If you’re planning a wedding weekend in Highlands, North Carolina, spring is one of the most beautiful times to gather your favorite people in the mountains. The waterfalls are full, the wildflowers are blooming, and the golden hour light over these ridgelines is the kind of thing that makes everyone reach for their phone (even the people who swear they never take photos).
I’ve photographed weddings and wedding weekends in Highlands for years, and one of the questions I hear most from couples is some version of: “We love Highlands, but what should we tell our guests to do while they’re here?” It’s a fair question. Especially in spring, when the town is waking back up and some things are seasonal, it helps to have a plan.
So here’s my personal guide to the best spring activities in Highlands, NC, whether you’re filling a wedding weekend itinerary or simply looking for ways to enjoy this gorgeous mountain town with the people you love.
Start with Something Gentle: Wildflowers and Botanical Gardens
Spring in Highlands means fresh greens, early blooms, and trails that feel like they belong in a storybook. One of my favorite recommendations for wedding guests (especially parents and grandparents) is the Highlands Botanical Gardens at the Highlands Biological Station. The grounds are open year-round from dawn to dusk with no entrance fee, and the wildflower trails in spring are genuinely stunning.
This is the kind of activity that works for everyone. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it photographs like a dream (even if you’re just snapping pictures on your phone between wedding events). If you have a larger group, the adjacent Highlands Nature Center is free to visit too. They do recommend groups of 10 or more rotate through in smaller clusters since the indoor space is cozy, but it’s a wonderful add-on for families with kids.
Chase a Waterfall (or Walk Behind One)
Highlands has incredible waterfalls, and spring is when they’re at their most powerful. Dry Falls is the one I always mention first, because you can walk behind the waterfall on an accessible trail. It’s located along the scenic byway between Highlands and Franklin, and the whole experience takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on how long you linger. There’s a small parking fee, so it helps to have one person in the group handle that and keep things moving.
For wedding weekends specifically, this is a crowd-pleaser. It’s short enough that it won’t tire anyone out before the main event, and it gives your guests a real “wow” moment without requiring hiking boots or an adventurous spirit. Just bring a light layer, because the mist is real.
Golden Hour at Sunset Rock
If you’re looking for that one scenic overlook moment that everyone will remember, Sunset Rock delivers. It’s about a 0.6-mile walk from town (driving is discouraged), and the panoramic view at the top is worth every step. In spring, the sky can be especially dramatic, so plan to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset and give yourself time to enjoy it.
I love this as a Thursday evening activity for guests arriving early, or even a late afternoon stop before a Friday rehearsal dinner. Bring a blanket, maybe a small cooler with something to sip on, and keep it simple. It’s one of those moments that feels thoughtful and intentional without requiring a big production. If you’re searching for things to do in Highlands NC this weekend with your wedding guests, this one belongs at the top of the list. The photos from up there are gorgeous.
Treat Yourselves: Spa Time at Old Edwards
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from photographing wedding weekends, it’s that the couples and families who build in time to rest are the ones who look and feel their best on the wedding day. The Spa at Old Edwards Inn is the kind of place where you walk in wound up and walk out a completely different person. Think plush robes, fireplaces, water features, and that calm feeling that just settles over you.
This is a wonderful Thursday arrival or Friday midday activity for couples, parents, and anyone in the wedding party who needs a reset before the celebrations begin. Spring is a popular time for wedding blocks, so book early.
If your group is staying at Half-Mile Farm, their Serenity Spa is a lovely, more intimate option with a guest-only feel. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, and they recommend booking at least 24 hours ahead.
Explore the Art Scene at The Bascom
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is one of those Highlands gems that feels like a private cultural retreat. It sits on a beautiful six-acre campus (a former horse farm), and it’s always free and open to the public. The galleries rotate regularly, and the grounds are lovely for a slow stroll between events.
I especially recommend this for parents and family members looking for something engaging and polished during the day. It works beautifully as a rainy-day backup too, since most of the experience is indoors. If you’re considering the venue for a rehearsal dinner or welcome gathering, they do have a covered terrace available for private events, which is worth looking into.
For the Adventurous Guests: Ziplines, Fly Fishing, and Mountain Hikes
Every wedding weekend has a few guests who want to do something with a little more adrenaline, and Highlands has options for them too.
Highlands Aerial Park offers one to two-hour zipline tours that feel curated and fun. They have online booking and free 24-hour cancellation, which makes it easy to coordinate. This is a great Saturday morning option for the bridal party’s siblings, cousins, or friends who want to burn off some energy before the celebration.
For a quieter kind of adventure, guided fly fishing is a beautiful way to spend a spring morning in the mountains. Highland Hiker offers half-day guided trips for up to two anglers at a time. It’s intimate, it photographs beautifully, and it’s the kind of thing the dads and groomsmen tend to love. Spring mornings are ideal for this.
And if you have serious hikers in your group, Whiteside Mountain offers iconic views. I’d recommend saving this for Friday morning rather than the day before the wedding, and going early for the best parking and fewest crowds.
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Evening Plans: Where to Eat, Drink, and Celebrate
Highlands has a dining scene that punches well above its weight for a small mountain town, and spring evenings here are the right kind of special.
For a polished dinner with your closest people, Madison’s Restaurant is a go-to. It’s the “dress up a little” option that feels celebratory without being stuffy. Request a quieter table for parents, and consider an earlier seating time if your group skews older.
For something with more energy, the Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards is wonderful for cocktails and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s a great landing spot for a Thursday arrival night or a casual Friday date night before the main event.
And if you’re hosting a welcome party or rehearsal dinner, both Oak Steakhouse and Skyline Lodge offer private dining and buyout options that feel intimate and polished. The Wine Garden at Old Edwards is another favorite for daytime gatherings when the weather cooperates. Think market umbrellas, light fare, and a garden party feel.
A Few Spring-Specific Things to Keep in Mind
Spring in Highlands is stunning, but it does come with a few planning notes worth sharing. The weather can shift quickly, so every outdoor plan should have an indoor backup. Some seasonal businesses (like lake marinas) don’t open until April, so check dates carefully if you’re hoping for a pontoon day on Lake Glenville. And popular spots like the spa at Old Edwards book up fast during wedding season, so the earlier you reserve, the better.
My biggest piece of advice: Don’t overprogram the weekend. The best wedding weekends I’ve photographed have a rhythm to them: one or two intentional activities each day, plenty of breathing room in between, and time for your guests to simply enjoy being together in a beautiful place. Highlands does that effortlessly.
Planning a Wedding Weekend in Highlands?
I photograph full wedding weekends in Highlands, from welcome dinners and rehearsal events all the way through farewell brunches the next morning. I love this town, and I love helping couples document every part of their celebration here.
If you’re planning a spring wedding in the mountains, I’d love to hear about it. You can see more of my Highlands wedding photography here, including this joyful celebration at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn and this elegant Highlands wedding.
