A few weeks ago I posted for a beach destination from Atlanta and I thank those who responded, however, now Mom thinks she'd rather go to Highlands, NC. I've never heard of it but checked out the chamber of commerce web site. It appears to be a lake resort-type community. Not a lot of hotel options. We'd be going the weekend of October 11th. Maybe a chance to see the leaves turn?? Anybody been there or know anything about this area?

Paige:

Highlands and Cashiers (within 10 miles of each other) are in a beautiful area for watching the leaves turn. Plenty of hiking and waterfalls. There's also lots of cute shops and restaurants. Your Mom picked well.

There are some B and Bs in the area but I've never been to them because we stay at my roommate's parents' condo in Saphire Valley.

Be sure to eat at Cornacopia and the Smokehouse (both in Cashiers) for great barbecue!

Paige,

one accommodation suggestion in Cashiers is the High Hampton Inn. As T.M. mentioned, Cashiers is perhaps a 15-20 minute drive from Highlands, so Cashiers would be a good home base.

The High Hampton Inn is an old, unique property, a little rustic but not over-the-hill. There is a main guest house and there are separate cottages. The site is beautiful, with a lake, golf course, mountain(s), hiking trails. Dinner at the Inn requires a jacket for men but is otherwise not stuffy.

I have heard that there are other, smaller Inns & B&B's in the area, but I am not familiar with them.

Have a great time!

Thanks for the replys. I really don't like B&B's. Mom smokes so it limits our choices for lodging. I thought there was a Hampton Inn (chain motel) in Highlands. Any other chain hotels or motels where we could get smoking and a non-smoking room? I saw websites for cottages that look inviting but I wonder about the smoking issue.

A word of advice- make your reservations now, as Highlands has turned into a very popular destination for ATL folks. Team that up with the "leaf peepers", and chances are that most accommodations will be booked. Have not stayed in Highlands, so don't have a recommendation. Probably Hampton Inns is your best bet, since your mom will need a smoking room; many B&Bs have smoking restrictions.

Paige, We have a mountain home in Franklin, NC that is 18 miles from Downtown Highlands on Hwy 64. There is a Hampton Inn in Franklin, also a Microtel. The drive from Atlanta is right at 2 hours and Franklin is a charming town. The drive on 64 from Highlands is truly beautiful! Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are on the way. Cullasaja & Dry Falls are 2 of the most spectacular falls in the southeast. Cullasaja is only visible from the road and only about 3 or 4 cars can park on the side of the road. Dry Falls has public parking and you can walk behind the falls! Bridal Veil is a small fall that you can drive your car behind. Highlands is an old established town that used to be (and still is) a haven for the somewhat rich and has many neat and upscale (but on the "country side") shops and eateries. The walk through town is a "stroll down memory lane". There are some old churches that are well preserved and the town gives you a feeling of "days gone by". Your mom will enjoy!

Paige- we stayed at the GREYSTONE INN in Lake Toxaway,NC--just outside of the Highlands---

It was awesome-they had great rooms that overlooked the water- like small condos- we did NOT stay in the main lodge--

They do an afternoon tea and have a cruise on the lake-compliments of the owner-

I have posted the website --You and your Mom would LOVE It-- spend the day roaming the Highlands,then come back to the peace of the Lake-

http://www.laketoxaway.com/greystoneinn.htm

ttt

We were just in Highlands two weeks ago. Be sure you eat at Don Leon's deli in Highlands. The owner (and cook) is quite a character and the food is very tasty. Also, don't miss seeing Dry Falls, near Highlands. These falls are incredibly beautiful (and certainly not "dry"). They are easily accessed and you can even walk under the falls on a nice paved trail.

Thanks for the suggestions. I checked on the Greystone at Lake Toxaway. Way too pricey for my budget!!! $400.00 per night per room and I want two rooms. I've reserved one of the Colony Homes at High Hamptons. It's a house with two bedrooms. Doesn't include meals at the Inn in the rate but you can dine at the inn and have all the other amenities. I'm really looking forward to this now. I'd never heard of this area before and it sounds beautiful.

We're stopping in Helen, GA on the way up. Any lunch suggestions or "must sees" there?

Topping for my ideas.

Paige:

You mentioned that you were planning on stopping in Helen for lunch. You might want to reconsider.

Helen is literally jammed with cars and people during October because of their annual Oktoberfest celebration. Because there's only one road going in and out of Helen, traffic backs up fast. So stopping there for lunch might be difficult for you. On top of that, I don't think any of the restaurants there are particularly good.

One place you might consider stopping for lunch is the Steakhouse Cafeteria in Walhalla, S.C., which is on the way to Highlands. They have the best homemade fried chicken and veggies I've ever had. We stop there every time we go up. If you like comfort food, it's worth a visit.

from another post it seems you already went, you going again?

No, I haven't gone yet. Leaving Thurs.
Thanks, TM for the suggestion for lunch and the warning on Helen. Maybe we'll just drive (creep slowly) thru so we can see Helen for ourselves. I do hate getting stuck in slow traffic with only one way out.

I would recommend the Laurelwood Mountain Inn in Cashiers. It is right in the center of town, close to dining and shopping. I lodged all my family and my husbands family there for our wedding. I had a few smokers in the group. The prices are very reasonable. I have also stayed there myself. The rooms are newly decorated in rustic mountain charm. The owners are very friendly. You should book soon Cashiers/Highlands is very busy in the fall.
You must eat at Cornucopia for lunch!