15 Best Things To Do In Cashiers, NC - Updated 2024

things to do in cashiers north carolina
Kit
Kit 
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Asheville, NC is hot on everyone’s radar these days. And why not? It’s an eclectic little city with something for everyone. About 60 miles (96.5 kilometers) away, cozy Cashiers sits as a popular destination, resting peacefully beside the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is a lush brush of land that abounds in outdoor activity. Some of its​ most gorgeous treasures are its waterfalls and that’s precisely where we’re going to start our vacation planning. What are you waiting for? Book the top Airbnb rentals or the best Vrbo vacation rentals, and read on to learn about the best things to do in Cashiers, NC!

1. Capture a photo of Silver Run Falls

Cashiers - Silver Run Falls (3)
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jared used under CC BY 2.0

Have you ever seen a truly captivating photo of a massive waterfall just crashing into rivers below? Allow that picture to come to life at Silver Run Falls. Just four miles south of Cashiers, this is a wonderful spot for an afternoon swim. The 25-foot (7.6 meter) waterfall dances atop its very own pool and beach. Swimming at Silver Run Falls is one of the most refreshing things to do in Cashiers, NC in the summer.

Silver Run Falls

Address: NC Highway 107, Cashiers, NC

Website: Silver Run Falls

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2. Check out Rainbow Falls (from USD 89.0)

Rainbow Falls Area Gorges SP NC 9723
Source: Photo by Flickr user bobistraveling

Silver Run is definitely going to leave a mark on your mind. While in Cashiers, you must up the ante from Silver Run’s 25-foot (7.6 meter) falls to Rainbow Falls’ 150-foot (45.7 meter) drop. Surrounded by wildflower-coated meadows and lush forestry, Rainbow Falls kind of feels too pretty to be true. Giant boulders sit at the foot of the falls, sounding out in crashing waves.

A gift from Mother Nature to you, when the sun shines just right, rainbows burst out of these falls. It’s almost like fairies should be dancing out of the meadows and leprechauns through the forest. Truly, it’s quite surreal here. After Silver Falls warms you up​, a trip to Rainbow Falls is an absolute must.

Rainbow Falls

Address: Gorges State Park, 976 Grassy Ridge Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774

Website: Rainbow Falls

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Asheville Waterfall Small-Group Tour

Duration: 3 hours

163 reviews

3. Shop at Cashier's Farmers Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Cashiers Farmers Market on Friday, June 11, 2021

Cashier’s Farmers Market is as fresh and lovely as it sounds. Open year round, it’s actually housed within a beautiful little log cabin. Given the fruitful terrain of the surrounding area, they offer all kinds of local and gourmet finds. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself doing a little online restocking once you’re safely back home again, too.

Cashier's Farmers Market

Address: 78 Highway 64 East, Cashiers, NC 28717

Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat, from 10 am - 6 pm; Sun, from 11 am - 4 pm

Website: Cashier’s Farmers Market

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4. Picnic at the Village Green

scene Village Green Cashiers ncwetlands KG (11)
Source: Photo by Flickr user NC Wetlands used under CC0

The Village Green is a 13-acre (5.2 hectare) park in the heart of Cashiers. Hosting thousands of visitors annually and over 80 events, it draws family and friends together in a most spectacular way.

From dahlias, to azaleas, to soft green grass calling out for picnickers, you’re going to peacefully wander through this oasis taking in nature’s floral gemstones. Friday nights in the summer are made for groovin’. You’ll be glad you set yourself up on that plush splice of lawn so you can enjoy their offerings of live music.

The Village Green

Address: At the crossroads of Highway 64 & Highway 107, Cashiers, NC 28717

Website: The Village Green

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5. Explore Panthertown Valley

2008 Panthertown Valley 12
Source: Photo by Flickr user anoldent used under CC BY-SA 2.0

It’s a good thing no one can ever over-indulge on fresh air. Panthertown Valley offers a medley of everything spectacular. Filled with more waterfalls, trout streams, engaging wildlife, and rare plant species, an afternoon in Panthertown Valley is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

With over 6,000 acres (2,428 hectares) to explore, you’ll need to come well-equipped with a map and a compass (and maybe a couple bottles of water). A frequent spot for campers and fishers alike, it’s definitely worth diving deep into the waters of Panthertown and beginning some serious outdoor exploration. The stars seem to shine ever​ so brightly in this stretch of land. No wonder it’s called the Yosemite of the East.

Panthertown Valley

Address: Breedlove Road, Cashiers, NC

Website: Panthertown Valley

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6. Pass by Rhodes Big View Overlook

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Words come across as trite when trying to verbally illustrate the glory of Rhodes Big View Overlook. The mountains and sky join in a romantic embrace that only nature can achieve. Try to imagine all this amidst the colorful dance of fall foliage. There’s no signage for this treasure and the road you have to pull over on is a bit busy. So, be careful with your little ones. It’s right off Highway 64, less than a mile down the hill. Don’t miss it!

Rhodes Big View Overlook

Address: Highway 64, Cashiers, NC

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7. Score bargains at Victoria's Closet

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Victoria's Closet on Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Okay. Time for a little shopping. Have you ever dived into a treasure chest? That’s what a trip to Victoria’s Closet is like. It’s the largest fine consignment shop in the southeast, ladies! The things you’ll find in Victoria’s Closet are not likely to be found anywhere else.

Many items still have their original tags on them; they’re simply overstock that you’ll be lucky enough to scoop up. Only one question remains. Is there enough room in your car to fit all your farmers market goodies ​and Victorian treasures?

Victoria's Closet

Address: 29 Marmalade Ln, Cashiers, NC 28717

Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat, from 10 am - 5 pm; Sun, from 12 pm - 5 pm

Website: Victoria’s Closet

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8. Go fly fishing at Brookings Anglers

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Debby Burns and #brookingsanglers guide Roger Lowe cheesin' over one hellavu nice #browntrout landed on a beautiful day in the mountains of NC!

Posted by Brookings' Anglers on Monday, May 10, 2021

Fly fishing provides that singular moment in time when you hear nothing more than the beat of birds’ wings and feel nothing more than sweeps of fresh air. Brookings, then, is the vehicle to achieving that end. They’re centrally located in Cashiers, NC, a fly fishing oasis and cabin rental mecca.

The cabins here have everything you need to make your expedition a peaceful one. You’re going to find yourself spending most mornings out on those front porch rocking chairs. Truth be told, even if you’re not keen on fly fishing, you’ll find this to be one of the most relaxing spans​ of time you’ve had in a long, long while. If you’re on the search for fun things to do in Cashiers and you’re a fan of outdoor activities, why not give this a shot?

Brookings Anglers

Address: 49 Pillar Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717

Hours of Operation: Daily, from 9 am - 5 pm

Website: Brookings Anglers

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9. Visit Canyon Spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Our staff is happy to recommend products to keep you looking and feeling your best.

Posted by Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley on Monday, October 15, 2018

Promoting wellness and total relaxation, Canyon Spa is tucked away in a beautifully-restored Caretaker’s Cottage overlooking Lonesome Valley’s 800 acres. With crackling fires, plush porches, and treatment rooms stocked with handcrafted goodies, who could ask for anything more?

This visit is so invigorating, there’s simply no way for you to avoid a trip to the shop for some of the lotions and creams they used during your blissful time here. Check out the enticing video below, sampling the delights that await you at memorable Canyon Spa. A visit to Canyon Spa is truly one of the most relaxing activities near Cashiers.

Canyon Spa

Address: 121 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sapphire, NC 28774

Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat, from 10 am - 6 pm; Sun, from 12 pm - 5 pm

Website: Canyon Spa

Website: Canyon Spa Tour

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10. See the historic Zachary-Tolbert House

Zachary-Tolbert House
Source: Photo by user RichardKenni used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Zachary-Tolbert House is a pre-Civil War house, built between 1850 and 1852. Surviving 150 years with no electricity, running water, central heat, or air, you’ll find a loving little museum exhibiting a unique collection of hand-crafted furniture ​and surprising architectural intrigues. Well-preserved by the Cashiers Historical Society, this is a fun dip into the past that you’re sure to remember years and years from now, so if you don’t know what to do in Cashiers, NC, head here!

The Zachery-Tolbert House

Address: 1940 Highway 107 S - Cashiers, North Carolina 28717

Website: The Zachary-Tolbert House

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11. Vist the lovely Lake Glenville

IMG_2596
Source: Photo by Flickr user jalexartis Photog... used under CC BY 2.0

Lake Glenville is the site of a man-made lake where the settlement of Glenville is still remembered. The 1,462-acre lake offers fishing, swimming, waterfalls, boating, hiking, and canoeing. A drive from cashier takes you to the little museum run by the historical society which honors the old flooded town of Glenville. The views on the drive are very attractive.

There are three access roads to the lake. Once you get there, you’ll find a nice dock and beach area. Take along a picnic and enjoy the mountain and water views. Note some roadmaps have this listed at Lake Thorpe.

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12. Try indoor and outdoor rustic BBQ dining

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Indoor and outdoor barbecue dining in a rustic restaurant is always pleasant. Air-conditioned inside and shady outside, it’s a nice place. There’s even waiter service despite it being quite a large building. Just take along a big appetite as the portions are good sizes. The menu offers your usual smokehouse goodies like pulled pork and generous portions of meat, beans, and slaw. You might like to try the St. Louis style rack of ribs. The place is popular with people on vacation and locals, so you may have to wait a bit for your table. However, patrons say it’s worth the wait.

Adair Bros Smoke House BBQ

Address: 281 Highway 64, Cashiers, NC 28717

Website: Adair Bros Smoke House BBQ

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13. Dine at Cornucopia Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

How about Fried Chicken Salad for lunch today? ? We also are offering Crab Cake Sandwiches and Chicken & Wild Rice...

Posted by Cornucopia Restaurant on Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Cornucopia Restaurant is where everything in the world seems all right. This charming restaurant, serving the beautiful town of Cashiers since 1979, is one of the best places to visit in town. Locals swear by their delicious and ever-reliable food, so you know exactly what goodness is waiting for you. They have separate menus for lunch and dinner, providing variety to regulars and newcomers alike. We recommend that you try their House Reuben or Arabian Club for lunch and their slow-roasted prime rib or blackened salmon fillet for your dinner entrées!

Cornucopia Restaurant

Address: 16 Cashiers School Road, Cashiers, NC 28717, United States

Website: Cornucopia Restaurant

Opening hours: Lunch: Mon - Sat: 11am - 3pm; Dinner: Wed - Sat: 5pm - 9pm (closed on Sun)

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Nearby options

14. Enjoy a private driving tour on Blue Ridge Parkway (from USD 59.0)

Blue Ridge Parkway is a charmer. It offers scenic views and trails that tourists will certainly love to photograph. Take a tour to discover all about its history and hear different stories that attract tourists to this area. You will catch a glimpse of a beautiful 50-ft (15.24-m) waterfall that you will want to get a picture of and be taken to spots that have all the best views of North Carolina. This eye-catching adventure is sure to satisfy your wanderlust since it’s one of the most fun things to do near Cashiers.

Visited this place?

BlueRidge Parkway Private Driving Tour

Duration: 4.5 hours

2 reviews

15. Enhance your creative skills with a glass art class (from USD 120.0)

Take a special glass art class in Maggie Valley and experience what it’s like to work in a glass studio. Your first time? No worries! All safety precautions will be discussed before you start creating your lovely designs. You will learn all about the types of glass that are used for this form of art and be taught the artistic process of cutting and shaping the glass. Then, you will also discover how big a part the kiln plays on glass art. By the time it is ready, you will be able to pick up your masterpiece and take it home. It will be a truly enriching and fulfilling experience.

Visited this place?

Create Your Own Special Glass Art

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

Something for everyone

How lovely is it to come upon a lush mountain town that has something for everyone? Whether it’s a spa day, a fly fishing stint, some hiking, biking, or a swim beneath gorgeously flowing waterfalls, Cashiers is a welcome retreat into the wonders of nature. I wish you the safest of travels and the sweetest of memories during your time here. Enjoy these attractions that truly embody Cashiers, North Carolina’s tourism.

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Best Things To Do In Cashiers, North Carolina
Source: Trip101

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Cashiers, NC


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Kit Kittelstad is a Freelance Writer who specializes in higher education and lifestyle articles, with a focus on travel pieces. She also serves as an Adjunct Communications Professor at Pace...Read more

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