Greetings From Highlands NC! | |
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As we move into August and September, late summer on the Plateau is in full swing—and it’s nothing short of magical. The days are warm, the evenings are crisp, and the mountain views are as breathtaking as ever. Whether you’re here full-time or planning a getaway before fall, there’s still plenty of summer fun to enjoy in Highlands and Cashiers.
The hydrangeas are in bloom, hiking trails are shaded and inviting, and local events are lighting up the calendar. From wine tastings and art festivals to twilight concerts, outdoor theatre, and the final few weeks of the farmers markets, our mountain towns are buzzing with activity. It’s a season that reminds us just how special this place is—and why so many choose to make it their home.
Late summer is also a wonderful time to explore real estate on the Plateau. Buyers are still active, sellers are motivated, and inventory shifts are creating new opportunities every week.
In this issue, we’re sharing:
- Can’t-miss August & September events
- Local favorites to enjoy while the weather’s warm
- An inside look at the current real estate market
Whether you’re actively in the market, considering a future move, or just love staying connected to life here in Highlands and Cashiers, we’re grateful to be your trusted local resource.
Here's a curated list of notable events happening in Highlands and Cashiers, NC, during August and September 2025:
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Friday Night Concert Series | |
Enjoy traditional mountain music and local talent each Friday night from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Town Square | 343 Main Street in Highlands
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August 1st: Ezra & Katie
Husband and wife duo, Ezra and Katie have been playing acoustic music together for over 10 years. These Highlands natives recently spent seven years in Los Angeles pursuing their creative endeavors before returning to the area.
August 8th: McClain Family Band
Hailing from Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Mountains, the McLain Family Band have become internationally known as one of the most spontaneous, creative and spirited groups performing original and traditional bluegrass music. Television appearances include NBC’s Today Show, the CBS Morning News and ABC’s Good Morning America. They have also performed at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Lincoln Center, and the Grand Ole Opry.
August 15th: Shawn Lane Trio, featuring Lane Brothers
Shawn Lane is a three-time GRAMMY nominee and a 28-time IBMA Award winner. As a beloved vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter, he has collaborated with numerous artists, including Ronnie Bowman, Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson, Dan Tyminski, Sierra Hull, Jerry Douglas, Alison Krauss, and Blue Highway, the band he co-founded.
August 22nd: Spare Parts Bluegrass Band
Hailing from Upstate SC, Spare Parts Bluegrass Band delivers delicate harmonies as well as tried and true barn burners within the bluegrass genre. With over 50 years of musical experience amongst them, Spare Parts Bluegrass is comprised of a tight-knit group of multi-instrumentalists and talented vocalists that you do not want to miss.
August 29th: Foxfire Boys
Formed in the early 1980s, The Foxfire Boys grew out of its members’ participation in The Foxfire Fund’s Appalachian culture and music program in northeast Georgia. Performing bluegrass blends, the band has since graced the stage at the Grand Ole Opry.
September 5th: Silly Ridge
Popular Highlands-based band Silly Ridge brings classic bluegrass & popular music, mixed with fun and high energy, to the Highlands-Cashiers plateau!
September 12th: Johnny Webb Band
Offering laid-back, yet seasoned, country music, the Johnny Webb Band performs selections spanning more than 50 years with a down-home flavor.
September 19th: Curtis Blackwell & Dixie Bluegrass Boys
Curtis has had a band since 1965 and was recognized in 2011 as a pioneer of bluegrass music at the International Bluegrass Museum in Owensboro, KY. He is a former member of the Bluegrass Boys, having played with Bill Monroe in the sixties, and is also part of the Atlanta Music Hall of Fame.
September 26th: Nitrograss
Nitrograss, both sonically unique and visually appealing in their performances, provides a carefree and exciting atmosphere of pure acoustic ear-fodder.
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Spend your Saturday evenings dancing the night away to fantastic regional bands. 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park | 411-499 Pine Street in Highlands | |
August 2nd: High 5
High 5’s sound incorporates rock, blues, Americana, bluegrass, country, jazz as well as other musical styles to provide a set list that is familiar and eclectic at the same time.
August 9th: HC Oakes Band
The HC Oakes Band covers songs by Tom Petty, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Eagles, Allman Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell and many more. Plus, original songs!
August 30th: Southside Station
Southside Station is a talented five-piece band that brings legendary hits from pop, rock, dance, and country to life, showcasing a unique blend of instrumentation. Having shared the stage with icons like Charlie Daniels, ZZ Top, Styx, Foreigner, and Sheryl Crow, these seasoned musicians know how to captivate an audience.
September 6th: The Park Brothers
Led by brothers Bradley and Brandon Parks and backed by some of the Charlotte’s finest musicians, The Parks Brothers deliver a powerful, high-energy musical experience that keeps the crowd on their feet!
September 13th: Continental Divide
For more than three decades, Continental Divide has performed across the Southeast. From the silky-smooth voice of Gene Pharr, to the tightness of the rhythm section, to the flowing lines of the horn section, they put on a performance everyone will remember.
September 20th: Brandon Crocker Trio
Brandon Crocker’s diverse repertoire spans artists like James Taylor, John Mayer, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton, and Otis Redding, covering genres from Blues and Motown to Pop, Country, and folk hits from the '60s through the '90s. With a constantly expanding setlist, Brandon brings something for every audience.
September 27th: Shedhouse Trio
The Shedhouse Trio brings a fresh, high-energy sound to mountain music, blending bluegrass, swing, country, folk, and gospel. Core members Brady Wallen, Sarah Griffin, and Avery Welter are joined by special guests Darren Nicholson and Aynsley Porchak.
| Sapphire Valley Concerts on the Slopes | Bring a chair or blanket and listen to wonderful music on the SV Ski hill and under North Carolina Skies! 7:00pm to 9:00pm at Sapphire Valley Resort | 127B Cherokee Trail in Sapphire | |
August 5th: Too Much Sylvia
Too Much Sylvia has the ability and desire to please and play something that everyone will enjoy. Their onstage antics and personalities will touch all.
August 9th: The Tonez
A killer horn section, SIX lead vocalists and energy that doesn’t stop. They play so many different styles across the decades.
| | | Performing Arts at the Highlands PAC | | Highlands Performing Arts Center | 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands | |
The Burnt Part Boys
In this Appalachian, bluegrass-inspired musical, two brothers from a mining town learn the cost of loyalty and the power of self-reliance. A decade after a deadly mine accident, Jake Twitchell follows in his father's footsteps, working for the same coal company. When the company plans to reopen the cursed site known as “The Burnt Part,” Jake’s younger brother Pete—armed with movie dreams and a bag of dynamite—sets out to stop it. A bold and heartfelt tale of brotherhood, bravery, and the lengths we go to protect the ones we love.
August 6th - 30th
Click HERE for more information and show times.
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Highlands Cashiers Film Festival
Join us for four unforgettable days including competition film screenings, workshops, emerging filmmakers, and panels with acclaimed industry presenters and award-winning professionals. We will showcase all genres, including features, documentaries, shorts, and international films. All proceeds from the Highlands-Cashiers Film Festival will be used to support the performing arts within Highlands, including the PAC Educational Theatre programs at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
September 18th - 21st
Click HERE for more information and show times.
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Terry Barber & The Music of Queen
With his extraordinary vocal range, countertenor Terry Barber celebrates Queen’s Freddie Mercury, blending hit songs with stories from Mercury’s life. More than a concert, this tribute offers an intimate look at a rock legend who defined a generation. Barber’s concept recording of this material is up for eight Grammy nominations.
September 13th | 7:30pm
Click HERE for tickets and more information.
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Brubeck Brothers Quartet
Chris and Dan Brubeck have been making music together since 1966. As drummer and bassist/trombonist/composer, they've performed in various groups—including with their legendary father, Dave Brubeck—and now anchor the Brubeck Brothers Quartet with guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb. The Quartet tours major jazz festivals and venues across North America and Europe, including Newport, Montreal, and Monterey. Their acclaimed CD TimeLine, honoring Dave Brubeck’s 1958 State Department tour, earned rave reviews and stayed on the Jazz Week charts for five months. The group also frequently collaborates with orchestras both in the U.S. and abroad.
September 27th | 7:30pm
Click HERE for tickets and more information.
| | Cashiers Designer Showhouse | | |
Celebrating 28 years, the 2025 Cashiers Designer Showhouse is tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina. This modern and rustic home offers a unique trait in today’s busy world: peace of mind. The 2025 Showhouse is set within Saratay Falls, a Loudermilk Homes development that celebrates the natural beauty of Cashiers.
Nestled off Whiteside Cove, the home blends modern mountain living with timeless designs. Twelve top designers from Cashiers, Highlands, and the Southeast will showcase their unique talents and design styles, incorporating creative trends into this charming 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath retreat.
Every ticket purchased directly supports the Cashiers Historical Society and its work to preserve the history and culture of the Cashiers Valley. Thank you in advance for supporting our organization. We hope you choose to give the gift of Cashiers today!
August 22nd - August 30th
Monday - Saturday | 10am to 4pm
Sunday | 12pm to 4pm
Parking at the Showhouse is not permitted, but shuttles will run from The Village Green to the Showhouse throughout the event. Shuttle service will run approximately every 15 minutes from 10:00am – 3:45pm and 12:00pm – 3:45pm on Sunday. The last patron pickup from the Showhouse will be at 4:30pm.
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Highlands NC Real Estate Market Update
Market insights with a view - straight from the Plateau
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As we move through the heart of the season, the Highlands real estate market is showing all the signs of a classic mountain summer—slower mornings, cooler nights, and a steady rhythm of buyer activity. The year may be more than halfway over, but here on the Plateau, we're right in the middle of our real estate sweet spot.
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in the market so far in 2025—and how things compare to this time last year.
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Active Listings
There are 155 single-family homes and 21 condos/townhomes currently on the market in Highlands.
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Average list price (homes): $2,805,691
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Median list price (homes): $1,699,500
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Average days on market: 128
The condo and townhome market remains a smaller slice of the pie, but it’s moving.
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Median list price (condos/townhomes): $849,900
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Under Contract & Pending
Buyer interest is holding steady. Right now, 40 single-family homes and 7 condos are under contract or pending and expected to close soon.
While we’re not seeing the lightning-fast pace of a few years ago, the market is still very much alive—just moving at a more thoughtful pace.
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Closed Sales YTD 2025
Since January, 61 single-family homes and 4 condos have closed.
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Average sales price: $1,593,482
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Median sales price: $1,150,000
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Average days on market: 134
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List-to-sale price ratio: 92%
Buyers are showing up—but they’re negotiating more, and they’re willing to wait for the right fit. Sellers are still achieving strong prices, especially when properties are well-prepared and well-priced.
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Comparing This Year to Last
Here’s what the same timeframe looked like in 2024:
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Homes sold: 109
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Average sales price: $1,573,097
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Median sales price: $1,225,000
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Average days on market: 134
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List-to-sale price ratio: 95%
The big difference? Fewer sales in 2025 (61 vs. 109), which reflects a more measured market. Factors like interest rates, limited inventory, and buyer caution are playing a role—but the demand for the Highlands lifestyle is still very much there.
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The Bottom Line
The Highlands market remains resilient. It’s a bit quieter, a bit more deliberate—but still full of opportunity. Inventory continues to be limited in certain price points, especially in walk-to-town locations and updated homes with mountain views. If you're thinking of buying or selling before the season winds down, now is a smart time to start the conversation—before fall foliage and the expected September drop in interest rates sparks another wave of activity.
The second half of the season is just heating up. Whether you're buying, selling, or just watching the market, now’s a great time to stay connected and informed. Until next time, enjoy the beauty, the breeze, and the best of the season
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Final Thoughts
“Each day brings new opportunities, allowing you to constantly live with love—be there for others—bring a little light into someone's day. Be grateful and live each day to the fullest.” ~Roy T. Bennett
The Michaud Rauers Group
Judy Michaud | Mitzi Rauers | John Muir | Tom Goldacker | Brooks Kittrell
828-526-4101 • michaudrauers@bhhsmmr.com
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