This issue of NC Living reflects the sense of renewal and forward motion that defines life on the Plateau in early spring. Within these pages, we explore adventure and elevated living both near and far — from Sapphire and Geneva to Kyoto — highlighting luxury, craft, and a deep connection to place. In recognition of more than a decade of local advocacy, each 2026 issue will also spotlight one of the six towns that make up the Plateau, beginning a yearlong celebration of the communities that give this region its distinct character.

From Frieze to Cannes, there are annual global film festivals, art fairs, art exhibitions, and events that excite culture vultures everywhere. Few, however, run the entire creative arts gamut quite like the Venice Biennale.

In the high-stakes world of couture, where every stitch tells a story and every hemline hides a secret, Apple TV+ serves up a tantalizing dish with The New Look. But beware, beneath the layers of silk and tulle lies a drama as complex as a meticulously crafted gown … and just as prone to unraveling.

Ah, the French Riviera, where azure skies flirt with crystal-clear waters, Belle Époque cities, and postcard-perfect landscapes. As summer casts its golden glow upon this enchanting coastline, the allure of the Côte d’Azur becomes irresistible.

When she’s not working with her team designing sumptuous interiors for the Plateau’s most exclusive homes, interior designer Carolyn Kendall is combing Parisian flea markets for one-of-a-kind finds or lifting her paddle at auction houses.

13th Annual 3 River Fly Fishing Festival

From May 2 to 4, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau witnessed a weekend of merriment and memories for anglers of all skill levels at The 13th Annual 3 River Fly Fishing Festival. Participants converged upon the town of Highlands and then scattered throughout the serene wilderness of Western North Carolina, fishing in three different rivers that each provided a unique and challenging experience. Beyond the festivities and shared enjoyment of the outdoors for entrants, the event supported a compelling local cause.

In a land of lush forests, pristine waterways, and rushing waterfalls, residents and visitors on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau suffer no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. The area’s two largest [...]

Together, the exclusive combination of golf, amenities, and direct lake access at Trillium Links and Lake Club embodies the essence of mountain living at its finest.

Outdoorsmen who arrive on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau this Spring will be greeted by a brand new Brookings Anglers store on Cashiers Lake, with a grand opening planned for May 11.

Culture vultures descended upon downtown Highlands, North Carolina, from May 17-19 to savor the varied delights of the town’s inaugural High Style event. Described as “a celebration of art, cuisine, [...]

Your Plateau Concert Series Lineup — Groovin on The Green, Friday Night Live, Saturdays on Pine, Bear Shadow, Bel Canto, and The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival.

What is luxury? Like all enigmatic ideas, luxury itself encompasses much more that is unseen and nearly indescribable; the context of the word is ubiquitous to all and yet evokes a unique feeling in each of us. 

A plethora of services can elevate the travel experience, from avoiding the torture of endless lines to the comfort of an exclusive lounge in which to sip a solitary beverage or engage in conversation with a new-found friend.

As Spring Arrives, Enjoy Our New Issue!

Please enjoy our latest edition of NC Living magazine, packed with updates and inspiration to make your season great.