February 2026

Winter Charm, New Listings, and a Season to Savor

After a magical January wrapped the Highlands Cashiers Plateau in blankets of snow, February arrives with a quiet beauty all its own. Frosted mornings, long-range mountain views, and the soft hush that only winter can bring have made this season particularly memorable. Snow-covered fields and icy waterfalls reminded us why winter in both Highlands and Cashiers feels so magical.

As we settle into February, the rhythm shifts slightly. The days grow a bit longer, the light a touch warmer, yet the crisp mountain air remains. It is a season for cozy gatherings, fireside dinners, and scenic drives with uninterrupted views across the Plateau. Whether you’re visiting for a winter escape or considering making the Plateau home, there is no shortage of reasons to be here.

New on the Market

418 Woodpecker Trail | Highlands, NC

A rare opportunity just 10 minutes from downtown Highlands, 418 Woodpecker Trail offers 14 private acres with open pasture, wooded trails, and a small stream, an exceptional setting for a hobby farm, equestrian estate, or private mountain retreat.

The updated 4 bedroom, 3 bath farmhouse features a spacious chef’s kitchen, breakfast area, family room with a wood burning fireplace, and a primary suite with its own fireplace for added warmth and character. A covered front porch invites slow mountain mornings, while upstairs bedrooms provide ample space for family and guests. With fresh paint, new carpet, and a new roof, the home is move in ready, and the land offers endless potential.

For the price, this property represents one of the most compelling opportunities currently available in Highlands. Listed by Vanessa Moore and Craig Berry, Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty.

815 Ravenel Ridge Road | Highlands, NC

Located within the prestigious Ravenel Ridge community and just minutes from Main Street Highlands, 815 Ravenel Ridge Road captures the essence of refined mountain living.

This European style home offers breathtaking views of Whiteside Mountain, exceptional living spaces, privacy, and superior design. A gated entrance leads through a welcoming porte cochere into a courtyard arrival. Inside, the thoughtfully designed floor plan includes a gracious living room, dining area, expertly appointed kitchen, sunroom, and a luxurious primary suite on the main level. Guest suites upstairs are easily accessed by elevator, creating an ideal home for entertaining. Expansive decks and terraces span the home, allowing you to fully embrace the mountain setting.

It is Highlands living at its finest, rustic surroundings paired with timeless sophistication. Listed by Jody Lovell, Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty.

Ice Skating in the Park

Ice skating at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands continues through March 1st. The rink is open:

• Thursdays: 3:30 to 8:00pm
• Fridays: 3:30 to 10:00pm
• Saturdays: 1:00 to 10:00pm
• Sundays: 1:00 to 5:00pm

It’s a quintessential winter experience for families and visitors alike and a wonderful way to enjoy the season in downtown Highlands while it lasts.

Arts, Music & Community

February brings a full calendar of cultural events across the Plateau:

• Bluegrass Wednesdays at The Ugly Dog Pub
• Rotating Winter Exhibits at The Bascom
• Highlands Performing Arts Center Performances, including National Theatre Live and Metropolitan Opera screenings
• Thursday Night Trivia at The High Dive
• Monday Mah Jongg at the Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library
• February 28 | Fly Tying at Brookings Anglers | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• February 28 | Live Music at the Blue Line Bar at Brookings Anglers featuring Austin Grant | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

From outdoor skills workshops to live local music, the Highlands Cashiers Plateau continues to offer authentic, community driven experiences throughout the winter season.

Romantic & Culinary Experiences

Valentine’s season on the Plateau is all about intimate dinners, cozy fireplaces, and mountain ambiance. Restaurants throughout Highlands and Cashiers are featuring special Valentine’s menus and Galentine’s gatherings. Whether enjoying a quiet evening dining around the Plateau or planning a winter weekend getaway, February offers a refined yet relaxed setting for connection.

Explore the Outdoors

Even in winter, outdoor adventure is part of everyday life here. Take in the quiet beauty of Panthertown Valley, visit Gorges State Park, stroll the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, or experience iconic sights such as Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Whitewater Falls. The cooler air often brings some of the clearest views of the season.

Looking Ahead

As we move toward spring, inventory across the Highlands Cashiers Plateau continues to evolve. From private acreage to view properties within gated communities, opportunities remain for those seeking a mountain retreat or legacy property.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Highlands or Cashiers, we would be honored to guide you.

February is a reminder of why so many choose to call the Plateau home, four distinct seasons, a vibrant cultural scene, and a lifestyle that blends natural beauty with refined mountain living.