things to do in highlands nc

Highlands, North Carolina, is a charming mountain town surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here are some things to do in Highlands:

1. Explore Downtown Highlands: Stroll through the historic downtown area and discover unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
2. Whitewater Rafting: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Davidson River, which offers Class II-III rapids.
3. Highlands State Park: Visit this 1,200-acre park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a lake for fishing and boating.
4. Cedar Cliff Trail: Hike this 1.5-mile trail, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
5. Highlands Farmers Market: Visit the market on Saturdays from May to October to sample local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
6. The Highlands Center for the Arts: This center features art exhibits, concerts, and performances throughout the year.
7. Lake Glenville: Enjoy boating, fishing, or simply take in the scenic views of this picturesque lake.
8. Highlands Golf Course: Tee off at this 18-hole golf course, which offers challenging play and beautiful mountain views.
9. The Highlands Winery: Sample local wines and enjoy live music at this winery, which also offers wine tastings and tours.
10. The Biltmore Estate: While not in Highlands proper, the Biltmore Estate is just a short drive away and features stunning gardens, a winery, and a grand chateau-style mansion.
11. Highlands Scenic Railway: Take a scenic train ride through the mountains, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
12. The Highlands Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the area at this museum, which features exhibits on local art, industry, and history.
13. Horseback Riding: Explore the mountains on horseback with a guided tour or rent a horse for a self-guided ride.
14. Fishing: Highlands is renowned for its trout fishing, and you can try your luck in the Davidson River or one of the many other streams and lakes in the area.
15. Winter Sports: Highlands offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at the nearby Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.
16. The Highlands Farmers Market Christmas Market: Visit the market in December to sample local treats, browse handmade crafts, and enjoy live music.
17. The Highlands Christmas Parade: Watch the festive parade through downtown Highlands, which features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
18. The Highlands Art Walk: Explore the town’s art scene on the first Friday of each month, when galleries and studios open their doors to showcase local art.
19. The Highlands Wine and Food Festival: Savor local cuisine and wine at this annual festival, which features food, wine, and live music.
20. Stargazing: Highlands offers incredible stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Highlands, NC. The town offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm that makes it a great destination for visitors.