Cashiers, North Carolina, Offers the Perfect Summer Vacation—With One of the South’s Best Resorts

Located on the highest plateau in the Blue Ridge, Cashiers (elevation 3,487 feet) isn’t exactly the easiest destination to reach. The roads wind through various mountain towns—depending on where you’re coming from, you could pass Highlands, Brevard, or Sylva—and, during the peak summer season, you may have to slowly and patiently drive behind other vacationers seeking the delights of this part of Western North Carolina. The effort, however, is worth it in the end when you pull into this historic village, just eight miles from the South Carolina border.

“Cashiers has long been admired for its natural beauty, small-town vibes, and a welcoming sense of Southern hospitality,” Daniel Fletcher, co-founder of Outland Hospitality, the group behind Hotel Cashiers, tells Travel + Leisure. “It’s the kind of unique place that really transports you to a different state of mind [from] the moment you arrive.” It’s quaint, peaceful, and exceptionally laid-back.

Pronounced “Cash-urs,” not “Cash-ears,” the roughly 900-person community sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 64 and NC Highway 107, and serves as a jumping-off point for all manner of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, hiking, golfing, and boating. It also boasts slightly lower average temperatures in the summer, thanks to a higher elevation. (The average high in August is around 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while nearby Greenville is 88 degrees Fahrenheit.) This combination has solidified Cashiers’ status as a resort town, one that’s anchored by High Hampton, a historic inn and repeat World’s Best Awards winner.

“Think of Cashiers like a beach town without the beach,” says Sarah Jennings, partner broker at Cashiers Valley Real Estate. “Our population balloons in the summer and that can be hard for some of our restaurants and retailers to prepare for, so when you come, especially in July, be patient, be kind, and be courteous.” Even if you skip the summer crowds, opting instead for the quiet shoulder seasons, you won’t miss much. Cashiers’ unique brand of summer camp-like magic endures throughout the year.

Read on to discover how to plan a trip to Cashiers, according to locals.

Best Hotels & Resorts

High Hampton

Recently named the second-best resort in the South in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, High Hampton is a destination in and of itself in Cashiers. Although the property has been welcoming guests since the 1920s, its latest chapter began in the spring of 2021, following a revitalization helmed by the Blackberry Farm (another T+L reader favorite) team.

Serving as both a private club and a resort, High Hampton balances a certain level of exclusivity with all the trappings of a welcoming, kid-friendly getaway—albeit one that’s impeccably designed and complemented by a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an outstanding food and beverage program. Breakfast is served in The Dining Room, overlooking Hampton Lake and out onto Rock Mountain. A casual lunch down at Mitch’s Lakeside (frozen cocktail optional) or The Tavern can be followed by a return to The Dining Room, where dinner should always conclude with a dessert made by chef April Franqueza, a semifinalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.

Hotel Cashiers

“Personally, I love Hotel Cashiers. The owners have truly transformed the area into a walkable and enjoyable place where you can find fine dining and friendly spaces,” says Ashlie Mitchell, the executive director of The Village Green—a 13.2-acre area at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107—and a sixth-generation resident of Jackson County. The rooms are a bit retro and Scandinavian-inspired, and they’re equipped with all of the essentials; you can even pop into the shared pantry for complimentary snacks and coffee. “Don’t forget to have dinner in their ‘lobby’ because it is fabulous,” says Jennings, referring to Kitchen & Bar, where the seasonal menu features dishes made with farm-to-table ingredients.

The Wells Hotel

The Wells Hotel is another solid, more affordable option in Cashiers. “[It’s] connected to Whiteside Brewing Co. by a short walking path, and that is always a fun visit for good brews and eats,” says Mitchell. The rooms are bright and airy and conveniently located near the Elevated Kitchen food truck, so guests can easily grab a quick breakfast before starting their day in Cashiers.

Best Things to Do

Go for a hike—or stretch your legs in town.

“Cashiers is known for its abundance of waterfalls, hikes, and wildlife, and my favorite hike is Whiteside Mountain. It’s an easy hike that offers jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Fletcher. Jennings also recommends taking “the short hike to Silver Run Falls.” You can even get in some steps without leaving the town itself. “I always enjoy exploring the Cashiers Walking Trail and The Village Green sculpture park and seeing all the local flowers and art,” says Fletcher.

Have a lake day.

Cashiers may be a mountain town, but it’s also close to two gorgeous lakes: Lake Glenville and Lake Toxaway. If you’re interested in the former, Mitchell suggests stopping by the beach at the  Pines Recreation Area or renting a boat from Signal Ridge Marina. Lake Toxaway Marine also offers boat rentals, as well as kayaks, canoes, water skis, and tubes.

Check the local event calendar.

Mitchell notes that Cashiers also has “free events throughout the week,” and families can always find some affordable fun at the local park and playground at The Village Green. In 2025, the schedule of events includes the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, a farmers market, an antique show, and more.

Plan a fly-fishing trip.

Anglers are drawn to this part of Western North Carolina, thanks to its cold rivers and streams filled with trout. Brookings Anglers has guided float and wade trips that explore the waters of the Tuckasegee, and there are dozens of smaller streams and rivers to fish in the area surrounding Cashiers.

Best Shopping

Cashiers Farmers Market

It’s nearly impossible to leave Cashiers Farmers Market empty-handed. From the local produce and baked goods to the jars of jams and the takeout barbecue—picked up at the adjacent, aptly named On the Side restaurant—this nostalgia-inducing spot is the perfect stop when you’re feeling peckish or want to load up on some snacks before heading out on a hike.

Vivace

“Vivace has something for everyone, and their selection varies between casual day wear and evening [attire],” says Mitchell. “I also appreciate that they have footwear for all occasions. Every piece I have from Vivace has served me well, and they have something for each season.” If you’re a fan of brands like Frank & Eileen or Favorite Daughter, it’s a can’t-miss stop while in Cashiers.

Victoria’s Closet

“Victoria’s Closet is a staple consignment store and has great stuff year-round. It’s always fun to pop in and explore, because who doesn’t love a good consignment store treasure hunt?” says Fletcher. Mitchell agrees, adding, “When I’m in a pinch for the perfect outfit for an event or a casual night out, I can always find one here, including shoes.”

Highland Hiker and Brookings Anglers

Mitchell calls Highland Hiker your “go-to shop for everything you need for outdoor excursions, whether you’re skiing the slopes in January or hiking Whiteside Mountain in August.” Similarly, Brookings Anglers covers your outdoor needs, and Fletcher adds that it has a “great location overlooking the lake and offers guided fly-fishing trips.”

The Cashiers Store

“You can’t leave the area without stopping at The Cashiers Store for a memento,” says Jennings. The shop has all of your classic vacation pieces—colorful T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts proudly touting the mountain destination.

Best Restaurants

Native Prime Provisions

For an elevated night out in Cashiers, Mitchell recommends Native Prime Provisions. “The owners, Scott Alderson and Tania Duncombe, bring all the fun and best seafood from the East Coast. Their wine menu is also meticulously curated, and I’ve never had a bad suggestion. Not to mention, it’s fun to dine while watching everyone work in the kitchen to prepare artfully crafted plates,” she says.

The Orchard

“The Orchard is a Cashiers’ mainstay and always wonderful,” says Jennings. Reservations are highly recommended, and the ambience of the 100-year-old farmhouse is tough to beat. The menu features a range of hearty favorites, including fried green tomatoes, steamed mussels, and crab cakes.

Chile Loco

“For a family-friendly meal, I love Chile Loco, a family-run Mexican restaurant that offers all the go-to Mexican dishes as well as some lesser-known family recipes,” says Fletcher. After a long day of hiking, waterfall spotting, or fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River, there’s nothing quite like a platter of nachos or fajitas, topped off with a refreshing margarita.

Canyon Kitchen

“[Canyon Kitchen] has the most spectacular view of almost any restaurant in the country, and the food is phenomenal,” says Jennings. Although it’s technically in Sapphire, the short seven-minute drive from Cashiers is more than worthwhile, especially if entrees like North Carolina shrimp and grits or steak and fries are up your alley.

Buck’s Coffee Cafe

“For coffee, I always stop by Buck’s Coffee Cafe for a great Americano in a living room-style space,” says Fletcher. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the antlers on the front of the building.

Best Time to Visit

There’s no bad time to visit Cashiers, so the “best” time depends on your ideal weather and crowd preferences. “My favorite time to be in Cashiers is spring and late summer. The temperature in the mountains is perfect, and the local blooms are stunning—think daffodils, rhododendrons, and laurels everywhere,” says Fletcher.

Summertime and the peak of fall foliage are most popular among travelers—and for good reason. “Summer is when there’s something fun to do with the whole family every day of the week,” says Mitchell. “Fall is when our Cashiers Valley showcases magnificent reds, oranges, and yellows of the deciduous trees and brings with it cooler temperatures for cozy nights around the fire.” That said, if you visit in July or October, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. “Traffic can get bad during the weekends, [along with] higher lodging prices and busier trails and restaurants,” says Fletcher.

If you’re interested in Cashiers’ shoulder season, consider coming in September, which Jennings describes as “the most underrated time to be in Cashiers.” “The temperatures are still pleasant, the crowds have died down, and all of the shops and restaurants are still open,” she says. Or, you can plan your trip for the winter, which Mitchell says brings “short wait times and friendly local faces, along with skiing and tubing in Sapphire.”  (Sapphire Valley’s ski area is an eight-minute drive from Cashiers).

How to Get There

If you’re flying into the area, Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is your best bet. It’s just about a one-hour drive from Cashiers, depending on the traffic and how comfortable you are with navigating mountain roads. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is another option; the South Carolina airport is a little less than two hours away.

How to Get Around

Even though Cashiers is a tiny town—and there is the partially-completed walking path, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble—you’ll need a car to reach hiking trails, some restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Plus, not every part of the town is connected by a sidewalk.