Of course, the first thing you will want to do whether you are going fly fishing solo or going on a guided fishing trip in North Carolina is to ensure that everything is being done legally. In North Carolina, fishing licenses are required. In-state or out-of-state visitors should expect to pay a fee ranging from $10-$40. To figure out what kind of fishing license you’ll need, you can ask for a North Carolina wildlife handbook, which are available to view anywhere you can buy a fishing license. In Cashiers, NC, Brookings Anglers is the go-to spot for fishing licenses and advice on what streams and rivers to fish in once you get your license. Taking a look at the wildlife handbook will also give you specifics on what you are and are not allowed to do on your solo or guided fishing trip in North Carolina.
Let’s start with the basics for any beginners reading this. Whether you go on a solo or guided fishing trip, you’ll need to be prepared to supply your own gear or ask the guide you’re going with what your options are for gear supply with them.
Here is a list of the basics you will need:
These are just a few items you’ll need to start with. Brookings Anglers in Cashiers is one of the best NC fly shops around and they can help you figure out which type and brand are best.
If you’re interested in fly fishing, Brookings employee, Andrew Watson, has been fly fishing for 18 years and guiding fly fishing in Cashiers for six years. He recommends bringing a fishing net to help you land larger fish, as you never know when you might catch that big fish you’ve been waiting for.
“One common misconception about fly fishing is that it’s difficult to learn,” said Watson. “In reality, anyone who is willing and interested to learn can be taught the basics in under an hour and can start catching fish.”
For the organized fisherman or fisherwoman, a vest can be a helpful purchase as it helps you keep your gear organized and kept together as you wade through the water.
The main thing you need, after your gear, is a little bit of patience, and a willingness to try something new for your fishing getaway in NC.
This is a tricky question to answer, as it all truly depends on your level of experience. Certain rivers and streams are easy for beginners, and some should only be left to the more experienced fly fisherman or fisherwoman.
Panthertown Creek is just one creek you can go to that has several feeder creeks you can venture off to. Caney Fork and Scott Creek are also two creeks in Jackson County, NC that are near Brookings Anglers. These are good options for beginners as well.
The Little Tennessee River near Franklin, NC is a great choice for smallmouth bass fishing. If you are up for a trip to Asheville, the Lower French Broad River also boasts smallmouth bass and they can be caught year-round. Both rivers are best explored via drift boat rather than wade fishing, as you can cover more ground.
This is where a guided fishing trip in North Carolina can be helpful. Even if you are a more experienced fly fisher, you may not know the area or specific fishing locations very well. Brookings Anglers provides wade fishing and float trip guided tours for up to three people at a time, to make sure each person gets the individual instruction and tips to have a successful fly fishing trip.
Western North Carolina is a unique place for your solo or guided freshwater fishing trip. There are over 3,000 miles of river open to the public for recreation. This means that no matter where you go, you can go fishing in some of the best rivers on the east coast.
Wild trout is one of the most popular fish in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The most common fish you’ll catch in area rivers are Appalachian brook, brown and rainbow trout. Appalachian brook trout is particularly unique, as it is the only native trout in Western North Carolina. The Appalachian brook trout is coming close to endangerment due to stocking of non-native trout, but you can still find them flourishing in many rivers and streams around the plateau.
You can expect the mountains of North Carolina to have an abundance of options for your next trout fishing trip or guided fishing trip in North Carolina.
By now, you know that we think a lot of the crew at Brookings Anglers. We work in very close proximity to them and can vouch for them as a credible source for your future fishing trips. We highly recommend them for their expansive knowledge of fishing.
If you want a more in-depth lesson on fly fishing in North Carolina, Brookings offers a full day of fishing school, with gear and lunch provided. Of course, you’ll need to make sure your fishing license is squared away before you go. Fishing school is a great way to dive in (but maybe not literally).
Before you get too excited and leave our site to go book your next fly fishing trip, let us send you off with a few more helpful tips. We want you to land that big fish!
We know what you are thinking, especially if you’ve never heard of these before: What are Outhouse Races? Here’s what the heck you should know.
They sound like nothing you’ve heard about in the communities on the plateau. Most tourists come from all around to experience the luxurious parts of the mountains, the gorgeous views accompanied by some of the finest dining in the area, the country club amenities, and skiing. In short, Sapphire Valley is known for being a place to celebrate the finer things in life. So, we understand why you might be a little weirded out by the idea of Outhouse Races in North Carolina in such a luxurious location!
But the truth is, while Sapphire is known for being prestigious, it’s also a community that prides itself on connection and family, for tourists and locals alike. The Outhouse Races provide an opportunity for everyone to gather around in the spirit of friendly competition and have a good laugh.
The Outhouse Races of Sapphire, NC is the only outhouse race in North Carolina that we know of! So, it is completely unique to our area. The Outhouse Races have been featured on Romantic Asheville and Visit North Carolina, which we count as a pretty big feat.
So what is this race exactly? Let’s start by reassuring you that these outhouses have NO bathroom purposes! The Outhouse Race in North Carolina takes place at the Sapphire Valley Ski Resort and it’s been a staple event at the end of ski season for the last 14 years. Participants in teams of three build “outhouses” around skis and then the makeshift outhouses are raced down the slope. Trust us, it’s a sight to see!
Spectators come from all corners of the Southeast to line down the hill and watch, laugh and cheer on the teams. Two team members are required to push the outhouse down the hill, and one team member sits inside the outhouse on the “throne.” And if you plan on being a spectator rather than a participant, you are in luck because it is completely free to come and watch!
Teams are supposed to name their entry and decorating freedom is completely up to them. You can create your faux outhouse however you choose. Past entries have been made with cardboard, plastic, wood and all sorts of other materials. The requirements are that it sits on skis to glide down, stands at least 5 feet tall, and comes with a proper toilet seat and toilet paper inside. Other than that, entrants have creative freedom and are encouraged to make their outhouse as wacky as possible! The crazier, the better. The most important requirement outside of building your outhouse is that you must register in advance, so if you’d like to participate, get in touch with Ski Sapphire Valley as soon as possible to reserve your spot, and a chance to win!
Before they get toppled and worn during the race, viewers have a chance to come and take a look at the creative and often elaborate outhouses. Participants who craft the outhouses spend a lot of time building them and are very proud to show them off.
So what does the event look like on the day of? The date set for 2020 is February 15. You can expect to spend an entire afternoon at the outhouse race in North Carolina. At 11 a.m., lunch is served. This year, Danny’s BBQ is catering. Come and get a taste of North Carolina barbecue before the festivities. From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., visitors can also enjoy live music. At 2 p.m., all participants should start checking in. Then, finally, at 3 p.m. the Outhouse Race will begin.
If you can’t make it to this year’s race, but you want to be in on the hype, don’t worry. The race will be streamed live on www.WNClive.com.
All proceeds made from the event are donated to various charities. This year, Sapphire Valley is supporting the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau. So even if this doesn’t sound like an event you want to take part in, you can still come out, take in the sights and support this year’s cause.
Ski Sapphire Valley has been a haven for skiers in the Southeast since it opened its doors in 1964, just 10 years after Sapphire Valley Resort was established. The ski resort was developed after the Howerdd family decided they could develop a ski resort in Sapphire Valley similar to the one in Cataloochee. Of course, back then, developing fake snow was a little trickier. But after a successful first year of testing the slopes and faux snow, a double chair lift was installed and the resort began to serve food and wine to eager skiers.
The cost of skiing Sapphire Valley is going to depend on whether or not you have your amenity card. Amenity cards get you access to discounted rates to rent gear and hit the slopes, but they also grant you access to many other Sapphire Valley amenities. If you bring your own skiing or snowboarding gear, you’re going to get a discounted price as well, but Ski Sapphire Valley has a rental shop where you can pick up anything you might need for your trek.
Landmark Vacation Rentals is home to many brokers who specialize in Sapphire Valley, and who have lived there themselves for years. We know and love the area well, and we have an office in Sapphire. If you are interested in attending the Outhouse Races in North Carolina, or just want to check out Ski Sapphire Valley, get in touch with us today. We can tell you more about the race and the resort itself. Landmark Vacation Rentals has a handful of vacation rentals right in Sapphire Valley where you will be in close proximity to the ski slopes, the outhouse race, or everything you need for a weekend of family fun. Let us show you what the Sapphire Valley lifestyle looks like!
When we see your pooch walking up with you to check-in, we get just as excited as they are that you’ve chosen a dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina. We are huge dog people at Landmark Vacation Rentals and we know what it takes to make sure you and your pup have the ultimate dog-friendly vacation, North Carolina-style.
If you’re thinking about a dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina, you’ve come to the right place. Western North Carolina is one of the most dog-friendly places to vacation and we’ll outline the reasons why in this guide to dog-friendly vacations in North Carolina. You and your pup will love hiking in the mountains, the small-town feel of the Highlands-Cashier plateau and Landmark’s variety of dog-friendly vacation rentals. After reading about how to spend your dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina, you’ll be ready for your next Western North Carolina vacation, and you’ll never have to leave your furry family member behind again.
The team at Landmark Vacation Rentals can also recommend some dog-friendly vacation ideas:
Western North Carolina is one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the United States. At Landmark Vacation Rentals, we know every vacation is better when you bring your furry friend along! From hiking up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains to a variety of pet-friendly shops, restaurants and vacation rentals, we know you’ll love vacationing on the Highlands-Cashiers plateau. Smile as your dog enjoys the fresh mountain air and everything else they’ll discover and learn about on the trail, watch them discover their first Western North Carolina waterfall and enjoy a delicious meal at one of our many pet-friendly restaurants. When you want to wind down for the night, our professional team at Landmark Vacation Rentals can help you find the perfect pet-friendly vacation rental.
Western North Carolina is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the country and once you get here it’ll be easy to see why.
Things to Do in North Carolina with Dogs:
If you have any questions, the Landmark staff should be able to answer them, as well as make recommendations on local things to do for you and your furry family member. Most of us have deep roots in the Highlands-Cashiers plateau and we know the area well. We can’t wait to share our slice of mountain paradise with you!
We imagine how extraordinarily exciting it is to visit an outdoor paradise like the Highlands-Cashiers plateau, from a dog’s perspective. So, we had one of our favorite Landmark ambassador pups write about their experience in the mountains to give you an idea of what your dog-friendly vacation or just a dog-friendly day trip in NC will look like.
Day One
Today isn’t like most days. Mom is packing lots of bags. She’s packing her camera and she’s got her shoes on. Oh, boy. She’s putting my harness on, and that means I’m going, too!
We’re out the door. I’m really good at jumping in the car all by myself and she tells me I’m a good girl. I love the car because it’s magic. Mom and I get in and we sit for a little while and then we end up somewhere surprising together. Sometimes, it’s one of my favorite places, and sometimes it’s somewhere totally new.
Okay, we drove past the vet. That was a close call.
We are going and going and going. It feels like years and years. We make a few stops so I can go to the bathroom. This is really unusual. Where could we be going?
I stick my head out the window. Gosh, it feels cooler outside! And none of the smells are the same. This is somewhere new! The big highway is gone and the roads are curvier. Oh…now, I get it! We are going to the mountains!
We get out of the car at a beautiful cabin. So many new smells. I’m so excited! After some unpacking, mom puts me in the car and we drive to a place called The Ugly Dog in Cashiers. I wonder if only ugly dogs can come inside, because if that’s the case, I won’t be allowed. I’m very cute. Mom says The Ugly Dog is just an expression, and all dogs are welcome to eat with their owners on the outside patio. So, I hang out with my mom while she has dinner and a drink. After that we drive back to the cabin. I need some sleep before I go on any more new adventures!
Day Two
We had breakfast and we are getting in the car AGAIN. This is so exciting! Car rides are my favorite and we just keep going on them. I stick my head out the window. We are on a street with pretty Christmas lights everywhere. I hear mom say it’s Highlands Main Street.
We park and start walking. We go into the stores and all of the people in the stores welcome me in and pet me. Mom says if I’m good we’ll go get treats, so I make sure I’m really, really good.
One store on Main Street has dogs coming in and out. We go in and it’s a store for me! There are toys and treats everywhere! This is Highlands Mountain Paws. My mom goes to the treat buffet and fills baggies of natural treats for me while I greet a new Poodle friend in the store. She grabs a new rope toy, too. After we check out, we get back in the car and I get to enjoy one of my treats…but not for long!
We get in the car and just minutes later, we are at Highlands Dog Park! There are so many dogs for me to play with. I take up with an Australian Shepherd and we run and run and run all around the dog park. Mom pulls out the rope toy she bought for me at Highlands Mountain Paws and the Australian Shepherd named Lucy and I start playing my favorite game, tug-of-war.
Finally, I’m so tired. I just plopped down right there in the dog park. I’m ready for a nap. So, mom and I load up, and we head back to our pet-friendly cabin. She put me in my crate for a much-needed break from all the excitement, and told me that she and her friends are going out to shop and have a nice dinner at Wolfgang’s in Highlands.
Day Three
Mom is driving the car and she tells her friend that she’s so happy they took a dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina. And I sure am happy, too! We drive for a while and end up at Panthertown Valley. This makes me a little scared because I’ve heard panthers are big, mean cats. But, mom says there are no panthers, so I guess we can give it a try.
I love being outside in the mountains. The fresh mountain air feels so good. There are so many new sounds and smells in the woods that I don’t recognize, but I still love picking up on them. Finally, we come to our destination and I can’t believe it. It’s water, but a lot of it and it’s moving really fast and loud. And there’s a pool where it ends for me to play! Mom says we’ve reached Granny Burrell Falls. I wade around in the water, and she tells me I’m a great swimmer. We eventually have to leave the falls, but we keep walking through the woods for a while. It feels great to be outside with my mom. We make it back to the car, and I curl up on a towel to get dry.
Mom says there is one more stop before we head home. We pull into a parking lot and we go into the building. Whoa! There are paintings of dogs all over the walls. A nice lady comes from behind a desk and hands me a treat. Okay, I like it here. Everyone is asking to pet me and asking my mom what kind of dog I am. She proudly tells them I’m a Wheaten Terrier. I jump up on one of their cozy couches while she speaks to them. She thanks them for the pet-friendly accommodations and asks them about booking another pet-friendly cabin with them next spring.
I get super excited because this means I get to come with her again! Anywhere my mom goes is my favorite place, but I really do love the mountains. They hand my mom some information and it says Landmark Vacation Rentals. Now I know who to call if my mom forgets to book her next trip to the mountains. Dog-friendly vacations in North Carolina are the only vacations I want her to go on from now on!
If you have a dog that loves being outside and loves meeting new people and pooches, there is nothing you could do to make your dog happier than to bring them on your next vacation to the Western North Carolina mountains. At Landmark Vacation Rentals, we have plenty of dog-friendly vacation rentals to choose from and we are happy to help you pick the perfect one for you. Contact us when you and your pup are ready and let us help you put together a dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina that you and the family pup are sure to love. You can book with confidence knowing that if something comes up and you need to change your plans, we’ll be here with Flexcation™ Options, for the ultimate peace of mind vacation planning.
There are a variety of reasons to take a dog-friendly vacation in North Carolina. It’s a beautiful place full of mountain vistas, small town charm, unique shops and boutiques, dreamy waterfalls, enticing forests and so much more, all with a focus on being as pet-friendly as possible. If this sounds like you (and your furry family member), contact us today to start planning your next dog-friendly vacation!
If you take a 20-minute drive down the road from our Landmark Vacation Rentals office, you’ll find the massively adored Gorges State Park. The expansive state park is more than 7,500 acres and it’s located just over the Transylvania County line. It also touches the edge of South Carolina.
Gorges State Park is a mecca for all things outdoors in the North Carolina mountains. In this big state park, you can do pretty much any of your favorite outdoorsy activities: Distance hiking, fishing, camping and in certain areas, horseback riding. These are all hallmarks of this park. And did we mention there are 26 waterfalls to see? We are going to cover it all so you can get the most out of your next trip to Western North Carolina.
There are so many trails and so little time. That’s what you’ll find yourself saying once you arrive at the park. There are a handful of trails that you can choose to explore, and you should choose your trail based on your preferences and experience level. Grab your dog to join you on the hike and check out any one of these trails listed below:
Foothills Trail- At its full length, this hiking trail is 76 miles long and it passes through both Carolinas. The portion of the trail that passes through Gorges State Park is 6.7 miles of strenuous path, so this hike should be reserved for experienced hikers and backpackers. At the end of the trail, you’ll wind around a beautiful suspension bridge that goes around Lake Jocassee. There are a few campsites around the end of the trail, for those who don’t want to make the over 12-mile roundtrip.
Bearwallow Falls- This trail is only .4 miles one-way and .8 miles roundtrip. This is a much shorter hike that will allow you to see one of the Gorges State Park waterfalls. However, this shorter hike is still strenuous. But when you get to the end, you’ll see the gorgeous waterfall that awaits you and you’ll decide that the work to get there was worth it.
Rainbow Falls Trail- This is one of our favorite hikes in the area. The trail to Gorges State Park Rainbow Falls is jointly maintained by Pisgah National Forest and Gorges State Park. The trail is about three miles roundtrip and at the end you are greeted by the most breathtaking, cascading waterfall. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hike an extra quarter-mile past Rainbow Falls and visit Turtleback Falls. No matter how you choose to explore this trail, visitors are cautioned to be extra careful around waterfalls. Slippery rocks and unexpected rising water levels can be dangerous even for hikers who are more familiar with the area.
Auger Hole Trail- Cutting right through the center of the park, this 7.2-mile trail is for a more experienced hiker/backpacker. Mountain biking and horseback riding are both permitted on this trail, so if either of those two hobbies are your thing, make sure you check out this trail first.
Raymond Fisher Trail- At only 1.5 miles roundtrip, the Raymond Fisher Trail is a great trail for families who want a fun, overnight camping experience. You can reserve the campsites and they are all surrounded by a pond where you can swim and fish for catfish, if you have your North Carolina fishing license.
Of course, now you know that you can hike and camp at Raymond Fisher Trail, but there are other options when it comes to camping near Gorges State Park.
Before you go camping, you should know that the park does close its gates for the evening after 9 p.m. and the gates don’t open again until 7 a.m. Those who don’t plan on spending the night at a Gorges State Park campground should be prepared to leave by 9.
Primitive campsites are available throughout the park, which means you’ll need to bring your tent, sleeping bag, and other camping essentials. There are camping sites at Frozen Creek access area and the Grassy Ridge access area, and across other trails in Gorges State Park. There are six designated backpacking sites along the Foothills Trail near the southern part of the park. These sites are free of charge and are available on a first-come-first-served basis. You cannot reserve them.
Opening in 2009, Gorges State park is a relatively new NC state park and the facilities are still in pretty great shape. Only 55 miles from Asheville, there are two access points to the park. The visitor center is the main hub of the park where tourists and locals can come in and check out ecological facts and area history to give them some extra appreciation for the beautiful, sprawling park.
The best part is that there is no admission fee, so visitors can come and go within the park’s open hours and enjoy everything the nature within has to offer.
More than 19 million people visit at least one North Carolina State Park a year, and once you visit, it’s easy to see why. With 40 parks to choose from, visitors get to see the ecosystem that makes each region of this diverse state unique. Visiting an NC State Park is a great way to really get to know the area. Gorges State Park is no exception; this park abides by the same policies and procedures that all North Carolina state parks do.
The biggest thing to note when you visit the park is that you should always carry out any trash you create when going on. There are places to dispose of trash and recyclables throughout the park. Help us keep our beautiful North Carolina parks clean and beautiful for generations to come!
My first experience enjoying the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities was swimming laps in one of the three outdoor pools while enjoying nature’s patchwork of abundant fall colors. That was over seven years ago before I moved to Sapphire Valley full-time. Since then, with my amenity card, I have enjoyed most, if not all, of the privileges being a property owner has to offer.
What is there to do as a visitor to Sapphire Valley? There are plenty of activities for all the members of the group no matter the season or the weather.
In the 1800s, gold and gems (most likely Sapphires!) were being mined in the area and gem mining still exists today as a fun activity for the entire group. Stories abound about the iconic Fairfield Inn which was opened because of the gold rush just before 1900. In the mid-1950s, Gene Howerdd, Sr., purchased the Fairfield Inn and his vision brought us to where we are today.
Camp Merrie-Woode was founded in 1919 as the Lake Fairfield Camp. A few years later, it was renamed Camp Merrie-Woode. The rustic summer camp still flourishes today. Camp Merrie-Woode now adjoins the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and visitors enjoy perks like the agility hike, when the camp is not in session. It includes a somewhat moderate hike to the top of Bald Rock Mountain or a gentler walk around Lake Fairfield, which is especially popular with dogs in the fall. There also used to be a gold mine located at the base of Bald Rock Mountain.
Narrows Falls is tucked away off U.S. Highway 64 East. You’d never know you were less than a mile away from the highway. Park your vehicle at the end of the gravel track and walk down an easy trail and hear the roar of the water get louder. There’s a knack of getting to see the actual waterfall, but it never disappoints. Check with one of our agents for directions and ask for a local guide while you are here.
The Sapphire Valley Community Center isn’t just for getting your amenity cards. It’s the information hub for all the things to do in and around Sapphire Valley. The Sapphire Valley Community Center also serves as a wedding venue, and it’s a popular place for holding meetings. It serves as a gathering place for weekly bridge tournaments, mahjong, knitting and crocheting groups as well as just a place to sit quietly and read in front of the fire.
The rec center is across from the Community Center. At the rec center, you can enjoy indoor and outdoor swimming. The indoor pool is open year-round. A gym, putt-putt golf and games room are located here, too. You can also book a massage after your hike, if you’d like.
While visiting Sapphire Valley, you must present your amenity card. Talk to any one of the friendly employees if you have questions about the resort while you are here.
Lake Fairfield and Bald Rock Mountain are located on the north side of U.S. Highway 64 and both offer a great deal of fun-filled activities. Lake Fairfield is non-motorized, except for trawling motors. You can rent a variety of non-motorized boats during the summer or enjoy the beach and picnic area. It’s stunningly picturesque all year round, but especially in the fall when the colors of the trees reflect in the still waters of the lake. Bald Rock always looks majestic in the background.
Winter activities at Ski Sapphire! Sapphire Valley Resort offers something all year long. For example, there’s zip-lining in the summer months, and tubing and snow skiing during the winter season. Ever heard of Outhouse Races? Look no further than Sapphire Valley for the sporting event of the year! On February 15, 2020, the annual outhouse race will take place at 3 p.m. Bring your cameras to take pictures of creative outhouse designs as they compete for the finish line. Southeast Tourism Society has named this a top-20 event in the Southeast. So, mark your calendars!
Summer activities. There’s almost no end to all of the things to do near your Sapphire Valley Resort rental especially during the summer months. All season long, there are activities at the community center, including arts and crafts fairs, fine art displays, concerts on the slopes, which is a delightful way to spend the evening in the cool mountain air, a kid’s camp, tennis clinics and round robins. Discover the thriving tennis community here in Sapphire Valley! Although the plateau has an abundance of golf courses, most of them are private. You can play golf at Red Bird Golf which is open to the public. They offer a nine-hole course, a driving range, chipping and putting greens. There is also a pro-shop. For more information about joining the Sapphire Valley Country Club and the various membership options, please contact one of Landmark Vacation Rental’s agents. We work closely with their management team and have current information on fees and membership options. And, don’t forget July 4 celebrations. If you’re thinking about visiting for the summer, the area offers multiple fireworks displays over several days. We have weekly breakfasts and barbeque lunches, too.
For the kids, there is a playground within the boundary of the walking track. The dogs enjoy taking a stroll here, too.
If you’d like to experience what it’s like to enjoy the privileges of Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities, book a vacation rental with us! We offer vacation rentals within the footprint of Sapphire Valley and communities range from the high elevation of Falcon Ridge bordering Transylvania County to homes in many other communities just off U.S. Highway 64. They provide easy access to Highlands and Cashiers and all the amenities in Sapphire Valley.
Some rentals are just a stone’s throw away from restaurants and the hub of activities at the Sapphire Valley Community Center, playground and recreation center, the Country Club of Sapphire Valley and Ski Sapphire. Landmark Vacation Rentals offers assistance with all your real estate and rental needs, including buying and selling real estate across the plateau as well as seasonal and long-term rentals in Sapphire Valley. Call us today to talk to local, knowledgeable brokers and staff about the process of getting your amenity cards. Once you’ve settled into your rental just go along to the Sapphire Valley Community Center where you can pick up your amenity cards for the duration of your stay for a minimal fee per day. Kids ages 14 and under receive their amenity cards for free!
If you’d like some more information on Sapphire Valley Resort amenities and activities before you book, call us for local knowledge and insight or you can go online and reserve your ideal rental. We look forward to welcoming you to your own Blue Ridge Mountains resort. What are you waiting for?
The Bascom in Highlands, North Carolina, perfectly represents the essence of this quaint mountain town’s artistic soul. The innovative art center and gallery invites guests to explore and create art. And it’s literally located steps from downtown Highlands. The Bascom is a must see for audiences of all ages.
Highlands has always been known as an artist’s destination and sanctuary. It welcomed the newly constructed Bascom Center in 2009. But, its origins began much earlier. Originally established in 1983 as The Bascom-Louise Gallery inside the Hudson Library, the concept was to showcase a wide collection of fine art including painting, pottery, photographs and modern baskets. The intent was to bring contemporary and cosmopolitan art collections and installations to Highlands.
Henry M. Bascom moved to Highlands in 1881 after falling ill with lung disease. At that time, the small mountain town was rumored to have holistic properties due to its clean air and natural setting. It didn’t take long for Bascom to become integrated into town business happenings. In fact, he was named the town’s second mayor and served five terms in two decades. Additionally, Mr. Bascom had several business interests including a tin shop, general store, gasoline and a hotel. He was among the first police assembly and was the first public notary. His daughter, Louise Bascom Barratt, shared her father’s interest in business and acquired the hotel her father built in 1889. Louise was an accomplished writer and lived in New York for most of her life with her Broadway producer husband, Watson Barratt. Following the deaths of Henry, his daughter Louise and then later, Watson, the Bascom Estate was bequest to the Hudson Library with the intent to create an art gallery in the family’s name.
The Bascom-Louise Gallery was opened in 1983 inside the Hudson Library. For two decades, the art gallery thrived showcasing exhibits from regional artists. By the turn of the century, the gallery was ready to expand. The community of Highlands formed an official non-profit board of directors and put in place a capital campaign to create and build a new, sophisticated visual arts center. The new Bascom in Highlands opened the doors to a state-of-the-art facility in 2009.
The vision behind a new Bascom art center was progressive, accommodating and encouraging. Showcasing art exhibits would always be a focus, but leadership also sought to encourage art experiences and creation. Local Highlands, NC artists would be encouraged to partner with the new complex. Spanning six acres and utilizing several structures, including the rebuilding of a historic barn, The Bascom in Highlands now stands at over 27,500 square feet of creative space.
As you pull into the entrance of The Bascom in Highlands, you will drive through the Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge. Designated a historic landmark, this covered bridge is one of only approximately 800 such structures that are still intact. Relocated from New Hampshire and reconstructed by Arnold M. Graton Associates, a covered bridge consulting firm, the bridge dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Now considered a national treasure due to its unique craftsmanship, this restored covered bridge begins visitors’ artistic experience at The Bascom in Highlands.
The main building at The Bascom in Highlands encompasses three floors and over 27,500 square feet. Here you’ll find two levels of gallery space, multiple classrooms, The Bascom gift shop, cafe and event space. Attached on the main level is a terraced event deck overlooking a mountain vista view. Over the years, The Bascom gallery in Highlands has hosted world-renowned artist exhibits including Francisco Goya, Frank Stella, Edgar Degas, Hattie Saussy and Pablo Picasso.
Art fosters community. This is true anywhere there is a place to appreciate the arts, and especially in a small town like Highlands. The Bascom, of course, is a place where people can come to appreciate the art of others, but arguably more importantly, it’s a place where members of the community can come and improve and share their own art with like-minded people.
The Bascom prides itself on being a place that’s very open to the public and anyone who considers themselves an artist, no matter what medium they use. Because of this, The Bascom in Highlands is a meeting place for a wide variety of established clubs and classes. The clubs are as follows:
Book Club- Every 4th Thursday, May-October. If you are a bookworm, this will be your next group of best friends. They even keep a list of recommended reads for the year on their website, so if you can’t make a meeting, you can still keep up to date on what the club is doing.
Photography Club- Select Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. All skill levels of photographers are welcome and embraced here! Members of this club typically gather on a monthly basis to listen to guest speakers talk about their favorite photography tips and tricks. Call The Bascom to find out which Wednesday the next meeting will be on, as it is subject to change.
Western North Carolina Woodturners- second Saturdays of the month, March-November, 10 a.m.-noon. Craftsmen and craftswomen from all over Western North Carolina are invited to come and share their work with others who share a passion for woodworking. Members get to come and work in the woodturning studio at The Bascom. A small annual dues fee is required upon joining this club.
Writer’s Group- Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m. Not all artists use paint or clay. Some use words and The Bascom recognizes that! That’s why there is a designated group just for writers of the plateau. This group can be a resource to exchange ideas and offer feedback on writing.
Ceramics Open Studio Program- Monday –Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon-5 p.m. If you love ceramics, you’ll be amazed at Dave Drake’s Studio. The 2,500-square-foot studio barn has all the supplies you’ll need to make something beautiful. Anyone wishing to enroll in this program must have taken at least one cycle of the Resident Artist Series or completed two Art by Appointments before they can officially be approved for the Open Studio Program.
Community Knitters- Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon. We know what you’re thinking at this point, The Bascom really does cater to all artistic interests! And it’s true. Community Knitters is a great club for those who love needlework. Share patterns and laughs with fellow knitters as you make new friends.
Studio Alive- Select Mondays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This class is for artists who love using live models as their muse. It doesn’t cost anything to take the class, but each artist chips in for hiring the model, which is usually $5-$10 per artist.
As a whole, The Bascom beacons art, culture and creative community to Highlands and the surrounding communities. The Bascom serves as an example for why it’s important to take care of the arts and keep them alive. Without art, no matter what the medium is, a community isn’t as vibrant, and life seems a little duller. We think we can speak for everyone on the plateau when we say that we cherish The Bascom and how it brings us all together.
At Landmark Vacation Rentals, we know these local treasures by heart. We understand how each little slice of Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire Valley work together to leave a positive impact on everyone who lives and visits here. If you want to learn more about the different community events and things to do, get in touch with us today so we can help you plan a meaningful, fun trip to the mountains.
