Cashiers Travel Guide

Not much in the way of commercial 'nightlife' here! But building a campfire and listening to the sounds of mountain forrests is hard to beat!

Dress Code: Black Tie NOT required! ;) Jeans, tee or sweatshirt as weather dictates.

No public transportation available here, so private vehicles are the only option. A 4x4 might be nice any time of the year if you plan to get off the main road, but it is a must if you plan to visit in December through February. If a 4x4 is not an option, chains are a must in the winter. Contact information for the North Carolina Department of Transportation is below.

Please Click to See the Map Clearly

North Carolina is a state of modest means. Almost 13% of the people live in poverty, and the state ranks 44th nationally in cost of living. Education is a glaring weakness in the state with only 79.2% with high school diplomas. Of the 50 states in America, North Carolina usually ranks about 46th.

Ironically, North Carolina still is known for its excellent universities which include Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, and NC State University in Raleigh.

People from North Carolina still eat plenty of BBQ (shredded pork), grits, and collard greens. Fried chicken is still a Sunday dinner "must", but in the sizeable cities, all kinds of cuisine are available.
NASCAR RACING is still the sport of choice in North Carolina. After all, it is the sport that was founded by North Carolina "moonshiners" who raced up and down the Eastern Seaboard with their bootleg liquor.

The native North Carolinians say "hey" instead of "hi" or "hello"; they also say, as do most Southerners, "y'all" to mean two or more people. But, the greatest Tar Heel compliment is to say "Good people"

It's not said too often, but if it is said, listen carefully because it is only said about the people who are trusted and who are valued.
A man I met there knew my father and said, "he's goooood people", which meant he was the best! I agree.

Of the two Carolina states, North Carolina, in my estimation, is more "civilized" concerning intergration and civil rights. I did not feel the tension here that I felt in South Carolina. I hope I'm right.

No surprise here. October is typically the best time to view the Fall colors in this area of the Appalachian Mountains. And so, the prices naturally go up. However, this is not generally a "high rent district". The biggest problem was availability. As far as typical 'tourist traps' go, not much to worry about here. Local arts and crafts, but generally pretty low key.

Unique Suggestions: It's possible to enjoy much of the scenery along this stretch of US 64 and still have time to drive to a larger town such as Franklin for a place to stay. So don't stay away because of the higher prices and traffic. It's probably worth it!

Fun Alternatives: If you don't care about the Fall colored leaves, the mountains are beautiful ANY time of the year! Just be sure to call ahead because some accomodations are not open in the winter months.

Click to see the beautiful 8th hole at High Hampton Golf Course & Country Club

My husband Allan and I went to High Hampton Inn and Country Club in 1997 to experience a week's special golfing tournament. It was a fantastic experience that we both enjoyed.

This course plays at 6,012 yards from the back tees. The greens are bent grass, and all tees, fairways, and greens are lined by tall trees that offer scenic vistas. The course architect, the late George W. Cobb, once said of the High Hampton course, "I have yet to see a course--designed by me or by others--with greater natural beauty or one more enjoyable to play."

After playing this course every day for one week, I have to agree with him.

The number 8 hole that I photographed from the tee is the famous par 3, 137 yard hole that Golf Digest called, "One of America's Great Golf Holes". All 18 holes are just as beautiful, and some are more challenging but not as frustrating. On this 8th hole, you have to hit the ball perfectly, making sure that it does not roll because you go over water, and the green sticks out into the lake.

From the 7th tee, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains and Hampton Lake, and Rock Mountain overlooks the 12th hole.
Besides the lovely course, there are two putting greens and a practice range. This practice range is covered for protection from occasional rains.

Equipment: You need:

Golf clubs
Golf balls and tees
Golf shoes without metal spikes
Shirt with a collar
Golf hat
Golf Umbrella
Golf Glove

By the way, both Allan and I won prizes during the tournament. With the gift certificate that I won, I purchased a great golf jacket (which I still use)!