Feb 23, 2026 podcast

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers! Hello again, it’s Hannah Lee with your mountain guide for the weekend of Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, February 13th through 16th, 2026 — where love meets adventure right here on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Before we cover the family fun coming up this weekend, heads up if you’re traveling in the Highlands–Cashiers area next week. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will temporarily shut down US 64 between Cashiers and Highlands on Wednesday, February 18th. The road will be closed from 4 a.m. until midnight.

The closure is needed to safely remove a propane tanker that was involved in an accident and went over an embankment back in late January. Officials say the shutdown is all about keeping both the public and emergency crews safe during the recovery operation.

Once the truck is removed, crews will immediately begin repairing the roadway and replacing the damaged guardrail. The good news: NCDOT expects US 64 to reopen and return to normal traffic early Thursday morning.

Now the fun stuff!

Whether you’re cozying up with your sweetheart, planning an unforgettable date night, or just exploring winter wonder in the mountains — we’ve got the local lowdown!

How about Romantic Mountain Moments.

First up, — Highlands and Cashiers are turning up the charm this Valentine’s week with opportunities to sip wine in scenic tasting rooms, unwind with a couples massage at one of the region’s remarkable spas, or take in sweeping mountain views with a romantic scenic drive.

Prefer something hands-on? Drop into Highlands’ “Bee-My-Valentine” crafting event — a chance to make nature-themed Valentine cards and share some creative joy with locals and visitors alike at the Highlands Biological Station.

How about a Mystery Dinner Theatre?

Looking for a night with heart and a hint of mystery? Catch the play For Better or Worse, a Valentine’s Dinner Theatre play downtown Highlands on Feb 13th and 14th. Dinner, intrigue, interaction — and a story that keeps you questioning till the last course!

For winter-sport lovers visiting over Presidents’ Day weekend, hit the slopes skiing, ice skating, and snow-tubing at nearby winter play spots — weather permitting, these activities are highlights of the season. 

And this just in! Saddle up for Friday Night Lights with a Country Western twist! On Friday, February 13th, head to Ski Sapphire Valley and the Slopeside Tavern from 6 to 9 p.m. for Country Western Night.

The evening features Cosmic Tubing on the slopes, plus DJ Faze spinning the best in country, western, and more to keep the party going. It’s boots, beats, and mountain fun all in one place—perfect for kicking off your weekend in Sapphire Valley.

So, whether your holiday weekend is full of love, laughs, or adrenaline, the Highlands-Cashiers – Sapphire Valley corridor has something special waiting. Stay warm, embrace the mountain magic, and we’ll catch you next week with more local stories and events!”

Here is a quick look at the weather this long weekend. So, if you’re rolling into Highlands, Cashiers, or Sapphire Valley around February 13th through the 16th, it’s pretty much classic winter-in-the-mountains energy. Think cool days, highs hanging out in the upper 40s to mid-50s, cold nights that definitely call for a fireplace or at least a good blanket. Early on it’s mostly cloudy, kind of moody in a scenic way, and then around the 14th and 15th, there’s a decent chance of rain moving through. Nothing wild, just that misty, cozy mountain rain. By the 16th, things usually start to dry out a bit and warm up slightly—perfect for getting outside, grabbing a coffee or chocolate , and enjoying that winter peace.”

For more information and links to all today’s podcast items, find area web cams, and view the area events calendar, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested Valentine -  dining venues,  find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

Hey mountain lovers — welcome to Radio Cashiers. I’m your host, Hannah Lee bringing you the best local events and experiences coming up this week right here on the stunning Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and in nearby Sapphire Valley, North Carolina. Whether you’re a local or just rolling into town, we’ve got something for every pace — from outdoor explorers to food lovers and family fun seekers.

First, Ice Skating in the Park — Highlands

Get your skates on! Ice skating at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands continues through March 8th. Lace up for afternoon or evening spins on the ice — it’s a perfect winter outing for families, couples, or friends. Skate rental is usually available right on site.

Next is Ongoing Winter Sports — Sapphire Valley Resort

Winter is still in full swing at Ski Sapphire Valley! Through late February into March, you can hit the slopes for skiing and snow tubing at the Frozen Falls Tube Park — a blast whether you’re a seasoned skier or just here for laughter. Warm up afterward with a hot chocolate or local brew. Word has it with all the cold weather and snow, Ski Sapphire Valley may operate into mid-spring. 

Next, Community Jam Sessions — Cashiers Library

Calling all musicians — or anyone who loves great tunes! On Sunday, join the Community Jam Session at the Albert Carlton Community Library in Cashiers. Bring your instrument or just your ears for a lively afternoon of folk, Americana, country and acoustic music with your neighbors.

Bonus Tips & Ongoing Must-Doos:

Explore the Outdoors: There’s no bad day for a hike around here — think Whiteside Mountain vistas, Dry Falls, or the Cashiers Plateau trails for waterfall views and winter forest magic. 

That’s your quick guide to this week’s hottest happenings here in Highlands, Cashiers and Sapphire Valley. We will find some specific Valentines and Presidents Day Weekend events when we drop our next podcast by Thursday.  For more information and links to all today’s podcast items, find area web cams, and view the area events calendar, visit Radio Cashiers.com

Good morning! It’s race day at Ski Sapphire Valley!

Hi everyone, I’m Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers, and today it’s all about the one, the only—the Great Outhouse Races at Ski Sapphire Valley.

Let’s start with the weather, because wow… you can hear it out there. The wind is absolutely howling this morning. A High Wind Warning is in effect, with northwest winds at 20 to 30 miles per hour and gusts ranging from 55 to 65 mph—possibly up to 70 mph on the ridgetops.

Despite the wind, we’re looking at sunshine today, with a high near 39. Winds will slowly ease this afternoon, dropping to around 8 to 13 mph, though gusts could still reach 60. Tonight will be mostly clear and cold, with a low around 19. Winds will calm after midnight, with occasional gusts up to 20 mph.

Here’s a quick temperature check around the plateau:

It’s 23 degrees at the Ugly Dog Pub in Highlands, 25 at the Cashiers Community Center, and 28 degrees near Sapphire Lake.

I was over at Ski Sapphire late Friday, and let me tell you—there is more snow on the slopes than I’ve ever seen, and I go way back. I also picked up a race program and had a good laugh at the incredibly creative outhouse names this year. Just a few highlights: Wipeside, The Lumbering Loo, Loo With a View, Tinkle, Tinkle Little Tavern—and my personal favorite—Bad Mother Flusher.

If you’re heading up to watch the races on the snow, there’s a $5 spectator fee. Just grab a blue wristband at one of the two sales tents—look for the signage. For the most up-to-date schedule, head to SkiSapphireValley.com.

Now let’s talk food, drinks, and music—because this is an all-day celebration.

At Slopeside Tavern, you’ll find great food and drinks, plus a Bloody Mary Tent featuring Shipyard Mary Mix. After the races, keep the party going with Ansley & The Hold—a Southern pop-rock band with indie roots, heartfelt lyrics, and melodies that feel instantly familiar in the best way.

Over at Mica’s Mountain Kitchen, stop by before or after the races for classic mountain vibes, great food, and live music. The Firefly outdoor bar will be open, complete with a roaring fireplace. Music from Joe Munoz runs from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

And at The FIX, enjoy live music from Dave Ramsey from 6:00 to 10:00 tonight.

Cold weather, big winds, fast outhouses, and even bigger fun—Outhouse Race Weekend is here, and Sapphire Valley is the place to be. Stay warm, travel safe, and we’ll see you out there.

For more information and links to all today’s events, visit RadioCashiers.com.

See you at the races!