Hey family,

This post was a tough one to share. The devastation in Western North Carolina is truly unreal. (If you’re not from this part of the country or world, Hurricane Helene just destroyed full mountain towns in Western North Carolina and created floods that swept full buildings miles away.) If you are interested in donating or volunteering to help these communities rebuild, here are some of the incredible non-profits on the ground and helping those in need.

As a Christian and Pastor, I believe that prayer is not only important, the starting place. If you are a believer, please join me in the continued prayer for all those affected by Hurricane Helene (and Hurricane Milton!) If you need some help figuring out where to start with prayer, you can pray for the first responders and volunteers, the people who call Western North Carolina their, and for the lives lost and the ones left behind. Here is a website that can help get you started - hope it’s helpful!

Another way you can help is by VISITING! I know that may sound counter-intuitive, but tourism is one of the main sources of the economy in Western North Carolina. As of October 19, 2024 there are several towns that are welcoming visitors and encouraging tourism, as they rebuild. HERE is an updated list, if you want to know the towns that are accepting visitors.

I have been up to the mountains several times over the years and they have changed me - especially since I’ve always considered myself a beach gal! No matter if you go up in the summer, fall, or when it is snowing-it is all around beautiful! The best part of the mountains is that you can chill next to the fire with some tea, go hiking and explore, and/and visit some local towns. Your trip can truly be as chill or as active as you choose - and either way you are taking in gorgeous views and breathing in fresh air.

At the beginning of October, Chris and I went up for a weekend with a couple friends. It’s the third time we have visited with this couple, and we stay in this beautiful, quaint, mountain home. The home is in Cashiers and isn’t far from the Highlands - two of the CUTEST mountain towns in the area.

I wanted to share some Cashiers and Highlands favorites (in my opinion!) Hope this is helpful for your future visit (and if you need help planning the trip… you know how to find me!)

I LOVE me a delicious meal (and that doesn’t always mean expensive!) Here are a few of my recommendations when you’re looking for a bite to eat or a hearty meal. For breakfast, lunch or dinner… The Stubborn Bull (lemon ricotta pancakes for brunch on Saturday and Sunday-need I say more?), White Side Brewery, Mountain Fresh Grocery (they also have amazing breakfast options), Four65 (great pizza and a lovely vibe), Cornucopia, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse.

Some people may think I have caffeine naturally running through my veins, but ya girl still needs a caffeine kick pretty regularly. My favorite coffee shop is Bucks Coffee Cafe (the frozen lattes are delicious-there is a Bucks in Highlands and Cashiers.) It has a great rustic vibe, plenty of seating, and is a great place to bring a deck of cards or a board game to play while your sipping your coffee. Some other great options are Crossroads Custard and Cold Brew, and Calders Coffee Cafe.

If you want to be active (or even take an easy stroll) there are SO many options for incredible hikes.

White Side-Beautiful views and about 3 miles long. Does include stairs.
Glenn Falls-This hike is easy on the way down but is tougher on the way back (uphill).
Dry Falls-Have you ever wanted to walk under a waterfall? Me too-this is why this is a MUST SEE if you are in the area.
Secret Falls-This is a shorter in and out hike with a very pretty waterfall.
White Water Falls - This is a very short walk (if you don’t go down the stairs) with a perfect view of a huge waterfall.
Silver Run Falls-This is a very short walk to a nice waterfall-perfect for kids and not experienced hikers.

I’m lucky enough to stay in a private residence when I visit Cashiers. BUT here are some wonderful, local places that I would recommend.

Old Edwards Inn-This place is perfect if you want to be in the downtown area of Highlands. We have been to the Hummingbird Lounge several times and it is the perfect, intimate place for a charcuterie board, live music, and they have a huge fireplace which gives all the mountain vibes. Skyline Lodge-This is a small place that includes breakfast. It is in the middle of Cashiers and Highlands, while also being close to Sylva. We ate dinner at their restaurant Oak Steakhouse, which was delicious and had excellent service. The Park on Main is super cute and dog friendly.

Some other things to do around this area include golfing at Old Edwards Club, shopping at Reclamations for the coolest antiques, and going to a concert in the Orchard session at the Farm for local live music. Be sure to look up these hidden gems and activities when planning your itinerary!

I hope this helps give you some ideas for your next mountain trip! If you go up to visit, don’t forget to tag me and @vanacoreadventures so I can see your Core Memories being made!

With love,

Chelsea

Western NC: Cashiers & Highlands