Highlands, North Carolina
  Sun, Surf, and Shopping
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Our Favorites in Highlands
Check out our recommendations for the best in lodging, dining, shopping, and more in this mountain resort
On the Verandah serves a salad of sliced mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil.
(Photo: Jim Franco)
The Bistro at Wolfgang's Restaurant is a favorite early evening hangout for wine lovers.
(Photo: Jim Franco)
Buck's, a coffee and lunch hangout, is one of several places where locals and tourists mingle.
(Photo: Jim Franco)
by the editors of
Southern Accents


WHERE TO STAY
· Highlands Inn:
A historic centerpiece on Main Street. Fourth and Main streets, 828/526-9380, www.highlandsinn-nc.com.
· Inn at Half Mile Farm: Located on 13 acres in a refurbished 1850s farmhouse. 214 Half Mile Dr., 800/946-6822, www.halfmilefarm.com.
· Old Edwards Inn and Spa: Reworked historic inn and new spa. 445 Main St., 866/526-8008, www.oldedwardsinn.com.

WHERE TO EAT
· Buck's Coffee Cafe: Custom brew and famous pastries. 384 Main Street, 828/526-0020.
· Cyprus Restaurant: A favorite with locals. 470 Dillard Rd., 828/526-4429, www.cyprushighlands.com.
· Mountain Fresh Grocery: Imported mustard, fresh-baked pies, and gourmet meat and fish. 521 East Main St., 828/526-2357.
· On the Verandah: The lake view would be enough; the food is a bonus. 1536 Franklin Rd., 828/526-2338, www.ontheverandah.com.
· Ristorante Paoletti: A Highlands institution with outstanding Italian fare and an extensive wine list. 440 Main St., 828/526-4906, www.paoletti-nc.com
· Rosewood Market: Wonderful soups, sides, spreads, sandwiches, and salads. Highway 64 and NC 106, 828/526-0383.
· SweeTreats: Design your own desserts and waffle cones. 11 Mountain Brook Shopping Center, 828/526-9822, www.sweetreats.com.
· Wild Thyme Gourmet: Best sandwich in Highlands. 490 Carolina Way, 828/526-4035.
· Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro: Hearty, eclectic dining. 474 Main St., 828/526-3807, www.wolfgangs.net.

WHERE TO SHOP
· Acorns:
European and American antiques, plus gifts, lighting, and accessories. 465 Main St., 828/787-1877.
· Ann Jacob Gallery: Regional and international artists. 394 Main St., 828/526-5550.
· Bryant Art Glass Studio: Beautiful handcrafted glass items and antique and estate silver. 216 South Fourth St., 828/526-4095.
· CK Swan Antiques: Antiques, accessories, and one-of-a-kind jewelry in a 3,000-square-foot space. Highway 64 and Pine St., 828/526-2083, www.ckswan.com.
· Cyrano's Bookshop: A little gem considered one of the best independent bookstores in the South. 390 Main St., 828/526-5488, www.cyranosbookshop.com.
· Highland Hiker: For anglers, hikers, and other lovers of the outdoors. 601 East Main St., 828/526-5298, www.highlandhiker.com.
· McCulley's: Fine Scottish cashmere. 242 S. Fourth St., 828/526-4407.
· Summit One Gallery: Glass, sculpture, and fine art, with an emphasis on artists from Georgia and the Carolinas. 152 S. Second St., 828/526-2673, www.summitonegallery.com.
· The Dry Sink: Cooking gadgets, gourmet serviceware, and small appliances. 450 Main St., 828/526-5226, www.thedrysink.com.
· The Summer House/Tiger Mountain Woodworks: A combination gallery, design showroom, kitchen store, and custom furniture shop. 2089 Dillard Road, 828/526-5577, www.summerhousehighlands.com.
· The Toy Store: Classic toys and board games. 364 Main Street, 828/526-9415.

WHAT TO SEE
· Episcopal Chapel:
Historic chapel and a model of village architecture. 520 Main St., 828/526-2968.
· Highlands Nature Center: Everything about the flora and fauna of the Highlands Plateau. 930 Horse Cove Road, 828/526-2623.
· Highlands Playhouse: Nationally acclaimed summer theater. 362 Oak St., 828/526-2695; www.highlandsplayhouse.org.
· Nantahala National Forest: Camp, hike, or picnic in the beautiful high country. 828/526-3765.


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