things to do
This is a beautiful region of North Carolina, with plenty of sightseeing, outdoor activities, and nearby small towns to explore while you’re visiting.
outdoor activities
dry falls
Waterfall
US-64, Highlands, NC 28741
25 minutes from Venue
Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry.
Whiteside mountain
Hike
91-170 Deville Dr, Highlands, NC 28741
30 minutes from Venue
Check out this 1.9-mile loop trail near Highlands, North Carolina. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 4 min to complete. This is a popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
sky valley country club
Public Golf Course
568 Sky Valley Way, Sky Valley, GA 30537
5 minutes from Venue
Located in a classic Mountain setting, the Sky Valley golf course opened in the mid 70’s. Bill Watts, course architect, capitalized his design using the natural features in the valley which were present long before a golf course was envisioned. With the elevation of this course the highest in GA, it is much cooler than courses elsewhere in the state.
Highlands outpost
Mountain Coaster
7420 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC
5 minutes from Venue
Just imagine over 3800 feet of gravity-powered thrills through the magnificent Appalachian Mountains! Our mountain coaster is the longest in North Carolina, boasting 360 degree turns and gorgeous views that you enjoy at your own speed. This is family fun at its finest! Perfect for the young and the young at heart.
highlands aerial park
Adventure Sports Center
9625 Dillard Road, Scaly Mountain, NC
Across the Street from Venue
Located steps from our venue, Highlands Aerial Park offers a huge variety of outdoor adventure activities. Enjoy mountaintop zipline tours, a treetop adventure course, giant mountain swing, guided UTV tours, tree climb trails, nature trails, and more.
Eats
Four 65
Woodfire Bistro & Bar.
465 Main Street, Highlands, NC
20 minutes from Venue
Four65 Bistro handcrafts wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches, and fresh salads using ingredients from our own gardens, local growers and purveyors. Enjoy the full menu, craft cocktails and rosé on tap from the lighted onyx bar, or dine alfresco on the Terrazza seasonally. Come feel the lively social vibe on Main Street in downtown Highlands.
RISTORANTE PAOLETTI
Upscale Italian Restaurant
440 Main Street, Highlands, NC
20 minutes from Venue
Uncompromising quality, recipes perfected over decades, and ritual are at the heart of the Italian gastronomic tradition. For 69 years the Paoletti family has believed in sharing those traditions. From our family to yours, we invite you to share in the food that’s been at the center of our lives for generations.
The ugly dog pub
Elevated, Comforting Pub Food
294 S 4th Street, Highlands, NC
15 minutes from Venue
Cozy, classic tavern with a live music lineup and unfussy menu of burgers and pub food, plus Sunday brunch.
Julep kitchen
Woodfire Bistro & Bar.
500 GA-246, Dillard, GA
10 minutes from Venue
Julep Kitchen features New American cuisine with a decidedly Southern Twist. The kitchen focuses on seasonal cooking with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Their bar is home to a grand selection of wines and champagnes, locally crafted beer and creatively constructed cocktails with a favorite and classic, the Mint Julep, taking the front seat.
Universal Joint
Casual & Eclectic Pub Food
109 N Main Street #4296, Clayton, GA
20 minutes from Venue
Universal Joint is a full-service neighborhood restaurant that offers great food, friendly service, rotating draft and bottle selection, a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, and the best dog-friendly patio in town. Their menu features an extensive list of specialty burgers, sandwiches, quesadillas and tacos, and pub snacks.
Fortify Kitchen & Bar
Farm-to-Table Restaurant
69 N Main Street, Clayton, GA
20 minutes from Venue
Jamie Allred has made a name for himself as the chef to seek out in northeast Georgia for fine dining. Fortify Kitchen & Bar doesn't require fancy togs, though, just a taste for creative cooking. His fare relies on local produce and proteins.