Discover the enchanting mountain town of Cashiers, NC, near Burlingame Country Club. Explore local attractions, dining options, shopping, and the rich history of this Blue Ridge Mountains gem.
_______________________________

Cashiers, NC: The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at an elevation of 3,484 feet, Cashiers, North Carolina stands as a picturesque mountain haven just minutes from Burlingame Country Club. This charming town, pronounced “CASH-ers” by locals, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm that captivates visitors year-round. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, Cashiers provides a distinctive mountain experience with its cool summers, vibrant fall colors, and welcoming community atmosphere.

The Rich History of Cashiers

Cashiers Valley was originally home to the Cherokee Nation before European settlers arrived in the early 19th century. The town gets its name from an unusual source—a horse named Cash who reportedly fell from a cliff while carrying mail through the mountains. Throughout the 1800s, Cashiers evolved from a remote mountain settlement into a sought-after summer retreat for wealthy families from Charleston and Atlanta seeking respite from lowland heat.

Today, Cashiers balances preservation of its historic character with thoughtful development. Historic structures like the High Hampton Inn (established 1922) and the Zachary-Tolbert House (circa 1852) stand as testaments to the area’s rich heritage, offering visitors glimpses into mountain life across different eras.

Natural Attractions and Outdoor Adventures

The landscape surrounding Cashiers offers spectacular natural attractions that draw outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. Whiteside Mountain, with its distinctive 750-foot granite cliffs, provides hiking trails with panoramic views extending over 60 miles on clear days. The cascading water of Silver Run Falls creates one of the area’s most accessible and photographed waterfalls, while the pristine waters of Lake Glenville offer 26 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Gorges State Park, just minutes from town, encompasses some of North Carolina’s most rugged terrain with its plunging waterfalls and lush river gorges. For golfers, the area boasts several championship courses beyond Burlingame, including Wade Hampton Golf Club and Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, each offering challenging play amid stunning mountain backdrops.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Despite its small-town dimensions, Cashiers boasts an impressive culinary scene. The Orchard Restaurant serves farm-to-table Southern cuisine in a restored 1900s farmhouse, while Cornucopia offers casual gourmet dining on a garden terrace. For coffee enthusiasts, Buck’s Coffee Cafe provides the perfect morning stop, and the Cashiers Farmers Market showcases local produce, artisanal cheeses, and mountain-made preserves.

During summer months, the Cashiers Farmers Market expands with additional vendors offering everything from organic vegetables to handcrafted mountain honey. Many restaurants incorporate seasonal, local ingredients that reflect the agricultural heritage of Western North Carolina, creating distinctive mountain flavors you won’t find elsewhere.

Shopping and Local Artisans

The Cashiers commercial district centers around the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107, where you’ll discover a collection of distinctive shops and galleries. Antique stores like Cashiers Antique Mall feature mountain collectibles and period furniture, while Highland Hiker outfits visitors for outdoor adventures. Art galleries including Tara Galleries and Silver Creek Gallery showcase works by local and regional artists inspired by the surrounding landscapes.

The Cashiers area has long attracted craftspeople and artists drawn by its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This creative spirit manifests in shops like Dovetail Antiques & Art, where carefully curated collections feature handcrafted furniture alongside contemporary mountain art. For visitors seeking authentic mountain crafts, The Village of Sapphire showcases pottery, weaving, and woodworking that connect to the region’s artistic traditions.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Cashiers embraces each season with community celebrations that welcome visitors. The Cashiers Designer Showhouse (August) transforms a local home with inspirational interior design, while the Leaf Festival (October) celebrates the spectacular autumn colors with music and arts. The Village Green, a 13-acre park in the heart of Cashiers, hosts concerts, art shows, and the popular Groovin’ On the Green summer music series.

Winter brings a quieter but equally magical atmosphere to Cashiers, with holiday markets, festive decorations throughout town, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Spring welcomes the return of wildflowers and the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, creating year-round appeal for visitors.

Experience Mountain Living Near Burlingame

Cashiers offers the perfect complement to the Burlingame Country Club experience. After enjoying the club’s exceptional amenities, venture into town to explore local shops, sample regional cuisine, or simply absorb the authentic character of this mountain community. The proximity of Cashiers to Burlingame creates an ideal balance—exclusive country club living with easy access to a charming mountain town rich in history and natural beauty.