Cashiers, North Carolina, Presents the Excellent Summer season Trip—With One of many South’s Greatest Resorts

Positioned on the very best plateau within the Blue Ridge, Cashiers (elevation 3,487 toes) isn’t precisely the simplest vacation spot to achieve. The roads wind by way of numerous mountain cities—relying on the place you’re coming from, you might move Highlands, Brevard, or Sylva—and, through the peak summer time season, you could have to slowly and patiently drive behind different vacationers searching for the delights of this a part of Western North Carolina. The trouble, nonetheless, is value it in the long run whenever you pull into this historic village, simply eight miles from the South Carolina border.

“Cashiers has lengthy been admired for its pure magnificence, small-town vibes, and a welcoming sense of Southern hospitality,” Daniel Fletcher, co-founder of Outland Hospitality, the group behind Lodge Cashiers, tells Journey + Leisure. “It’s the form of distinctive place that actually transports you to a distinct frame of mind [from] the second you arrive.” It’s quaint, peaceable, and exceptionally laid-back.

Pronounced “Money-urs,” not “Money-ears,” the roughly 900-person group sits on the intersection of U.S. Route 64 and NC Freeway 107, and serves as a jumping-off level for all method of outside actions, together with fly fishing, climbing, {golfing}, and boating. It additionally boasts barely decrease common temperatures in the summertime, because of the next elevation. (The common excessive in August is round 81.9 levels Fahrenheit, whereas close by Greenville is 88 levels Fahrenheit.) This mix has solidified Cashiers’ standing as a resort city, one which’s anchored by Excessive Hampton, a historic inn and repeat World’s Greatest Awards winner.

“Consider Cashiers like a seashore city with out the seashore,” says Sarah Jennings, associate dealer at Cashiers Valley Actual Property. “Our inhabitants balloons in the summertime and that may be onerous for a few of our eating places and retailers to organize for, so whenever you come, particularly in July, be affected person, be form, and be courteous.” Even should you skip the summer time crowds, opting as an alternative for the quiet shoulder seasons, you gained’t miss a lot. Cashiers’ distinctive model of summer time camp-like magic endures all year long.

Learn on to find how one can plan a visit to Cashiers, in keeping with locals.

Greatest Motels & Resorts

Excessive Hampton

Just lately named the second-best resort within the South within the 2025 World’s Greatest Awards, Excessive Hampton is a vacation spot in and of itself in Cashiers. Though the property has been welcoming company for the reason that Twenties, its newest chapter started within the spring of 2021, following a revitalization helmed by the Blackberry Farm (one other T+L reader favourite) crew.

Serving as each a personal membership and a resort, Excessive Hampton balances a sure degree of exclusivity with all the trimmings of a welcoming, kid-friendly getaway—albeit one which’s impeccably designed and complemented by a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an impressive meals and beverage program. Breakfast is served in The Eating Room, overlooking Hampton Lake and out onto Rock Mountain. An informal lunch down at Mitch’s Lakeside (frozen cocktail non-compulsory) or The Tavern might be adopted by a return to The Eating Room, the place dinner ought to all the time conclude with a dessert made by chef April Franqueza, a semifinalist within the 2025 James Beard Awards for Excellent Pastry Chef or Baker.

Lodge Cashiers

“Personally, I really like Lodge Cashiers. The homeowners have really remodeled the realm right into a walkable and pleasurable place the place you could find superb eating and pleasant areas,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the manager director of The Village Inexperienced—a 13.2-acre space on the crossroads of Freeway 64 and Freeway 107—and a sixth-generation resident of Jackson County. The rooms are a bit retro and Scandinavian-inspired, and so they’re geared up with the entire necessities; you possibly can even pop into the shared pantry for complimentary snacks and low. “Don’t neglect to have dinner of their ‘foyer’ as a result of it’s fabulous,” says Jennings, referring to Kitchen & Bar, the place the seasonal menu options dishes made with farm-to-table elements.

The Wells Lodge

The Wells Lodge is one other stable, extra reasonably priced choice in Cashiers. “[It’s] related to Whiteside Brewing Co. by a brief strolling path, and that’s all the time a enjoyable go to for good brews and eats,” says Mitchell. The rooms are shiny and ethereal and conveniently situated close to the Elevated Kitchen meals truck, so company can simply seize a fast breakfast earlier than beginning their day in Cashiers.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go for a hike—or stretch your legs on the town.

“Cashiers is understood for its abundance of waterfalls, hikes, and wildlife, and my favourite hike is Whiteside Mountain. It’s a straightforward hike that gives jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Fletcher. Jennings additionally recommends taking “the quick hike to Silver Run Falls.” You may even get in some steps with out leaving the city itself. “I all the time take pleasure in exploring the Cashiers Strolling Path and The Village Inexperienced sculpture park and seeing all of the native flowers and artwork,” says Fletcher.

Have a lake day.

Cashiers could also be a mountain city, however it’s additionally shut to 2 beautiful lakes: Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway. Should you’re within the former, Mitchell suggests stopping by the seashore on the  Pines Recreation Space or renting a ship from Sign Ridge Marina. Lake Toxaway Marine additionally presents boat leases, in addition to kayaks, canoes, water skis, and tubes.

Verify the native occasion calendar.

Mitchell notes that Cashiers additionally has “free occasions all through the week,” and households can all the time discover some reasonably priced enjoyable on the native park and playground at The Village Inexperienced. In 2025, the schedule of occasions contains the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Pageant, a farmers market, an vintage present, and extra.

Plan a fly-fishing journey.

Anglers are drawn to this a part of Western North Carolina, because of its chilly rivers and streams crammed with trout. Brookings Anglers has guided float and wade journeys that discover the waters of the Tuckasegee, and there are dozens of smaller streams and rivers to fish within the space surrounding Cashiers.

Greatest Buying

Cashiers Farmers Market

It’s almost inconceivable to depart Cashiers Farmers Market empty-handed. From the native produce and baked items to the jars of jams and the takeout barbecue—picked up on the adjoining, aptly named On the Aspect restaurant—this nostalgia-inducing spot is the proper cease whenever you’re feeling peckish or wish to load up on some snacks earlier than heading out on a hike.

Vivace

“Vivace has one thing for everybody, and their choice varies between informal day put on and night [attire],” says Mitchell. “I additionally recognize that they’ve footwear for all events. Every bit I’ve from Vivace has served me properly, and so they have one thing for every season.” Should you’re a fan of manufacturers like Frank & Eileen or Favourite Daughter, it’s a can’t-miss cease whereas in Cashiers.

Victoria’s Closet

“Victoria’s Closet is a staple consignment retailer and has nice stuff year-round. It’s all the time enjoyable to pop in and discover, as a result of who doesn’t love a very good consignment retailer treasure hunt?” says Fletcher. Mitchell agrees, including, “After I’m in a pinch for the proper outfit for an occasion or an informal evening out, I can all the time discover one right here, together with sneakers.”

Highland Hiker and Brookings Anglers

Mitchell calls Highland Hiker your “go-to store for every part you want for outside excursions, whether or not you are snowboarding the slopes in January or climbing Whiteside Mountain in August.” Equally, Brookings Anglers covers your outside wants, and Fletcher provides that it has a “nice location overlooking the lake and presents guided fly-fishing journeys.”

The Cashiers Retailer

“You may’t go away the realm with out stopping at The Cashiers Retailer for a memento,” says Jennings. The store has your entire basic trip items—colourful T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts proudly touting the mountain vacation spot.

Greatest Eating places

Native Prime Provisions

For an elevated evening out in Cashiers, Mitchell recommends Native Prime Provisions. “The homeowners, Scott Alderson and Tania Duncombe, convey all of the enjoyable and greatest seafood from the East Coast. Their wine menu can be meticulously curated, and I’ve by no means had a nasty suggestion. To not point out, it is enjoyable to dine whereas watching everybody work within the kitchen to organize artfully crafted plates,” she says.

The Orchard

“The Orchard is a Cashiers’ mainstay and all the time fantastic,” says Jennings. Reservations are extremely really useful, and the atmosphere of the 100-year-old farmhouse is hard to beat. The menu incorporates a vary of hearty favorites, together with fried inexperienced tomatoes, steamed mussels, and crab truffles.

Chile Loco

“For a family-friendly meal, I really like Chile Loco, a family-run Mexican restaurant that gives all of the go-to Mexican dishes in addition to some lesser-known household recipes,” says Fletcher. After an extended day of climbing, waterfall recognizing, or fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River, there’s nothing fairly like a platter of nachos or fajitas, topped off with a refreshing margarita.

Canyon Kitchen

“[Canyon Kitchen] has essentially the most spectacular view of virtually any restaurant within the nation, and the meals is phenomenal,” says Jennings. Though it is technically in Sapphire, the quick seven-minute drive from Cashiers is greater than worthwhile, particularly if entrees like North Carolina shrimp and grits or steak and fries are up your alley.

Buck’s Espresso Cafe

“For espresso, I all the time cease by Buck’s Espresso Cafe for an ideal Americano in a residing room-style area,” says Fletcher. You’ll know you’ve arrived whenever you spot the antlers on the entrance of the constructing.

Greatest Time to Go to

There is no dangerous time to go to Cashiers, so the “greatest” time is determined by your excellent climate and crowd preferences. “My favourite time to be in Cashiers is spring and late summer time. The temperature within the mountains is ideal, and the native blooms are beautiful—suppose daffodils, rhododendrons, and laurels in every single place,” says Fletcher.

Summertime and the height of fall foliage are hottest amongst vacationers—and for good cause. “Summer season is when there’s one thing enjoyable to do with the entire household daily of the week,” says Mitchell. “Fall is when our Cashiers Valley showcases magnificent reds, oranges, and yellows of the deciduous bushes and brings with it cooler temperatures for cozy nights across the fireplace.” That stated, should you go to in July or October, you’ll wish to maintain a number of issues in thoughts. “Site visitors can get dangerous through the weekends, [along with] increased lodging costs and busier trails and eating places,” says Fletcher.

Should you’re fascinated by Cashiers’ shoulder season, take into account coming in September, which Jennings describes as “essentially the most underrated time to be in Cashiers.” “The temperatures are nonetheless nice, the crowds have died down, and the entire retailers and eating places are nonetheless open,” she says. Or, you possibly can plan your journey for the winter, which Mitchell says brings “quick wait occasions and pleasant native faces, together with snowboarding and tubing in Sapphire.”  (Sapphire Valley’s ski space is an eight-minute drive from Cashiers).

The way to Get There

Should you’re flying into the realm, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is your greatest wager. It’s nearly a one-hour drive from Cashiers, relying on the site visitors and the way snug you might be with navigating mountain roads. Greenville-Spartanburg Worldwide Airport (GSP) is an alternative choice; the South Carolina airport is rather less than two hours away.

The way to Get Round

Despite the fact that Cashiers is a tiny city—and there may be the partially-completed strolling path, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble—you’ll want a automobile to achieve climbing trails, some eating places, and different factors of curiosity within the space. Plus, not each a part of the city is related by a sidewalk.