Planning a trip to Highlands, NC and don’t know where to start with your vacation plans? In this little guide, I’m sharing all about a few of my favorite places to eat, shop and stay during your trip.
Eat
Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden
Located inside the Old Edwards Inn, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden is a must visit during any trip to Highlands, NC. Get a taste of the old world in the airy dining room, or get a bit of fresh air in the Wine Garden. Either way, your food is guaranteed to be delicious.
Lunch Suggestions: Madison’s Chicken Salad Sandwich, Grilled Flatbread, Chicken Breast Salad
Paoletti’s Ristorante
If you’re craving Italian, then making dinner reservations at Paoletti’s is a must. With an intimate dining room, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an Italian eatery in NYC (or perhaps a delicious little spot in Roma!)
Dinner Suggestions: Spaghetti Bolognese, Tortellini alla Panna con Piselli e Prosciutto, Trofie al Pesto
Four65 Wood Fire Grill & Bar
While the eatery wasn’t open during our visit (we did get to peak inside and it’s going to be gorgeous) if you’re looking for a more upscale place to dine then I’d definitely give this one a try. Opening Date: September 12th
Calders Coffee Cafe
In the midst of our afternoon (of mostly window shopping) I was in serious need of a little caffeine. Calder Coffee Cafe had the Iced Chai Latte that I was after (and they also have Almond, Coconut and Soy Milk options!)
Shop
While there is a plethora of shops along Main Street and a few spots around 4th Street, we only stick to a few shops to avoid the more ‘touristy’ shops which make up most of the shopping venues. Since we were last in Highlands, they’ve opened up a location of Spartina 449 (one of my favorite shops!) and as luck would have it we were there for their Labor Day sale. Hello new jewelry pieces!
Spartina 449
Alcoves
Oakleaf
Dutchmans
Stay
Old Edwards Inn & Spa
On my first trip to Highlands, we stayed at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, which is THE place to stay if you want to be nearest to the Main Street shops. With beautiful rooms and a luxurious spa, you don’t even have to leave the inn if you’re looking for a spa weekend in.
Half-Mile Farm
We’ve seen this luxury inn, which is part of the Old Edwards group, on multiple Instagram accounts (including well known blogger, Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam.) We took the opportunity to drive by after our afternoon of shopping on Main Street. The inn is just a short eight minute drive for Main Street and is definitely worth the drive. With both rooms at the inn and cabins for larger groups, the inn offers a beautiful lake that’s just perfect if you enjoy canoeing or picnicking by the water.
Highlands Vacation Rentals
While I won’t give the address, we opted for a VRBO during our most recent stay in Highlands, NC. Read more about the VRBO we stayed at during our Highlands getaway here.
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