Steeped in history, surrounded by nature, and infused with passion, The Orchard Restaurant has delivered epicurean masterpieces for over 23 years. An atmosphere brimming with Southern hospitality, diligent service, and exceptional dishes highlighting local produce. Tuck into the ambiance and let The Orchard make all your foodie dreams come true. 

Oktoberfest isn’t all beer and bratwurst. The largest folk festival in the world, Oktoberfest draws six million visitors to the German city of Munich each Fall — and for good reason. A rich celebration of Bavarian traditions, community, and camaraderie, Oktoberfest dazzles with everything from fairground rides and folksy festivities to [...]

Panthertown Valley is a treasured public, backcountry area and black bear sanctuary. Its 6,311 acres are located in the Nantahala National Forest, between Lake Toxaway and Cashiers. Panthertown is located on ancestral lands of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee East) and potentially other tribes, so its lands are rich with history. Unlike a National or State Park, which may offer some frontcountry amenities and experiences, Panthertown is entirely wild and unforgiving, offering more than 30 miles of designated trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as camping, fishing, and climbing. Many of the trails are old logging roads leading to waterfalls, bogs, and spectacular valley and cliff-face overlooks. 

As you journey through the stunning landscapes of the Plateau, let our magazine guide you. Packed with a wealth of information, it serves as a perfect companion to navigate the Plateau's many attractions.

About The Event

JACKSON County, NC – A Town Hall meeting with Jackson County Sheriff Doug Farmer will be held in Cashiers, NC on Thursday, August 10th, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.  

This event will provide the opportunity to meet Sheriff Farmer and his team. The meeting will begin with a moderated session to hear about their plans and visions [...]

Very few sporting events have as much history and tradition as the annual Kentucky Derby at The Churchill Downs in Louisville. This year, Saturday, May 6th, marks the 149th year of the greatest two minutes in sports, where 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds will make the run for the roses. The Derby, a Grade I stakes [...]

Spring and summer events and activities on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. 

Summer Concert Series
May through October
Various Locations

Get ready for the season of live musical entertainment on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau! Read the latest issue of NC Living’s comprehensive guide to this year’s events. 

Locally Grown on The Green 
Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm
Commons Lawn, The Village Green, Cashiers, [...]

For the third year in a row, Highlands Festivals Inc. and Eleven Events are ushering in springtime’s warmth and renewed spirit with music, mountains, and revelry at Bear Shadow Music Festival. From April 28th to April 30th, 2023, Bear Shadow “Base Camp” will be the center of the action for a weekend of jam-packed [...]

France is among the oldest countries in the world and the largest in Western Europe. Its profound influence can be seen in almost all aspects of modern culture, from cuisine and fine wine to music, art, fashion, literature, and [...]

Western North Carolina-based interior designer Laura Sullivan has over 13 years of experience creating beautiful and intentional living spaces in her clients’ homes. Laura is the owner and operator of award-winning ID.ology Interiors & Design and co-owner of high-end home furnishing studio Atelier Maison & [...]

Wine and cheese, a pairing as old and honored as time, and the perfect combination of rich, earthy, and wholesome flavors that will elevate any entertaining experience. There’s a reason so many people opt for charcuterie when hosting a gathering – not only are gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and their accouterments mouth-wateringly [...]

As the market begins to heat up for the spring and summer seasons, now is the perfect time to check all those items off your to-do list to get your home ready for sale. You can take various small steps to ensure that your property is ready to take on the competition, many of which [...]

A native of Oxford, Mississippi, where generational roots run deep, Julia understands the importance of hard work, home, and family. Her grandmother, Dorothy Lee Tatum, was a proud mother of six who believed in the importance of education, community and her beloved Ole Miss. She enjoyed hosting guests at her celebrated National Historic [...]

Artist Talk with Casey Engel @ The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts | March 23 | 4 pm | Free

Join The Bascom for an artist talk with Casey Engel, an interdisciplinary artist primarily working in textiles, [...]

Escape to this stunning mountain home located behind the gates of the esteemed and private Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club community. This luxurious and spacious five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom property puts entertainment and comfort at center stage. The main level encompasses the kitchen, living area, dining area, laundry room, powder [...]

Photo by Caleb Kim on Unsplash

Life in Western North Carolina comes with abundant opportunities to get out and enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature. We have mountains, lakes, rivers, gorges, waterfalls, and immense biodiversity among our cove forests, coniferous woodlands, and riverine aquatic [...]

At the forefront of architecture and technology, award-winning custom home builder, and design powerhouse, Loudermilk Homes, has been expanding its presence in Western North Carolina. Renowned for their spacious [...]

A keen eye for beauty and a creative spirit drive Silver Creek Real Estate broker Debby Hall. 

With over thirty years of experience working as a successful interior designer and entrepreneur in Highlands and Atlanta, Debby has perfected the art of finding and crafting homes that reflect her client's personalities and [...]

With busy lives and packed schedules, it can be challenging to pause and find the time to give our bodies the care and attention they deserve. We often ignore the discomfort, hoping it will just go away as we sweep the messages we are receiving under the rug. This year, we are saying goodbye to those aches and pains for good [...]