Location: Highlands
Top Things to do in Highlands
10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Highlands That You Shouldn't Miss
Highlands is an incorporated town in Macon County in the U.S. state of North Carolina. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest, it lies mostly in southeastern Macon County and slightly in southwestern Jackson County, in the Highlands and Cashiers Townships, respectively. The permanent population was 924 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Highlands
1. Highlands Playhouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
A centerpiece for the performing arts in Highlands, the Playhouse is features annual live productions for the summer crowds as well as first-run movies year 'round. Conveniently located one street North of Main Street, adjacent to the Highlands Police Department and Town Hall.
Reviewed By fredb613 - Highlands, United States
The Highlands Playhouse offers first run movies year round and live performances in the summer. So if you're visiting and it's a rainy day, it's a nice option to take in a movie. They also offer a limited selection of wine which is fun!
2. TJ Bailey's
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
3. Silver Eagle Jewelry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 976lindseyc
Amazing and unique collection of stones, gems and jewelry. Shop owner was extremely nice & helpful. Prices are excellent for the quality craftsmanship. Absolutely will visit again.
4. Easely an Artist
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We have something for everyone! It doesn't matter if you have never held a paintbrush before or you have had lessons for years. Come in for a relaxing laid back class with one of our knowledgeable instructors. We offer private parties for any occasion. You can even bring a little something to sip on while you paint, and help get those creative juices flowing.
5. Jackson Hole Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Jackson Hole Gem Mine has been a family owned business since it was built in 1952. We are located exactly 9 miles from beautiful downtown Highlands, and 9 miles from downtown Franklin. We are 1/3 of a mile from the breathtaking Cullasaja Falls (means "sweetwater" in Cherokee). Also, 5 miles from Dry Falls (seen in The Last of the Mohicans). Our guests can browse our huge rock shop and gift store, or eat hot boiled peanuts on our front porch overlooking the beautiful Cullasaja River. Our gem mine is all weather fun for the whole family. Macon County is considered the "Gem Capital of the World" for a reason! Come and buy a bucket to sift! Small Buckets are $10 each, and one per person. Ultimate Buckets are $30 each or 2 for $50. These buckets are big and can be shared! We also have a $100 Bucket Club. This bucket is great for families. With this, you receive a $45 free cut of a gemstone that you find! Chuck is a master lapidary and we can help you choose what would be the best thing in your find to cut! We are handicapped accessible and very kid/pet friendly.
Reviewed By estella241
My family and I spent a morning gem mining at Jackson Hole Gem Mine last fall. I read previous reviews and knew not to waste our time with a cheaper bucket. We got the $100 bucket, which was enough for kids to enjoy with help from their parents. The gentleman helping us was very knowledgeable and we enjoyed talking to him about how the rocks/soil are sourced. Obviously, the staff at Jackson Hole are not going out into their backyard and putting a shovel full of dirt into a bucket. The soil/rocks are purchased from vendors. This does not make it any less fun! We found smoky quartz, aventurine, aquamarines, sapphires, emeralds, and rubies, in addition to a few others that I can't remember the names of. The gentleman helping us showed us how the shape of the rocks gives you a clue to what treasures you might have fount. After sifting your bucket, you take your trays inside, and the staff confirms what you've found. They will encourage you to get stones cut and set by them - that's how they make their money! And it's not cheap, by any means. So you could take your treasures home, uncut, and save yourself some cash, but if you want to make them into jewelry, this is the time to decide. It's harder to find a lapidary on your own if you change your mind later. We had a few large stones, but decided to cut two. The smoky quartz was pretty cheap to cut, but the large ruby was expensive (talking hundreds of dollars here). Rubies are rare, and the staff member thought it might even be a star ruby. Due to the rarity, cutting is more expensive. The staff will also encourage you to let them set your stones, but we chose not to do that. We wanted to see the uncut stones first and think about the appropriate settings for them. We paid for the cutting and left our contact information and stones at Jackson Hole. About 1 month later our stones arrived in the mail. We were very pleased with the quality of the cutting. The smoky quartz was faceted and very sparkly. The ruby was cut into two smaller cabochons, one of which had a semi-visible star. Later, we worked with a local jeweler to create a necklace and ring out of the rubies. Several months and a ring and a necklace later, we are pleased with our experience at Jackson Hole. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, the staff is a little pushy trying to upsell you. But overall, we feel we got what we paid for. A wonderful family experience, education about the geology of the area, education about the lapidary and gem-setting business, and both uncut and cut stones that we can enjoy for years to come. When I wear my rubies, I now have a wonderful story to tell people when they ask about them. As far as cost is concerned, I had the ruby jewelry appraised, and it is valued at several thousand more than what we paid for the entire experience and creation of the jewelry pieces.
6. The Bascom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
High on a mountain plateau, The Bascom art center provides audiences of all ages with stimulating, diverse exhibitions, studio art instruction and other cultural experiences. Join us at our six-building, six-acre campus in Highlands, North Carolina. The Bascom offers you and your family and friends a community gathering-place amid art and nature, along with many program offerings. Free Admission!
Reviewed By profmom1 - Douglasville, United States
This was a great place to visit on a rainy day. The place is quite big, so it was easy to practice social distancing. We saw 2 excellent exhibits. The gift shop has beautiful jewelry in it.
7. Highlands Wine Shoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Open 7 Days a Week. We are The wine shoppe and wine lounge of Highlands! We offer over 750 wines for sale to take with you or to be enjoyed in our Wine Bar. Our Wine Lounge offers over 50 wines by-the-glass as well as charcuterie, cheese and chocolate plates, free Wi-Fi, and sports on the flat screen TV. We also have WineStation machines that allow for tasting up to 16 wines any time you visit the shoppe! Our front lawn seating and fire pit area are the perfect place to enjoy some wine and make new friends!
8. Satulah Mountain Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Brewpub; beer brewed on site with fine Carolina mountaintop water. Served on Draft @ Elev. 4118. First brewery in Macon County.
9. Highlands Art Gallery
10. Colonel Mustard’s
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By TheHouseOfRJ
The new owners are doing a fantastic job! The wide variety of peanuts, jams, jellies, hot sauces and BBQ rubs to choose from is amazing. They even have a small but well stocked wine section. We were greeted as we walked in and all our questions about items were answered to our satisfaction. Friendly and knowledgeable staff that has been there for many years is always ready to assist with holding your purchases at the register while you shop. We will be returning! Looking forward to the new website.
