The Highlands Food + Wine Festival began 11 years ago as the Highlands Culinary Weekend. No matter the name, the 3-day weekend includes live music, huge food + wine tastings, intimate dinners, ship + shop days and more to create a truly unique experience.
With almost all the events of this boutique festival taking place on the authentic + iconic main street, the town of Highlands, just under 2 hours up the mountains from Asheville, gets to show itself off a bit as it brings people in from all over the southeast to enjoy the incredible weekend. This year’s festival kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 8th and runs until Sunday, Nov. 14th. Some of the major events are sold out, but many are not – and make the perfect excuse for a mountain weekend (and, we have an opportunity for you to win tix to Friday’s main event).
On top of the massive town-wide festival, Highlands is also a mecca for hiking + enjoying WNC – complete with cozy coffee shops, art exhibits, breweries + more. So, you can enjoy the area next weekend, or anytime this fall with our full 48-guide to Highlands N.C. ⬇️
Friday, Nov. 9:
Wake up, enjoy the brisk mountain, morning air with a warm cup of coffee + put on your walking shoes because this day + this weekend are about to begin. ☕
Sip + Shop | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Downtown Highlands | $55 | Start the day off by picking up your complimentary wine glass. Set out for an afternoon of shopping through Highlands historic downtown while enjoying a variety of wines parried with small bites at over 25 retail locations. Tickets still available.
Truckin’ At The Bascom | noon – 4 p.m. | The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts | $125 | Enjoy unlimited food, wine, craft beer, cocktails + music from the Lone Bellows. Tickets are currently sold out.
Pro-tip: You can visit Bascom: Center for Visual Arts Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. Noon - 5 p.m.
*We’re giving away a pair of tickets so this on Instagram. Enter here.
After enjoying the sipping + shopping or the food trucks + art at The Bascom, hop in the car and head 15 minutes out of town to Whiteside Mountain. Whiteside is a moderate, 2-mile hike that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful mountain views without all the crowds + catch a gorgeous sunset from a summit of 4,930 feet. The sun is projected to set at 5:13 p.m. on November 9 in Highlands.
To get to the Whiteside trailhead, take U.S. 64 west through Cashiers and go another 5 miles. Turn left on Service Road 1600 at the Whiteside Mountain sign. Go one mile and turn left into the Whiteside Mountain entrance.
Weekend Wine Dinners | 6:30 p.m. | $85+ | After a full day of shopping + hiking, relax by enjoying one of the many special dinners hosted in collaboration with local restaurants + wine makers. Chose from one of four, multi-course dinners on Friday night including a local beer + food duo, a lakeside wine dinner, international cuisine with wine pairings or a farm harvest dinner + barn dance. Tickets still available.
Saturday, November 10:
A slow, relaxing morning to catch up from a full day the day before + gear up for another one may be needed. Or maybe you’ll be ready to head out for a day packed to the brim of excitement. ☀️
☕ Start the day out right with breakfast at Madison’s or grab a quick bite at Buck’s Coffee Cafe:
Madison’s | 455 Main Street Highlands, NC | Located within the beautiful Old Edward’s Inn, Madison’s brings a classy feel to southern comfort while supporting local farmers. Enjoy beautiful views with your meal. A great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Buck’s Coffee Cafe | 384 Main Street, Highlands, NC | If you’re needing a break from the crowds, an afternoon pick me up or a quick morning start, try out this cute + cozy coffee shop for all your caffeine needs.
After breakfast there are a lot of options for where the day can go.
The Main Event | noon – 4 p.m. | Main Street | $125 | This afternoon experience fully exemplifies all of the charm + beauty of Highlands. The event includes oyster roast, small plates from multiple local and regional chefs, wine tastings, craft beer, signature cocktails and live music. Tickets are currently sold out.
Perhaps you weren’t able to snag tickets to the Main Event, but there are still plenty of other things to do. ⬇️
The Bascom :: A Center for Visual Arts | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 323 Franklin Road | If you opted out of or weren’t able to get tickets for Truckin’ at The Bascom, you can still enjoy the beautiful 6-acre campus + art exhibits on your own time on Saturday.
Fresh Rosemary Cafe | 323 Franklin Road Highlands, NC | After enjoying some local art at The Bascom, grab a fresh lunch at their on property cafe. Fresh Rosemary offers a list of sandwiches, soups + salads.
Dry Falls | Just 10 minutes from Main Street, this beautiful waterfall is a must do. The easy, .25 mile trail leads you behind a 65’ waterfall. This hike is kid-friendly + accessible to almost everyone + a perfect place to take in some more of the natural beauty of Highlands. Be sure to check it out at some point during your weekend trip + snap some pics.
Back in town, grab a drink at one of a few local spots. 🍻
Satulah Mountain Brewing Company | SMBC is located right in downtown Highlands. Since opening its doors in 2014, it has grown to become a full blown brewing operation. The relaxed + friendly environment + great beer selection make SMBC a perfect choice.
Whiteside Brewing | Located in the heart of Cashiers (neighbor town of Highlands), it is just a 20 minute drive from Main Street in Highlands. Whiteside Brewing opened in the summer of 2018 + has quickly become a great addition to the WNC beer scene. Serving up locally inspired brews, this spot with plenty of relaxing outdoor seating is a great place for an afternoon break. With a full food menu, Whiteside Brewing is also a great place to grab lunch.
For dinner, check out one of Highlands’ many other loved restaurants. 🍝
Ristorante Paoletti | 440 Main St, Highlands, NC | This high end Italian dining spot is rated one of the top restaurants in Highlands. Its extensive wine list + varied menu items make it a favorite among locals + visitors. Reservations are recommended.
Wolfgang’s Restaurant + Wine Bistro | 474 Main Street Highlands, NC | This restaurant combines the German heritage of the chef with cajun cuisine to create a unique + varied menu. The knowledge of the wine director + the depth of the wine list have won Wolfgang’s national recognition. Reservations are recommended.
Wild Thyme Gourmet | 343 Main Street Highlands, NC | Wild Thyme offers American cuisine with Asian influence. With a long lists of soups, salads, sandwiches + burgers, it makes a great spot for lunch or dinner. Reservations recommended for dinner.
Ugly Dog Public House | 4th Street, Highlands NC or 25 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers NC | The Ugly Dog has two locations, one in Highlands + one right next door in Cashiers. It offers guests a relaxed + casual environment. Enjoy chef created sandwiches, burgers, soups + salads. Pair that with local craft beers, crafted cocktails + nice wines.
After dinner close the night off with a benefit concert at the A Generous Pour event.
A Generous Pour | 8 – 11 p.m. | $50 | Enjoy food + wine while also remembering + helping those in need. Proceeds from this benefit event will go to the Highlands Food Pantry. The concert will feature Langhorne Slim and The Lost at Last Band Tickets are still available.
Sunday, November 11:
Your Food + Wine Festival in Highlands is sure to be one you won’t want to end. Just because its your last day, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There’s still time to check out one or two more things before heading out of town. Here are just a couple suggestions:
Gospel Brunch | noon – 2 p.m. | $150 | Enjoying an inspiring time of fellowship with friends by partaking in a full brunch spread, bloody mary bar, champagne + live music. Tickets are currently sold out.
If you didn’t make the short drive to Cashiers during the weekend, Sunday afternoon is the perfect opportunity to. This town has just as much charm + character as Highlands, and offers more shops + restaurants.
Your drive out of town is also a great chance to pack in one more hike. Check out Bridal Veil Falls, Whitewater Falls, Satulah Mountain or Chattooga Loop Trail, just to name a few.
Pro tip: If you are looking for tickets to any sold out events check out this group where people are selling their already purchased tickets.
I love all the little mountain towns scattered throughout WNC; the towns that make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie.
Every time I head to Highlands, I feel like that. It’s a town full of mountain charm making it a great place to spend a weekend. The Food + Wine festival is truly a unique experience made even better with the beauty + warmth of the town itself.
This weekend is going to be one of those things where you leave full of memories + counting down the days until next year’s. Be sure to tag us in any pics from your weekend, we are looking forward to sharing the weekend with you!
–Kristie, AVLtoday Intern
