Cashiers, NC is known as a quaint, charming and upscale village that vacationers flock to when the southern heat becomes too hot to handle. In Cashiers, you’ll find one-of-a-kind small businesses and unique shops that truly encompass the mountain culture. You won’t be able to find them anywhere else in the country. Cashiers is truly unique in every sense and this is part of its allure.
One thing about Cashiers that can be a bit of a shock to newcomers is its lack of chain stores and restaurants. You won’t find an Applebees, CVS, or Wal-Mart. For people who are coming from bigger cities and who may not be familiar with the area, this might be a challenge. You can drive around aimlessly seeking the familiar logos of the chain stores you rely on for daily needs, like groceries. And you’ll ask yourself, ‘Where do you find groceries in Cashiers, NC?’ This is a question many first-time visitors ask themselves when looking for food to bring back to their mountain vacation rental.
We know Cashiers like the backs of our hands, and we can tell you exactly where you should stop and resupply for all of your food and drink needs.
This is one of two chain stores in all of Cashiers and one of the few Cashiers, NC grocery stores around. The other chain is a Subway restaurant. If you are from the southern part of the United States, you’ll probably recognize this grocery store’s name. It started in Asheville, NC in 1963. Ingles has remained a staple grocery store chain throughout the Southeast since its inception. Now, there are 400 Ingles stores in six states across the south, making it something you may only find here, if you are from other parts of the country.
Ingles in Cashiers will prove to be very helpful to you during your stay here. Of course you’ll find your basic groceries, but you can also find other necessities. You’ll find a selection of drug store-type items, like vitamins, make-up, and sunscreen. There is also a pharmacy for those who may need to refill their medications while they’re staying here.
If you are visiting to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or another life event, there is a fully operating bakery inside, as well as a soup and salad bar if you want to grab a quick lunch. Ingles is going to have a lot of quick-fixes for those typical vacation needs you might have.
A true local gem and favorite, this place is always bustling with activity in the warmer months. The Cashiers Farmers Market isn’t necessarily a Cashiers, NC grocery store, but you will find some solutions for your needs for fresh foods and quenched cravings. The Farmers Market is easy to spot from the Crossroads and it’s about half-a-mile up the road from Ingles.
While you’ll of course find fresh produce here, as you would expect with any farmers market, you can also expect a pleasant and surprising selection of wines, baked goods, local meats and cheeses, and fresh, seasonal seafood! Even more, if you’re craving something sweet, homemade ice cream is available here, too.
The surprises don’t stop there with the Cashiers Farmers Market. There is also a to-go barbeque restaurant located inside! On-The-Side BBQ is great for a pulled pork sandwich. We bet you won’t be able to resist trying it once you step inside and smell it cooking!
Even though those are the only Cashiers, NC grocery stores in Cashiers, other towns, like Highlands and Sapphire, are only a 10-20-minute drive away.
Located on Main Street, Mountain Fresh Grocery is easy to find and serves as a little bit more than your typical small-town grocery store. You’ll find delicious to-go dinner meals and they’re available for you to order on different nights of the week. Some options include low country lobster and shrimp boil on Monday or baby back ribs with baked apple and baked beans on Thursday. Mountain Fresh is a great grocery store to go to if you need to pick up a few things, but want to pick up a fresh take-out meal as well.
Bryson’s is definitely your more classic, hometown grocery store. You can expect a selection of fresh produce, meats and other favorite foods here. They’ll all be easy to find. Bryson’s is located in-town at Highlands Plaza, which you’ll get to by making a left soon after you turn onto Dillard Road. Bryson’s is a great place for you to stop and stock up if you are coming up that way from Georgia.
This is not quite a grocery store, but it’s important for you to know where it is. There is a Dollar General in Sapphire, NC, near our Burlingame office. If you need any quick items, including snacks, drinks, and other knick-knacks, you can always pop over to this Dollar General if you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals in Sapphire, NC.
Grocery stores can be simple to come by in many towns, but we know if you are new to visiting the area, that you may not know exactly where to go in a town full of almost exclusively local shops. That’s why we created this blog and other guides to help you find exactly what you need around Cashiers, NC, grocery stores included! If you need any help or advice on getting the most out of your mountain vacation, please reach out to us. We love helping others learn to love mountain life like we do!
North Carolina is such a diverse state and this makes it the perfect place for a family vacation. Cashiers, Highlands, Sapphire, Glenville and other cities on the plateau are some of the most kid-friendly cities in North Carolina. Thousands of people flock here throughout the year with their children to make memories that will last forever. There are so many things to do with kids in North Carolina, especially in the mountains.
Here are some kid-friendly vacation ideas in North Carolina:
There are so many places to take your kids in North Carolina. We’ll share with you all of our tips for a kid-friendly vacation so you don’t waste any time when you get here. From things to do in Cashiers to things to do near Highlands, NC, this rustic slice of Western North Carolina has got it all. Some things to see in Cashiers you don’t want to miss include the area’s array of breathtaking scenery, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and forests. If the kiddos aren’t old enough to hike the trails, they’d love the train! Whether you’re young, or just young at heart, there are lots of opportunities for family fun here.
The great thing about finding things to do in North Carolina with kids is that there are so many options, you won’t have any issues making vacation memories you’ll treasure forever. If you’re staying near Highlands and you’re wondering what to do in Highlands, you can stroll down the main street, go shopping in Highlands, eat at one of the unique restaurants (ask for a kids’ menu!), admire the views from your vacation rental, and get back to nature. If you’re staying in Cashiers, we recommended the Cashiers Farmers Market. The adults will undoubtedly find something they want, and the kids will love looking around and exploring. There are also a variety of other nearby towns to explore if you’re thinking about day trips in NC to take with families!
The mountains are a place to get back to basics and appreciate the smaller things, like renewing your appreciation for nature. There is no better way to do this than with hiking. We have so many hiking trails that lead to cascading waterfalls and overlooks with panoramic views. They’re perfect for family picnics after a long haul up the mountain.
You can find hiking trails that suit any age, from toddlers to teenagers. You can find many trails in Panthertown Valley in Cashiers, NC, or in Gorges State Park in Sapphire, NC. There are trails from .2 miles long that lead to gentle creeks, or you can backpack overnight on a longer trail, if your family wants to be more immersed in nature. The most popular time to hike is in the summer, but hiking here is one of the best things to do in North Carolina with kids in April or October, so you and the kiddos can see spring blooms and changing leaves.
If you’re looking for a day hike that leads to a gorgeous waterfall view and swimming hole, Secret Falls in Highlands, NC boasts a waterfall that looks like a tropical paradise.
If you take a 45-minute drive from our Cashiers office, you’ll find one of the train stations on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. The railroad brings people from all over for the unique and hard-to-find-experience of riding a train through the mountains. If you eat lunch at one of the Dillsboro restaurants by the train tracks, you have a good chance of seeing one of the trains come through, which can be pretty exciting for both you and the kids!
You can choose between a few different types of train rides including a steam-powered train or a diesel-powered locomotive. You can also choose to ride inside of the train for a first-class experience, or for ultimate views you can ride in the open-air gondola. Regardless of whatever train ride you choose, you’ll love the unique way you can experience the mountains with the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.
What kid doesn’t want to spend the day swinging through the trees? Regardless of age, everyone in your family can have fun at Highlands Aerial Park. This is one of the most popular things to do with kids in North Carolina in our area! If you’re an adventuring pro, you can start with their hour-long package and get right to it. Or, if you need a little convincing, you can start with a half-hour package. Either way you go, you’ll get experienced, fun and knowledgeable guides that can help you and the kids have a fun and safe time.
If you’re looking for a team building activity, you can try one of their challenge courses. Instead of ziplining, you’ll be put in a safety harness and you’ll have to navigate a ropes course and bridge system among the trees. This will keep everyone on their toes and get everyone to work together in the name of fun. Keep in mind that this isn’t something you can do if you take a winter family vacation in North Carolina, but if you’re in the mountains during the warmer months, call ahead to reserve your spot for you and the kids!
This one will always be one of our favorite things to do with kids in North Carolina because Western North Carolina is home to several lakes, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop, that are great for families. We have plenty of vacation rentals in Lake Glenville to choose from. You can rent a boat, or bring your own for a day on your new favorite mountain lake. The older kids will have so much fun tubing and making memories that will last a lifetime.
If you don’t own a boat and don’t want to rent one, you can always rent a kayak for a more relaxed lake experience. Take in the mountains as you paddle with your family across the lake. Or, if you just want to hangout and enjoy the surroundings from a far, you can pack a picnic for the family and enjoy the views from the shore. A day on the lake is one of our favorite things to do with kids in North Carolina because there are so many great ways to enjoy the beautiful setting, whether you want to relax and emerge yourself in the scenery, or get active and go boating or kayaking.
For a more private, luxurious lake experience, we also have vacation rentals in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina’s largest private lake, where only members and guests have access to use the lake.
If you’re staying in the mountains and you don’t mind taking a quick day trip, we know your kids would love to go to Dollywood! It’s a two-hour drive from Cashiers, NC, where we are located, to Pigeon Forge, the home of Dollywood. If you’ve never heard of Dollywood, it’s the Appalachian theme park created by our favorite southern heroine, Dolly Parton. Every local has likely been to Dollywood at least once. Get up early and make the gorgeous, scenic drive to this southern theme park and enjoy a number of fast-paced roller coasters, bluegrass music playing in the background, and of course, a funnel cake! If you want a slower pace, you can go to the other side of the theme park where there is a true “country fair” with a ferris wheel and carnival games. On that same side of the park, you’ll find a train and kids will love taking a train ride around the park! You’ll find that there is family fun for everyone in Dollywood. It might be your new favorite thing to do with kids in North Carolina!
You’ll love the unique southern spirit of Dollywood, and at the end of the day when you and the kids are completely worn out, you can come back to one of our quieter towns on the plateau to your secluded vacation rental, and wind down.
We are experts in helping people plan their best mountain vacation, especially if we know they’re planning a kid-friendly vacation. We can help you plan a kid-friendly experience here in Western North Carolina, and help determine which vacation rentals will best accommodate you and your children. Get in touch with us today so we can share things to do with kids in North Carolina, and why you need to experience the mountains on your next vacation!
A huge draw to Western North Carolina is the array of outdoor activities the mountains have to offer. Most people who vacation here in the North Carolina mountains spend most of their time enjoying the outdoors.
Of course, for any vacation, weather can become a road block. Many people don’t know this, but certain towns in Western North Carolina are considered a rain forest, due to the biodiversity and vast amount of rain we get each year, especially during fall and winter. This means you should be prepared for the potential for rain whenever you plan to visit.
Rain can throw a wrench into your plans. But if you know how to embrace it like a local, you’ll still have fun. Here are some fun things to do in NC on a rainy day.
If you love a good craft beer (like many of us do!), you’ve come to the right place. Western North Carolina is home to a variety of local breweries with some amazing craft beer; You’ll find many residents at one of them on any given Friday night. Satulah Mountain Brewery, Whiteside Brewing, and Sapphire Brewing Company are just a few of the breweries the plateau has to offer.
If you are a craft beer connoisseur, you would love a day trip to Asheville, which has become known as the craft beer capital of the South. As a matter of fact, the only city in the country that rivals Asheville in breweries is Portland, Oregon! There are over 25 breweries in Asheville alone, and all of them have their own unique and fun atmosphere and flavors; so there is no shortage of options to choose from.
If you aren’t a big beer person, don’t worry. There are still plenty of things to do in NC on a rainy day!
Each of our small mountain towns have their own ambiance and set of unique shops and coffee hangouts.
So what is there to do in Highlands on a rainy day? If you’re looking at visiting a coffee shop, Calder’s is a favorite spot on Main Street. You open the door to Calder’s and you feel the cozy atmosphere and smell the espresso right away. You’ll love the original hardwood floors creaking beneath your feet and if you’re lucky, you’ll score the window seats so you can watch the foot traffic (which doesn’t usually slow down in Highlands, even on a rainy day!). If you’re in the mood to shop, many of the staple shops in Highlands are a quick walk away.
Since it tends to rain a lot here, rain doesn’t usually slow down determined shoppers!
Now you might be asking, what about Cashiers? What is there to do in Cashiers on a rainy day? Buck’s Coffee is located in the heart of Cashiers Crossroads, right beside our Landmark Vacation Rentals office! We frequent Buck’s during our workdays and weekends, so we can vouch for them in saying that their coffee is wonderful. Buck’s has an adorable covered porch and plenty of seating inside so you can enjoy the sound of rain on the roof while you sip your latte. Afterwords, you can check out some of the boutiques Cashiers has to offer. This can be a great way to spend the day no matter what the weather looks like. It’s one of our favorite things to do on a rainy day in NC.
This is one of the best things to do on a rainy day in NC, especially with kids! If you want to learn a little more about the diverse rain forest you are vacationing in, this is the place to go. The Highlands Biological Station Nature Center is a resource for biological education on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Walking into the Nature Center is like walking into a mini-zoo. You’ll see a variety of animals and reptiles and you can get a glimpse of them up-close and learn more from the Nature Center’s knowledgeable staff. If the rain clears up, you can go on the nature walk outside and learn about the flora and fauna that make up the Western North Carolina mountains. If the rain is still going strong, you can still have fun inside and view some neat critters with your kids.
If a quiet, rainy day is what you seek, The Bascom is the perfect place to start. One of the things to do in NC on a rainy day is to visit The Bascom in Highlands, NC, a local art museum where creatives go to thrive and become inspired. The building itself resembles a beautifully restored barn, and is a state-of-the-art, six-acre “green” campus with a museum, gift shop, and studios.
The best way to find out what exhibits they currently have going on is to check their website of Facebook page, unless you want to be delightfully surprised and just stop in. The museum itself is free to the public, however, if you’re an artist and you’re staying for an extended period of time, you may be interested in checking out the workshops they have for adult artists at work.
These places are all the rage! If you aren’t familiar, escape rooms are where you are locked in a themed room and given clues to figure out how to escape with the help of your team. If you end up figuring out the clues, you win! If you take a drive down the road from Cashiers, NC you’ll end up in Sylva which is home to 828 Escape Room, the closest one to the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Escape rooms are a fun way to get the whole family involved in a group activity that gets everyone into the spirit of team work, and of course, keeps you dry and out of the rain. You’ll be sure to leave laughing and loving seeing how everyone handles the pressure of the game!
Embrace the rain like a true Western North Carolina local and throw on your rain jacket to go on a waterfall drive! If you go through Highlands and take the Franklin Road, you’ll pas several waterfalls, like Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls, to name a few. For most of these, you only have to walk a few steps to see them! if it’s raining hard, you can pull off to the side of the road and look at them from your car, or if the rain has eased off, you can get out and get up-close and personal. Sometimes while it’s raining is the best time to see waterfalls, as it makes the water flow more dramatically than usual, and there are fewer crowds.
At Landmark, we are pretty used to the rain and we’ve learned to embrace it! But we understand if you might be a little bummed that it’s raining while you’re on your long-awaited vacation. Don’t worry; we are used to finding way to keep busy on rainy days and we can help you decide what activities are going to suit you and your family best. But we do recommend that you bring a rain jacket and umbrella so you don’t get wet in case of a down-pour!
Get in touch with us today to plan your North Carolina mountain vacation and we’ll make sure you have fun no matter the weather!
There is a perception that it can be easier to live a healthy lifestyle in a bigger city where there are many different choices like various grocery stores and gyms, and more options on what to eat and how to exercise.
If you’ve never been to the Highlands-Cashiers plateau in Western North Carolina, there are still ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle while you’re on vacation. The plateau preserves its small town, local charm and it always has.
The small, quaint feel of towns in Western North Carolina doesn’t mean you can’t have access to everything you need to vacation how you want. Here are some tips for a healthy lifestyle in Western North Carolina.
A mecca for all things health and wellness in Cashiers, Cashiers Valley Fusion is where you want to go if you need to unwind, realign and refresh. There is a whole spectrum of classes and services to get you to where you want to be.
Yoga- No matter how experienced you are in the practice of yoga, Cashiers Valley Fusion has a class to fit your level of comfort and experience. You can take a class for beginners or one that’s a little more advanced if you practice yoga often. The best part about Cashiers Valley Fusion is you can register for a drop-in class if you won’t be in town for long, or you can register with a number of passes. That way, you can go to one class if you are just passing through town, or you can snag a pass for a week or a months’ worth of classes. They also offer private classes if you’d like more one-on-one time with an instructor who can give you more tips for a healthy lifestyle in Western North Carolina.
If you are looking for a more in-depth yoga experience, Cashiers Valley Fusion also goes on group yoga retreats to exotic places like Mexico and Panama.
Massage- Sometimes, a massage can change your physical and mental wellbeing for the rest of your week. Cashiers Valley Fusion has a massage therapist on staff and a menu of massage offerings that can help you reach your health and wellness goals and leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Whole Life Market – Highlands, NC
Whole Life Market is a huge resource on the plateau for healthy food and supplements. Located on N. 4th Street, you’ll find Whole Life Market to be a refreshing, organic store with all of your favorite supplies for living a healthy lifestyle. One really cool feature in Whole Life Market is their smoothie bar. If you’re in the mood for a quick, healthy breakfast before you explore Highlands, you can walk into Whole Life and order from an array of yummy smoothie options to help start your day. Whole Life is a huge resource for healthy eating and healthy living in Highlands.
Roomful of Nuts – Franklin, NC
If you head down Franklin Road and make the beautiful drive past Cullasaja Gorge, you’ll wind up in Franklin, NC. A Roomful of Nuts is one of Franklin’s most popular health food stores. You can find an array of locally sourced and organic food and supplements, but you can also find some unique sweet treats. Dark chocolate covered coffee beans and unique chocolate bars with bits of orange baked in are just a few of the unique, yummy food choices you can find at this store. You’ll appreciate their interesting selection and knowledgeable staff, who will have plenty of suggestions and tips for a healthy lifestyle in Western North Carolina
Arguably, the biggest draw to Western North Carolina is the undeniably gorgeous landscape and outdoor beauty. When you are surrounded by mountains, you are surrounded by countless outdoor activities at your fingertips.
Hiking- Throw on a good, supportive pair of shoes and go the distance on one of the many trails around Cashiers, Highlands, Sapphire and beyond. Gorges State Park and Panthertown Valley are two parks with many trail options for you and your family to get out and get active.
Kayaking- Our mountain lakes are beautiful, and there are many ways you can get out and enjoy them. If you’re looking for a way to exercise and still enjoy the lake setting, kayaking is the perfect way to do so while working on your upper-body strength.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding- This is another lake activity that is sure to be a winner! If you’ve never done it before, stand-up paddle boarding can be a challenging physical activity. You’ll probably fall in the lake a few times, so make sure you wear your life jacket! Once you get it down, it’s a great way to work on your core strength while having fun at the lake.
Fishing- Admittedly, this activity isn’t always necessarily charged with high impact exercise. However, if you’re looking for something just to get you out of your cabin, fishing is an awesome way to get out and enjoy your mountain vacation. Whether you are a seasoned fisherman or you’re trying it for the first time, Brookings Anglers in Cashiers, NC does guided trips to local favorite fishing holes, and they’ll also take you to the best-kept secret fishing holes. You can wade out to fish or take a boat. Brookings can discuss all of their options with you. This is a great way to get out into nature while you’re in the mountains.
One of our tips for a healthy lifestyle in Western North Carolina while you’re visiting, is to take advantage of our vacation rentals with amenity card options. This gives you access to a variety of ways to help you stay active. All of our Sapphire Valley vacation rentals come with the option to get amenity cards. For $2 per person (with a 3-day minimum), you will have access to Sapphire Valley’s amenities, which include but aren’t limited to, their exercise room, indoor heated pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, tennis courts and a track. If you have a particular exercise routine that you’d like to stick to, an amenity card will help you stay the course.
Our local restaurants have found the perfect balance of maintaining local culture and introducing unique cuisines with worldly perspectives. With various dietary restrictions out there, the experienced chefs of the plateau know that accommodations often need to be made. Many restaurants in Western North Carolina have dishes or alternate menus for those who have alternative diets, making it easier for you to enjoy your night out. All you have to do is ask!
At Landmark Vacations, we know our small mountain towns well. If you are looking for any specific activities or groceries, we can give you some places to start looking. If you are up here visiting for a day, a week, or a lifetime, we can give you some tips for a healthy lifestyle in Western North Carolina that will get you started on your journey to finding your Plateau Style.
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.
If you are familiar with us, you know that Cashiers, NC has been a vacation haven in the south for many families for the past few generations. Some of the best parts about living and staying in Cashiers are the culinary delights located within the village.
In future blog posts, we’ll cover the best restaurants in neighboring towns like Highlands and Sapphire, NC, but for now, we’ll give you the run down on the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
If you are looking for a casual, fun night out, everyone who is local heads to The Ugly Dog (in either one of their locations!). We feel like we are kindred spirits with The Ugly Dog Pub. For one, our office is right next to The Ugly Dog in Cashiers and we frequent them often for lunch! We also share something else in common with their dining room. When you walk into either Ugly Dog location, you’ll notice frames upon frames of dog photos. When you walk into either our Highlands or Crossroads office, you’ll find frames of dog paintings, too. Landmark Realty Group is a dog-friendly company, so places that celebrate dogs are friends to us! Fruity cocktails and regional beers are available at either location of The Ugly Dog Pub, along with an easy, casual menu. In other words, you can watch the game, and get that juicy burger and beer you’ve been craving since you got into town! Locals will tell you this is one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC. It’s one of the best spots in Highlands, NC, too!
Open for over a decade, The Zookeeper Bistro is a restaurant in the Slab Town Plaza, in Cashiers. While The Zookeeper Bistro serves breakfast and lunch exclusively, folks love to frequent them for weekend brunch. The Zookeeper Bistro serves an array of mouthwatering breakfast and brunch dishes, like Belgium waffles with fresh strawberries, crab omelets with avocado or a vegetarian quiche with fresh fruit. If you are visiting around lunchtime, you can expect an array of fresh salads and sandwiches. There is something for everyone. For over a decade, this eatery has consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
Craft beer lovers wanted! This is where you’ll want to hang out in Cashiers. Whiteside Brewing is just a stone’s throw away from the Cashiers Crossroads, and it’s very easy to find. Indoor, outdoor and patio seating where you can bring your dogs and kids to hang out make Whiteside one of the most fun weekend hangouts. Of course, what makes Whiteside stand out is their incredible selection of craft beer. And of course, you came to this blog to read about food, so don’t worry, Whiteside Brewing has a menu that consists of small plates, sandwiches and soups that you can munch on while you’re there. If you aren’t a beer lover, Whiteside is known for having great dishes regardless, so you should definitely check it out. After all, it’s one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
Randevu is another restaurant open year-round and it’s one of the few places you can get breakfast in Cashiers. Grab one of their various omelets and a coffee to start your day, or wait until lunch time and enjoy a Cranberry Chicken Salad Wrap, a Black Bean Burger Wrap or try a Curry Chicken Salad with Pineapple, if you’d like something lighter. Randevu is located just past the Cashiers Farmers Market on the left.
The Orchard has been open for 20 years, and has consistently provided excellent food for its guests ever since. The Orchard in Cashiers serves American cuisine with southern flare, so you can expect dishes like crab cakes, Carolina quail and fried green tomatoes. And those are just appetizers! Meat eaters will love the selection of beef, venison and lamb. Reservations are recommended with this restaurant so you can secure your spot for dinner. They’re open year round as well, which is great for those visiting in the off-season.
This local pizza joint doesn’t do delivery, but it’s worth making the trip to Slab Town for a pie! If you’re a picky eater, or you like to try it all, you’ll love that you can build your own pizza. Choose from several types of sauces and an array of toppings to craft your dream pizza. Slab Town Pizza prides itself on having the freshest ingredients and putting a lot of love into a unique spin on America’s favorite food. Slab Town is one of the few restaurants that remain open throughout the winter, so you can enjoy their pizza all year long, no matter when you stay.
Cornucopia is a hotspot for lunch in Cashiers, especially in the summertime, as it’s been open for decades. The dining room at Cornucopia is like dining on the front porch. The restaurant has a patio-like layout. They even call themselves “Cashiers’ favorite porch.” The menu consists of appetizers like smoked trout dip, leafy salads, bisques, sandwiches of all kinds and more of your favorite lunch foods. The rule of thumb is to get here as it opens to ensure you have little to no wait, as it fills up quickly! Those who have been living in or visiting the mountains for years will proudly dub this eatery one of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC.
If Mexican dishes are what you are craving, Chile Loco is located in Slab Town and has a long menu of fresh, authentic Latin-centric meals. The environment is bright, vibrant and fun which makes it a great place to go in the evening for dinner or just margaritas if you’d like to grab a drink. Chile Loco prides itself on staying true to the culture of Hispanic food, so this is a great place to go if you want genuine Latin flavor and flare with your meal.
If you’re in the mood for BBQ in Cashiers, we have the perfect place for you. On-The-Side Barbecue is located within the Cashiers Farmers Market. It’s strictly takeout, but you are always welcome to sit on the benches outside or take your meal across the street to The Village Green and have a picnic. Although On-The-Side Barbecue is tucked away inside The Farmers Market, it’s no secret to residents of Cashiers. If you want some North Carolina-style barbecue, but you aren’t sure what to order, the pulled pork sandwich is a classic and you can never go wrong with it!
Aside from the gorgeous landscape and fun hikes, the unique dining experience you can have on the plateau is a major driving force behind why people continue to vacation here. We hope this list of the best restaurants in Cashiers, NC helps make your vacation even more special. We advise anyone reading this list to either call ahead before you visit a restaurant for reservations, if possible. It’s also a good idea to see what their adjusted hours might be depending on the season. You’ll be surprised at just how many dining options you have during your stay. If you are a little overwhelmed at the possibilities, ask one of our team members at Landmark Vacations for their recommendations. We know the area well and can point you in the perfect direction for you.
Waterfalls are the most beautiful natural attraction in our little slice of North Carolina. The scenery of a waterfall is a great reward after a long trip to the mountains, or a long hike to get to your destination, and they are so worth it. Here are just a few of our favorite Western North Carolina Waterfalls.
This waterfall is one of the most popular in the state of North Carolina, and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Falls Trail is declared an “easy” 1.6 miles, but you can take a slightly more strenuous 1.4 mile trail called The Gorge trail, if you want a more challenging incline. On that harder trail, you get the payoff of five gorgeous viewpoints of the waterfall. No matter which route you choose to go, you’ll be enamored with this three-tier waterfall that plunges from a dramatic 90-foot drop. If you happen to go by this Western North Carolina waterfall in the winter, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed, there is a second parking area near the village of Linville Falls that will get you to a trailhead.
It’s called secret for a reason, but the secret is starting to get around. Equipped with a tiny parking lot and one lone post declaring “Secret Falls” this place is somewhat hard to find, but it’s worth it! The trail is .7 miles in and out, and it’s rated as moderate. At the bottom of the trail, you’ll find yourself in awe, sandwiched between two waterfalls. This is a great place to bring a picnic, and even the family dog, if they love swimming, as this waterfall destination provides an awesome swimming hole. The best part? It’s typically less crowded, even in the summer, thanks to its discreet location! Ask around Highlands, NC and locals who have discovered it will rave about how beautiful it is. If you are in this part of North Carolina, you can’t miss this one.
Nestled in Gorges State Park in Sapphire, NC, Rainbow falls is a 150–foot waterfall that sits at the end of a 1.5 mile hike that is considered moderate to strenuous. On sunny days, when the light peaks through, you might be lucky enough to see the rainbow emerge from the waterfall, that it’s so aptly named for. When the water is low, there are many rocks for seating and potential picnics for hikers, but the park warns visitors not to try and scale the rock face, and to be aware of the water levels before going on a hike. The park has other Western North Carolina waterfalls worth visiting as well, if you are an avid hiker! The park is a well-loved gem of Sapphire and the surrounding communities and can take up an entire day of your time with its various hiking and biking trails.
This narrow waterfall in Canton is a popular swimming hole in the summertime. Just an easy to moderate hike, this waterfall is accessible to the novice hiker. Located on the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, and while there is no fee to park here, the parking lot will most likely be packed on summer weekends. If you can, we recommend going to this destination on weekdays to beat the crowds. If you can manage that, you may even have the place to yourself. Despite the crowds, you’ll see why this waterfall is so popular. In the summer it’s surrounded by lush greenery and in the fall, bright orange, yellow and red leaves are at their peak.
You might drive over these falls on U.S. Highway 64 and not notice the rushing falls underneath! The best way to see these falls is to look for the stone bridge you are driving over, and then park in the closest parking area and walk to the viewing spot for Toxaway Falls. If you or anyone in the group you are traveling with might have a hard time participating in a hike, this would be a great way to see a beautiful waterfall with no extensive walking required.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is equipped with some gorgeous hikes and waterfalls, and Crabtree Falls is no exception! This waterfall is towering, and it offers a bridge below for hikers to view the falls looking up, giving it a more dramatic viewpoint. There are two routes you can go for this hike: The 3-mile trail or the 3.5-mile trail. The shorter trail has more of a moderate incline/decline, making it the better choice for less experienced hikers (however, this is still quite a trek even for those who are less experienced). The more strenuous, longer path actually takes you above the falls, bringing new meaning to the phrase “the road less traveled” as you’ll be seeing the falls from a place many don’t. If you head 3/4 of a mile south of the falls, you’ll come across a beautiful picnic area with breathtaking mountain views.
On your way up Cullasaja gorge, you’ll be subjected to gorgeous roadside views of huge waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. These waterfalls are beautiful and worth a visit, but we would be remiss if we didn’t strongly encourage you to drive a little ways up the road to Dry Falls. A Nantahala National Forest sign alerts you just before the upcoming parking lot for Dry Falls. Pay the parking fee and descend down the staircase (which can be slippery if it has recently rained) and you’ll make your way down a slight decline to Dry Falls.
You’ll love this up-close-and-personal interaction with a huge waterfall. If you go after it’s recently rained, the waterfall roars even louder. You can even safely walk under the falls, but bring a jacket, because you might get a little misty if you get that close!
While it may not be the most impressive falls in terms of height, at only 20 feet tall, you’ll love the tranquility of the pool that surrounds this waterfall. Located in Panthertown Valley, a hiking mecca in Western North Carolina, this is one of several waterfalls in the Panthertown Valley hiking trail system. If you go to visit Schoolhouse Falls, you can hike around and visit various waterfalls, rather than just one. The main route to Schoolhouse Falls is a moderate 2.5-mile hike.
Looking Glass Falls is a very well-known Western North Carolina waterfall, partly because it’s one of the few roadside waterfalls that you can drive almost right up to for viewing, and even let the kids play in! Looking Glass Falls is right off U.S. 276 and is in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest. The best part about Looking Glass Falls is how accessible it is for everyone of all capabilities. Even if you aren’t able to complete a full scale hike to view Western North Carolina waterfalls, this 60-foot tall beauty is right at your fingertips. There is no fee to park here, either, but it is a popular destination, so the best option would be to try and go during a weekday or off-season.
Yep, twin waterfalls! This is a fun day trip visit if you are chasing Western North Carolina waterfalls. The falls aren’t that high, standing at approximately 15 feet tall. But there are boulders surrounding the falls that can make for perfect makeshift picnic tables, and an old red mill sits proudly in the background, making a perfect backdrop for a date. You can actually walk about a quarter of a mile downstream and view a smaller waterfall called Cathedral Falls. Although these waterfalls are smaller than most on our list, you can see three at once, which feels like a bargain if you are waterfall hunting for the day!
If you are planning your mountain vacation, or even thinking about a future vacation to Western North Carolina, we can help you every step of the way. We live, work and play in the mountains. On the weekends, you can find most of us getting out and about to explore some of the same waterfalls listed above, and more! Let us help you plan your perfect North Carolina vacation and find the best place for you and your family to stay in while you are here.
Cashiers, NC (pronounced CASH-ERZ for those unfamiliar) is a small mountain community tucked into the western corner of the North Carolina mountains, and just a stone’s throw away from the South Carolina border.
Since Cashiers’ inception in the early-mid 1800s, the village has grown and evolved drastically. Cashiers’ transition from small mountain town to a luxury vacation destination and second home real estate market is a remarkable one. Below you’ll find an overview of the interesting history of Cashiers, North Carolina. This guide to the history of Cashiers will talk about how Cashiers, NC got its name, what Cashiers is known for, historical hot spots like the High Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn and more.
Cashiers, NC is one of the most popular vacation destinations in North Carolina. It’s in Jackson County and enjoys easy access to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. You’ll love being surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest. This charming town is known for its southern hospitality, local shops and boutiques, unique restaurants and for being one of the most sought after luxury vacation destinations in the country. Cashiers is a popular place to visit during the summer and early fall because of its cool temps and abundance of nature activities and because its natural surroundings are second to none.
Some things Cashiers is known for:
This is a tricky question because different people will argue the legend behind Cashiers name! Some people say that Cashiers’ “claim to fame” was originally being a vacation spot of Civil War general, Wade Hampton and the name of the town came from General Hampton’s bull; but this has been disputed as the timeline of General Hampton’s settlement and when Cashiers was named doesn’t quite add up. Some people say it was after a donkey named Cash and his “ears” (hence Cashiers) but that seems more like a fun folktale.
According to research done by the Laurel Magazine, apparently Cashiers, NC gets its name from a boarding house/general store opened up by the Zachary family in the 1830s. The business also doubled as somewhat of a “bank” as it allowed for locals to barter, and exchange gold for cash. Early locals referred to the visit to the valley as going to the “Cashers” and eventually, the spelling evolved into the proper word Cashiers. The name has stuck ever since.
Camp Merrie-Woode was established in 1919 under the name Lake Fairfield Camp as a retreat for young girls all across the southeast to come and learn and enjoy outdoor activities and develop outdoor living skills. A few years later in 1922, Mabel Pye Day purchased the camp and re-named it Camp Merrie-Woode. Over the course of the next several decades, the camp changed ownership a few times, but the traditions and activities have stayed constant. For over 100 years, Camp Merrie-Woode has fostered summer programs that help young girls develop new skills and a sense of community while maintaining the integrity of a classic summer camp experience. For example, to this day, the camp remains an “unplugged” camp. No iPods or phones are allowed. Parents and their girls are allowed to write to one another and send packages. Camp Merrie-Woode has brought families to Cashiers, NC that may have never come here otherwise to fall in love with Cashiers Valley. For that reason, it’s made a huge impact on the history of Cashiers, NC.
Remember the Civil War General mentioned earlier, Wade Hampton? Yes, this is where him and his family come in! Originally, the Hampton family owned 450 acres in Cashiers Valley. Their home was originally called Hampton Place and as it was passed down eventually to Caroline Hampton Halsted and her husband, they dubbed the summer house “High Hampton.” During their tenure of ownership, Dr. William Halsted expanded High Hampton to 2,200 acres. After the couple passed away, with no heirs, it was put on the market and bought by the McKee family, locals to Jackson County in 1922. Under the McKee family’s ownership, many of the original buildings burned down in a fire in 1932, and what we know as the present-day High Hampton Inn was built in 1933 where it has remained a big part of the history of Cashiers, NC ever since. Over the years, a golf course among other amenities were added to make High Hampton a place for visitors to flock and beat the summer heat. Today, High Hampton is still open, but is now surrounded by a residential community of people who loved the area so much they wanted to stay!
Built in 1896, this historic inn is located in Sapphire, NC, and sits on Fairfield Lake; a neighbor to Camp Merrie-Woode! The Fairfield was able to have a front row seat to a handful of historic events. In the 1960s, in preparation for the Vietnam War, US Army Rangers actually began training in Sapphire Valley and had access to Fairfield Lake. In this special way, Fairfield Inn was home to a unique time in the history of Cashiers, NC. Fast forward to 1986; the Inn caught on fire, which revealed that it was not in as good condition as previously thought. So the original Fairfield Inn was sadly torn down and then rebuilt to it’s current glory. Today, Fairfield Inn is still up and running.
The Zachary-Tolbert House is also known as the Mordecai Zachary house. The family who built it were some of the first people to settle in Cashiers Valley. The restored pre-Civil War home was built sometime between 1950 and 1952. It’s owned by the Cashiers Historical Society and is operated as a historic museum. Attendees will love knowing that the furniture, made by Zachary, is considered the largest collection of Plain Style furniture crafted by a solo maker. When the house was finished, Zachary gave it to his wife, Elvira Keener, as a wedding gift. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the home has been a true part of the history of Cashiers, North Carolina.
Today, Cashiers, NC is home to a full-time population of approximately 150 within the “village limits.” However, thousands of people own homes or condos in the Cashiers area, and even more people than that travel from all over to visit the area, the majority of which coming from the deeper, more humid parts of the Southeast. As you enter Cashiers, you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of Highways 107 and 64, and in each direction you can find fine dining and unique shopping unlike any other place in the country. The aesthetic of Cashiers is true to its mountain heritage and there are so many things to do in Cashiers, NC. You can look around anywhere you go and take in the rustic charm. Even the Subway restaurant is required to maintain the same rustic look as the village.
What started out as a small village that economically thrived with the timber industry, evolved into a vacation destination of the highest caliber as the secret about the beauty and tranquility of the area got out.
In 2004, Landmark opened its first office in the heart of Cashiers, NC on Frank Allen Road. There are now five offices. Three of them are in Cashiers, and one of those is our Vacation Rentals office. Landmark has had the opportunity to watch Cashiers continue to grow and change over the past 16 years. We are excited that we’ve gotten the chance to grow our company to mirror the growth of Cashiers and the surrounding areas. While we are grateful to be a part of the history, we are even more excited to be a part of the future of Cashiers in a meaningful way. If you are thinking about laying down roots in Cashiers, and making it a part of your family’s story, get in touch with us today.
We offer a variety of vacation rentals in Cashiers and in the surrounding areas. Discover this charming mountain town and embrace the history. There is so much to learn and discover! If you’re up for learning even more about the area, study the history of Highlands and stop by the Cashiers Historical Society to learn more!
If you have any questions about the area, staying in Western North Carolina, or would like help finding the perfect North Carolina vacation rental, we’re happy to help. Give us a call today and see how easy it is to start planning your next mountain vacation!
As you can imagine, people flock to vacation in the Western North Carolina mountains for the abundance of outdoor activities there are to choose from. Hiking, fishing, biking, skiing, the mountains are an outdoor lovers’ oasis. When it comes to golf, there is no exception. People love to visit golf courses in North Carolina, because you get a wide range of landscape and gorgeous views.
The Highlands-Cashiers plateau and surrounding areas are especially popular for golfing. With approximately 16 public and private golf courses, this is a golfer’s paradise.
So where can you golf on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, whether you are visiting for a brief time or planning to stay forever? Let’s dive in.
Golf clubs that are completely open to the public are not as common, but there are a couple that you can visit here in the mountains.
With so many few public courses in the area, Red Bird Golf Links is a good golf course to give you a small taste of what golf courses in North Carolina have to offer. Red Bird Golf Links is a nine-hole course designed by Reid Horne and in 2020, this course will have been open for 19 years. While it’s a smaller course, Red Bird offers a 15-tee driving range to practice. There is also a full pro shop. So if you are only in town for a day, or maybe even just a week, this would be a great course for you, especially if you have people in your group who are beginners. Red Bird is located within the Sapphire Valley community.
Everyone who lives in Sapphire Valley or has an amenity card to Sapphire Valley absolutely loves it there. Since Sapphire Valley is home to the only public golf courses in the area, you’ll get a rare opportunity to see why. Sapphire Valley boasts a 4.5 star rating from Golf Digest, and for this they give partial credit to the variety of landscape that is situated on the course. This full 18-hole course was designed by award-winning designer, Ron Garl to accommodate the natural landscape that embodies the course.
Various rates for 9/18 hole games are subject to change by year and season, but you can find rates for you, your family and your corporate family on Sapphire Valley Golf Course’s website. They offer special discounts for students and members of the military, fire department, and police force.
While open to the public, Sapphire Valley still requires that visitors, whether they are residents, amenity card holders, or guests for the day, abide by the dress code. Denim, tank-tops, and gym apparel are a few of the clothing items that are prohibited on the course. For a full description of the dress code of the Sapphire Valley National Golf Course, check out the rate page on their website.
Sky Valley Country Club is a short drive from Highlands, NC, right near the Georgia-North Carolina border. Sky Valley is the highest elevated golf course in Georgia, and lucky for you, it’s open to the public! Opened over 40 years ago, with a course renovation in 2007, Sky Valley’s golf course is now considered a championship course with approximately 6,900 square feet of yards of green to enjoy. Rates vary, and those interested in golfing at Sky Valley will need to inquire about booking a round of golf.
Here is the most important thing to take away from learning about our golf courses: Many golf courses in North Carolina are private. Each golf course and community they are located within have their own rules about membership, and they are subject to change. Some clubs change their membership rules frequently. If you are an avid golf player and a frequent visitor to the mountains, it would be worth it to look into purchasing some type of membership so you have a familiar place to come and play every time you visit the mountains.
If you are not looking to purchase real estate and you are solely looking for a golf membership, there are still plenty of options for you, though they are narrowed down. Below are just some of the communities that offer golf memberships to people who don’t own property in that given community:
You’ll find that a few communities are very exclusive. The golf club is only open to those who own homes or property in that community. If that kind of exclusivity and privacy is what you are looking for, Landmark Realty Group can help you find the perfect community for you to purchase your next home in. Some of the communities that reserve their golf courses exclusively for property owners as of February 2020 are:
To sum it up, all golf courses and country clubs have their own rules and regulations. It can be overwhelming to try and explore them all and stay current on what is required, since it can change. At Landmark, we are happy to explore these courses with you and find one that fits your lifestyle.
When you decide to rent a vacation home in Western North Carolina, you don’t make that decision lightly. You want it to be perfect for you. For some, their definition of perfect includes either staying on a golf course, or having the easiest access possible to a golf course within the community. If spending your days playing your favorite sport and then easily walking home sounds like your thing, we have homes that are perfect for you. We have a variety of rental properties to choose from that overlook golf courses or are located within golfing communities. We’d love to give you a tour of any of our private courses, and the communities they are nestled in. Get in touch with us today so we can help you find the perfect golfing community for you to stay in during your next vacation to Western North Carolina.
Wildlife is one of the many draws that bring people to the North Carolina mountains. Our state is known as bear country. We are fortunate enough to be home to black bears and thousands of visitors travel through the mountains each year in the hopes of seeing at least one. Before you visit the mountains, there are some bear safety tips you should know. We’ll also tell you how to spot a bear and how to safeguard yourself and your belongings against them.
First thing is first: You need to know what kinds of bears you’ll be dealing with in North Carolina. North Carolina is only home to black bears, one of the three types of bears found in North America. Black bears stand between 5-6 feet tall, have tall, narrow ears that stand at attention, and lack the shoulder hump that grizzlies have. One myth about black bears is that they can be identified by their black coat alone, but that’s not necessarily the case. Black bears can have brown coats, or even white patches. Some rare black bears sport a coat that’s more “blue” in color. Typically, black bears are quite a bit smaller in size than grizzlies, but again, this isn’t always the case.
Fortunately, you can be sure that the only bears you are dealing with in Western North Carolina are black bears.
The most likely place you’ll run into a bear is in the woods while hiking. Though black bear attacks are truly rare, you’ll want to start off your hike with bear safety tips in mind before you hit the trail:
The more people, the better. There is safety in numbers. A black bear will be much more likely to hear you from a distance, and change their direction to avoid you and your group.
If the thought of running into a bear makes you nervous, go ahead and spend the extra money and invest in some bear spray. Many brands can spray up to 20-30 feet, ensuring a safe distance between you and a bear. However, you should only use the bear spray if you feel the bear is getting too close and starting to act aggressively. If the bear is walking a safe distance from you, and isn’t coming in your direction, you should allow the bear to go on its way and respect its space if it isn’t interested in you.
This seems obvious to us, but we should reiterate to never approach a bear or offer it any of your food. It will only make a bear attack more likely. All bears are beautiful, amazing creatures and you are protecting both yourself and them by observing them from a distance.
This is a delicate, rare situation. Most of the time, when you see bears in the mountains, it’s from a safe distance. But let’s say you and your loved ones run into a black bear on the trail, and the bear has noticed you and isn’t running away. Fortunately for us, black bears are not aggressive in nature. Remember that they are naturally more scared of you than you are of them. Here are some bear safety tips if you run into a bear:
Are there cubs with the bear? Is the bear standing next to another animal carcass they’ve claimed as food? All bears will behave more aggressively than normal if they are defending their young or their food. Once you note this, you can better assess the situation.
If the bear hasn’t quite noticed you yet, or if it’s staring you down, speak to the bear in a calm, firm voice. If it hasn’t noticed you, this will alert the bear to your presence so it isn’t startled. This will also let the bear know you are not intending to be aggressive, and you are not prey, either. If you have bear spray, have it ready with the safety turned off. Most bears at this point wilI decide to run or walk away. If they do, stay put until the bear is out of sight, and then do not go in the direction the bear has gone, even if it means going back the way you came.
If the black bear is displaying defensive behaviors, continue to remain calm, speak in a low tone, and continue to back away slowly, increasing the distance between you and the bear. The bear is trying to tell you that you are too close for comfort, and it will likely walk away once it sees you are increasing the distance. If a bear stands on its hind legs and is simply peering out and sniffing at you, this isn’t necessarily an aggressive behavior. This is the bear being curious about you. It’s what the bear does after this behavior that will be clear as to whether or not it isn’t interested in you, or it sees you as a threat.
It’s important to read the situation as best you can with a bear. Knowing black bear behaviors can save your life and make a possible encounter easy and peaceful.
This is extraordinarily rare, but there is a small chance that this could happen, especially if you misread a black bear’s behavior. The very few black bear attacks on humans are known to be mama bears with cubs.
If escape is not possible, and a black bear approaches or charges you, and you don’t have bear spray, you should make yourself look as large as possible. Yell as loudly as you can and wave around any objects you may have in your hands (like a walking stick or hiking pole, for example). Making yourself as loud and large as possible will likely intimidate the bear and make it retreat. If the black bear makes contact with you, do your best to hit in in the muzzle and eyes.
The important thing to remember is that you are not dealing with grizzly bears, so while you would be instructed to play dead when encountering a grizzly bear, you should NEVER play dead with a black bear. It will only make things worse for you. You should also not resort to climb a tree, as bears can swiftly follow you up the trunk.
Black bear attacks are extremely rare if practical bear safety tips are put to use from the start of your hike, or a visit to the North Carolina mountains. The chances of you having to put this fighting strategy to use, even if you have a close encounter, are slim.
Many of our Landmark vacation rentals are tucked into the woods, so it’s possible you might run into a black bear. But don’t panic! Observing a bear from the safety of your vacation rental is the safest place to see one, and you can just quietly observe these beautiful animals in the wild from your window. If you ask any of our brokers and staff about their bear experiences, almost everyone can fondly remember the first time they saw one, and it’s typically a neat experience for everyone. Locals get just as excited to spot one as visitors!
If the possibility of seeing a black bear excites you, get in touch with us today, and we can share with you more bear safety tips, and where you might be able to view them in the mountains. On your next vacation, we can put you in one of our Landmark cabins and you can watch for bears from the comfort of your covered porch swing. Let us help you experience the mountains like we do.
