Home Care In Highlands, NC

In Highlands and beyond, generosity flows like mountain streams—quiet, steady, and life-giving. For nearly 60 years, Mountain Findings has been a beacon of that generosity, transforming donated goods into nearly half a million dollars in community support this year alone. And true to its mission, that support knows no boundaries.

Thirty-eight percent of this year’s $408,000 in community grants went to nonprofits outside Highlands, reaching neighbors in Cashiers, Franklin, Otto, Glenville, and Scaly Mountain. From food pantries and rescue squads to arts organizations and animal shelters, the impact is wide and deeply felt.

Take The Village Green in Cashiers, where a defunct garden space is being reimagined thanks to Mountain Findings. “From engaging lectures to inspiring workshops, your support helps us build a sense of community and lasting connections,” shared a representative. “Your funding will allow us to turn a defunct garden space into something beautiful.”

In Scaly Mountain, the Sky Valley–Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue team is better equipped to serve thanks to grant funding. “You have made our services to the community better by allowing us to purchase items outside our limited budget,” they noted. “This includes modification to our exhaust removal system for the new heavy-rescue truck you helped us purchase… and a wheeled stokes basket to assist with carrying out people injured in our vast natural wooded areas and trails.”

Animal welfare groups like Pawsitive Shelter Volunteers of Macon County are also feeling the ripple effect. Their grant will “ensure that all animals leaving the shelter have been spayed or neutered; purchase specialized diets; and provide supplemental medical care.”

The arts are thriving too. The Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival shared, “Your grant will help us continue to bring world-class musicians to our beautiful mountains and continue our outreach, free programs.” And Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina emphasized the long-term value of mentorship: “Your contribution will directly support our programs aimed at fostering personal growth and educational success among the young people we serve.”

At the heart of Mountain Findings is its volunteer-powered engine. With no paid staff and no consignment inventory, the organization relies entirely on donations and the dedication of its volunteers—who contributed an estimated 12,000 hours this year, valued at $260,000.

Glenda Bell, a longtime volunteer, reflected, “Mountain Findings seemed like a legend when I first heard about it—probably late 1990s. When I retired from teaching in 1999, it became a real beacon of doing for others and getting to know the community.” Melinda Wilson added, “Highlands has always been a generous giving community, and that has not changed over the years.”

Don MaGruder, affectionately known as “Mr. Fix It,” repairs donated items before they hit the sales floor. His companion Molly Mae (a Havanese dog breed) joined the volunteer ranks this year “to avoid being left alone at home while ‘mom’ plays bridge.” Todd and Carolyn Wolfe, volunteers and shoppers for nearly four decades, summed it up: “Most of the time, this does not feel like work—it feels more like a social gathering. When we’re volunteering, there’s not a day that goes by that we don’t meet new friends.”

Mountain Findings also awarded $51,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, supported hurricane relief efforts with $35,000, and contributed $2,500 to Shop With A Cop. And for items that don’t sell? They’re offered to nonprofit partners at no cost—ensuring nothing goes to waste.

“We truly know no boundaries when it comes to building our communities stronger and more resilient,” affirm co-presidents Cal Isaacs and Amy Cooper. “The generosity we receive from donors, volunteers, and local businesses, comes not only from Highlands, but from Cashiers, Franklin, Scaly Mountain, Glenville, and beyond. And in turn, our grants and support flow outward to these same communities. Whether it’s a scholarship for a student in Otto, equipment for a rescue squad in Glenville, or funding for a food pantry in Franklin, Mountain Findings is powered by a shared spirit of giving that transcends zip codes. Our volunteers reflect that reach too—neighbors from across the Plateau come together to lift one another up.”

At its core, Mountain Findings is a volunteer-powered organization rooted in community connection. Beyond its mission of giving, it serves as a welcoming resource for visitors and locals alike, offering information about nearby thrift stores, resale shops, restaurants, retail destinations, and local happenings. Every success story is a shared one: when Mountain Findings thrives, so do the nonprofits it supports, the neighbors it uplifts, and the communities it strengthens across the Plateau.

The community grant process remains open to eligible nonprofits, and we invite you to learn more at www.MountainFindings.org. Donations may be dropped off anytime – 24/7, at 452 Spruce Street in Highlands. To schedule a pickup, call (828) 526-9929.

Sending photos of your items to [email protected] helps us coordinate more efficiently. A list of local service providers offering pickup and delivery for a fee is also available. Mountain Findings is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

This Year’s Grant Recipients

American Legion Post 370 Highlands Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Western NC Blue Ridge Dental Clinic Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau Carpe Diem Horse Farm Community Care Clinic of Highlands Counseling Center of Highlands Friends of Highlands Wreaths Across America Glenville Cashiers Rescue Squad Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Highlands Cashiers Players Highlands Community Child Development Center Highlands Emergency Council Highlands Historical Society Highlands Plateau Greenway Highlands School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Highlands School PTO Macon County Humane Society Magnolia Mission Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center Mainspring Conservation Trust Otto Fire and Rescue, Inc. PAWSITIVE Shelter Volunteers of Macon County Peggy Crosby Community Center REACH of Macon County Sky Valley – Scaly Mountain Volunteer Fire Rescue The Gordon Center for Children The International Friendship Center of Highlands The Literacy Council of Highlands The Village Green of Cashiers Highlands High School 2025 Senior Scholarships: $51,000 Awarded Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund: $35,000 Shop With A Cop: $2,500

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

December and the holiday season in Highlands is always magical. Our little village goes all out to make it so. Take an evening stroll down Main Street to admire the lights and window decorations. You won’t be disappointed.

Here on the farm, while daily chores and animal care never stop, the chill in the air and the prospect of snowy, icy days keep us vigilant. The horses get in their own “holiday spirit” with the weather changes. Extra care is taken for their safety and warmth. They love to run, play and kick up their heels in concert with the crisp cold air!

December also gives us a chance to see many friends and new visitors during school breaks. Out-of-towners and relatives visiting, each hoping to find holiday magic, often include Carpe Diem Farms and the horses on their itinerary.

They enjoy photo opportunities with the horses in the field, and some pause to walk the seven-circuit labyrinth for a little balance and centering in the holiday fray. From Thanksgiving until New Year’s, we can count on eager guests in the stables.

Speaking of Thanksgiving visitors, childhood friends from growing up together in Delray Beach, Florida, Bob and Donna (Baldwin) Banting stopped by for their annual “catch-up!” It’s always a joy-filled reunion. Hard to imagine, a sixty-plus-year friendship continues. Bob played on my Dad’s Rotary Club Little League team, and Donna and I were teammates on the school’s swim teams—her dad coached our summer team at the Delray Beach Yacht Club! As the saying goes, old friends are the best friends, and we’re still making memories.

All of us at Carpe Diem Farms wish you and yours a blessed holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

Winter is Coming! – those often-dreaded words that remind us of all the things we need to do before the cold sets in.

Luckily, getting our cars ready for the season doesn’t have to be stressful. Highlands Automotive Service makes it easy to check that task off your to-do list. Their experienced team keeps vehicles running smoothly year-round, and they’re always happy to go the extra mile to prepare your car for the challenges of freezing temperatures.

Owner Bob Saladna explains that winter prep is essential for three key reasons: safety, performance, and longevity. That’s a trifecta we can all get behind.

A winter check-up at Highlands Automotive includes a full inspection of your fluids to make sure they’re cold-weather ready. Technicians test your antifreeze to confirm it’s at the right freezing point to properly protect your engine.

They’ll also check your windshield washer fluid to ensure it has enough ice melt mix to keep it flowing smoothly, ensuring you’ll always have a clean windshield, and helping prevent damage from freezing and thawing — a small step that can save you from bigger repair bills later.

Cold weather thickens oil, which can put extra strain on your engine. Switching to a lighter-weight oil during the winter helps your car start more easily and reduces wear and tear.

Beyond fluids, the team will test your battery since cold temperatures can sap its strength and leave you stranded. A weak battery can also overwork your alternator, potentially leading to alternator failure. They’ll check your tires for proper tread and inflation, inspect belts for cracks or wear, and make sure your brakes have plenty of life left.

Bob also offers one more tip “avoid heavy acceleration until the engine is fully warmed up. Drive the car with respect and the car will treat you with respect.”

Highlands Automotive Service is located at 2851 Cashiers Road. Give them a call at (828) 787-2360. They take pride in a job well done and value their partnership with you in keeping your car running in top-notch shape. With experienced technicians and the latest in diagnostic tools and equipment, you can rest assured your car is in good hands, this winter and all year long.

The holidays in Highlands wouldn’t be complete without Mountain Theatre Company’s beloved production of Spirit of the Season, returning December 5-21 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This cherished annual tradition has become a hallmark of the region’s holiday celebrations, and this year’s production has proved to be more spectacular than ever.

Featuring an exceptional cast of professional performers, Spirit of the Season blends breathtaking vocals, stunning choreography, and heartwarming storytelling into one dazzling night of entertainment. The show transforms the theatre into a winter wonderland – filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a joyful reminder of what makes the holidays truly special. Each year, audiences return to experience the magic anew, but this season’s production raises the bar with an immersive technical experience, fresh musical arrangements, and new surprises that bring an elevated energy to the stage.

Under the direction of Executive Artistic Director Scott Daniel, this year’s Spirit of the Season feels both familiar and fresh – capturing the warmth and community that Mountain Theatre Company is known for, while delivering a level of production value that rivals any regional theatre in the Southeast. The design team has outdone themselves with dazzling costumes and lighting that illuminate every heartfelt moment, making this year’s edition one of MTC’s most impressive holiday offerings yet.

As the year draws to a close, MTC also celebrates its remarkable 87th season that showcased the company’s range and artistry. Audiences enjoyed the nostalgic fun of The Marvelous Wonderettes, the crowd-pleasing harmonies of Forever Plaid, and the emotionally rich storytelling of The Burnt Part Boys – each production capturing the spirit of friendship, resilience, and community that defines Mountain Theatre Company’s goal to enrich, educate and entertain audiences.

Looking ahead, MTC is preparing an exciting 2026 season filled with fresh titles and non-stop fun with Dancin’ in the Street, Showstoppers and A Joyful Noise. Details on MTC’s 88th season are now available, along with information on MTC’s brand-new Flex Pass offering, and Community Club registration details can be found on MTC’s website at mountaintheatre.com.

Whether it’s your first time enjoying MTC’s Broadway-caliber productions, or this is your annual holiday tradition, this year’s production is a must-see event that perfectly captures the joy and togetherness of the holidays. Treat yourself-and the entire family-to a night at the theatre and experience why Mountain Theatre Company remains your entertainment destination.

The town of Highlands, North Carolina, is a retreat in every sense of the word. Situated high within the Nantahala National Forest, near where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet, this quaint community is a getaway destination for much of the Southeast. With enchanting inns, five-star spas, and white-tablecloth dining, the outdoors isn't all this mountain town has to offer—but it's definitely at the top of the list. The town became known as a health and summer retreat over a century ago, a spirit it still embodies today. From the best overlooks to our favorite meals in Highlands, here's how to spend a long weekend in this quaint corner of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What To Do In Highlands, North Carolina

If it's views you're looking for, Nantahala National Forest is a gold mine. Beginner and expert hikers can make their way from gushing waterfalls to panoramic peaks on any given day. You can also take in the views on Whiteside Mountain, a landmark along the eastern continental divide. The moderate 2-mile loop will take you by cliff edges for sprawling views. Keep your eyes peeled for falcons flying above.

Warm up with a trip to one of the area's closest waterfalls, Dry Falls. An easy start to the day, the short, half-mile stroll will take you to where the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff. A path lets you venture behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name.

Keep things flowing with a trip to Glen Falls. The trailhead starts 3 miles from downtown, and the trip to the multilevel, 640-foot splash and back is just over 2 miles total. Don't let the downhill start trick you. Be sure to conserve your energy for the walk back up.

For visitors looking for accessibility, drive to Bridal Veil Falls. The drop is roadside, so you can take in the view from the comfort of your car. It's also the only waterfall in the state that a vehicle can drive under.

Highlands is a jumping-off point for outdoor adventures, from zip-lining to golf. Brookings Anglers can outfit you for a day of fly fishing for smallmouth bass or mountain trout. Or, book a tour with one of their friendly guides at the nearby Cashiers location—just make sure you reserve your spot a month or two out.

brookingsonline.com; 273 Spring St, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-482-9444

Take the kids 8 miles west of town to Highlands Outpost for the longest gravity-powered roller coaster in the state. Then check out the gem mine to see what treasures you can find. Snow tubing and ice skating begin in November.

The new Combo Pass offers four hours of unlimited tubing and coaster rides for $55/person.

highlandsoutpost.com; 7420 Dillard Rd., Scaly Mountain, NC 28755; 828-526-3737

Where To Eat In Highlands, North Carolina

Begin your day at Mountain Fresh Grocery, where a homemade breakfast sandwich is sure to fuel the day's adventure. Their stollen bread is legendary, so be sure to grab one for the road. 4th Street Market, a small convenience store, will come in handy at the start of the day with to-go snacks for the trail. Much more than a convenience store, this market carries breakfast biscuits, warm cinnamon rolls, and barbecue fixings you can bring on a picnic.

mfgro.com; 521 E. Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2400

If you're not still in the mountains mid-day, stop by The Wine Garden at the Old Edwards Inn for its can't-miss patio. Sunshine and stonework mix with great sips, dips, salads, and sandwiches for a lunch that feels like a destination in its own right. Another local favorite, Wild Thyme Gourmet, is often packed with patrons eating under its cheerful red umbrellas. The menu features American cuisine with an Asian flair. If you don't get back in time for lunch, both are open for dinner service as well.

oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008 wildthymegourmet.com; 343 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4035

If you stay at Old Edwards Inn and prefer not to leave your hotel, make reservations for dinner at Madison's Restaurant. The indoor dining room serves farm-to-table fare where you can treat yourself to everything from pork saltimbocca to a crispy leg of duck confit. If you're game for heading out, head to the main strip and eat at Ristorante Paoletti for excellent Italian fare from pastas to veal and fish. Reservations are recommended at these restaurants, especially during the vacation season.

oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008 paolettis.com; 440 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4906

There are many good reasons to wander away from the inn, as dinner options within walking distance of downtown are endless. Bring a picture of your pup with you to The Ugly Dog Public House, and they'll put it on their photo-studded walls while you grab a burger and a local beer. If you visit on a Wednesday, you'll be treated to live bluegrass, while Sunday brings music bingo.

theuglydogpub.com; 294 S 4th St., Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-8364

Head to Four65 for city-chic style blended with small-town warmth. Dine on Neapolitan-style pizzas and Mediterannean classics made in the restaurant's wood-fired oven, with a focus on local ingredients.

four65.com; 465 Main St. Box 2130, Highlands, NC 28741

Around town, opportunities abound for frozen treats, pastries, and chocolates. Between shopping or after a meal, be sure to stop into Kilwins for a plethora of confections and ice cream cones sure to keep your blood sugar from dropping. Most of their recipes date back to the 1940s, and their turtle fudge is nearly impossible to pass up.

kilwins.com; 341 Main Street, PO Box 1193, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-3788

Where To Shop In Highlands, North Carolina

Stick around downtown at least one day to explore the many shops. Locally owned storefronts strike a balance between mountain treasures and high-end clothing boutiques on Main Street. Start by gearing up for your mountain adventures at Bear Mountain Outfitters. From outdoor appeal and equipment for the trail to casual wear you can sport around town, this local shop has something for everyone.

facebook.com/bmo97; 302 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-5784

Pop into Rosenthals Boutique for an elevated look. A family store that's been passed down three generations, the shop prides itself on a selection of designer brands and high-end service. Wander into TJ Baily's for classic style. This once men's-only store now carries women's clothing too.

rosenthalsboutique.com; 375 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2100 tjbaileys.com; 343C Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2262

Find a little something for your home at Dutchman's Casual Living, where you'll be delighted by colorful decor and handcrafted furnishings. The boutique has planted 700,000 trees since 2005, with the goal of planting one tree with every piece of furniture sold. On North Fourth, CK Swan sells carefully selected home goods and furniture, jewelry, gifts, art, and even bouquets of flowers.

dutchmanscasualliving.com; 342 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-8864 ckswan.com; 223 North 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2083

Downtown Highlands has a number of antique stores that are definitely worth checking out, but it's also worth a trip to Reclamations. Located between Highlands and Cashiers, Reclamations is so much more than an antique store. You'll find an incredible array of architectural salvage, hand-crafted hardware, yard art, and more. After an hour of browsing their vast barn, you're sure to find buried treasure somewhere.

facebook.com/ReclamationsNC; 99 Cherrywood Dr, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-787-2299

A short drive or walk from downtown, a 6-acre horse farm is home to The Bascom, a visual arts center that exhibits local and world-renowned artists. After visiting the exhibits, meander down the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail to enjoy the beauty of nature and art.

thebascom.org; 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-4949

Where To Stay In Highlands, North Carolina

While plenty of rustic cabin rentals dot the woods, you can splurge on a stay at Old Edwards Inn and Spa for a taste of refined mountain charm. Spend your nights at the elegant inn or in one of their charming cottages. Located in the heart of downtown, this mountain refuge delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, and dining options galore. You'd be remiss to check out without experiencing the property's heated mineral pool or standout spa treatments.

oldedwardshospitality.com; 445 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741; 866-526-8008

Trailborn Highlands, a 63-room downtown Highlands hotel, is the second in a set of luxury stays that hotel brand Trailborn has planned for popular outdoor destinations across the country. Set on 4.5 acres, the property’s epicenter is a 1924 log cabin that houses the Highlands Supper Club restaurant. Other amenities include cold-plunge showers, saunas, firepits, a lily pond, and flower gardens.

trailborn.com/highlands; 96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-482-1581

Also downtown, you can stay at the 18-room Highlander Mountain House, a cozy establishment that was converted from a retired sea captain's sprawling home. The inn calls itself "equal parts Appalachian lodge and refined English country estate." An all-day tavern, The Ruffed Grouse, serves a menu featuring seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers.

highlandermountainhouse.com; 270 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741; 828-526-2590,

Highlander Mountain House's latest venture and sister property, Outpost Inn, is another worthy option. The lodge-style, summer camp-inspired stay features 14 guest rooms, plus thoughtful touches like complimentary coffee and banana bread, a guest happy hour, bikes, a vinyl collection, and a healthy selection of board games and books.