{"id":304,"date":"2024-06-06T14:53:05","date_gmt":"2024-06-06T18:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trailborn.com\/field-guide\/?page_id=304"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T15:21:17","slug":"in-the-area","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.trailborn.com\/field-guide\/highlands\/in-the-area\/","title":{"rendered":"In the Area"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n \n
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\n \n Highlands\n <\/a>\n \n

In the Area<\/h1>\n \n
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Explore the recreational and cultural options (plus the many delicious restaurants) that Highlands has to offer. <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n

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See & Do<\/h2>\n \n
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Cruise Lake Glenville<\/h3>\n \n \n

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Just 25 minutes’ drive northeast of town, Lake Glenville covers over 1400 acres and boasts 26 miles of shoreline. Relax on the public beaches at its northern tip or rent a boat from the family-owned Signal Ridge Marina. In an afternoon, you can visit the three waterfalls that empty into the lake, explore its small uninhabited islands, and stop wherever you please for a refreshing dive into the deep waters.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Learn to Fly Fish<\/h3>\n \n \n

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There are hundreds of miles of fishable rivers in Macon County alone. The experienced guides of Brookings Anglers lead wade and float trips, and provide access to public and private waters teeming with trout and smallmouth bass. Enjoy solitary fishing in exclusive spots or join their full-day school for beginners, covering casting, knot-tying, and fly selection. Book your adventure at their Cashiers office.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Wildflower Bloom Times<\/h3>\n \n \n

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Highlands\u2019 unique geography and climate \u2014 an elevation of nearly 4,000 feet, 90\u201d of rainfall spread evenly across the months \u2014 make for a verdant, ecologically diverse landscape. From April to September, the area bursts with wildflowers. Consult this handy calendar of bloom times<\/a><\/span> or stroll the botanical garden at the Highlands Biological Station<\/a><\/span>, which offers breathtaking views plus educational insights into the local ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Zip over the terrain<\/h3>\n \n \n

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If you enjoy moving faster than a brisk mountain walk, check out The Highlands<\/span> Aerial Park<\/span><\/a>, which has been running zipline tours of the forest canopy for more than a decade. Sign up in advance to join a group doing part or all of their eight-line course. And up the road at Highlands Outpost<\/a><\/span>, you can ride what is touted as the state\u2019s longest rollercoaster, the Scaly Mountain Screamer, and take inner tubes down a steep hillside.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Golf<\/h3>\n \n \n

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Highlands is home to some excellent golf courses. You can easily get out to several public courses in the area. Four that we recommend are Sapphire National Golf<\/span> Club<\/a>, Sky Valley Country Club<\/a><\/span>, Kingwood Resort and Winery<\/a><\/span>, The Golf Club at Mill Creek<\/a><\/span>, and Windsor at Walhalla<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Explore the Bascom \u2013 A Center for the Visual Arts<\/h3>\n \n \n

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With three spaces for rotating exhibitions, a shop with offerings from scores of regional artists, and a short nature and sculpture walk on its grounds, the Bascom is a nice stop for when you need a break from the outdoors. Once a mere gallery in the town library, the center moved to this expanded location, itself a refurbished horse barn, in 2009. Check their schedule in advance to see if any classes or workshops coincide with your stay.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

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Eat & Drink<\/h2>\n \n
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Calders Coffee Cafe<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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This joint in the middle of town is a quick stop for good coffee and breakfast items, including bagels delivered regularly from New York City. During rush hours the line may extend out the door, but it moves fast.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Mountain Fresh Grocery<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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The town\u2019s most popular breakfast \u2014 if sometimes its most hectic \u2014 is offered by this specialty food and wine shop on the eastern side of town. If you\u2019re on the run, grab a coffee and an egg and cheese biscuit. Or enjoy a sit-down breakfast at one of the many tables inside or out.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Blue Bike Cafe<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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This bright cafe is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, serving signature blueberry-stuffed French toast and top-notch organic coffee. Sit inside beneath walls adorned with vintage bicycles or on the sunlit patio, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle buzz of the town.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Highlands Smokehouse <\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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In 2020, seasoned restaurateur and barbecue-lover Bryan Lewis took the helm of this road-side joint and infused it with new life. Today it serves the best barbecue in town, with plenty of indoor seating and a spacious \u2014 and dog-friendly \u2014 wood deck.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Ristorante Paoletti<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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This white-tablecloth Italian restaurant is among the finest dining in town, with a couple sommeliers on staff and an extensive wine list. The Paoletti family, who have run successful restaurants for nearly seven decades, still operate the place.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Ruffed Grouse Tavern<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, a cozy gem in the heart of town, offers a warm, rustic atmosphere with a menu that celebrates local flavors. Known for its craft beers and innovative dishes, it also hosts live music some evenings and a bluegrass brunch one Sunday a month.<\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Oak Steakhouse<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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One of a chain of contemporary steakhouses, this fine-dining establishment is on the grounds of the newly renovated Skyline Lodge, a 10-minute drive outside downtown Highlands. Stylishly decorated and lit, its tables overlook the forested hills that surround it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The Ugly Dog Pub<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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At this brightly lit restaurant just off main street, you\u2019ll find \u201celevated\u201d pub food including great burgers, as well as a variety of vegetarian offerings. In fair weather, dog owners can enjoy pet-friendly, outdoor seating around the side of the building.<\/span><\/p>\n\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n \n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n

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\n 02\n <\/div> \n \n Trails & Waterfalls \n <\/span>\n <\/div> \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n 04\n <\/div> \n \n \n Experiences \n <\/span>\n <\/div> \n <\/i> \n <\/a>\n
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