Our personal top spots!
A stunning waterfall that you can walk behind for a unique perspective. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 12 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A series of three cascading waterfalls along a scenic trail. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 8 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A hidden gem perfect for swimming and picnicking. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 25 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A beautiful waterfall located along the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 15 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
Offers swimming, fishing, and hiking in a serene lake setting. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 15 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A hike with breathtaking views from the top of the mountain. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 30 minutes from 814 Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
Zip lining and other outdoor adventures for the whole family. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 40 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A unique waterfall you can drive under. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 12 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A natural water slide that’s perfect for a fun and refreshing adventure. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 35 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A short hike that offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 15 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
A recreation area with a mountain coaster, fishing and even snow tubing in the cold months. For more information click HERE.
Distance: 20 minutes from Minnie Blessings.
Directions: Google Maps Directions
List credit: Southern Living
Highlands is a jumping off point for outdoor adventures, from zip-lining to golf. Brookings Anglers can outfit you for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. Or, book a tour with one of their friendly guides at the nearby Cashiers location—just make sure you reserve your spot a month or two out.
Take the kids 8 miles west of town to Highlands Outpost for the longest gravity-powered roller coaster in the state. Then check out the gem mine to see what treasures you can find. Snow tubing and ice skating begin in November.
Stick around downtown at least one day to explore the many shops. Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street. Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures at Bear Mountain Outfitters. From outdoor appeal and equipment for the trail to casual wear you can sport around town, this local shop has something for everyone.
Pop into Rosenthals Boutique for an elevated look. A family store that's been passed down three generations, the shop prides itself on a selection of designer brands and high-end service. Wander into TJ Baily's for classic style. This once men's only store now carries women's clothing too.
Find a little something for your home at Dutchmans Casual Living where you'll be delighted by colorful decor and handcrafted furnishings. The boutique has planted 700,000 trees since 2005, with the goal to plant one tree with every piece of furniture sold. On North Fourth, CK Swan sells carefully selected home goods and furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and even bouquets of flowers.
Downtown Highlands has a number of antique stores that are definitely worth checking out, but it's also worth a trip to Reclamations. Located between Highlands and Cashiers, Reclamations is so much more than an antique store. You'll find an incredible array of architectural salvage, hand-crafted hardware, yard art, and more. After an hour of browsing their vast barn, you're sure to find buried treasure somewhere.
A short drive or walk from downtown, a 6-acre horse farm is home to The Bascom, a visual arts center that exhibits local and world-renowned artists. After visiting the exhibits, meander down the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail to enjoy the beauty of nature and art.
List credit: Southern Living
Begin your day at Mountain Fresh Grocery where a homemade breakfast sandwich is sure to fuel the day's adventure. Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road. 4th Street Market, a small convenience store, will come in handy at the start of the day with to-go snacks for the trail. Much more than a convenience store, this market carries breakfast biscuits, warm cinnamon rolls, and barbecue fixings you can bring on a picnic.
If you're not still in the mountains mid-day, stop by The Wine Garden at the Old Edwards Inn for its can't-miss patio. Sunshine and stonework mixes with great sips, dips, salads, and sandwiches for a lunch that feels like a destination in its own right. Another local favorite, Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas. The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair. If you don't get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service as well.
If you like, never leave your hotel and stay for dinner at Madison's Restaurant. The indoor dining room serves farm-to-table fare where you can treat yourself to everything from pork saltimbocca to a crispy leg of duck confit. Or, take things up a notch at Wolfgang's Restaurant & Wine Bistro, where a taste of Europe and New Orleans accompany a wine list more than 700 bottles long. Also on the main strip, Ristorante Paoletti offers excellent Italian fare from pastas to veal and fish. Reservations are recommended at these restaurants, especially during the vacation season.
There are many good reasons to wander away from the inn, as dinner options within walking distance of downtown are endless. Bring a picture of your pup with you to The Ugly Dog Public House, and they'll put it on their photo-studded walls while you grab a burger and a local beer.
Around town, opportunities abound for frozen treats, pastries, and chocolates. Between shopping or after a meal, be sure to stop into Kilwins for a plethora of confections and ice cream cones sure to keep your blood sugar from dropping. Most of their recipes date back to the 1940s, and their turtle fudge is nearly impossible to pass up.
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