of shoreline.” – Southern Living

• Rent a pontoon from
  
  Signal Ridge Marina
  
  or explore options in this
  
  Lake Glenville boat rental roundup
  .
• Cruise to one of the lake’s small waterfalls and coves; swim if weather allows.
• Keep the pace slow. This isn’t a race—just let everyone exhale into the weekend.

Evening: Casual Dinner in Cashiers

Back in Cashiers, aim for a relaxed, open-air dinner where kids can roam and
adults can lean back.

• 
  Whiteside Brewing Company
  is a brewpub “in a parklike setting serving house brewed beers and tasty
  food” just off the crossroads—great for post-lake hunger.
• If you’re up for something more polished, consider Canyon Kitchen at
  
  Lonesome Valley
  (advance reservations essential in season).

End the night back at your inn’s firepit or bar. This is a good time to
compare first impressions of Cashiers vs. Highlands before Day 2.

Morning: Waterfall Drive Toward Highlands

Head toward Highlands via US 64, also known as part of the
Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. Along the way, you can stop at
a series of roadside-accessible waterfalls:

• Dry Falls – a 75-foot waterfall you can walk behind.
• Bridal Veil Falls – a smaller veil of water right off the highway.
• For a deeper waterfall hit list, see this
  
  Highlands & Cashiers waterfalls guide
  .

“Many waterfalls near Highlands and Cashiers… easily seen and enjoyed along
US Highway 64.” – Romantic Asheville

Midday: Lunch & Stroll in Highlands

Arrive in Highlands by late morning. Park near Main Street and give yourself
at least an hour just to walk the core—shops, galleries, and side streets.

• For a sit-down lunch, consider:
  • Primary – “mountain modern dining” with fresh American cuisine.
  • Madison’s – farm-to-table dining at Old Edwards Inn.
  • Highlands restaurant listings
    for more options (Wild Thyme Gourmet, Lakeside, etc.).
• After lunch, stroll the side streets and pop into a gallery or two.

Afternoon: Whiteside Mountain Loop

On the way back toward Cashiers, stop for a hike up
Whiteside Mountain, a 2-mile loop with big payoff views between
the two towns.

“A rather gentle 2-mile loop… to the top of the cliffs with stunning panoramas.”
– Whiteside Mountain trail overview

• Trailhead parking sits off US 64/NC 106 (small fee; bring cash).
• The loop gains ~500 ft; most reasonably fit guests can hike it in ~1–1.5 hours.
• For maps and details, check:
  
  Asheville Trails Whiteside overview
  .

Dinner in Highlands

• Ristorante Paoletti
  – long-loved Italian spot with an extensive wine list.
• Madison’s
  – refined, farm-to-table dining in the heart of town.
• Check Old Edwards’ round-up of
  
  best things to do in Highlands
  for seasonal events or live music.

Dinner Back in Cashiers

• Return to Whiteside Brewing Co.
  for a low-key second round and a different menu pick.
• Or book one more special meal at
  
  Canyon Kitchen
  if you didn’t go on Night 1.
• Finish the night with a glass of wine back at
  
  Hotel Cashiers
  ’ wine bar or around a fire pit, if offered.

More Adventure

• Swap the Lake Glenville cruise for a longer waterfall hike (Rainbow Falls, Whitewater Falls, Panthertown). Start with
  
  this hikes near Cashiers list
  .
• Add an extra morning trail before heading home on Day 2.

More Relaxation

• Book spa time at
  
  Old Edwards Inn & Spa
  or stay onsite at
  
  High Hampton
  and enjoy their grounds and activities.
• Shorten waterfalls to one stop and linger longer over meals.

Scouting Future Home Bases

• Print or bookmark
  
  Buying on the Highlands–Cashiers Plateau
  and our
  Cashiers vs. Highlands Guide.
• As you drive and hike, notice where you can imagine “normal Tuesdays,” not
  just perfect Saturdays.