The Author's Cottage guidebook

Andreea
The Author's Cottage guidebook

Local Restaurants & Cafes

Fine dining classic spot with a lake view. Walking distance from The Author's Cottage.
44 locals recommend
on the Verandah
1536 Franklin Rd
44 locals recommend
Fine dining classic spot with a lake view. Walking distance from The Author's Cottage.
Semi-casual cafe for anytime of day. Great menu with option to sit indoors or on the patio.
60 locals recommend
Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main St
60 locals recommend
Semi-casual cafe for anytime of day. Great menu with option to sit indoors or on the patio.
Casual Breakfast and Lunch spot. Dog Friendly with Large Homestyle Menu.
30 locals recommend
Blue Bike Cafe
423 N 4th St
30 locals recommend
Casual Breakfast and Lunch spot. Dog Friendly with Large Homestyle Menu.
Very cool spot for eating or drinking. Recently renovated with a great ambiance.
7 locals recommend
Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern
270 Main St
7 locals recommend
Very cool spot for eating or drinking. Recently renovated with a great ambiance.
Perfect for the beer lover but with a proper menu for lunch or dinner.
98 locals recommend
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
294 S 4th St
98 locals recommend
Perfect for the beer lover but with a proper menu for lunch or dinner.
Our go-to coffee shop on Main Street.
10 locals recommend
Calders Coffee Cafe
384 Main St
10 locals recommend
Our go-to coffee shop on Main Street.
If you have a sweet tooth, then you have to stop at Kilwins for ice cream, chocolates, and fudge.
18 locals recommend
Kilwins Highlands
341 Main St
18 locals recommend
If you have a sweet tooth, then you have to stop at Kilwins for ice cream, chocolates, and fudge.
Upscale pizzeria for light bites or a full meal. Part of the Old Edwards Inn collection.
20 locals recommend
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
465 Main St
20 locals recommend
Upscale pizzeria for light bites or a full meal. Part of the Old Edwards Inn collection.
Fine dining with classic Italian menu and wine list. Great romantic dinner spot.
49 locals recommend
Ristorante Paoletti
440 Main St
49 locals recommend
Fine dining with classic Italian menu and wine list. Great romantic dinner spot.
High End Farm to Table style menu serving lunch and dinner.
14 locals recommend
Bridge at Mill Creek
445 N 4th St
14 locals recommend
High End Farm to Table style menu serving lunch and dinner.
Upscale mountain dining with a beautiful view of the valley. They are open for dinner only and seasonally. Please call to make reservations.
29 locals recommend
Canyon Kitchen
150 Lonesome Valley Rd
29 locals recommend
Upscale mountain dining with a beautiful view of the valley. They are open for dinner only and seasonally. Please call to make reservations.
Gourmet Grocery with great Pizza and Wine
95 locals recommend
Mountain Fresh Grocery
521 Main St
95 locals recommend
Gourmet Grocery with great Pizza and Wine

Essentials

Local Grocery Store
49 locals recommend
Bryson's Food Store
103 Highlands Plaza
49 locals recommend
Local Grocery Store
Local Produce stand very close to The Author's Cottage. Beautiful fruit and vegetables with extra treats like fresh bread and farm eggs.
August Produce
636 Franklin Rd
Local Produce stand very close to The Author's Cottage. Beautiful fruit and vegetables with extra treats like fresh bread and farm eggs.

Outdoor Adventures

Beautiful waterfall only 1 mile from The Author's Cottage. You can walk behind the falls.
229 locals recommend
Dry Falls
U.S. 64
229 locals recommend
Beautiful waterfall only 1 mile from The Author's Cottage. You can walk behind the falls.
State Park with beautiful views and several trails to choose from. They vary by length and difficulty so you can choose what's best for your day.
107 locals recommend
Gorges State Park
976 Grassy Ridge Rd
107 locals recommend
State Park with beautiful views and several trails to choose from. They vary by length and difficulty so you can choose what's best for your day.
Great waterfall lookout with hiking trails.
58 locals recommend
Glen Falls
58 locals recommend
Great waterfall lookout with hiking trails.

Wellness

... because you deserve it.
7 locals recommend
The Spa at Old Edwards Inn
16 Church St
7 locals recommend
... because you deserve it.

Shopping

In case you didn't come prepared for your outdors adventure, they have the best selection of mountain chic clothing and outdoor gear.
29 locals recommend
Highland Hiker
47 NC-107
29 locals recommend
In case you didn't come prepared for your outdors adventure, they have the best selection of mountain chic clothing and outdoor gear.
Great selection of clothes at reasonable prices. I enjoy chatting with Harry, the owner, every time I stop by.
14 locals recommend
The Log Cabin
130 Log Cabin Ln
14 locals recommend
Great selection of clothes at reasonable prices. I enjoy chatting with Harry, the owner, every time I stop by.

City advice

Don't miss

Hiking Trails

There is a great app called "AllTrails". It has every hike in the area with reviews and information. It's a must to find the perfect hike for your day.
Don't miss

Make reservations for restaurants

Please note that majority of the restaurants in the area typically require reservations.