Next up for our Friday travel series, Next Stop: NC, we're taking you to another magical mountain town. Highlands has misty waterfalls, charming downtown shops, and scenic spas for winding down.

Just a little over an hour and a half from Asheville, it makes for the perfect easy weekend escape.

🥾 For an adventurous excursion

Highland Hiker
Pick up a day hike guide and gear from this family-owned business to hit some of the local trails. Highland Hiker also provides guided fly fishing with local anglers + float trips.

Highlands Aerial Park
Highlands Aerial Park has something for everyone — even the scaredy cats. On this 96-acre property, you can sign up for zip-line tours through the mountaintops, challenge courses, a giant mountain swing, or guided AV tours.

Highlands Outpost
Get your kicks on the state's longest gravity-powered coaster, the Scaly Mountain Screamer, or by soaring down a hillside on an inner tube. The Outpost also has gem mining and a trout pond for fishing.

🍃 For a relaxed afternoon

Old Edwards Inn & Spa
Spend an afternoon getting pampered at this luxe European-inspired spa. Beyond treatments, there's a sauna, steam room, hot tub, and heated mineral pools if you want to make a whole day of it.

The Bascom
Browse contemporary art at this nonprofit visual arts center, which hosts rotating exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks. Even if you don't catch an exhibit, the sculpture-filled grounds are worth a stroll.

Acorn's Antiques & Interiors
Go treasure hunting at this multi-dealer antique shop, where you'll find everything from vintage furniture and art to jewelry and quirky collectibles.

🍽️ Fuel up after adventures

Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro
Looking for an upscale spot to dine? Named the “Best Place for Dinner in Highlands” by Southern Living Magazine, Chef Wolfgang Green has been delighting restaurant-goers for 26 years.

The Ugly Dog Public House
After a long day out hiking, take the edge off with classic pub food + drinks. Stopping by on a Wednesday? Cozy up in the tavern to listen to live bluegrass music.

The Chocolate Heaven Co.
If the name itself hasn’t sold you, stop by for a dessert that is described as “if fudge and brownies had a sweet, little baby.” You can also add your own toppings + additions to this gluten-free treat.

🛋️ Where to stay

Outpost Inn | $166+ per night
Just a short walk from downtown, this boutique mountain lodge feels like "stylish sleepaway camp," according to Southern Living. There's a coffee + wine bar on site and our favorite Everyday Oil products stocked in the bathrooms. No wonder it's a Michelin Guide hotel.

Half-Mile Farm | $265+ per night
The quiet, adults-only inn is equal parts picturesque and luxurious. Perfect for those who want to spend a weekend recharging in the heated pool, getting pampered at the on-site spa, and indulging in food as local as it gets — straight from the farm.

Downtown apartment | $240+ per night
You'll feel like you're in a Hallmark movie in this cozy apartment above the historic Highlands Wine Shoppe. The Highland Playhouse, art galleries, and shops are just outside your door.

Cozy cabin | $279+ per night
For something a little bigger, this Mirror Lake cabin sleeps six. Bonus: There's a hot tub and fire pit.