Did you know that the United States has its own Highlands, similar to Scotland?
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Highlands, North Carolina, is a small town located in the Nantahala National Forest in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unlike its Scottish counterpart, it’s not a whole region—it’s just a scenic little outpost with a population of around one thousand residents.
Despite its small size, Highlands is a popular spot for vacationers in the region. Its elevation is over 4,000 feet, making the weather cool. (Just watch out for the rain—the area is prone to showers.) And given its less than three hours from Atlanta, it’s become an increasingly popular getaway… especially during autumn, when the area’s forest transforms with fiery colors.
In town, you can enjoy activities like September’s Highlands Porchfest, or stick around for the Highlands Food & Wine Festival. In nearby Cashiers, you’ve also got the Valley Leaf Festival to enjoy.
You just need a comfortable spot to hang your hat while you unwind and enjoy the area. Here’s where to find the best Vrbos in Highlands, North Carolina for your next big escape.
[This article is part of TravelAwaits’ new Airbnb and Vrbo recommendation series. We dig into listings to identify the crème de la crème of Guest Favorites, Superhost listings, and hidden gems, making it easy to find the perfect rental for your next trip.]
Best Vrbos in Highlands, North Carolina this autumn:
- Bubbly Cottage: Best pick overall
- Authentic Highlands Cottage: Best cottage-core vibes
- Carolina Cozy: A budget-friendly pick
- Fly Lake: Great Mirror Lake rental
- Newly Renovated Cottage: Another Mirror Lake rental
- Mountain Views Cottage: Forest immersion
- The Red House: Perfect for large groups
- Live-In Art Gallery: An artsy selection
- Apt in Downtown Highlands: Downtown location (two-bedroom)
- Downtown Highlands 1BR: Downtown location (one-bedroom)
Best Vrbos in Highlands, North Carolina for a fall escape
Bubbly Cottage
You’ve got location, charm, and natural splendor at this three-bedroom cottage. The home is beautifully decorated with thoughtful, comfortable features—including a screened porch with swinging benches that overlook a creek. And speaking of the creek, this home has plenty of autumn foliage to enjoy at an outdoor fire pit and a hot tub… which also sits next to the creek. Lastly, this home delivers on location. Though you’re tucked away in a private, quiet area, you’re still close enough to downtown Highlands to walk.
Authentic Highlands Cottage
This small-but-stately two-bedroom cottage has been fully refurbished to include modern amenities, along with whimsical additions like the covered outdoor pavilion that’s nestled into the forest, ready to come alive with autumn foliage. The interior has cozy cottage-core vibes, fit with wooden features that I can smell just from the photos. Lastly, there’s also a small tree house area that kids will love.
Carolina Cozy
This adorable tiny home gives you all the basics you’ll need for a fall-forward escape in Highlands. It’s got a classic cottage vibe fitted into a tiny setup—one that comes with a large screened-in porch that lets you soak up the outdoors, a full kitchen, and a full bathroom. The small commune is also home to a community fire pit for relaxing nights by the fire.
Fly Lake
Mirror Lake is one of Highlands’ most sought-after neighborhoods thanks to its historic homes, galleries, and walkability. This one-bedroom is a newly remodeled cottage that comes with a colorful, memorable design, comfortable and lush outdoor sitting areas, and walkability to Mirror Lake’s best shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area’s mature trees are also a treat during the height of autumn.
Newly Renovated Cottage
If Fly Lake is booked up, I recommend checking out this Vrbo in Highlands’ Mirror Lake neighborhood. The renovations are similar, but the Newly Renovated Cottage comes with a dreamy screened-in porch and has an extra bedroom.
Mountain Views Cottage
If you’re heading to Highlands to take full advantage of the changing leaves, this forested property can’t be beat. Not only is the three-bedroom home surrounded by mature trees, but it also offers mountain views from the back balcony. There’s also a fire pit with cozy seating where you can sip on your morning coffee or a glass of wine. Lastly, the open floor plan makes hangout sessions a breeze.
The Red House
If you’re traveling with a large group, this stunning four-bedroom gives you plenty of space to kick back. There are four bedrooms, including a double-twin-bunk setup for kids. The home is a little further than the Vrbos in Highlands listed here, but it’s still less than five minutes driving from major attractions like the Highlands Art Gallery or Playhouse. The home is also equipped with a full kitchen and, the true perk, an insane back porch that offers panoramic mountain views. For large groups, there’s no better option for soaking up the autumnal wonders.
Live-In Art Gallery
If you enjoy rentals with local art, this live-in art gallery is a natural pick. It’s a large three-bedroom home that’s been decked out with pieces from local artists, from paintings to photographs to multi-media pieces. This Vrbo’s other top perk is its lush outdoor space. There’s an outdoor fire pit where you can soak up the fall foliage while staying warm. Just make sure to claim the upstairs queen bedroom when you arrive—it’s got tons of dreamy natural light.
Apt in Downtown Highlands
This lovely two-bedroom luxury apartment is located on South 4th Street in the heart of Highlands. If you want to maximize your time in town, it’s a fantastic pick, as you can crisscross from art galleries to restaurants to shops at any hour. The rental also comes with a private on-site parking space, meaning you don’t need to pay for parking between adventures into the great outdoors. Lastly, both bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms for added privacy.
Downtown Highlands 1BR
If the above rental is booked, you can reserve this downtown Highlands one-bedroom instead. It’s got room to sleep four thanks to an air mattress, but it’s a favorite for many couples thanks to its cozy layout. This apartment is a no-frills rental that comes with everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including two free private parking spaces.
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