Here in Western North Carolina, there are plenty of different activities to do while you’re here. Whether it’s going on an adventure on one of the many scenic hiking trails, going shopping, or just driving around seeing the sites, you’ll never find yourself getting bored. While you’re exploring the Plateau, you will come across a good cup of coffee that will keep you energized and ready to continue your journey though our little slice of paradise. Coffee is the perfect drink to enjoy during fall when the weather is cooler. What’s better than sitting down with a nice, hot cup of coffee and enjoying the beautiful scenery and watching the Plateau go through this spectacular transition? However, coffee is enjoyable year round. Below are a few of our favorite places to get that coffee you can enjoy while you are here:
America was a little late to the coffee game, but has flourished and thrived since it entered the market. Coffee has become a huge part of American culture, just like rock-n-roll and sports, like football. With every part of American culture, there is a story and the story of coffee has been a long one, one that began a few hundred years ago. There are several coffee history facts and other information about coffee that will definitely peak your interest.
According to coffee history facts, hundreds of years ago, rumor has it that a goat herder by the name of Kaldi acquired coffee beans on the Ethiopian plateau. Kaldi’s goats found the fruit and ate it and it gave them an abundance of energy. Seeing this, Kaldi tested the fruit himself and it caused him to have the same response. Due to this, Kaldi decided to bring the fruit to a local monastery where an abbot turned the red berry into a drink and shared it with other monks. When this discovery was made, its presence was made known across the continent.
Before coffee was the drink that it is today, it was prepared in a multitude of ways including wine-like substances. By the 1400s, coffee was being procured and trafficked in Arabia, and the beans were roasted and brewed. There were then public coffee houses, also known as qahveh khaneh, that appeared across the East where the patrons of these establishments could trade information over a cup of coffee, according to coffee history facts.
According to coffee history facts, America was late to the coffee scene. The drink was finally brought over to the Americas by the British in the mid-1600s. Coffee houses were all the rage and they got even bigger after the Boston Tea Party in 1773. This revolt against King George III caused a huge switch from tea to coffee.
By the 1700s, coffee was one of the highest money making goods in the world. The interest and in gestation in the U.S. was raised primarily during the Civil War, and judicious businessmen were searching for a way to make a profit from it. In 1864, Charles and John Arbuckle started selling pre-roasted coffee by the pound and were making a fortune selling it to cowboys out West. Also around this time, James Folger was selling coffee to the gold miners out in California and he, too, did very well in the market. After this, several other big names such as Maxwell House and Hills Brothers quickly followed. After the war, instant coffee was brought into the market and was all the rage until 1971 when Starbucks opened in Seattle.
It’s believed that the Spanish conquistadors were the ones who brought coffee to Western Carolina. When the “Reconquista” ended (lasted 700 years) and Spain was reclaimed by the Spanish, coffee and how it was prepared was left behind by the Moorish conquerors. Also, after the war, the Spanish traded with the Arabs, Turks, and North Africans (their former conquerors) and received coffee beans that came directly from Yemen and Ethiopia. Due to the fact that the Spanish were able to trade with their former enemies and that their former enemies left behind coffee, the Spanish were able to take away something positive from the Reconquista.
Not long after the war, veterans of the Reconquista followed Christopher Columbus to the New World in order to colonize it and conquer America’s Southeast, which lasted until the 1800s. However, in Mexico, they were able to establish coffee in the late 1700s.
At minimum, two military expeditions composed of Spanish soldiers, priests, translators, prisoners and slaves, traveled to what would now be considered Asheville, North Carolina. It is believed that the first coffee in Asheville was roasted, brewed and served around the middle of the 16th century as well as the last of the Spanish wine.
According to coffee history facts, it is believed that in 1541 Hernando de Soto and his men crossed the banks where the Swannanoa River and the South French Broad River meet. This area is known as a primitive road crossing of Native American footpaths. The men were searching for gold, the fountain of youth (also known as Muscadine Grapes) and a path through the mountains to their colonies in Mexico. These men left disease and disaster in their wake. They did, however, trade with the stronger Native Americans and left hem with Spanish wine, roasted coffee and jewelry.
After de Soto, Captain Juan Pardo followed in de Soto’s footsteps with his own Recanquista veterans. Turkish roasted coffee was a big part of their diet, like Spanish wine. Therefore, they brought their coffee with them in their quest to conquer North America. After Pardo and his men destroyed several French coastal settlements, he came out to Western North Carolina with 30 mastiff war dogs, 50 matchlocks (large muskets) and 120 steel clad armored soldiers. They journeyed 231 miles from Fort Santa Elena (positioned on modern day Parris Island, South Carolina in Beaufort County) past where present day Asheville is located and built Fort San Juan about 49 miles away outside of Morrisville, North Carolina.
The stronger Native American tribes, that were not controlled by the Spaniards, were interested in the Spaniards’ wine, steel and coffee. However, this was not enough to protect Fort San Juan. The desolation caused by de Soto and Pardo was too great and due to this, the Fort was burned to the ground by the Catawba Nation. Only one man by the name of Juan de Badejoz managed to get out; and according to legend, he took a cask of wine and the last bag of coffee.
The location where the Fort once stood was archeologically excavated and it became known as the Berry Site due to the Berry coffee, wine or chocolate that stayed with the Fort as it was destroyed. In place of where the Fort once stood is ceremonial Catawban mound. It would be a long time before coffee was seen again in Asheville, North Carolina.
Sometime after 1585, a man by the name of Sir Richard Greenville brought around 100 soldiers, colonists, and sailors to Roanoke Island with a bag of coffee. However, the Cherokee and Europeans had minimal contact with Western North Carolina until the late 17th century. In the 18th century, however, there was a very successful trade between white settlers and the Cherokee with tea, coffee, sweets and chocolate for corn, tomato, and smoked trout. During the American Revolution, cafes and coffee drinking became a cultural habit for post-colonial North Carolina. In 1784, the early white settlers, (the Pattons, Davidsons, Gudgers, and Alexanders) who were wealthier families, displayed their privilege by fixing coffee for themselves and their guests, due to it taking more time to be prepared than tea does.
Whether you’re planning your vacation around going shopping, or you’re wanting to go explore nature, there are a few great places to get a good cup of coffee while you’re here visiting. Landmark Vacation Rentals has amazing properties to rent throughout the plateau, so you can come and experience our way of life and enjoy that cup of coffee. Stay in a lakeside cabin or single-family home and enjoy the view and the area’s breathtaking landscape. While you’re enjoying your cup of coffee, you can look out at the beautiful mountain scenery as it is preparing for winter.
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.
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!
