Highlands

Perched like a secret high-altitude haven in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, Highlands isn't just a mountain town—it's a sophisticated rebel with alpine attitude. Sitting at a breathtaking 4,118 feet, this isn't your average Appalachian hamlet, but a luxe mountain enclave where wilderness meets world-class sophistication, where mountain laurel forests collide with designer boutiques, and where Southern charm gets a mountain-cool remix.

This isn't just a destination; it's a vertical kingdom of natural drama and upscale intrigue. Surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscape in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Highlands boasts more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in North America—a geological flex that makes it a paradise for nature lovers and Instagram adventurers. Waterfalls cascade like liquid silver, cutting through ancient forests that have witnessed centuries of mountain stories, while crisp mountain air carries the whispers of a landscape both wild and meticulously curated.

The town pulses with an unexpected energy—part mountain retreat, part cosmopolitan playground. High-end restaurants serve farm-to-table cuisine that would make big-city chefs jealous, while art galleries showcase works that bridge Appalachian craft and contemporary vision. Wealthy summer residents and outdoor enthusiasts mingle in a unique social ecosystem, creating a vibe that's simultaneously exclusive and welcoming. From the iconic Old Edwards Inn to hiking trails that slice through pristine wilderness, Highlands is a destination that refuses to be categorized—a mountain town that writes its own luxurious, adventurous rulebook.