The Village of Cashiers is a true crossroads community, with four roads coming in from each of the cardinal directions serving as the only arteries in or out. At this crossroads is the Village Green, a commons area lined with shops.

Cashiers and nearby Highlands are both characterized by populations that fluctuate widely between summer and winter. Cashiers is known for being the more outdoorsy of the two mountain plateau towns. You’ll find plenty of hikers and rock climbers amongst the permanent residents in the area. Panthertown Valley boasts 6,700 acres of sheer rock, waterfalls, diverse vegetation and hiking and biking trails.

Cashiers also boasts excellent golfing and country clubs. High Hampton Inn and Country Club and Fairfield Sapphire Valley are full-service resorts that provide rooms, golfing, dining and other amenities. In the village proper, a walking trail leads shoppers to shops and restaurants.

By the way, Cashiers is pronounced “Cash-ers” with a short “e,” and not pronounced like the person who works a cash register.

Major Festivals and Events

October

• 18-19 — Sapphire Valley Master Association Arts and Crafts Festival and Fall Colors Art Show. 743.0321.

November

• 28-29 — Sapphire Valley Master Association Arts and Crafts Festival and Fall Colors Art Show. 743.0321.

• 28 — 21st Annual Hard Candy Christmas craft and artisans show in Cullowhee at Western Carolina University. Authentic work of heritage and contemporary artisans. $3 admission, children under 12 free. 828.524.3405.

December

• 13 — Cashiers Christmas Parade. 828.743.5191.

Attractions

• Lake Glenville — This beautiful mountain lake is located between Cashiers and Sylva along N.C. 107. It’s an excellent place to get in some water recreation. There’s a county campground, Ralph J. Andrews Park, with 47 camp sites, full hook-ups, tent sites, primitive camp sites, picnic shelter, picnic facilities, fishing, hot showers and bathrooms on Pine Creek Road. There’s also a nearby boat ramp.

• Panthertown Valley — 6,700 acres of sheer rock, waterfalls, diverse vegetation and hiking and biking trails. Note that some plants in the valley are rare, so please stay on the trails. From Cashiers go east on U.S. 64 for two miles, turn left on Cedar Creek Road and travel 2.3 miles, turn right on Breedlove Road and travel 4 miles.

• Whiteside Community and Whiteside Cove Road — Here you’ll find Grimshawes Post Office, the smallest post office in the U.S. The post office was established 1903 and served the public until 1953. Nearby is Whiteside School, built in 1910. The school is one of only four rural wooden schoolhouses remaining in Jackson County. The school’s windows are all located on one side of the building, which was believed to prevent shadows on schoolwork.

• Whitewater Falls — This is the tallest waterfall in the east and is located about 10 miles from Cashiers. Head south on N.C. 107 along one of the most scenic drives in the region. Turn left just after crossing into South Carolina and follow the signs. A short paved trail leads to the falls. There are restrooms and lovely picnic facilities.

• Zachary-Tolbert House — An 1840 Greek Revival estate house on the National Register of Historic Places built by one of the founders of Cashiers. The home was never altered, never modernized and stands as a pristine example of the rural, antebellum South. 828.743.9002. Call for viewing. Located on N.C. 107 one mile south of Cashiers. 828.743.7710.

Dining and Night Life

• The Barn — Serving soup, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Steakhouse open for dinner at 5 p.m. featuring grilled choice steaks, chicken, a pork porterhouse, fresh trout and catfish. Vegetarian selections available. Brown bagging permitted. Highway 107 N. 828.743.1300.

• The Brown Trout Mountain Grille — An eclectic menu featuring shrimp and grits, escargots, fish, steak, veal, pasta, pizza and a kids menu. Located on Highway 281 N. in Lake Toxaway. 828.877.3474.

• The Copper Seller — An organic foods restaurant and grocer located on N.C. 107, two miles north of Cashiers, across from Blue Ridge School. The sell healthy organic foods, both ready to eat and unprepared for cooking at home. 828.743.4175.

• Horacio’s — Specializing in Northern Italian, fish and seafood and prime cuts of meat. Vegetarian menu items also available. Non smoking environment. Brown bagging permitted. Highway 64 East. 828.743.2792.

• The Library Club Restaurant — The library is the oldest structure in Sapphire Valley. It was built around 1864 and was part of a working farm. Now it is a membership club to allow for the sales of alcohol. Menu includes lobster, trout, Cornish hen, frog’s legs, and hand-cut steaks. 828.743.5512.

• Lightwater Grille — Specializing in fresh fish, quality steaks and featuring daily Chef Specialties. Brown bagging permitted. Dine inside or outside on the porch overlooking the pond. 285 Highway 107 N. 828.743.5410.

• The Market Basket — Homemade soups, salads, and breads. Regional American, seafood, fine meats and vegetarian cuisine. Featuring “Hot Rocks,” fondue without the fat. Brown bagging permitted. Entertainment nightly. Highway 107 S. 828.743.2216.

• Mountain Mama’s Grille and Pub — Burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads. Enjoy lunch on the deck. Only open until 5 p.m. Highway 64 E. 828.743.1174.

• The Schoolhouse — Gourmet coffee shop and bakery. Music most Saturday nights, otherwise closes at 5 p.m. Highway 107 S. 828.743.7877.

• Wild Thyme Café and Bakery — Famous for homemade soups and pastries. 828.743.0185.

• Peregrine Restaurant — The menu is classic continental American and is entirely handmade. Full service bar overlooking the golf course at Highlands Cove. Reservations suggested. Highlands Cove Drive. 828.787.2465.

Visitors Center

• The visitor center is located in a log cabin at 202 U.S. Highway 64 W., just west of the town’s main intersection. 828.743.5941 or www.cashiers-nc.com.

Resources

• U.S. Post Office — 1030 Frank Allen Road. 828.743.2565.

• Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library — Free Internet access is available on six public access computers to all library visitors with a current photo ID. Access time is limited on busy days and is on a first come, first served basis. Open Tues. and Wed. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thurs. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. and sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 249 Frank Allen Rd. 828.452.5169

• Urgent Care — There is no Urgent Care Center in Cashiers. Medical problems should be directed to the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital located on U.S. Highway 64 East between the two towns. 828.526.1200.