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Highlands, North Carolina
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains
of North Carolina on the southernmost plateau of the Appalachian
Mountain chain lies the Town of Highlands with its rich history
dating back before its incorporation in 1879. The legend says that
Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson, developers of several Western
frontier towns, drew one line on a map from New York to New Orleans
and then another from Chicago to Savannah. They felt that the point
of intersection which is now Highlands would be the perfect spot to
develop a prosperous town. They promoted Highlands as a health
retreat and summer resort because of its ideal climate, clean air,
and natural beauty.
Many wealthy families from
southern cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and New Orleans would
come to Highlands during the summer to avoid the sweltering summer
temperatures at home. Quickly, Highlands began to attract visitors
and summer residents from around the nation and abroad.
In the 1920s the development of
Highlands Country Club brought a beautiful golf course to the area
and further enhanced the town’s reputation. Bobby Jones, the great
golfing legend, owned a summer home near the club. The cool summer
temperatures attract many golfers today. The private golf clubs
include Highlands Country Club, Highlands Falls Country Club,
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, and the Cullasaja Club.
CLIMATE
With the average elevation of
4118, Highlands offers an attractive climate. The warm days and
cool nights of summer attract visitors and summer residents from hot
southern cities. Every autumn the mountains surrounding Highlands
are brilliantly painted with red and gold maples. The spring months
are rich with pink and white dogwoods, vibrant azaleas,
rhododendrons and mountain laurels. Highlands receives some snow in
the winter but most days are mild and suitable for outdoor
activities.
LOCATION
Highlands is just a 2 ˝ hour
drive from Atlanta and within a 1 ˝ days drive from south Florida.
The Asheville airport and the Greenville/Spartanburg airport are
within a 1 ˝ hour drive from Highlands. The Atlanta International
Airport is about 3 hours.
HIGHLANDS
TODAY
Today Highlands is known for its
beautiful golf courses, many wonderful summer home communities, fine
boutiques, exquisite restaurants, historic restored inns, and the
natural beauty of the surrounding National Forest.
OUTDOOR
ACTIVITIES
The mountains provide a backdrop
for all types of outdoor activities. A system of well-maintained
trails for hikers of every ability, rafting on the nearby Ocoee,
Nantahala, and Chattooga Rivers, mountain biking, kayaking, and
fly-fishing are popular activities. Visitors come to see the many
waterfalls including Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, Glen Falls, Bust
Your Butt falls, and the amazing Cullasaja Falls. Visitors of all
ages enjoy gem mining, camping, and learning about the native plants
and birds from the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Center.
CULTURAL
Highlands is a town rich in the folklore of the
Scottish clans that first settled here centuries ago. The bag
pipers can be heard on special occasions such as the Christmas
Parade. Weaving, woodcarving, pottery, and quilting are among the
crafts that are available by local artisans in the town boutiques.
There are many activities to enjoy including evening auctions at
Scudders Galleries, fine dining at the many restaurants, the Chamber
Music Festival, plays at the Highlands Playhouse, art shows at the
Bascom-Louise Gallery and other galleries, garden tours and home
tours, an annual craft show, as well as many special events
including the annual Olde Mountain Christmas Parade.
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