Enjoy leaf season in Highlands NC

By Jill Cremens
Just two and a half hours north of Metro Atlanta lies the mountain getaway of Highlands, North Carolina. A short beautiful drive, numerous leisure activities, and a moderate mountain climate make Highlands, NC a perfect vacation spot for busy Atlanta families. Whether you are looking for a guys golf outing, girls get away weekend, family vacation spot or retreat location, Highlands has just what you are looking for.
What makes a great vacation spot even better? A wonderful home away from home where you can truly relax and enjoy the mountain environment around you. In 2003, as a real estate investor, I saw a great opportunity to purchase a vacation home in Highlands. Our home is rented out to people at daily, weekly, or monthly rates. Our home sleeps eight with three bedrooms, three full baths, and a fold out queen bed in the loft area. We encourage people to bring their whole family. Children are welcome! After traveling with my sister and her three young children, I made the decision to equip the house with essentials such as a pack and play, swing, and highchairs. In addition, understanding the burden of boarding your animals, pets are welcome. I truly want our Highlands house to be a home away from home for you and your family.
While in Highlands consider the multitude of leisure activities to fill your time. Visiting the town will result in finding local restaurants and stores where you can experience the small town feeling often missed living in Metro Atlanta. There are dessert shops, a butcher shop, and a deli. Two wonderful grocery stores are in town as well. Bryson’s carries everyday items at every day prices and has a fabulous wine section and steward on hand to help patrons. The Market carries great specialty items and serves lunch daily.
There are a multitude of local outdoor activities easily reached from town. Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are two of the beautiful waterfalls located within 5 miles of the town. For the more adventurous person, Whiteside Mountain offers incredible views, hiking, and rock climbing. You can also find the Jackson Hole Gem Mine and the Highlands Playhouse for fun family activities. Nature lovers can also visit the Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll and a chance to see local wildlife on display.
In addition to local activities, there are day trip opportunities. Lake Glenville is about 15 miles away and offers public boating, fishing and skiing. Sapphire Valley is about 10 miles away and offer public golfing and a pub house. Asheville, home of the Biltmore House, is about an hour and a half drive from Highlands. Brevard is also a nearby town bustling with many seasonal activities. Another highly recommended activity is a trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At just over an hour from the house, you can spend your day driving through the mountains and return in time to sit by the fire and relax after a day of leaf watching.
Contact Jill Cremens at 678-524-4112 or visit www.myhighlandshouse.net/ to schedule your home away from home vacation today. The price is $245 a night for three nights or more. Shorter stays are available with a slight increase in price.