North Carolinians are a lucky crowd. Our state is home to a variety of adventures at the ready any day of the week — or weekend. When you're itching for a new discovery, head to this small community for more fun than you could ever imagine. Spend just one weekend here and you may find yourself planning your return visit before you even leave. There's just that much to do and see in this small town.
Located on a plateau in the Appalachian Mountains, Highlands — with a population of a mere 940 residents and elevation of 4,118' — offers a host of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy year-round.
We could start with two of the town's most famous attractions. They're both waterfalls, as we're sure you already guessed. Dry Falls (shown below) is a short hike down some stairs and over a walkway that takes you under a tremendous waterfall (even more impressive after a rain!). The falls drop dramatically into a gorge below. And the vantage point underneath the falls makes for some spectacular photo opportunites.
On the same highway, you'll find Bridal Veil Falls. This one used to be known for visitors being able to drive a car right under the open gap of the fall. In the photo below, taken September 2016, the roadway is closed to vehicular traffic. Both of these waterfalls, and a lot more, are located right U.S. 64. If you love chasing waterfalls, then some beautiful ones are right in, and outside of, Highlands.
The town of Highlands has many shopping options with everything from boutique jewelry and ladies clothing, to home decor and more. You could spend an entire day just meandering through the charming shops.
When you're all shopped out, sightseeing is a favorite pastime for visitors to Highlands. You'll find historic homes, commercial buildings and churches, each appointed with unique elements and colors making them all the more special and photo worthy.
For art lovers, The Bascom is a center for the visual arts and has not only exhibitions, but also artist residencies and youth camps. The permanent and revolving exhibitions feature regional artists. The seven galleries at The Bascom alone have nearly 30 special shows per year.
If theater is more your thing, then Highlands Playhouse has you covered all year. During the summer months they feature four theatrical performances that are a highlight of the summer. The remaining part of the year the Playhouse shows first-run movies.
And let's not forget the Highlands Food & Wine Festival each November. Formerly called the Culinary Festival, this three day event brings together the best of food, wine and music for a weekend you'll not soon forget.
If you're already thinking about planning a trip to Highlands (you definitely should!) there are plenty of charming places to spend the night in this tiny town. Old Edwards Inn and Spa (shown below) was recently named one of the Best Hotels in The World by Travel & Leisure (2017). It's easy to see why!
Editor’s Note: As you may know, the town of Black Mountain was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. This means that some of the locations may not be open due to damage that was suffered. While it’s okay to visit the town, we ask that you have respect for the residents and local businesses who are still performing cleanup efforts. Our thoughts are with the people of the town of Black Mountain, NC.
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We can’t get enough of our mountain towns, especially this one in particular. Black Mountain, North Carolina, is inspiring throughout the year, but it's most exceptional in winter when it's wrapped in a quiet, snowy frost. And according to the trusty Almanac, the winter ahead will bring milder weather, but there will be frosty conditions that will make the season magical. Plan to capture the beauty during the snowiest times the first of the year in January and February. Commit to a Black Mountain, NC winter getaway here, and you'll soon discover there is more to winter and cold in this snowy town in North Carolina. Just be sure to bring along your warmest winter travel essentials!
The steep and sloping ranges in Black Mountain, North Carolina, are even more gorgeous when capped with snow. There is nothing quite as beautiful as our quiet little small towns, especially when they are little mountain towns. The distant peaks of the mountains, the blanketed snow covering the landscape in white, and the friendly people all make this a quintessential small town to visit in North Carolina.
And fun is available without climbing so high. Take it all in and stay awhile in this natural wonder. So allow us to be your guides to this small town with recommendations for places to stay, eat, drink, and have fun. Let's make the most out of a winter getaway and see all there is to see and do in this lovely little place.
The Cozy Cabin in Black Mountain Vrbo sleeps up to six people. It is perfect for spending some precious, quiet time in the mountains. Doesn't this snowy wonderland seem so cozy and inviting? It makes us want to find a comfy spot on the couch with a soft blanket and curl up with a good book. Even if you come from far away a stay here will give you a taste of mountain living in the winter.
While remote, it is conveniently located near all of the attractions of downtown Black Mountain. The open floor plan is a great way to visit and reconnect with your friends. You will have a fully stocked kitchen to cook a big meal for your family but one of the best parts of a weekend getaway is to experience the culture of the place you are visiting. Plus you don't have to cook which is a big plus...
2. Dinner
Grilled and sliced ribeye served with bone marrow and red wine.
If you are too tired to cook, try out the new winter menu at Milton's Cuisine and Cocktails. Make a reservation today to order this newly inspired dish of the locally sourced red wine-braised cervena venison shank with sweet potato, grilled broccolini, braising gravy, and rosemary gremolata.
3. Shop
From fine art to clothing, Black Mountain offers numerous shopping opportunities in its charming downtown.
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4. Drink
Refreshing Hard Cider Flight of Beers to Drink
Take off the chill at Black Mountain Cider and Mead, where the staff crafts session mead and dry cider from local honey and apples in an old furniture factory nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sample their flight's uniquely named beverages: Viking Blood, Ginger Beer, and Bluebeard.
Currently, Black Mountain Cider and Mead is still going through cleanup efforts but will reopen soon. Follow this beloved brewery on Facebook for updates.
5. Breakfast
For breakfast bright and early stop by the Open Oven Brunch and Bakery. Who doesn't love a good bakery? Peruse the baked goods behind the glass for a quick bite to eat or indulge in one of the fantastic rotating specials. One of their specialty is the breakfast platter with sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, caramelized onions, mixed in bell peppers and crunchy fried chicken, drizzled spiced cider reduction, and finally topped wonderfully with a sunnyside-up egg. yum! Doesn't that sound like the perfect way to start your day?!
Open Oven Brunch and Bakery is temporarily closed but will reopen soon. Follow this local brunch spot on Facebook for updates.
The hearty breakfast will come in handy on the steep ski slopes of the Hately Pointe Ski Resort (Formerly known as Wolf Ridge), just about an hour away in Mars Hill. Snow tubing and skiing, and the lodge's pizzeria, make this a fun trip for the whole family.
The 16.3-acre Lake Tomahawk Park is a short walk from the cabin and provides a free place to play, hike, and enjoy the nature that comes in the breathtaking winter months. Lake Tomahawk Walking Trail is one of the best places in town to walk around the water and watch the birds. Even when there isn't snow we would highly recommend this spot.
Are you ready to book a Black Mountain, NC winter getaway to one of North Carolina's snowiest towns? Is this already an annual destination? If you visit, please share your experience in the comments below. For more information about the town please visit the Black Mountain, North Carolina website.
And while you're there, treat yourself to the romantic Biltmore Estate, especially at Christmastime.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
