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3
FOOD AND DRINK
WITH THE KIDS
HIKES
FOOD AND DRINK
These are more adult oriented. If your children are more well behaved than mine, they can probably attend some of these. See kids section for child friendly, casual eateries.
Lively spot for dinner. Highlands can tend to have an older crowd, and the energy at this restaurant is much more upbeat than some others you'll find! The foods is super fresh and they make awesome cocktails. The dumpsters out back have big furry vis...
The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek
Breathtaking views and incredible food. This one is a bit of a drive, but SO worth it!
Canyon Kitchen
Classic Italian dinner spot. Excellent
Ristorante Paoletti
Woodfired pizza - you can't beat it! Great for carry out. Get there early, no reservations allowed!
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
Fine dining at a famous local hotel. Madison's vibes are immaculate and quintessential to Highlands. Excellent steak!
Madison's Restaurant
PLEASE sit outside and enjoy a drink and lunch at the Wine Garden. It's beautiful and right in the center of town. Perfect spot to break during shopping :)
The Wine Garden
Girls trip MUST! A lovely spot to sit with friends or other couples. Multiple fire pits outside and sometimes they bring a TV out to them too! It's a dispenser machine situation, pay for a pre-loaded card and pour your own glass using the taps inside...
Highlands Wine Shoppe
WITH THE KIDS
Order at the counter- highchairs available! Easy with kids and great food.
Highlands Burrito
Another order at the counter spot. Very casual and amazing BBQ! Outdoor deck space with a fireplace and TVs as well.
Highlands Smokehouse
Our favorite spot to take the kids! This sanctuary has a very clear walking path (much of it is board walked) through forest around a lake. My 3 year old can walk the whole thing, it's nice and flat. We usually see turtles at different points around ...
Highlands Biological Station
The nature center is a mini museum with live animals and some real stuffed ones too! There's a craft to partake in and a whole playroom that is nature inspired. We hit up the nature center on every single Highlands trip we take.
Highlands Nature Center
Perfect rainy day spot to kill an hour! Kiddos love the kids room and they do have dedicated story times as well.
Hudson Library
This is technically in Cashiers, but it's a big brewery with a huge field for kids to play in. They have delicious food, we love the pretzel bites, and great beer. Live music often!
Whiteside Brewing Company
BEST PLAYGROUND. PERIOD. This is in Cashiers too - hit it up before going to Whiteside Brewing Company.
The Village Green Playground
I've heard great things about this summer camp for girls in the area.
Camp Merrie-Woode
The Bascom is one of four kid-friendly trails on the Highlands Plateau Greenway needed to complete the stamps in the Kids Hike Highlands Passport Program. The Bascom also has plenty of youth workshops, classes and summer programs. Visit the gallery o...
The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts
HIKES
A short walk to an awesome view. This one is right outside of downtown, you could walk to it from town if you wanted to. Pack a drink and enjoy.
Sunset Rock
Quintessential hike for the area. Stunning panoramic views of the mountains. Not very difficult, but there's a little bit of uphill walking. It's a loop, so take the uphill first (go left) and get it out of the way :)
Whiteside Mountain Trail, North Carolina
Less of a hike, more of a walk with a big ole staircase. Descend the steps to a short walkway that allows you to walk behind a gigantic waterfall!
Dry Falls