By: Olivia James

On our way back from Franklin, we took all the windy turns through the
mountains to Highlands.  Highlands looked nothing like Franklin,
especially since the downtown area was right on Highway 64.  We were
surprised by the renovated area that looked more like a Swiss lodge town
than the rural country town of Franklin.  The narrow street was lined
with boutiques, cafes and ski shops, and we decided to get a better
look.

The first store we stopped in was stocked to the ceiling with any type of
gear you would deem necessary for the mountains.  They carried many
popular brands, such as TOMs shoes, but they also carried lesser-known
items geared more for people who live in the mountains and are avid
outdoorsmen.  The storeowners did not know much about the reconfiguring
of Highway 64, but did mention that the town had changed significantly
in the last 10-15 years.  We headed out the door in search of more
information.

The second shop we walked into was more of a Native American heritage shop,
but also contained rocks and minerals from around the area, and various
carvings from natural elements.  The owners were more than willing to
talk to us about the town.  First, they explained why the roads we had
just driven down were so windy- according to town legend, they were
formed by Native Americans who were hunting buffalo, who followed
smaller animals’ paths through the mountains.  Next, they explained to
us that the town had a steady group of tourists year-round.  Many people
from Florida would come in the summer for the rivers, or in the winter
for skiing.  Although the town was difficult to get to, people were
pouring money into it to make it the next big resort town.  From the
street, this was already apparent.

They then explained the look and revival of the town.  A multi-millionaire
had found the town and built a spa and resort in the middle of town,
hoping to bring in revenue for the area.  He has been successful in that
many people have travelled through the narrow, rural roads to stay at
the resort, and the town has built up around that success.  Highlands
claims many celebrities as vacationers, especially during the summer
months.  For the most part, businesses have come from other neighboring
areas with the hopes of earning more in Highlands due to the resort.
The change that has come has created a very young Highlands- one that
does not remember the rerouting of highway 64, and primarily serves
business owners and vacationers as residents.

We stopped for a cup of coffee and wandered down the street to explore the
downtown area, before jumping in the car and heading to dinner at the
Carolina Smokehouse, which was recommended by Highlands residents.