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Even though Wake students are only about a full school week into the semester, stress levels for many have already started mounting. Syllabus week was lenient and lax, just as expected. The library stayed vacant, as students were still off hanging out with friends, catching up over long pit sits, and heading out at night to the various social events of fraternity rush week. Despite the dreary weather, the semester seemed hopeful and promising, as students examined their syllabi and made their ever-recurring renunciations of procrastination. But now the pace is picking up again, and I find myself facing yet another late night in the library, hating life and my work load after the typical academically relaxed semester abroad. With the knowledge that countless more of these nights are headed my way, my thoughts can only naturally focus in the opposite direction. So on one of the first nights of the week, I am thinking of the weekend.
Most Wake students don’t leave the bubble on the weekends. Yes, maybe to go grab some sushi at Ishi or to see a cheap flick at the Carmike (frat houses don’t count), but venturing outside Winston is a weekend rarity. Yet there are few things that make (to me, at least) a weekend quite as rewarding as venturing off Reynolda campus, and with a purpose. Witnessing normal life led by normal people outside the age range of 18-22 is like breathing fresh air. So in the spirit of day trips and with fresh air in mind, where better to breathe actual fresh air than the mountains?
About a three hour drive from Winston-Salem, situated in the Appalachians near the North Carolina/ Georgia border, sits a small, picturesque mountain town called Highlands. This seasonal spot claims a permanent population of less than 1,000 people, yet her numbers swell to almost 15,000 at the peaks of the summer season. It is a popular getaway for nearby North Carolinians, Georgians, and even Tennesseans, known for its charming downtown, excellent golf courses, and stunning scenic views. And although this town’s tourism is at its height during the sweltering Southern summer months, it holds a sure appeal during the winter as well.
Unless you brought your golf clubs from home, the scenery surrounding the town will most likely draw you most. Highlands is located within the Nantahala National Forest, meaning it is surrounded by the pristine beauty of untouched nature. (If you Google Map Highlands, what comes up is a little red bubble surrounded by green, and nothing else.) This also means that hiking trails and natural attractions abound. One of the more popular hiking spots is Whiteside Mountain, which can proudly claim the highest cliffs in Eastern North America. (It can also boast newly re-introduced peregrine falcons. The best chance to see one of these endangered birds is during their mating season, which conveniently begins in mid-February and lasts until July.) The trail at Whiteside makes a loop. Starting from the trailhead, if one heads rights, he heads for the hard climb; and if he heads left, the more gradual climb. A parking lot sits near the trailhead with a $2 parking fee.
Considering Highlands sits within the mountains, there is a plethora of hiking trails besides Whiteside, not to mention waterfalls, with such names as “Bridal Veil Falls”, “Cullasaja Falls”, and “Bust Your Butt Falls”. Laughs aside, Highlands is a hiking heaven.
For the less outdoorsy types, downtown Highlands offers great shopping, especially at antique dealers; charming, hometown architecture; and buildings of historical significance. It also boasts excellent restaurants, many of which have won awards from magazines. One restaurant suggested to me by a friend familiar with the area was the Carolina Smokehouse, a pit BBQ family restaurant, located about fifteen minutes away in nearby Cashiers.
Overall, Highlands offers a great getaway for a college student. The most ambitious could do it in one (albeit long) day. The more relaxed traveler might consider staying the night in the 130-year-old Highlands Inn, located right on Main Street. Whether to do it all in one day or spend the night is up to the traveler, but I can guarantee that you would not be disappointed. The charm of downtown and the majesty of its surrounding scenery invite the bogged-down and stressed-out student to slow down and take a true breath of fresh air. My advice to you: take a camera.
Sources:
http://www.highlandsinfo.com/WhitesideArticle.htm
