June Episodes

June 30, 2026
Episode: July 4th Week – Fireworks – Updated Music Calendar – and People



Episode: July 4th Week – Fireworks – Updates Music Calendar – and People
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday and this is the week! July 4th and our 250th birthday!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 30th, the 181st day of 2026.
Holy smokes! Allow me to give everyone a heads up before we check area temperatures. We travelled around the plateau a bit about mid-day Monday and let me tell you – the crowds have arrived early for July 4th!
The Ingles in Cashiers was slammed around 2:30, long after the lunch rush and traffic at the crossroads – just crazy!
If you can, bring all the groceries and supplies you can with you and avoid having to shop when you get here.
Ok – back to our normal episode content.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area weather stations shows 79 at the Highlands Newspaper, 78 at Cashiers Lake, and 72 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley, and be advised, the humidity is off the charts. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
We’re going to restate the July 4th summary of fireworks and festivals from last Friday – here we go!
The weekend events begin on Friday, July 3, in Cashiers with a free community celebration at The Village Green from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring live music, food trucks, craft beer, and a fireworks show at dark. On Saturday, July 4, Highlands hosts a daytime celebration starting at noon at the Town Ballfield and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with traditional field games and a hot dog lunch, followed by night fireworks. Also on July 4, Sapphire Valley Resort hosts its daytime Yankee Doodle Dandy Day family festival starting at 10:00 AM with live music, food, bounce houses, and pony rides, though this specific location does not host evening fireworks. The festivities conclude on Sunday, July 5, at Lake Glenville with an 8:00 PM boat parade and a 9:30 PM fireworks display launched from The Pointe, which is best viewed by boat or from land at The Pines Recreation Area.
This is the busiest week on the plateau so pack your patience, plan ahead and arrive early for dining out and watching fireworks.
Let’s check the music scene and get your weather update.
Hey, it’s Cassidy with your music and weather updates.
On the local music scene, Rick’s been working with some powerful new tools to supercharge our Local Music Calendar!
Over in Cashiers, he just loaded up the full lineup of live sets at Whiteside Brewing Company running all the way through September. He did the exact same for Happ’s Place out in Glenville, so your late-summer plans are officially covered.
If you are looking for July fun specifically, the complete July music schedule for Slopeside Tavern over in Sapphire Valley is now live and ready.
Moving over to Highlands, the calendar is packed deep through September with fresh dates for Oak Steakhouse, 4118 Kitchen and Bar, and The Stubborn Bull.
We truly hope you find our Local Music Calendar helpful as you plan your weeks! Keep it locked right here to Radio Cashiers for your local updates.
Before I go over some specific weather information for you, keep in mind that summer in the mountains there is always a chance of an afternoon thunderstorm, particularly if it gets a little warm by midday. Yesterday at about 3PM and very loud thunderstorm moved just south of us, following the escarpment.
Heading up to the plateau over the next four days, visitors to Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley can expect a classic summer mountain mix of sunshine and scattered afternoon storms. Daytime highs will climb from the low 80s into the mid-80s by the end of the week, offering a comfortable escape from the lowland heat. Evenings will bring cooler, mountain air with overnight lows dipping into the mid-60s, but the humidity will be on the higher side. Pack an umbrella or light rain jacket for your afternoon hikes, but look forward to gorgeous, clear mornings perfect for exploring the local trails and waterfalls.
In closing, thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com
We’ll be back Friday, July 3rd with all the latest for the weekend. See you then!
Notes:
This episode of Radio Cashiers outlines July 4th weekend festivities, including fireworks, food trucks, and live music at The Village Green, Highlands, Sapphire Valley, and Lake Glenville. It also highlights major updates to the Local Music Calendar for venues like Whiteside Brewing Company, Happ's Place, Slopeside Tavern and Oak Steakhouse through September, alongside a 4-day mountain weather forecast. Find the full event details and dining suggestions at Radio Cashiers.com.

June 26,2026
Episode: Planning for the 4th, Lake Glenville and Music on the Plateau



Transcript: 
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Friday! We hope you had a great week.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 26th, the 177th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area weather stations shows it is 68 at the Highlands Newspaper, 68 at Cashiers Lake, and 63 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
With the July 4th weekend just a week away, we wanted to remind you of our Where to Find Fireworks and Celebrations page on the Radio Cashiers website. Here is a summary:
The weekend events begin on Friday, July 3, in Cashiers with a free community celebration at The Village Green from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring live music, food trucks, craft beer, and a fireworks show at dark. On Saturday, July 4, Highlands hosts a daytime celebration starting at noon at the Town Ballfield and Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with traditional field games and a hot dog lunch, followed by night fireworks. Also on July 4, Sapphire Valley Resort hosts its daytime Yankee Doodle Dandy Day family festival starting at 10:00 AM with live music, food, bounce houses, and pony rides, though this specific location does not host evening fireworks. The festivities conclude on Sunday, July 5, at Lake Glenville with an 8:00 PM boat parade and a 9:30 PM fireworks display launched from The Pointe, which is best viewed by boat or from land at The Pines Recreation Area.
It looks like Sapphire Valley Resort is almost sold out over the 4th and are hearing the Plateau will be very busy. So, pack your patience, plan ahead and arrive early for dining out and watching fireworks.
We’ll cover all these events again next week.
If you have ever spent a summer day out on Lake Glenville, you know it is the crown jewel of the Cashiers region. But keeping that massive body of water pristine takes serious work, which is why the annual Lake Glenville Clean-Up last week was such a massive success. Dozens of local residents, boaters, and environmental volunteers teamed up with the Friends of Lake Glenville organization to tackle the shoreline. Together, they spent days scouring all twenty-six miles of the lake's edge, pulling out tons of hazardous debris. They cleared everything from large floating logs and storm wreckage to plastic waste and broken dock pieces. The timing of this effort could not be better for travelers, as it completely cleared the waters just ahead of the massive July fourth holiday rush. Beyond making the lake look absolutely beautiful, removing these floating hazards is critical for the safety of the water skiers, tubers, and jet skiers who flood the area during the summer months. So, if you are planning to launch a boat or rent a pontoon at the marina this week, you can thank a dedicated army of local volunteers for giving you crystal-clear, safe waters to enjoy.
Hey it’s Cassidy with your music and weather updates.
If you are looking for the best live soundtrack on the plateau, the mountain music scene is absolutely electric right now. You can catch regional favorite Myron Hyman playing his incredible acoustic sets, find the soulful singer-songwriter Alma Russ bringing folk melodies to local stages, or dance to the high-energy sounds of the full band with Corey Stevenson. To catch these and other phenomenal artists, you have plenty of top-tier venues to explore across the region. You can enjoy regular music nights and outdoor vibes at SlopeSide Tavern right at the base of the ski slopes, or stop by The FIX Restaurant, Bar & Lounge on Saturday nights for upscale bar food and great local performances. For a legendary mountain tradition, head over to Happ's Place to listen to great tunes, or settle in by the large wood-burning fireplace at The Ruffed Grouse Tavern inside the Highlander Mountain House for an intimate, living-room style concert. Finally, do not miss the live local entertainment, scratch-made food, and scenic views from the open porch at Micas Mountain Kitchen. Because local lineups change constantly, remember to check out the comprehensive Local Music Calendar on Radio Cashiers before you plan your night out.
Over the next four days on the plateau, listeners can expect typical summer mountain weather with mild days, cool nights, and scattered chances of rain across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley. Daytime high temperatures will start out very comfortable in the mid-seventies on Friday and Saturday, gradually warming up into the low eighties by Monday and Tuesday. Overnight lows will remain crisp and refreshing, hovering consistently between sixty-one and sixty-eight degrees. While there is a passing chance of light rain or isolated afternoon thunderstorms through the weekend and into early next week, you will still find plenty of clear windows to hit the hiking trails or spend time on the water.
In closing, thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com

June 23, 2026
Episode: The Blue Wall, Concert on the Slopes and New Videos



Transcript:
Episode: The Blue Wall, Concert on the Slopes and New Videos
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday! We hope you had a great weekend.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 23rd, the 174th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 62 at the Highlands Newspaper, 69 at Cashiers Lake, and 63 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
We’re going outside in this episode, and we love talking about our area’s best natural attraction: The Blue Ridge Escarpment!
The Blue Ridge Escarpment, historically known as "the Blue Wall" by the Cherokee Indians, is a distinct geological segment of the Southern Appalachian Mountains where the peaks abruptly drop up to 2,000 feet into the foothills.
Spanning across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, this expansive 859,000-acre region experiences heavy rainfall that fuels over fifty waterfalls, representing the highest concentration of waterfalls in the eastern United States.
Due to its dramatic elevation changes and unique climate, the escarpment serves as a vital ecological haven, supporting an exceptional diversity of wildlife, including more than 400 rare plants and a vast array of tree species.
Where to see it:
Whiteside Mountain (North Carolina)
Located near Highlands, NC, these landmark features some of the highest, sheerest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States.
The View: A 2-mile loop trail takes you along the edge of massive, 750-foot solid granite cliffs.
What You’ll See: You will stand right at the literal crest of the eastern continental divide, looking out over the transition zone where North Carolina's high-country plunges down toward Georgia and South Carolina.
Your exploration must include Gorges State Park
Located in Sapphire, North Carolina, Gorges State Park is a uniquely rugged 7,700-acre park where the escarpment catches massive amounts of rainfall, turning it into a thriving temperate rainforest. It is highly celebrated for its extreme biodiversity, deep river gorges, and dense collection of waterfalls.
When visiting Gorges State Park, the absolute highlights include:
• The Grassy Ridge Visitor Center: A great starting point featuring a massive, wrap-around deck that provides beautiful, elevated southern views stretching right over the escarpment and into the park.
• Rainbow Falls: The main draw of the park. Accessible via a moderate 3.1-mile round-trip trail that starts in Gorges State Park and crosses into the adjacent Pisgah National Forest. This thunderous 150-foot waterfall crashes onto massive boulders below, generating giant clouds of mist that create brilliant rainbows on sunny days.
• Turtleback Falls: Located just a quarter-mile upstream from Rainbow Falls along the same trail. This unique, sloped 20-foot waterfall curves over a smooth rock face that resembles a turtle’s shell.
• Hidden Falls & Stairway Falls: Also located along the multi-waterfall Rainbow Falls trail. Hidden Falls is a shorter, 10-foot-tall cascade that features calm pool areas, while Stairway Falls consists of beautiful, multi-tiered sloped cascades that look like steps moving down the river.
• Upper Bearwallow Falls: This is the only major waterfall physically located within the park's strict boundaries with a maintained trail. A short but steep 0.5-mile round-trip trail leads to a wooden observation deck facing across the gorge to look at the falls.
Ok. Here’s Cassidy with some web site updates and more!

Hey there! It’s Cassidy here to cover some exciting new videos on our website, dive into the local music scene, get you set with the weather, and then close us out.
We have some brand-new videos loaded right now on the Radio Cashiers website. We recently discovered a fantastic influencer who has posted almost twelve hundred videos online and racked up over seventeen million views. His name is Tony, and his channel is all about traveling, exploring, and adventure. Best of all for us, he has spent a lot of time capturing the magic of our own backyard, with episodes featuring hiking mountains, finding waterfalls, and kayaking rivers all around the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.

You can check out his featured titles right now on the Radio Cashiers website. First up is The Top 13 Things to Visit in Highlands, North Carolina. Next, you can see The Majestic View Of Highlands, North Carolina After It Rains From Sunset Rock. And finally, check out his video titled Highlands, North Carolina Camping Trip.
Now, let's look at that live music lineup. Tonight, Tuesday, June 23rd, the Concert on the Slopes summer series kicks off over at Sapphire Valley Resort. Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers, and head out to the base slope from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM to catch a high-energy performance by Too Much Sylvia.

As for your outdoor plans, here is what to expect from the elements over the next four days across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley. We are looking at a beautiful blend of sunshine and typical summer mountain showers. Today and tomorrow will bring mostly clear, pleasant conditions with comfortable daytime highs around 70 to 72 degrees and crisp nighttime lows dropping to 53 degrees. Clouds start rolling in on Thursday, pushing highs to 74 and lows to 57 with a small chance of afternoon rain. Friday brings our biggest weather shift with scattered thunderstorms and heavy downpours at times, alongside a warm high of 75 and a muggy low of 62 degrees.
That wraps up our update for today. Keep exploring, stay dry on Friday.

In closing, thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com


June 19, 2026
Episode: Juneteenth Origins and Cashiers Looses a Good Man



Transcript:

 Welcome back to Radio Cashiers! 

Happy Friday once again! We hope you had a great week. 

This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 19th, the 170th day of 2026. 

Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.

Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 63 at the Highlands Newspaper, 69 at Cashiers Lake, and 65 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.

Hey! It’s Juneteenth! Celebrated on June 19th—marks a profound turning point in American history, representing the true realization of freedom for enslaved Black Americans. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, word of liberation didn't reach the deeply enslaved community in Galveston, Texas, until more than two years later, when Union troops arrived on June 19, 1865. Amazing! It took two years for get the word from Washington to Texas!

OK, here’s a new weekly segment: our get out and do it recommendation! Our top suggestion for the outdoors this weekend is hiking Whiteside Mountain!

The absolute number one outdoor activity to experience around Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley is hiking the Whiteside Mountain Trail.

Located right on the Eastern Continental Divide between Highlands and Cashiers, Whiteside Mountain is a geographic masterpiece. It features some of the highest, most dramatic sheer cliffs in the entire Eastern United States, boasting vertical drops of up to 750 feet. The best part is that you do not have to be an extreme mountaineer to experience it, because the U.S. Forest Service maintains a fantastic 2-mile loop trail that takes you right up to the crest.

To tackle it like a total pro this weekend, you should take the loop trail counter-clockwise because it offers a much more gradual, gentle climb to the top that saves your knees for the spectacular views. Once you hit the summit ridge, which sits at nearly 5,000 feet of elevation, you will walk along a safe, railed boardwalk that hugs the cliff edge. On a clear summer weekend like this one, the panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretching all the way into South Carolina and Georgia are absolutely jaw-dropping.

Because this is the most popular spot on the plateau, I highly recommend hitting the trailhead before 9:00 AM to secure a parking spot in the designated Forest Service lot and enjoy the morning mountain mist in peace. There is a small 5-dollar parking fee, so make sure to keep some cash or a credit card handy for the fee envelope kiosk. 

Here’s Rick on a bit of a somber note on the loss of an old friend. 

The community of Cashiers lost a truly good man this week with the passing of Bo Alexander. For over forty years, we’ve been blessed to call Bo a friend, following his journey from his days as golf course superintendent at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, down to the Gasparilla Inn in Florida, and back home to take the head job at Wade Hampton just as it was opening. Later, he and his beautiful wife, Rhonda, poured their hearts into the Cashiers Carolina Connection, keeping us all safely connected to the Atlanta airport and beyond with their limousine service. Bo had an unmatched passion for great food and fine wine, and we will forever cherish the many wonderful dinners and laughs we shared with him and Rhonda. Rest in peace, Bo—you will be deeply missed, and our prayers are holding Rhonda close during this difficult time. 

Here’s Cassidy to salute Father’s Day, give us the weather outlook and take us out.


Hey! It’s Cassidy with a special Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who guide, support, and inspire us every day. Sunday we celebrate your strength, wisdom, and the countless sacrifices you make for your families. Thank you for the love, encouragement, and lasting memories you create. Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, joy, and time spent with those who matter most.

Turning to your weekend outlook for the plateau, the weather is looking absolutely pristine for outdoor exploration across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley over the next four days. You can expect plenty of bright mountain sunshine with just a slight chance of isolated afternoon thunderstorms typical of the Blue Ridge summer. Temperatures will remain very comfortable, featuring daytime highs peaking between seventy-three and eighty-one degrees, while the overnight lows will drop into a crisp and refreshing fifty-three to sixty-three degrees, making it the perfect weather for hiking or sitting by a nighttime fire.


In closing, thank you for tuning in! Remember you can find our Local Music Calendar, get more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information by visitingt visit Radio Cashiers.com.

         

June 16, 2026
Cashiers Cares Golf Tourney and On the Verandah Anny



Transcript:
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday! We hope you had a great weekend. It was a bit warm I must say.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 16th, the 167th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 60 near the top of Whiteside Mountain, 60 out on Lake Glenville, and 60 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
With July 4th a little over 2 weeks away I wanted to remind you to check out our website for the Independence Day Fireworks & Celebrations page. You’ll find where and when all the area fireworks and Celebrations will be!
The very popular Cashiers Cares Golf Tournament Dates and early sponsors announced!
Get ready to hit the greens for a great cause. On Monday, September fourteenth, the annual Cashiers Cares Golf Tournament returns to the mountains. This is your exclusive chance to play on a premier, championship-caliber golf course at Trillium Links while making a real difference in our community. Every single swing helps raise vital funds for local non-profit charities that support neighbors in need. The tournament features a four-person scramble format, making it perfect and fun for players of all skill levels. Beyond a great day of golf, you can look forward to exciting hole-in-one contests, excellent team prizes, a delicious catered lunch, and a post-round celebration with fellow players.Spots for this premier mountain event fill up incredibly fast. Gather your team, practice your swing, and register today to secure your place on the course.
In business milestones, iconic local restaurant "On the Verandah" is celebrating its forty-fifth anniversary this season. The family-owned staple, which has overlooked Lake Sequoyah since nineteen-eighty-one, is famous for its fresh seafood and globally inspired flavors. Executive chef and owner Andrew Figel plans to bring back several classic, nostalgic menu items over the coming weeks to honor the anniversary, alongside the restaurant's signature live music nights.
Looking ahead to upcoming events, culture and music take center stage on the Plateau. The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival kicks off its forty-fifth anniversary season on Sunday, June twenty-eighth, with an exclusive opening gala concert featuring the world-renowned Zukerman Trio at the Highlands Performing Arts Center



Cassidy
Hey podcast listeners, it’s Cassidy with your music session update.
Don't forget to visit the Radio Cashiers Local Music Calendar at Radio Cashiers.com before you head out this weekend. It is your ultimate, up-to-date guide for finding live music performances across the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley areas. Whether you are looking for local acoustic sets, outdoor concerts, or lively restaurant gigs, this desktop-friendly tracker ensures you never miss a beat on the Plateau. Bookmark the page today so you can easily plan your musical outings all summer long
OK, let’s look at the weather for this week.
Heading to the gorgeous western North Carolina mountains, expect a mixed bag of early summer weather over the next four days across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley. Tuesday brings cloudy skies and a stray shower with a high of 66 degrees and an overnight low of 56 degrees. Wednesday offers the pick of the week, promising beautiful sunny skies as temperatures jump up to a high of 75 degrees before dipping back down to 56 degrees at night. Pack your rain gear for Thursday and Friday, as a weather system moves through the plateau bringing widespread rain and potential thunderstorms. Thursday will see a high of 70 degrees and a low of 63 degrees, while Friday reaches a high of 74 degrees with a low of 60 degrees.
In closing,
Thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

Summary:
Radio Cashiers – June 16, 2026: Hannah Lee brings you the latest news, events, and weather from Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley. Learn about the upcoming Cashiers Cares Golf Tournament, On the Verandah’s 45th anniversary celebration, and the opening of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival season. Cassidy shares this week’s mountain weather outlook and reminds listeners to check the Radio Cashiers Local Music Calendar and Independence Day Fireworks Guide for summer fun across the Plateau.


June 12, 2026
Highlands Motoring, Glenville Dam Release,
Sapphire Arts Festival



Transcript:
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Friday, you made it!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 12th, the 163rd day of 2026.
We have allot to cover in this episode so let’s get started looking at temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is already 71 at the Highlands Newspaper, 74 at Cashiers Lake, and 73 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
Here’s an update on this weekend’s Highlands Motoring Festival.
The 2026 Highlands Motoring Festival is a premier four-day automotive celebration returning from June 11th through the 14th to support local business communities and raise crucial funds for regional charities.
Headlined by grand marshal Wayne Carini, the festival kicks off with curated "One Lap of the Mountains" driving tours on Thursday and Friday, followed by a meet-and-greet event and a classic car panel discussion.
 A free, spectator-friendly Main Street Parade takes place Friday evening, leading up to Saturday’s highly selective "Classics in the Park" invitational judged show at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, which features 85 vintage vehicles manufactured in 1989 or earlier battling it out under an "America Versus England" theme.
The festivities conclude on Sunday morning with a relaxed, non-formal "High Octane" social gathering, with all proceeds from the volunteer-run event directly benefiting REACH of Macon County, the Literacy and Learning Center, and the Community Care Clinic of Highlands-Cashiers.
It’s time to go to Lake Glenville for the High Falls Dam Release!
This Saturday, June 13, 2026, Duke Energy will execute a scheduled recreational water release at the Lake Glenville dam, temporarily transforming the usually tranquil High Falls from a "gentle giant into the incredible hulk". Running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this highly anticipated event surges massive volumes of whitewater down the West Fork of the Tuckaseeegee River. Spectators can access prime viewing spots at the base of the falls by navigating the moderate, 3.7-mile out-and-back High Falls Trail, where they will also spot white-water kayakers utilizing the rugged path to carry their gear down to the raging rapids. For a safe experience, visitors are urged to arrive early at the trailhead's ample parking lot, prepare for heavy waterfall mist, and strictly remain on the dry banks well away from the volatile, fast-rising river currents.

The Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Festival kicks off its season this weekend on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. Hosted outdoors on the Sapphire Valley Resort Athletic Field, this family- and dog-friendly event celebrates authentic Appalachian heritage by gathering regional artisans to showcase handmade mountain crafts, unique pottery, fine jewelry, textiles, and fine art. Beyond shopping the vendor tents, visitors can enjoy a lively festive environment featuring food trucks, live music, and pet adoption opportunities from local animal rescues. Children are kept entertained with an on-site playground and classic lawn activities like giant Jenga, corn hole, and bubble stations, making it an all-ages summer outing.
Hey podcast listeners, it’s Cassidy with your music session update.
Don't forget to visit the Radio Cashiers Local Music Calendar at Radio Cashiers.com before you head out this weekend. It is your ultimate, up-to-date guide for finding live music performances across the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley areas. Whether you are looking for local acoustic sets, outdoor concerts, or lively restaurant gigs, this desktop-friendly tracker ensures you never miss a beat on the Plateau. Bookmark the page today so you can easily plan your musical outings all summer long
OK, here’s your weather forecast. The upcoming weekend on the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley plateau will bring a classic summer mix of sunshine and scattered mountain thunderstorms. Travelers can expect afternoon storm risks each day, especially on Sunday when wet weather is most likely. Daytime highs will remain comfortably warm, peaking around 79 to 81 degrees today and Saturday before cooling slightly into the mid to upper 70s by Sunday and Monday. Evening temperatures will offer a crisp, refreshing escape from the lower elevations, dropping down to lows between 60 and 65 degrees throughout the period.
Thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

Summary:
In this June 12, 2026, episode of Radio Cashiers, Hannah Lee highlights the weekend's Highlands Motoring Festival with Wayne Carini, the Lake Glenville High Falls Dam Release, and the Sapphire Valley Arts & Crafts Festival. The episode also provides a local music scene update and a four-day weather forecast featuring comfortable temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. For more details, visit RadioCashiers.com.


June 9, 2026



Transcript:

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday and from all of us at Radio Cashiers, we hope you got out and enjoyed the perfect weather last Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is Jun 9th, the 160th day of 2026.
As we always do, let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
A quick check of area weather stations shows it is 67 at the Highlands Newspaper, 69 at Cashiers Lake, and 65 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
While on my walk to the top of Ski Sapphire Valley last Friday, I found the crew hard at work! Off-season doesn't mean downtime for a ski resort! While the slopes are green, the crew is hard at work getting everything squeaky clean and prepped for the winter ahead. We have some images on Radio Cashiers.com. Maintenance never stops! We hope Ski Sapphire has a great season which starts mid-December.
First up, the mountains are calling all outdoor enthusiasts and waterfall chasers. You absolutely must make time to visit Gorges State Park, which is easily accessed via Grassy Ridge Road in Sapphire. This temperate rainforest environment spans over eight thousand acres and plunges down the Blue Ridge Escarpment, boasting an incredible twenty-six waterfalls. For a truly memorable day hike, you can start on the park trails and follow them right into the Pisgah National Forest to view the thundering waters of Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls. It is completely free for day use, and the park is currently operating on extended summer hours, staying open from seven in the morning until ten at night.
On the events front, classic car enthusiasts are in for a massive treat. The nineteenth annual Highlands Motoring Festival officially kicks off this Thursday morning. You can catch the roaring excitement of the One Lap of the Mountains Grande driving tour as the classic car groups depart early in the morning for a curated, scenic tour of the winding plateau roads. Later on Thursday evening, you can join the festival crowds downtown for a special happy hour event to chat with fellow automotive fans and kick off a full weekend of car showcases.
Remember, Cashiers also brings its own local flavor on Wednesdays with the Locally Grown on the Green community market, where you can stroll through the Village Green to pick up fresh produce, mountain crafts, and baked goods.
Here’s Cassidy with an update on our Find the Music calendar.
Thank you, Hannah Lee! Rick has been developing a new digital tool that scans the web specifically for local live music. Just yesterday, we imported more than a dozen upcoming performances scheduled over the next ten days. Moving forward, our team will keep the Radio Cashiers live music calendar fully updated. You can find the complete schedule right now at RadioCashiers.com.
Ok, let’s look at the weather!
Get ready for a mix of mountain sunshine and passing summer storms if you are heading to the plateau over the next four days. Highlands will see daytime highs climbing from seventy degrees up to eighty-two degrees, with nighttime lows keeping things cool between sixty and sixty-two degrees. Right down the road in Cashiers and Sapphire Valley, expect slightly warmer conditions as daytime highs reach from seventy-three up to eighty-five degrees, while evening lows hover comfortably between fifty-nine and sixty-seven degrees. Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms are likely across all three areas, so pack an umbrella alongside your hiking gear.
Thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.
Summary:
Happy Tuesday from Radio Cashiers with a look at the week ahead, featuring sunny, mixed weather, upcoming car shows, and park adventures. Highlights include the 19th annual Highlands Motoring Festival starting Thursday, hiking in [Gorges State Park] and updates on the local live music scene. For the full report and links, visit RadioCashiers.com.
This week in the Highlands-Cashiers-Sapphire region features the 19th annual Highlands Motoring Festival starting Thursday and the "Locally Grown on the Green" market on Wednesday, alongside extended hours at Gorges State Park and upcoming live music. Pre-season maintenance is underway at Ski Sapphire Valley, while the forecast calls for sunshine mixed with afternoon thunderstorms and highs in the 70s-80s. Find more information and the full live music calendar at https://radiocashiers.com/


Transcript:

June 5, 2026



Transcript:
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Friday and it is a perfect day on the Plateau! The weather could not be better!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 5th, the 156th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
A quick check of area temperatures shows it is 79 at the Highlands Newspaper, 78 at Cashiers Lake, and 72 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
Let me be very honest – it is just too nice outside to put together a proper episode for you. I am about to walk out the door and hike around Sapphire Valley including my weekly trek to the top of Ski Sapphire Valley!
So please forgive the team and we will be back next Tuesday.
This Cassidy and I’m heading out the door too, but not before I share the following with you.
Rick just updated the music calendar on Radio Cashiers.com and the season is now in full swing!
How about this weather! Travelers heading to the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley regions this weekend are in for a beautiful treat. Friday kicks off the weekend with some clouds and a very slight chance of a light afternoon rain shower before clearing out into a spectacularly sun-drenched and pleasant Saturday and Sunday. Daytime highs will climb comfortably to between seventy-four and eighty-three degrees, providing the perfect warmth for exploring the mountain trails and waterfalls. Once night falls, the plateau drops into crisp, refreshing temperatures with overnight lows resting between forty-eight and sixty-one degrees.
Thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, waters to visit, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

June 2nd Episodes



Transcript:

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday and welcome to June and summer in The High South!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is June 2nd, the 153rd day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
A quick check of area temperatures shows it is 61 at the Highlands Newspaper, 64 at Cashiers Lake, and a bone chilling 59 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
Did you attend the Bear Shadow Music Festival? It was quite the event!
The Bear Shadow music festival took place last weekend at its new home, Ferngrove, in Highlands.
The three-day springtime event brought together outdoor revelry and a diverse lineup of prominent Americana, rock, and rhythm and blues artists.
Saturday’s lineup featured standout performances by Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Mavis Staples, Marc Broussard, and J & The Causeways.
Sunday's roster was headlined by Charley Crockett, alongside Margo Price, Kashus Culpepper, and Pony Bradshaw.
Friday's opening night featured an intimate concert benefiting Stage4Hope, a nonprofit organization supporting advanced-stage cancer patients.
Attendees at the base camp enjoyed a weekend of singing, dancing, and local food, complemented by a general admission bar featuring complimentary beer and wine.
Here’s an anniversary date worth celebrating!
Slopeside Tavern is officially celebrating its sixth anniversary as a thriving community gathering place. As we mentioned in a previous episode, Slopeside was set to open in 2020 when Covid forced North Carolina to close all restaurants. What a way to start. Nicolle prevailed and extends a heartfelt thank you to all past and present employees for their foundational hard work. Deep gratitude is also shared with guests, family, and friends for their unwavering loyalty and encouragement. Looking ahead, Slopeside remains committed to providing exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere for years to come.
We eat there frequently, often driving over in our golf cart to make it a drive-in experience!
OK, here’s Cassidy with your music and weather update.
Wow, Bear Shadow was quite an event!
Remember we update the new Radio Cashiers Music Calendar almost daily so you can find your vibe around Highlands, Cashiers, Lake Glenville and Sapphire Valley.
Last Friday there were over 20 musicians playing in the area including Bear Shadow – how great is that! This week’s calendar shows musicians playing around the region every night this week. Check the calendar out on Radio Cashiers.com.
Let’s look at the weather.
For travelers heading to the scenic North Carolina plateau, expect a rainy start followed by beautiful summer sunshine over the next four days. Tuesday brings light rain and cloudy skies across all three regions, keeping temperatures cool with highs near 60 degrees and lows dropping to around 48 degrees. Conditions clear up significantly from Wednesday through Friday, bringing abundant sunshine to the mountains. Highlands will see temperatures steadily climb from a high of 69 degrees on Wednesday to a peak of 77 degrees by Friday, with nightly lows warming from 49 to 56 degrees. Cashiers and Sapphire Valley will experience nearly identical gorgeous weather, with daytime highs starting at 68 degrees on Wednesday and reaching 76 degrees on Friday, while overnight lows will range between 48 and 55 degrees.
Thank you for tuning in! For more information and links to all today’s podcast items including our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com.
Summary:
Radio Cashiers welcomes summer in the High South with a recap of the Bear Shadow Music Festival and a celebration of Slopeside Tavern’s sixth anniversary. This episode also features a four-day weather forecast, the local music calendar, and regional temperatures. Listeners can find more information, including dining suggestions and webcams, at https://radiocashiers.com/

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