Highlands, Brevard, Cashiers, or Franklin?
 

Hi-Im trying to plan next summers vacation to Western NC and trying to decide on a base town to stay in. I've been to the Smokies as well as the Blowing Rock area. This trip I want explore the Highlands area as well as exploring into North Georgia some In addition, driving some of the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Asheville and possibly a day trip to Chimney Rock. Highlands seems like the ideal place to stay. But, im also considering the other towns I mentioned. How much is there in Highlands? We generally like a small, quaint town to explore but with some amenities. Is there a good amount of restaurant choices? Also, we generally like middle of the road, is all of Highlands kind of upscale? For lodging, we d probably want to find a rental cabin as well.
Thanks

Highlands is very small. We often visit as day trip. Since it will be summer there will be plenty to do outside. Highlands is very upscale. Google Old Edwards Inn. It does have some more moderate places though. Cashiers is more middle of the road and is close by.

Thanks
Im considering Cashiers as a base, but isnt Highlands the bigger town? Im also considering either Brevard or Franklin for a possibe base for exploring which are bigger towns. Franklin is closer to Highlands, Brevard is a bit further away. I ve heard good things about Brevard, not as much about Franklin.

Brevard has a music camp during the summer with outstanding programs. it is also on the edge of the Pisgah Forest with a lot of activities possible there. And easy to get to the Blue Ridge Parkway for exploring north or south.

Franklin is not my favorite. But then again the one time I spent the night there I stayed at a Hampton Inn rather than a cabin. I was actually bummed that we left Highlands early to go on to Franklin.

Brevard is nice. It would make a great base.

I'd opt for Highlands or maybe Brevard.

Franklin is a very conventional town down in the valley. Nice but "conventional". Has good spots to dig for gems tho. 10-14 degrees hotter than Highlands or Cashiers in the summer.

Cashiers is a mountain town but doesn't have a true Main Street for strolling, etc. More dispersed than Highlands. Great access to waterfalls. Great bbq at the farmers market. Like Highlands it has great upscale shopping - it's just not as easy to get to. It may have more "reasonable" restaurants than Highlands.

You are right - Highlands is upscale but most of it is in a "down home" way. Many restaurants, some if which fall in the reasonable range. We tend to eat lunch out and dinner at home. Subs, pizza, burgers, are all available in evening. It's when you sit down for table service in a restaurant that things escalate. It has the walkable quality you are looking for, a Mainstreet that's 4 blocks long and off-Main shopping and dining as well. You might check Mitchells Lodge and Cabins. Been there forever and have a wide range of choices. In the end tho, your best bet may be VRBO.

I don't know a great deal about Brevard other than it is large enough to have a wide variety of options for you.

One additional thought: Go to Google, click on "images" on the top line, and enter Highlands NC, It'll bring up a ton of shots of the town.

I love Brevard! It is a great little college town and has great hiking nearby. It has a nice downtown that is fun to shop around. There is a variety in restaurant choices and neat shops. We visit Asheville and Brevard frequently.

Brevard would be the best central location for exploring the areas you list. Highlands has some good restaurants and shops as it's an upscale second home community. Cashiers is really small- not much there. I'd skip Franklin completely.

revard would make a wonderful spot for your vacation. As you mentioned, you are looking for a rental cabin. You should check the Brevard NC website under 'sleep'. They have several realty companies that may have what you are looking for:
http://brevardnc.com/category/sleep/rentals/
As previous posters mentioned, Brevard has wonderful restaurants and a terrific arts community. If you decide on Brevard, you may want to make reservations at restaurants prior to your trip as summer is very busy in the area.

Enjoy!
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Of those, I'd choose Brevard. Nice town, nice mix of things to see and do but not pretentious. Highlands is pretty but pretentious. Cashiers is really small. Franklin's downtown has really come along in the last few years - not as picturesque as the others but a nice farmer's market and more shops than in the past. It's spread out - more of a car town once you finish with downtown. Be sure to head down into the NE corner of Georgia too - Dillard and Clayton (not far from Highlands). Basically, you can't go wrong with any of the above. Another great idea for a summer vacation is a rental on one of the mountain lakes. Gorgeous.