Exploring the Winter Charm of Cashiers, North Carolina

Visiting Hallmark towns is my absolute FAVORITE thing to do. I can’t help but love the uniqueness of Main Street (because let’s be real every Hallmark town has a Main Street). When Ryan suggested we check out Cashiers, it was an Immediate YES from me.

Winter Time in Cashiers

Cashiers, North Carolina is a perfect day drive from Lake Keowee, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Just a quick 45-minute ride from the southern end of Lake Keowee.

Arriving in Cashiers on a crisp winter morning, the town’s streets were quiet, and the storefronts had a timeless charm to them that invited exploration. We pulled up at 10 am eager to explore. Our first stop was a cute little plaza that included the Cashiers’ Kitchen Company and Zoller Hardware. My heart dropped when I realized nothing was open. Truthfully, I was shocked. I realized it was winter, but how could nothing be open?

Admittedly, I was nervous that the entire trip was going to be a waste because not one store was open at 10am on a Saturday. I just didn’t understand how this cute town could be closed. We decided to take a quick drive around to see what this town had to offer.

Canyon Kitchen, The Most Beautiful Spot!

With the town being obviously shut down in the morning, we decided let’s not waste the trip and checkout the site. First stop was checking out a fun little ski resort,  Sapphire Valley Ski Resort. (I am still shocked that North Carolina has ski resorts… but that’s a story for another day). It was a beautiful resort, full of nature, amenities and an abundance of vacation rentals. I certainly want to spend more time here (looks like the summer place to be for golf)

After a quick stop at the ski resort we checked out the views at Canyon Kitchen. AND WOW! Regardless if you eat here, make sure you take a stop just to see the sights

I can’t wait to go back and eat! If the food is half as good as the outside ambiance, I know it will be a trip worth taking. Seriously, just drive by to see the views… it’s unreal!

A Hidden Gem

My favorite find was a second hand/antique shop, Church of the Good Shepherd Bazaar Barn . The amount of goodies that were in this building! And I overheard the cashier indicating it was all a donation- supporting this shop supports the local community

Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the kids, hubby and myself were a bit hangry so we only made a quick stop. But this is on the top of the list of places I want to get back to!

Whiteside Brew Company, Cashiers, NC

As we started to head back into the heart of town, there was an obvious shift in the atmosphere. The sleepy town began to stir, and locals and visitors emerged excited to start their day It was as if Cashiers was gradually coming to life, shedding its early morning restfulness in exchange for the lively energy of a bustling mountain town.

A standout moment of my trip was enjoying lunch at the Whiteside Brew Company, a delightful brewery situated in the center of Cashiers. By noon, the brewery was bustling with activity, and finding parking became quite the challenge.

Initially, I was captivated by the brewery’s outdoor area and made a mental note to return during the summer months. It seemed to offer a vibrant outdoor atmosphere, complete with games and ample seating, perfect for striking up conversations with fellow patrons. However, the biting cold of the winter day made exploring the outdoor space impractical. As a result, we joined the queue to secure indoor seating instead.

Stepping inside, I was immediately drawn to the rustic ambiance, with exposed wooden beams and cozy seating areas that invited guests to linger and unwind. The brewery offered an impressive selection of craft beers and a decent lunch menu. I was happy to see other families visiting the brewpub. 

While the pub is full of seating to enjoy your lunch and beverages, there isn’t table service. Rather, you order at the counter and someone brings out your food. Admittedly once you order, it doesn’t take long for the food to arrive.

Overall the food was a 7, not bad for pub food, the drinks were great a solid 8.5 and the atmosphere and guests were awesome! It reminded me of being in a ski town. The Vibe was the best part of this lunch spot.

Cashiers: A Quick Drive to Highlands

After lunch, we visited one outdoor shop before we headed out to the Highlands. There is something about a local gear shop that makes my heart happy. They had a great selection, full of name brands I adore (think Patagonia/North Face and more).

Cashiers is a beautiful mountain town full of shops and a great brewpub. I look forward to going back and checking out the local shops that were closed when we arrived and spending more time hunting for treasures in the various antique shops, especially

Is Cashiers North Carolina on your List of towns to visit? If not, it should be!