The Woodruff Civic Center: offers a fully equipped Nautilus Room, tennis courts and a swimming pool. On 64 E, a half mile or so from Main Street. 526-3556. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Nautilus Room: There is a fee per visit or membership.Tennis Courts: An hourly fee charge. Tennis courts may be reserved one day in advance, in person, no phone reservations accepted. Aerobic classes are offered in the morning and in the afternoon including Hi/Lo Impact and step aerobics. There is a fee per class. Please call ahead: 526-3556. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Activities in the Recreation Center include: Adult volleyball or basketball pick up games, recreational bridge ( games are also scheduled ). A picnic pavilion is available with a children�s playground nearby. Summer youth Rec.Camp, baseball, soccer and youth basketball. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Swimming: A fee per person per day during the summer months. For more information, call the pool at 526-5082. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Camping

The U.S. Forest Service offers primitive camping at Van Hook Glade and Blue Valley. Contact them at 526-3763.
Sassafras Gap Campground is on Hwy 28 South, four miles from Main Street. They can be reached at 526-0909.
Highlands RV Park, located in town on Chestnut Street can be reached at 526-5083.
Golf: There are two public golf courses within a 40 minute drive of Highlands.

Sky Valley, is located 13 miles from town, off Highway 106 South. Contact the pro at (706) 726-5302.
Sapphire Mountain Golf Club, is located route 64 W in Sapphire, NC. For more information call: (828) 743-1174.

Golf, Private Clubs:

Cullasaja Club, Hwy. 64e. Highlands, N.C. / 828-526-4104
Highlands Country Club, Hwy. 106 - Dillard Rd., Highlands N.C. / 828-526-2181
Highlands Falls Country Club, Hwy. 64e. Highlands, N.C. / 828-526-4118
Wildcat Cliffs Country Club, Hwy. 64e. Highlands, N.C. / 828-526-2164

Skiing: Weather permitting, snow skiing is available from mid-November to the end of February or first part of March. Man-made snow is used to supplement what Mother Nature provides.
Ski Scaly, in Scaly Mountain, NC has four trails, ideal for the beginner and the intermediate skier. Learning to ski at Ski Scaly is an enjoyable experience for all ages. Facilities include a tow rope, a double chair lift, and snow making equipment. For rates and snow conditions, call Ski Scaly at (800) 342-1387. or 526-3737.
Sky Valley, in Georgia is located just 13 miles from Highlands. Offering four slopes in addition to the "Bunny Slope" Sky Valley is serviced with a double chair lift, tow rope and snow making equipment. Call Sky Valley at (706) 746-3013.

Fishing

Highlands has three outstanding guides and outfitters available for the novice to the more experienced. The Mill Creek Store at 526-0236, The Highland Hiker at 526-5298 and Main Stream Outfitters at 526-5649, all very capable and well established. A license is required and may be obtained locally.

Horseback Riding

Scenic mountain trail rides for 30 minutes to two hours catering to novices as well as experts. Arrowmont Riding Stable has well trained quarter horses and a lovely picnic area. They can be reached at (828) 743-2762. 18 miles from Highlands.

Bike and Canoe Rental

Canoes may be rented through the Highland Hiker at 526-5298. Mountain Bike Depot rents both canoes and mountain bikes and can be reached at (800) 902-4401 or 526-4401. Maps, bicycle repair and information about area bike tours is also available through the Depot.

The Arts & Enrichment

The Bascom-Louise Gallery in the Hudson Library offers regional and local artists a place to exhibit locally. It also offers children�s programs, revolving exhibitions, workshops and programs for the visual, performing and literary arts. For more information, please contact the Gallery at 526-4949. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

The Hudson Library is a private library, part of the regional library system in Western North Carolina, and has resources to borrow books from the libraries in the region. They have an aggressive system of book purchases so that the patrons have the choice of many of the current titles. For more information, please contact the Library at 526-3031. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

Highlands Playhouse: In its 58th season the Highlands Playhouse continues its tradition of presenting outstanding performances throughout the summer season. Truly a unique find and one not to be missed. Information available from the Chamber of Commerce or 526-9443. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Center for Life Enrichment: The Center of Life Enrichment is a nonprofit organization aligned with three regional institutions of higher education: Western Carolina University, Piedmont College and Southwestern Community College. By offering a variety of courses, seminars, lectures and special events throughout the summer months, they embody their mission to enrich the lives of adults who have a mutual interest in intellectual stimulation and cultural enhancement. For more information, call 526-0381. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

Museum of American Cut and Engraved Glass: The museum features an outstanding collection of antiques and engraved glass made in America between 1876 and 1906. This era is known as the "American Brilliant Period." The museum will offer cut and engraved glass for sale. Admission is free. Open May through October, 11 AM to 4 PM. By special appointment November through April. Please call 526-3415 or 526-3427 for further information. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Highlands Nature Center and Biological Station: The Nature Center, located on Horse Cove Road, just a short walk up East Main Street from town, has programs available for all age groups, and is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday. Activities include walking the grounds of the Center, seeing the Botanical Gardens, meeting the residents of the Nature Center, learning about animals and reptiles, and the plants of our plateau. The Biological Station is one of the oldest in the United States. It is requested that no flowers, or foliage be disturbed, for once gone, it may never come back. The lake is an ecosystem onto itself, and should not be disturbed. To enjoy Lake Ravenel, please check with the Station administrative staff for permission. Special programs are scheduled weekly. Please call, 526-2623. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

Gem Mining: Franklin in known as the Gem Capital and there are many "Gem Mines" located in the Cowee Valley north and west from Franklin. However, just a short drive from Highlands, on Highway 64W is Jackson Hole Trading Post, with a newly installed powered water sluice and "mud" from the area, where you may do your own mining. It is fun and relaxing for many. For complete information, please contact the Jackson Hole Trading Post at (828) 524-5950.

Biking

The Highlands area and the Nantahala National Forest have many wonderful hiking areas. For the best information check with the U.S. Forest Service at 526-3765 or stop by their Visitor Center on East Main Street. Both outfitters and bookstores in Highlands have informational books and detailed maps. Information on trails is also available at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. Guided hikes may be arranged through the Highland Hiker, 526-5298 or the Mountain Biker Depot, (800) 903-4401 or 526-4401.

U.S. Forest Service Recreational Facilities

The U.S. Forest Service operates the recreational facilities in the Nantahala Forest, to include the waterfalls and the hiking trails. The Cliffside Lake Recreational area has hiking trails, picnic tables and pavilions. Fishing and swimming are permitted. A NC fishing license and trout stamp are required for all over 16 who wish to fish. Reeves Hardware sells licenses. Cliffside also has a cold water shower and flush toilets. Van Hook Glade Campground area has hiking trails and 17 family camping units, each equipped with a parking space, fireplace, table and space for a tent. The parking space will only accommodate pull through or pop-ups. Flush toilets are located on site. There is a limit of 14 days to prevent overuse. Additional primitive camp sites are also available. Park fees are $2 per day, or $25 per year. Camping fees are also collected. For more information, please call (828) 526-3763.

Mountain Adventures: Rappelling lessons, tours, 4-wheel drive trips, overnight camping and guided hikes available. For complete information and details about services, please contact Mountain Down Tours, at Rt. 2, Box 29, Highlands, NC 28741, or phone (828) 526-3063.

Highlands Youth Adventures, offers outdoor adventure day trips for children ages 9-13. Call them at 526-2174. the Mountain Bike Depot offers guide service and equipment rental for a variety of mountain adventures. They can be reached at (800) 903-4401 or 526-4401.

Highlands Institute

"A community of scholars involved in the empirical tradition in American religious and philosophical though." A public lecture-seminar series in Highlands to provide a means for open discussion usually held in June. for more information, please contact the President at P.O. Box 2009, Highlands, NC 28741 or call (828) 526-4038.

Highlands Chamber Music Festival

Derrick Henry of the Atlanta Journal Constitution said, "The Highlands Chamber Music Festival is a feast for all senses." In its second decade, the HCMF is a growing tradition of excellence. Performances are held in the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation from mid-July to the first weekend of August. Please write HCMF at P.O. Box 1702, Highlands, NC 28741 or call at (828) 526-9060. (5 minute walk from our Inn)

Transportation

Highlands Transportation Company, provides transportation to and from Atlanta, Greenville and Asheville airports as well as charter services, "ride and dine" and weekly summer "kids days." Call 526-4113.

Communications

The Highlander Newspaper, 526-4114
WHLC FM 104.5 Radio Station, 526-1045
WCQS / WfQS Public Radio, Ashville, 800-768-6698

Northland Cable T.V., 526-5675

Local Government
Municipal Services: Emergencies Dial 911

Non-Emergencies: EMS Building / 526-4400, Fire Dept. 526-3645, Police Dept. 526-9431, Rescue Squad 526-9431, Recreation Office 526-3556, Town Hall Office 526-2118

Educational Facilities: Highlands School provides for the educational needs of the youth of the area around Highlands with grade K through grade 12. Our school historically ranks in the upper 10th percentile of the SATs, and equally well in other standardized tests. The majority of graduates continue their education in the many fine two and four year schools of North Carolina and the surrounding states. Head Start is an active educational experience enjoyed in Highlands. Pre-School is available for 3 to 5 year olds.

Summit Charter School: Cashiers, N.C. / 828-743-5755

Day Care facilities are available at the First Presbyterian church. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

Southwestern Community College is located in Sylva, NC, with extension classes in Franklin. It is a two year vocational institution, with continuing educational classes in a variety of vocations.

Western Carolina University is located in Cullowhee, NC, providing baccalaureate degrees in full four year areas of study.

University of North Carolina at Asheville is a full four year campus of the University of North Carolina system.

Clemson University is a four year university of the University of South Carolina system. It is located in Clemson, SC, approximately 65 miles south of Highlands.

Highlands Biological Station is a summer graduate program of the University of North Carolina system, administered by Western Carolina University. (10 minute walk from our Inn)

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