Cashiers, North Carolina, Is the Perfect to Cool Down in Summer—With One of the South’s Best Resorts

Cashiers (3,487 feet above sea level) is located on the highest plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not the easiest place to get to. The roads wind their way through various mountain towns—depending on where you’re coming from, you could pass Highlands, BrevardOr Sylva—and, during the peak summer season, you may have to slowly and patiently drive behind other vacationers seeking the delights of this part of Western North Carolina. It is worth the effort to reach this historic village located just eight miles away from the South Carolina state border.

Daniel Fletcher is the co-founder and CEO of Cashiers. Outland HospitalityHotel Cashiers tells. Travel + Leisure. It’s a unique place which really transports you into a different state. [from] “The moment you arrive.” It is quiet, peaceful and very laid back.

Cash-ears is pronounced “Cash’-urs”, not “Cash’-ears.” The roughly 900 person community, located at the intersection between U.S. Route 64 & NC Highway 107 serves as a jumping off point for outdoor activities such as fly fishing, golfing, boating and hiking. The higher elevation also results in slightly cooler temperatures during the summer. Cashiers’ average August high is 81.9 degrees Fahrenheit. Greenville, which is nearby, is at 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Cashiers has become a resort destination thanks to this combination. High Hampton is an historic inn that anchors the town. repeat World’s Best Awards winner.

Sarah Jennings is a partner broker with Cashiers Valley Real Estate. “Our population grows in the summer, which can make it difficult for our retailers and restaurants to prepare. So, when you visit, especially in July be patient, kind and courteous.” If you prefer the shoulder season to the summer, you will not miss out on much. Cashiers’ summer camp magic is a year-round phenomenon.

Learn how locals recommend planning a trip to Cashiers.

Best Hotels & Resorts

High Hampton

The World’s Best Awards for 2025 have recently named this resort as the second-best in the South. High Hampton Cashiers is a destination unto itself. It has been welcoming guests in Cashiers since the 1920s. But its latest chapter started in spring 2021 following a revitalization by Blackberry Farm, another T+L favorite.

Serving as both a private club and a resort, High Hampton balances a certain level of exclusivity with all the trappings of a welcoming, kid-friendly getaway—albeit one that’s impeccably designed and complemented by a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and an outstanding food and beverage program. Breakfast is served on the terrace of The Dining Room with views over Hampton Lake and Rock Mountain. After a casual lunch at Mitch’s Lakeside, (frozen cocktails optional) or The Tavern, you can return to The Dining Room. Desserts are always served by April Franqueza. She is a semifinalist for the 2025 James Beard Awards in the Outstanding Pastry Chef and Baker category.

Hotel Cashiers

“I love you personally” Hotel Cashiers. Ashlie Mitchell says that the owners have transformed the area to a place where people can enjoy fine dining in a friendly environment. The Village Green—a 13.2-acre area at the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107—and a sixth-generation resident of Jackson County. The rooms are a bit retro and Scandinavian-inspired, and they’re equipped with all of the essentials; you can even pop into the shared pantry for complimentary snacks and coffee. “Don’t forget to have dinner in their ‘lobby’ because it is fabulous,” says Jennings, referring to Kitchen & Bar, where the seasonal menu features dishes made with farm-to-table ingredients.

The Wells Hotel

The Wells Hotel Another solid and more affordable option is Cashiers.[It’s] “Connected” Whiteside Brewing Co. Mitchell. “There is a short walk to the pub, which makes it a great place for beer and food.” The rooms are spacious and bright, and they’re conveniently located close to the Elevated Kitchen Food truck so that guests can grab a quick bite before they start their day in Cashiers.

The Best Things to do

Go for a hike—or stretch your legs in town.

“Cashiers is renowned for its waterfalls, hiking, wildlife and beautiful scenery. My favourite hike is Whiteside Mountain. Fletcher says that it’s a short hike with a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Jennings suggests taking the “short hike to Silver Run Falls.” “You can do some walking without ever leaving the town. “I enjoy exploring the city” Cashiers Walking Trail Fletcher: “I like to visit the Village Green sculpture garden and see all the local flowers, art and artwork.”

Have a Lake Day.

Cashiers is a mountainous town but it’s close to two beautiful lakes: Lake Glenville, and Lake Toxaway. If you’re interested in the former, Mitchell suggests stopping by the beach at the  Pines Recreation Area or renting a boat from Signal Ridge Marina. Lake Toxaway Marine Boat rentals are also available, along with canoes, kayaks, tubes, and waterskis.

Check the local calendar for events.

Mitchell says that Cashiers has “free events every week” and that families can find affordable fun in the park and playground located at The Village Green. By 2025, the schedule of events Includes Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music FestivalA farmers market, antique shows, and much more.

Plan a trip to go fly-fishing.

This part of Western North Carolina is a magnet for anglers, due to the cold rivers and streams that are teeming with trout. Brookings Anglers Cashiers has a number of smaller streams and river to fish.

Shop for Best Deals

Cashiers Farmers Market

You can’t leave! Cashiers Farmers Market empty-handed. From the local produce and baked goods to the jars of jams and the takeout barbecue—picked up at the adjacent, aptly named On the Side restaurant—this nostalgia-inducing spot is the perfect stop when you’re feeling peckish or want to load up on some snacks before heading out on a hike.

Vivace

“Vivace There is something for everyone in their collection, which includes both casual day wear and evening attire. [attire],” says Mitchell. “I like that they offer footwear for every occasion. “Every piece of Vivace I own has been a great investment, and there is something for every season.” If you’re a fan of brands like Frank & Eileen or Favorite Daughter, it’s a can’t-miss stop while in Cashiers.

Victoria’s Closet

“Victoria’s Closet This is a consignment store that you can count on to have great items all year long. It’s always fun for me to stop in and look around, because who doesn’t enjoy a good treasure hunt at a consignment store?” Fletcher agrees. Mitchell adds: “When I need an outfit in a hurry for a special event or casual night out, you can find it here. Even shoes.”

Highland Hiker & Brookings Anglers

Mitchell calls Highland Hiker Your “go-to” shop for all your outdoor needs, whether you are skiing in January or hiking Whiteside Mountain during August. Similarly, Brookings Anglers Fletcher notes that this place is perfect for all your outdoor needs. It has a great location with a view of the lake, and it offers guided fly-fishing excursions.

The Cashiers Store

You can’t leave without stopping at The Cashiers Store Jennings: “It is a perfect souvenir.” The shop has all of your classic vacation pieces—colorful T-shirts, hats, and sweatshirts proudly touting the mountain destination.

Best Restaurants

Native Prime Provisions

Mitchell’s recommendations for a night to remember in Cashiers Native Prime Provisions. “The owners Scott Alderson & Tania Duncombe bring all of the fun & best seafood to the East Coast. I’ve also never been given a bad wine recommendation. Their wine list is also carefully curated. “It’s also fun watching the chefs create artfully designed plates while dining,” she adds.

The Orchard

“The Orchard Jennings says that Cashiers’ is always a favorite. Reservations are recommended and the atmosphere of the 100-year old farmhouse is hard to beat. Menu items include fried green tomato, steamed clams, and crabcakes.

Chile Loco

“For a family meal, I like Chile LocoFletcher says that a family-run Mexican eatery offers the usual Mexican favorites as well as lesser-known family recipes. There’s nothing better than a plate of nachos and fajitas topped with a margarita after a day of hiking or waterfall-spotting on the Tuckasegee River.

Canyon Kitchen

“[Canyon Kitchen] Jennings claims that this restaurant offers the most breathtaking view in the United States, while the food there is also phenomenal. The restaurant is technically located in Sapphire but the seven-minute drive to Cashiers from there is well worth it, especially if you’re looking for dishes like North Carolina Shrimp and Grits or steak and french fries.

Buck’s Coffee Cafe

I never miss a coffee stop. Buck’s Coffee Cafe for a great Americano in a living room-style space,” says Fletcher. The antlers will let you know that you have arrived.

When is the best time to visit?

The “best” time to visit Cashiers depends on the weather you prefer and your preferences for crowds. My favorite time to visit Cashiers is in the spring and late summer. The temperature in the mountains is perfect, and the local blooms are stunning—think daffodils, rhododendrons, and laurels everywhere,” says Fletcher.

Summertime and the peak of fall foliage are most popular among travelers—and for good reason. Mitchell says that summer is the time when the entire family can have fun every day. Cashiers Valley’s fall is when the deciduous tree colors are at their best. The temperatures cool down and it’s a great time to enjoy a cozy night by the fire. You’ll need to be aware of a few factors if you are visiting in July or October. “Traffic is often bad on weekends. [along with] Fletcher states that “higher lodging prices, busier trails, and more restaurants” are all factors contributing to the increase in costs.

Jennings calls September “the best time to come to Cashiers” and says it’s the shoulder season. She says that the temperatures are still pleasant and the crowds are down. All of the shops and restaurant are still open. You can also plan your trip to Sapphire in the winter when you will find “short waiting times, friendly local faces and skiing and tubing.”  (Sapphire Valley’s ski area Cashiers is an 8-minute drive away.

How to Get There

Asheville Regional Airport, (AVL), is the closest airport to the area. Cashiers can be reached in about an hour, depending on how well you know mountain roads and the traffic. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is another option; the South Carolina airport is a little less than two hours away.

How to Get Around

Even though Cashiers is a tiny town—and there is the partially-completed walking path, the Cashiers Greenway Ramble—you’ll need a car to reach hiking trails, some restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. There are also no sidewalks in all areas of the town.