***If you’d like to support efforts for the horrific damage Hurricane Helene cause in the Southeast, we are recommending any of the organizations below*** Hope Force International: https://www.hopeforce.org/ Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ Morgan Wallen Foundation: http://bit.ly/HELPAfterHelene Highlands, NC is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation of 4,118 feet. It's also located in one of the few temperate rainforests in North America. Located on a plateau in the southern Appalachian Mountains, within the Nantahala National Forest. Join us at the table as we discuss Lainie's recent trip! Mentioned in this episode: Waterfalls: There are beautiful waterfalls to see, and many of them require little walking to enjoy. Walk behind Dry Falls! Drive behind Bridal Veil Falls. See Cullasaja Falls from the Mountain Waters Scenic Highway. Hike to Glen Falls. For more, see our Highlands Waterfall Guide. Hiking: Check out the Whiteside Mountain Guide for the area's best hike. Cliffside Lake has an easy 3/4-mile walk around the lake and the Vista Trail with a good bit of climbing. Sunset Rock (take Main Street 1/2 mile east to Nature Center) is a 1/2-mile walk to the top for beautiful sunset views seen over the town while you sit on slabs of granite. Adjacent Highlands Botanical Gardens has garden paths for strolling.Fishing: Fly fish for Brown, Rainbow, and Wild Brook Trout with local guides on many rivers in the area: the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Cullasaja, Chattooga, White Water, and Panther Town Valley. May through October are the prime fishing months.Golf: There are many private courses in the area. Sky Valley Resort and Country Club is a public course in Sky Valley, Georgia, just 15 minutes from Highlands, with elevations up to 4,000 ft. and stunning vistas.Cashiers: The center of the community is the intersection of NC Highway 107 and US Highway 64. Explore numerous apparel boutiques, antique shops, home furnishing studios and outstanding restaurants. Many are hidden a little off the highway, so park and walk. We reccommend stopping at Cashiers Farmers Market for a picnic lunch and enjoy at their picnic tables or on a nearby hike. Lake Glenville is just a few miles north of Cashiers along NC Highway 107. With 26 miles of shoreline, Lake Glenville is the lake with the highest elevation east of the Mississippi (3,500 ft.). It's a great place for fishing and boating. Find a beach across from the High Falls trailhead. Rent a pontoon boat at Signal Ridge Marina to explore the lake and see several waterfalls. Read more.Lakeside Restaurant- Featuring fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and excellent service.Crown Jewel of the town is the Old Edward Inn and Spa.Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn- Wine Garden, with lush surroundings, market umbrellas, and a patio-side waterfall. Edelweiss Pastry Boutique. (See their Facebook page to see just how extraordinary this place is! Edelweiss Highlands) Owned and operated by Pastry Chef, Chocolatier, and Confectioner Oksana Shchelgachova, Edelweiss offers Shchelgachova’s signature pastries, from gateaux and tarts to cheesecakes and eclairs.Shopping: Citizen Wilder, Spartina 449, J. McLaughlin, T J Bailey, Acorns - The Store at Old Edwards Inn (though it is across the street from the Inn), Radko ornaments Dutchmans Casual Living beautiful home goods and fine linens (5 Stores in GA and NC), McCulley’s Cashmere Cashiers Farmers Market has produce, local snacks/canned items as well as regional foods like Hubs Peanuts and even some ready to bake Italian dinners etc.Bucks Coffee Cafe Steel Magnolias Podcast is an independent show funded solely on support from listeners like you and a few advertisers from time to time. Are you enjoying the show? We hope you’ll text a friend or loved one to tell them about this podcast.  Share link:  https://tr.ee/Bi-_8D-glb And we invite you to join