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.

Discover the best waterfalls near you: from easy walks to challenging hikes, explore scenic spots like Bridal Veil Falls, Cashiers Sliding Rock, and Whitewater Falls. Perfect for all levels and ages!

Looking like an opulent chateau that’s been airdropped from Burgundy, Biltmore is an estate whose architectural splendor defies belief. As America’s largest home, built by George Washington Vanderbilt starting in the late 1880s, this Gilded Age estate sprawls across a mighty 8000 acres in Asheville’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains.

For those who live in Western North Carolina, nothing says summer quite like a leisurely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. With sweeping vistas at high elevations and entertaining stops along the [...]

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 [...]

“Hey, come on in! Sit wherever you like,” calls the amiable bartender. It’s 5 PM and eager patrons pour into Highlands Tavern. The next visitor is greeted by name as Chef Kim Vos bustles through the dining room and recognizes one of her regulars. Tables begin to fill rapidly, even though the restaurant has just opened for the evening. As servers joke with their customers, it’s readily apparent that everyone knows one another. It was on this Monday that I found my new favorite haunt.

In the heart of Western North Carolina, a common thread weaves through local heritage, one that resonates with the vestiges of Scottish ancestry. “I’m part Scottish!” is a declaration worn with pride, a testament to the deep-rooted connection many North Carolinians share with the rugged landscapes and rich traditions of Scotland.

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, [...]

Since its inception in 1999, the Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC) has entertained the town’s residents and visitors with a comprehensive schedule of live theatrical productions and concerts each year.

There is no shortage of private communities centered around an outdoor lifestyle on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, but not all of them feature an 18-hole golf course awarded four-and-a-half stars by Golf Magazine. Nor do they all include access to Lake Glenville, said to be the highest-elevation lake east of the Mississippi River. At Trillium Links and Lake Club, members can enjoy the best of both golfing and lake experiences. 

A summer spent in the mountains can feel like returning home. The slower pace of life, fresh mountain air, and cooler ambient temperatures provide true rejuvenation for the mind and body. But for members of The Chattooga Club, time spent at their private retreat is not just coming home; it’s coming home to the open arms of a large, extended family.

With the new director of the Cashiers Historical Society

Words by Emily Davis

Photography by Courtney Snyder

Confucius once advised his disciples, “Study the past if you would define the future.” The Cashiers Historical Society, long a staple of education, preservation, and outreach on the Plateau, embraces that philosophy wholeheartedly. [...]