In the Upstate, fall starts and stops several times. Just when we think cooler temperatures are here to stay, the Southern heat has a way of coming back, almost mocking us, just to say, ‘we’re not quite done yet.’
It’s on those days a road trip beckons: The faraway horizon of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lure to see fall foliage in its gold and red hues and to bask in the trees with a crisp breeze. This is the time to cross over the North Carolina border and explore the towns of Cashiers and Sapphire.
Located atop a plateau with an elevation of about 3,500 feet, Cashiers has long been a popular retreat for Upstate residents. Its small-town feel, nearby lakes and hiking trails make for a getaway full of outdoor pursuits.
First, check-in at the retro-chic Hotel Cashiers. This refurbished motor lodge sits up on a hill and offers spacious rooms with Scandinavian furnishings. The new owners completely redesigned and refurbished the property with modern touches.
Once settled, set out to explore. One way to get acquainted with the area is a waterfall boat cruise with Captain Mark Wise on Lake Glenville. Wise is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain and a wealth of knowledge (he grew up in the area). The man-made lake is the highest lake in the Eastern U.S., and features several islands. And because its atop the plateau, there’s an ecologically-diverse climate that is second only to the Amazon, according to Wise. “It’s one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet,” Wise says. It’s easy to see why.
Several hiking trails in the area are also worth exploring. Panthertown Valley offers 6,300 acres of lush terrain with many trails and waterfalls. Whitewater Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls on the East Coast and is an easy ¼ mile hike along a paved path. Whiteside Mountain is a 2-mile loop trail offering sweeping views of the valley below. The cool air makes the hike to the top more enjoyable as you traverse a wide trail across the ridge line canopied with the changing colors of the trees.
In the heart of Cashiers, The Village Green, a 13.5-acre park, has walking paths, botanical gardens, a story walk for children, a playground and art displays.
If some pampering is in order, the Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley offers all natural treatments with a full-service spa and signature massages and facials.
Of course, no getaway can be without culinary treats and both Cashiers and Sapphire have several amazing restaurants. A local favorite, Library Kitchen & Bar, offers dishes such as lobster lollipops with a Jack Daniels sauce and bruschetta with goat cheese and local honey. Chef Johannes Klapdohr, a Michelin-star trained chef, creates dishes to reflect what is seasonally available.
If you’re hungry for some outstanding Northern Italian cuisine, Osteria del monte, located along Highway 64 in Sapphire, delivers a tasty experience serving authentic Italian cuisine (dinner only). Back in Cashiers, Slab Town Pizza is a family favorite with plenty of outdoor seating for the kids to run around.
If you’re looking for one more reason to visit, a special treat this time of year is the Shadow of the Bear. From mid-October to early November, at sunset, the sun casts a bear-shaped shadow off Whiteside Mountain into the valley. Viewing areas can get busy so the best time to see this is during the week.
Take deep breaths. Relish the shorter days and bask in the fall splendor of the mountains.
For more information, visit https://www.discoverjacksonnc.com/.
