Visit Highlands NC

01/17/2025

Rain in the forecast? No problem! Cozy up by the fire and enjoy the perfect rainy-day activity — our 450-piece wooden Highlands, NC puzzle. 🧩 A delightful way to bring the beauty of Highlands indoors! Available on our website or at our Welcome Center.
https://highlands-chamber-of-commerce.square.site/

01/17/2025

A preview of Highlands Supper Club from our friends at The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC. Open and now taking reservations. https://www.thehighlandssupperclub.com/

01/17/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Brown Haven Homes
Experience exceptional craftsmanship with Brown Haven Homes, where premium, trusted brands meet lasting quality and durability. Using carefully selected materials, we create homes that reflect your unique style and stand the test of time. Serving Western North Carolina and beyond, Brown Haven Homes is dedicated to building homes that are as distinctive as the people who live in them.

01/16/2025

Calling all salamander enthusiasts!

Calling all salamander enthusiasts!

🗓️ 26–31 May 2025
📍 Highlands Biological Station
👨‍🏫 Taught by Dr. Bill Peterman, Ohio State University

Did you know the Appalachian region boasts the greatest diversity of salamanders in the world? 🦎 Join us for an in-depth exploration of the unique ecology, life history, and diversity of plethodontid salamanders, with a special focus on conservation and habitat management. 🌲

📖 Dive into foundational research papers on salamander ecology and conservation.
🌄 Head into the field daily to observe salamanders in their natural habitats.

✨ Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert and experience the wonders of Appalachian salamanders firsthand!

🔗 https://highlandsbiological.org/about/workshops-and-courses/

01/14/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Bryson's Food Store
Proudly serving the Highlands community for nearly 50 years, Bryson's Food Store is the first choice for premium meat, dairy, local produce, wine and beer, prepared meals and more!
Discover more at: https://www.brysonsfoodstore.com/

01/11/2025

Power out in Highlands. Stay home and stay warm neighbors.

01/11/2025

Highlands - show us your snow pics! ❄️🩵
Tag us in posts on your pages: Visit Highlands NC

📷Meredith Black Sellars

01/10/2025

Apparel and gifts inspired by our beautiful mountain town.
https://bit.ly/4g0Q7wc

01/09/2025

Snow Alert for Highlands! ❄️❄️❄️

Ask Mayor Pat 153 Snow alert for Highland NC

01/09/2025

FROM DUKE ENERGY - Winter Storm Preparation - January 9, 2025

With a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain forecasted for the Carolinas on Friday 1/10/25, Duke Energy crews are ready to work quickly and safely to restore power when and if outages occur.

We encourage customers to prepare as well and have a plan in advance of the storm.

Winter storm precipitation which leads to ice build-up of more than a quarter of an inch on trees and branches, can cause them to fall on power lines and create outages. Heavy, wet snow of more than 6 inches can also cause limbs to break.

Outage reporting
Customers who experience an outage during a storm can report it the following ways:
• Text OUT to 57801 (standard text and data charges may apply).
• Use the Duke Energy mobile app. Download the Duke Energy App from a smartphone via Apple Store or Google Play.
• Visit duke-energy.com/outages on a desktop computer or mobile device.
• Call the automated outage-reporting system at 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
• Visit our interactive outage map to find up-to-date information on power outages, including the total number of outages systemwide and estimated times of restoration.

Winter storm safety reminders
We encourage customers to prepare for a potential outage during the anticipated extremely cold weather. Here are important safety reminders:
• Ensure mobile phones remain charged and you have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines.
• If you use a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure safe and proper operation. Operate your generator outside, and never in a building or garage.
• Do not use grills or other outdoor appliances indoors for space heating or cooking, as these devices may emit carbon monoxide.
• Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Report any downed power lines to Duke Energy.
• Make alternate shelter arrangements, as needed, if you are significantly affected by a loss of power – especially families who have special medical needs or elderly members.
• If a power line falls across a car that you are in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
• Ice and snow can cause hazardous driving conditions. If you see utility or emergency crews working along the road, remember to move over or slow down.

More tips on what to do before, during and after a storm can be found at duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety.

01/08/2025

Nice shoutout in Southern Living for Highlander Mountain House 🔥

To make sure you get a healthy dose of fireside cheer this season, we rounded up a dozen Southern hotels with excellent fireplaces. Come winter, there’s nowhere else you’ll want to be.

01/08/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Highlands Outpost
It is a great time of year to visit this family fun center that features the Scaly Mountain Screamer, snow tubing, ice skating, snow play, hot cocoa by the fire and so much more! highlandsoutpost.com
https://fb.watch/w_dtZI9bRW/

01/07/2025

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Suncoast Equity Management.
Whether you need wealth and investment management, business succession planning, or estate planning, Suncoast, as an SEC-registered investment advisor, is dedicated to acting in your best interests and offering advice tailored to your needs. Offices in Tampa, Sanibel and Highlands. To learn more, visit their website at www.suncoastequity.com

01/07/2025

We've Got a Great Lineup of Events scheduled for 2025. Please Join Us!

01/03/2025

Now is your chance to sign up for the popular summer courses at Highlands Biological Station

🌟 Summer 2025 Course Registrations Are NOW OPEN! 🌟

The wait is over! 📚 Starting now, you can secure your spot in one of our incredible summer courses at Highlands Biological Station.

Spaces fill up fast, so act quickly! ⏳

🔗 Register now: https://highlandsbiological.org/about/workshops-and-courses/

We can’t wait to see you this summer! 🌿

12/31/2024

HIGHLANDS TO CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF HERITAGE
Highlands will celebrate a monumental milestone in 2025: 150 years since its founding in 1875 by visionaries Samuel Kelsey and Clinton Hutchinson. The sesquicentennial year will honor Highlands’ legacy as a haven for peace, beauty, and renewal through a series of commemorative events and initiatives, offering something for everyone to enjoy and remember.

The Town of Highlands, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, Highlands Historical Society, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and other local organizations have curated a diverse lineup of events and programs to honor the town’s past, present, and future. Highlights of the year of reflection and celebration. will include:

150 Celebration Webpage - The Chamber’s website will host a dedicated page featuring stories, images, and updates about sesquicentennial activities.

Weekly "Highlands Through the Years" - Local newspapers will feature historical insights that highlight the town’s unique journey.

150 Trees Fundraiser - Reflecting the community’s commitment to environmental preservation, residents and visitors will have the opportunity to plant a piece of Highlands’ future.

Living Museum Day - History will come alive with reenactments, displays, and interactive experiences that showcase the town’s cultural heritage.

Volunteer-Led History Walks and Cemetery Tours - Guides will share stories of the past, giving a personal touch to Highlands’ history.

Pole Banners - New banners will adorn the streets, serving as vibrant reminders of Highlands’ history.

Highlands Heritage Jamboree - A grand celebration of music, food, and festivities will be held Saturday, September 27 to mark the sesquicentennial with joy and community spirit.

At the heart of this milestone is a collective effort to preserve Highlands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage for generations to come. The Chamber is also producing a Commemorative Experience Guide filled with historical facts, events, and inspiration for visitors and residents alike.

“The Highlands Plateau has inspired generations with its waterfalls, ancient forests, and cool mountain air,” said Kaye McHan, Executive Director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. “Celebrating 150 years is not just about reflecting on our past; it’s about committing to a future that honors our roots while embracing our future.”

Highlands remains steadfast in its mission to balance progress with preservation. Through sustainable tourism initiatives, support for local businesses, and educational programs, the Chamber of Commerce strives to ensure that Highlands continues to serve as a peaceful retreat and a vibrant community.