A comprehensive handbook for exploring Cashiers, North Carolina, covering places to sleep, activities to engage in, and the best time to visit.
Cashiers, North Carolina
- Cashiers is a picturesque mountain village located in the heart of the Blue Ridge, known for its cooler climate and warm Southern welcome.
- The village is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, offering chances to go hiking, fly fishing, and boating.
- From timeless elegance at High Hampton to the vintage-modern Hotel Cashiers, guests have access to a range of accommodations.
- Popular local eateries such as Native Prime Provisions (elegant seafood), The Orchard (homestyle meals), and Chile Loco (kid-friendly Mexican food) provide a variety of dining options.
- Cashiers organizes frequent festivals, farmers’ markets, and music events that cater to people of all ages.
Situated on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge, Cashiers (elevation 3,487 feet) is not necessarily a simple place to get to. The roads pass through different areasmountain towns—depending on your starting point, you might passHighlands, Brevard, or Sylva—during the height of summer, you might find yourself driving slowly and patiently behind other travelers enjoying this area of Western North Carolina. The journey, however, is rewarding when you arrive at this historic village, only eight miles from the South Carolina border.
“Cashiers has long been celebrated for its scenic landscapes, cozy small-town atmosphere, and a warm spirit of Southern welcome,” Daniel Fletcher, co-founder ofOutland Hospitality, the group responsible for Hotel Cashiers, statesTravel + Leisure“It’s a one-of-a-kind location that immediately takes you to another mental state upon arrival.” It is charming, serene, and remarkably relaxed.
Pronounced “Cash-urs,” not “Cash-ears,” the community of roughly 900 people is located at the crossroads of U.S. Route 64 and NC Highway 107, and acts as a starting point for various outdoor pursuits such as fly fishing, hiking, golf, and boating. It also experiences somewhat cooler summer temperatures due to its higher elevation. (The average high in August is approximately 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to 88 degrees Fahrenheit in nearby Greenville.) This mix has established Cashiers as a resort town, with High Hampton, a historic inn, serving as a key landmark.repeat World’s Best Awards winner.
“Imagine Cashiers as a beach town without the beach,” says Sarah Jennings, partner broker atCashiers Valley Real Estate”Our population increases significantly during the summer, which can be challenging for some of our restaurants and retailers to handle, so when you visit, especially in July, please be patient, kind, and respectful.” Even if you avoid the summer crowds and choose the quieter off-peak seasons, you won’t miss much. The distinctive charm of Cashiers’ summer camp-like atmosphere remains all year long.
Continue reading to learn how to organize a visit to Cashiers, as recommended by residents.
Best Hotels & Resorts
High Hampton
Recently recognized as the second-top resort in the Southern region according to the 2025 World’s Best Awards,High Hamptonis a destination in its own right in Cashiers. While the property has been hosting guests since the 1920s, its newest phase started in the spring of 2021, after a renovation led by the Blackberry Farm (another T+L reader favorite) group.
Functioning as both a private club and a resort, High Hampton offers a balance of exclusivity with the comforts of a family-friendly vacation spot—though it is exceptionally well-designed and features a golf course crafted by Tom Fazio along with an impressive food and beverage selection. Breakfast takes place in The Dining Room, which provides views of Hampton Lake and Rock Mountain. A relaxed lunch at Mitch’s Lakeside (with the option of a frozen cocktail) or The Tavern can be followed by a return to The Dining Room, where dinner should always end with a dessert created by chef April Franqueza, who was a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards in the category of Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Hotel Cashiers
“Personally, I love Hotel Cashiers”The owners have genuinely turned the area into a walkable and pleasant spot where you can discover upscale dining and welcoming areas,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the executive director ofThe Village Green-A 13.2-acre space located at the intersection of Highway 64 and Highway 107-and a sixth-generation inhabitant of Jackson County. The rooms have a slightly vintage and Scandinavian style, and they include all the necessary amenities; you can also visit the shared pantry for free snacks and coffee. “Don’t miss having dinner in their ‘lobby’ because it’s amazing,” says Jennings, referring to Kitchen & Bar, where the seasonal menu offers dishes prepared with farm-to-table ingredients.
The Wells Hotel
The Wells Hotelis another strong, more budget-friendly choice in Cashiers. “[It’s] connected toWhiteside Brewing Co.along a brief walking trail, and it’s always a enjoyable stop for great drinks and food,” says Mitchell. The rooms are light and open, and are conveniently situated near theElevated Kitchenfood truck, allowing guests to conveniently pick up a fast breakfast before beginning their day in Cashiers.
Best Things to Do
Take a walk through the woods or take a stroll in the town.
Cashiers is recognized for its numerous waterfalls, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife, and my preferred trail isWhiteside Mountain. It’s a simple walk that provides breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Fletcher. Jennings also suggests going on “the brief trek to”Silver Run Falls.” You can even take some steps without leaving the town itself. “I always enjoy exploring theCashiers Walking Trail”And the Village Green sculpture park, along with viewing all the local flowers and artwork,” says Fletcher.
Have a lake day.
Cashiers could be located in a mountainous area, but it’s also near two beautiful lakes: Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway. If you’re interested in the first one, Mitchell recommends visiting the beach at the Pines Recreation Area or renting a boat fromSignal Ridge Marina. Lake Toxaway Marinealso provides boat rentals, along with kayaks, canoes, water skis, and inflatable tubes.
Review the local event schedule.
Mitchell mentions that Cashiers also offers “free events throughout the week,” and families can consistently discover budget-friendly entertainment at the local park and playground located at The Village Green. In 2025, theschedule of events includes the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festivala farmers’ market, an antique fair, and other events.
Plan a fly-fishing trip.
Fishing enthusiasts are attracted to this area of Western North Carolina because of its chilly rivers and streams that are home to trout.Brookings Anglershas led float and wade excursions that discover the waters of the Tuckasegee, with many smaller streams and rivers available for fishing in the vicinity of Cashiers.
Best Shopping
Cashiers Farmers Market
It’s almost impossible to departCashiers Farmers Marketempty-handed. From fresh local produce and homemade baked goods to jars of jams and takeout barbecue—available at the nearby, appropriately named On the Side restaurant—this charming place evokes a sense of nostalgia and is ideal for when you’re hungry or want to grab some snacks before heading out on a hike.
Vivace
“VivaceThere’s something for everyone, with their collection ranging from relaxed daytime outfits to formal evening wear,” says Mitchell. “I also like that they offer shoes for every occasion. Every item I’ve purchased from Vivace has worked well for me, and they have options for each season.” If you enjoy brands such as Frank & Eileen or Favorite Daughter, this is a must-visit while in Cashiers.
Victoria’s Closet
“Victoria’s Closetis a go-to consignment shop that offers excellent items all year long. It’s always enjoyable to stop by and browse, as who doesn’t appreciate a fun search for hidden gems at a consignment store?” says Fletcher. Mitchell agrees, noting, “When I need the ideal outfit for an event or a relaxed evening out, I can usually find something here, including shoes.”
Highland Hiker and Brookings Anglers
Mitchell calls Highland Hikeryour “go-to store for all your needs during outdoor adventures, whether you’re skiing the slopes in January or hiking Whiteside Mountain in August.” Similarly,Brookings Anglersmeets your outdoor requirements, and Fletcher notes that it features a “superb location with a view of the lake and provides guided fly-fishing excursions.”
The Cashiers Store
You aren’t allowed to leave the area without making a stop atThe Cashiers Store”for a keepsake,” says Jennings. The store offers all your traditional holiday items—vibrant T-shirts, caps, and sweatshirts that proudly display the mountain location.
Best Restaurants
Native Prime Provisions
For a sophisticated evening in Cashiers, Mitchell suggestsNative Prime Provisions”The owners, Scott Alderson and Tania Duncombe, offer all the excitement and finest seafood from the East Coast. Their selection of wines is also carefully chosen, and I’ve never received a poor recommendation. Plus, it’s enjoyable to eat while observing everyone in the kitchen preparing beautifully made dishes,” she says.
The Orchard
“The Orchard”is a Cashiers’ staple and always delightful,” says Jennings. Reservations are strongly advised, and the atmosphere of the 100-year-old farmhouse is hard to match. The menu offers a variety of comforting classics, such as fried green tomatoes, steamed mussels, and crab cakes.
Chile Loco
For a meal that’s great for the whole family, I enjoyChile Loco”A family-owned Mexican restaurant that serves all the classic Mexican dishes along with some unique family recipes,” says Fletcher. After a long day of hiking, spotting waterfalls, or fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River, there’s nothing quite like a plate of nachos or fajitas, finished off with a refreshing margarita.
Canyon Kitchen
“[Canyon Kitchen”has the most breathtaking view of nearly any restaurant in the nation, and the cuisine is outstanding,” notes Jennings. While it’s officially located in Sapphire, the brief seven-minute trip from Cashiers is definitely worth it, particularly if dishes such as North Carolina shrimp and grits or steak and fries appeal to you.
Buck’s Coffee Cafe
For coffee, I always make a stop byBuck’s Coffee Cafe”For an exceptional Americano in a living room-style setting,” says Fletcher. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the antlers on the front of the building.
Best Time to Visit
There’s never a poor time to go to Cashiers, so the “best” time is determined by your preferred weather and how you feel about crowds. “My favorite time to be in Cashiers is during spring and late summer. The mountain temperatures are ideal, and the local flowers are breathtaking—imagine daffodils, rhododendrons, and laurels all around,” explains Fletcher.
Summer and the height of autumn colors are the most favored times for travelers—and there’s a solid reason for that. “Summer is when there’s an exciting activity for the whole family every day of the week,” says Mitchell. “Fall is when our Cashiers Valley displays stunning reds, oranges, and yellows from the leafy trees, along with cooler weather perfect for warm evenings by the fire.” That being said, if you plan to visit in July or October, there are a few things to keep in mind. “Traffic can become heavy on weekends, [along with] increased lodging costs and more crowded trails and restaurants,” says Fletcher.
If you’re interested in visiting Cashiers during its off-peak season, think about visiting in September, which Jennings calls “the most overlooked time to be in Cashiers.” “The weather remains comfortable, the crowds have decreased, and all the shops and restaurants are still open,” she mentions. Alternatively, you could schedule your visit during the winter, which Mitchell notes offers “shorter wait times and welcoming local residents, plus skiing and tubing in Sapphire.”Sapphire Valley’s ski areais a eight-minute drive from Cashiers).
How to Get There
If you’re arriving by air, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is the most convenient choice. It’s roughly a one-hour drive from Cashiers, though this can vary based on traffic and your comfort level with mountain roads. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is another possibility; this South Carolina airport is just under two hours away.
How to Get Around
Although Cashiers is a small town, and there is a partially finished walking trail known as the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, you will still require a car to access hiking trails, certain restaurants, and other attractions in the area. Additionally, not all sections of the town are connected by sidewalks.
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