Highlands is a town in Macon County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,780 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Macon County.
Highlands is located at the southern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which in this area form the Eastern Continental Divide. Consequently, many of the town’s streets have steep grades. The town is home to Whiteside Mountain, which, at 4,930 feet (1,503 m), is the highest point in the state east of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Highlands Historical Museum is located in the old Highlands Railroad Depot. The Museum is open weekends from Memorial Day through October, as well as Wednesday afternoons from June through August. Exhibits include local history, geological displays, early farming tools, and a model of the town as it appeared in the late 1800s.
The Bascom, a center for visual arts, is located in Highlands. The Bascom features rotating exhibitions of contemporary artists in a variety of media, lectures, children’s art classes, and community outreach programs.
The Sachs Center for the Performing Arts is located on the campus of Highlands School. The center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including music, dance, and theatre.
The Highlands Playhouse is a community theatre that produces a variety of theatrical productions throughout the year.
The Highlands Hiker Shuttle provides a free shuttle service for hikers and cyclists wishing to explore the many trails in the area. The shuttle has 12 stops throughout Highlands and runs from Memorial Day through October.
The Macon County Public Library is located in Highlands. The Library offers a variety of programs and services for children, including story times, summer reading programs, and homework help.
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In Highlands, North Carolina
1. Visit Cherokee, North Carolina
Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Oconaluftee Indian Village to learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people. Then, take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the stunning views of the mountains.
2. Visit the Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is a historic house and garden that is open to the public for tours. The house was built in the late 1800s and is the largest private home in America. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and there are many activities for kids to do, such as visiting the butterfly garden, feeding the ducks, and riding ponies.
3. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile long road that runs through the Appalachian Mountains. It is one of the most scenic drives in America and offers stunning views of the mountains. There are also many hiking trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls along the Parkway.
4. Stay in a log cabin
There are many log cabins available for rent in the Highlands area. This is a great way to experience the mountain lifestyle and enjoy the beautiful views of the area.
5. Go fishing
Highlands is home to many rivers and streams where you can go fishing. There are also several lakes in the area that are stocked with fish. A fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 16.
6. Visit a farmers market
The Highlands farmers market is open every Saturday from May to October. You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and other local products.
7. Go hiking
There are many hiking trails in the Highlands area, ranging from easy to difficult. The scenery is beautiful and you can often see wildlife along the way.
8. Visit a winery
There are several wineries in the Highlands area that offer tours and tastings. This is a great way to learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the local wines.
9. Go tubing
tubing is a popular activity in the Highlands area. You can rent tubes and float down the river while enjoying the scenic views.
10. Go camping
Highlands is home to many campgrounds where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. This is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the area.
