Welcome to our Highlands Travel Blog!

The 2025 Highlands Food and Wine Festival is right around the corner. And if you are still looking for lodging for this highly anticipated fall event in the Blue Ridge Mountains, then you’ve come to the right place. Stay with Highlands Vacation Rentals and join us in Highlands for a weekend of award-winning chefs, top [...]

If you are looking for a weekend getaway in North Carolina where you can spend time in the great outdoors hiking through mountains, visiting waterfalls, and fly fishing for trout, consider heading to Highlands. Our mountain town is located in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest, just 85 miles from Asheville and 170 miles from Charlotte. [...]

You could easily spend your entire vacation exploring the mountain town of Highlands. But if you are looking for more adventures nearby, we recommend making a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Drive 50 miles north and explore some of the best hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, taking you through [...]

There are many ways to experience the natural beauty of North Carolina during your getaway in the charming town of Highlands. Hike mountain trails, marvel at cascading waterfalls, fish for trout in the winding rivers, and watch birds fly overhead. Today, we will highlight the region's excellent bird-watching spots. Whether you are an avid birder [...]

Summer is the perfect time to plan your family vacation in the North Carolina mountains. Plan your trip to Highlands, NC, and spend quality time with your family while exploring nature, riding mountain coasters, ziplining, and listening to live music. Stay close to everything the region has to offer with Highlands Vacation Rentals. We offer [...]

Sitting at an elevation of over 4,000 feet, Highlands, NC, is one of the highest towns east of the Rockies. Sign up for a zipline adventure and experience some of Highlands best views on a thrilling and scenic adventure. Experience fun for the whole family as you glide above the forest canopy and fly through [...]

Nantahala is the largest National Forest in North Carolina, offering over 600 miles of trails. Stay in the heart of the forest with Highlands Vacation Rentals and access the incredible Nantahala National Forest hiking trails during your mountain getaway. Breathe in the fresh air and be rewarded with breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls, forests, and [...]

Named one of America’s top small-town art places, Highlands, North Carolina, is a fantastic destination for art lovers. At the center of it all is The Bascom, a visual arts center serving as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina. While visiting Highlands, we encourage you to check out The Bascom's rotating exhibits, lectures, [...]

Warm up this winter with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in Highlands, NC. Enjoy a hearty meal in one of our cozy restaurants after a day of skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, or hiking. Prefer to stay indoors? Discover our charming shops, captivating art galleries, and theaters before enjoying a delightful [...]

Winter in the North Carolina mountains is a spectacular time of year, welcoming winter sports enthusiasts from all over the state. Find the perfect basecamp for North Carolina winter adventures in Highlands and spend your getaway skiing, hiking, snow tubing, ice skating, and attending seasonal events. To help make your winter vacation as memorable as [...]