March 2026 Episodes

The Radio Cashiers March podcasts highlights shoulder-season activities in Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley, focusing on peak waterfall viewing at Dry Falls and Gorges State Park. The episode covers local culture with art exhibitions at The Bascom, dining recommendations like Whiteside Brewing Co. and The Library Kitchen + Bar, and practical updates regarding Highway 64 road closures. The resource serves as a guide for finding family-friendly events and local happenings throughout the region.

March 31 - RAIN SPRING AND THE EASTER BUNNY



Transcript:
Hey – its Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is March 31st, the 90th day of 2026.
Spring's awakening on the Highlands-Cashiers-Sapphire Valley corridor is a dramatic transformation, as the "leaf-line" visibly climbs the mountainsides, replacing winter’s muted tones with a vibrant, fresh green.
Along the forest floor and garden paths like those at The Village Green, a colorful progression of blooms emerges, starting with daffodils and trillium in March and April, followed by the iconic dogwoods, mountain laurel, and flame azaleas into May.
A quick check of area temperatures shows it is 55 at the Highlands Newspaper, 57 at Cashiers Lake, and 56 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley.
Rain this week will fuel the area waterfalls and Cassidy will cover the weather more in a minute.
Easter is this weekend and here are some Weekend Highlights
Saturday, April 4, is a big day for families across the plateau:
Easter Egg Decorating: Kick things off in Highlands at the Dead Artists Gallery from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a free decorating contest.
Sapphire Valley Egg Decorating: Over at Sapphire Valley Resort, there's a dedicated decorating contest on Friday afternoon, April 3, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
And then The Big Hunt: The Village Green of Cashiers hosts its annual community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, at 11:00 AM for kids 11 and under. Keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny!
Here’s Cassidy with some weather details.
Stay prepared for a bit of everything on the plateau over the next three days! For Tuesday, March 31, we’re looking at partly sunny skies with a high of 67 and a low of 52, and just a stray shower possible. On Wednesday, April 1, conditions become more active with scattered thunderstorms likely as we reach a high of 67 to 69 and dip to a low of around 53. By Thursday, April 2, things start to settle back into a partly sunny pattern with a high of 68 and a low of 54, though you'll still want to keep an umbrella handy for a few lingering light showers.
Now back to Hannah Lee to take us out.
We’ll have more Easter weekend fun in our podcast later this week.
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.

March 28 - HIGHLANDS CASHIERS SAPPHIRE NEWS



Transcript:
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Saturday to all! This is Hannah Lee and today is March 28th, the 87th day of 2026.
We have quite a bit of information this week including our new segment, the top 5 news items of the week.
A quick check of area temperatures shows it is 55 at the Highlands Newspaper, 58 at Cashiers Lake, and 57 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy will cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
It’s been a busy and meaningful week across the Plateau—here are the five stories you need to know:
First, the region is mourning the loss of longtime state representative Mike Clampitt, who passed away at 71 after a battle with cancer. Clampitt was widely respected across party lines for his dedication to Western North Carolina, especially his leadership during disaster recovery efforts. His passing leaves a vacancy in District 119, with a replacement to be appointed in the coming days.
In Cashiers, the Chamber of Commerce has officially unveiled its newly renovated visitor center after more than a year of upgrades. The refreshed space is designed to be more welcoming for both visitors and locals, with improvements ranging from structural updates to brighter interiors—part of a broader effort to enhance the area’s tourism experience.
Over in Highlands, town leaders tackled several high-impact decisions, including a controversial rezoning request on Dillard Road. After a split vote and public pushback, the board ultimately denied the request, signaling a cautious approach to future commercial growth. At the same time, officials approved plans for major events like the Highlands Motoring Festival and Fourth of July celebrations, along with a nearly $1.6 million playground project.
In community news, the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers is preparing to open its 2026 grant cycle through the Bazaar Barn outreach program. The initiative continues to be a major source of funding for local nonprofits, distributing nearly half a million dollars last year alone to support everything from education to food security.
On a more personal note, our founder, Rick Stargel’s family recently went through the process of closing his inlaw’s home in Sapphire Valley. They were incredibly fortunate to have the help of Skip Ryan, the manager of the Bazaar Barn.
Skip played a vital role in helping us clear out the house; items that weren't a fit for the Bazaar Barn were donated to Habitat for Humanity. They are so grateful for his hard work and expertise. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping by the Bazaar Barn to support them and see what they have in store.
And finally, a bit of unexpected excitement this week, a small earthquake shook parts of Macon and Jackson counties on March 23. The 2.7 magnitude tremor was felt across the region, sparking calls to 911 but fortunately causing no reported damage.
Alright, let’s get you outside—because this time of year on the Plateau is about as good as it gets. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and just enough chill in the air to make it feel like an adventure.
First up: chase some waterfalls.
This is prime time for waterfall hunting, especially after recent rains. You’ve got iconic spots like Dry Falls—where you can actually walk behind the waterfall—and Whitewater Falls, one of the tallest in the Southeast. The trails are in great shape right now, and the water flow is strong, making for some seriously impressive views.
Second: hit the hiking trails for early spring views.
Before the summer crowds roll in, this is the perfect window to explore. Try Whiteside Mountain for breathtaking cliffside views or take a more relaxed stroll around Glen Falls for a mix of forest and cascading water. You’ll get cool temps, quieter trails, and maybe even the first hints of spring starting to pop.
And third: get out on the water, or near it.
Head over to Lake Glenville for a peaceful afternoon. It’s a great time for a picnic, a shoreline walk, or even an early-season paddle if you’re feeling brave. The crowds are light, the views are wide open, and the mountains reflecting off the water—hard to beat. Check out the Pines Recreation Area.
So whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking to epic views, or just soaking in some quiet lake time, this is your week to get outside and enjoy everything Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley have to offer.
Here’s Cassidy about what your weather will be like this weekend.
Hello again from The High South! For travelers heading to Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley over the next three days, expect a crisp start to spring with a mix of sunshine and passing clouds. High temperatures will hover between the mid-50s and low 60s, though overnight lows will remain quite chilly, dipping into the mid-20s to low 30s, so you'll want those extra layers for your evening strolls. While the region is known for its sudden mountain showers, the forecast remains largely dry through Monday before a chance of light rain returns on Tuesday.
Thanks Cassidy.
Thank you for tuning in again! Remember, 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 early next week!

March 19 - Music - Music - Music



Happy Thursday! This is Hannah Lee with a where to find music episode on Radio Cashiers. Today is March 19th, the 78th day of 2026.
Did the recent cold snap catch you by surprise? Let’s look at current area temperatures. It is 38 at the Highlands Newspaper, 40at Cashiers Lake, and 40 atop old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy will cover a more detailed weather report in a second.
If you’re visiting Highlands, Cashiers, or Sapphire Valley this week, you’ve picked a great time to catch some of that intimate, local mountain soul before the big summer crowds arrive.
Now, because it’s still the 'shoulder season,' the big outdoor amphitheaters aren't quite rocking yet, but the local taverns and inns are picking up the slack.
If you’re on the plateau, Thursday, March 19th, you’ve got two great options depending on your mood. Over in Cashiers, the Cashiers Celtic Table is the place to be. Myron Hyman is a local legend around here, and he kicks off around 5:00 PM. It’s the kind of spot where you can grab a pint, some great comfort food, and just soak in the community atmosphere.
Meanwhile, back in Highlands on Thursday night, the Highlander Mountain House is hosting Blues Night with Scott Low at the Ruffed Grouse Tavern starting at 6:00. This is one of my personal favorites—it’s got that upscale 'mountain lodge' feel, very moody and soulful, perfect for a crisp March evening.
If you’re sticking around for the weekend, keep an eye on the Highlands Performing Arts Center. While they’re transitioning between musical acts, they are performing Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap this Sunday afternoon. It’s a great cultural pivot if the spring mist rolls in and you want to stay indoors.
Just a heads up for your planning: if you’re looking for those big 'dancing in the grass' concerts at Sapphire Valley Resort or the Highlands Friday Night Live series, those are still a few weeks out, usually kicking off in May. For now, it’s all about these cozy, indoor sessions where you can actually chat with the musicians between sets.
Now, if you're planning those evening outings to catch some music, you’ll definitely want to keep a jacket handy.
Cassidy is back to cover the weather.
Thanks Hannah, here’s what the sky has in store for us over the next few days:
 Wednesday, March 18: We’re looking at a pretty crisp and bright day. Expect plenty of sunshine with highs reaching the mid-50s. It’s perfect for a daytime hike, but as soon as the sun dips behind the mountains, it’ll drop quickly into the low 30s. If you’re heading out, that's definitely 'heavy coat' weather!
 Thursday, March 19: This is our big night for live music with Myron Hyman in Cashiers and Scott Low in Highlands. The weather should cooperate nicely—it'll stay mostly clear with a high around 58 . Evening temperatures will be a bit more manageable, hovering in the high 30s, so it’s a great night to grab a seat near the hearth at the Ruffed Grouse Tavern.
 Friday, March 20: We might see a few more clouds rolling in as we head toward the weekend. Highs will stay steady in the upper 50s, and we’re looking at a low of about 40 .
Back to Hannah Lee to take us out.
So, the verdict? It’s classic Carolina mountain spring—sunny and brisk by day, but quite chilly once the music starts. Stick to the indoor venues, keep a warm layer nearby, and you’ll be all set.
Safe travels, and I’ll see you at the next set!"
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 RadioCashiers.com.

March 15 - THREE SEASON TRANSITION



Good morning, this is Cassidy with Radio Cashiers with a special episode looking at our changing weather! Over the next three days, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau will undergo a dramatic transition as a powerful cold front replaces unseasonal warmth with a return to harsh winter conditions.
Here’s the Three-Day Weather Outlook Today (Sunday, March 15): Let’s call it The Calm Before the Storm Conditions remain relatively mild but increasingly unsettled. Expect mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers developing in the afternoon. Highs will reach the upper 50s to low 60s, maintaining a spring-like feel before the transition begins overnight.
Monday (March 16): The "Three-Season" Transition A sharp cold front will push through the region, bringing heavy rain and patchy fog during the day. As the front passes in the afternoon and evening, temperatures will plummet from the 50s into the teens and 20s. This rapid cooling will cause rain to flip over to snow showers, especially at higher elevations.
And for Tuesday (March 17): . Cold, Blustery & Wintry Deep winter returns with frigid temperatures in a "once-in-a-decade" extreme change. Highs will struggle to reach 33 to 37 in Highlands and Cashiers. The day will be blustery, with non-thunderstorm wind gusts potentially reaching 35 to 45+ miles per hour, creating significant wind chills and keeping any lingering snow showers in the forecast.
And here is a heads up - While significant travel difficulties aren't immediately expected due to recently warm road surfaces, patchy black ice may form Monday night as temperatures drop well below freezing.
For links to important weather resources, go to Radio Cashiers.com. There you will also find our suggested dining venues, find area web cams, and other important information.

MARCH 13 - SHOULDER SEASON TO DO



Happy Friday! This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is March 13th, the 72nd day of 2026.
As we always do, a quick check of area temperatures shows it is 39 degrees at the Highlands Newspaper, 29 at Cashiers Lake, and 29 atop old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. We’ll cover a more detailed weather report in a second.
"Welcome back to Radio Cashiers. Today, we’re talking about my favorite time of year: the shoulder season. That window between the winter chill and the summer rush when the crowds thin out and the mountains start to breathe again. In Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire, this is when you get the 'insider' experience. The air is crisp, the waterfalls are at their most powerful from spring rain, and you can actually get a table at the best spots without a month's notice."
"First up, let’s talk about nature. Spring showers make this the absolute best time for waterfall hopping.
The Big Three: You must see Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in Highlands. Because the leaves aren't fully in yet, you get much clearer sightlines of the cascades.
Sapphire’s Hidden Gems: Head to Gorges State Park for Rainbow Falls. The 150-foot drop is thunderous this time of year.
The Quiet Trails: For a peaceful stroll, the Highlands Biological Station offers the Creekside Trail. It’s a short, lush walk where you can spot early trilliums and wildflowers starting to peak through the forest floor."
How about Town Life: Shopping & Local Events
"When you're ready to head into town, things are waking up.
For Sapphire Valley: If you're here around Easter, the Sapphire Valley Resort is hosting a free Easter Egg Decorating Contest on April 3rd and a massive Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th—perfect for the kids.
For The Arts Scene: Check out The Bascom in Highlands for their 'Fiber Club' or 'Paint and Sip' events. It’s a great way to stay cozy if a spring mist rolls in.
Retail Therapy: This is the best time for antiquing. Hit up Reclamations in the area to hunt for treasures before the summer collectors arrive. Many boutiques on Main Street Highlands are debuting their spring collections now, often with personalized service you just can't get in July."
Now for some Shoulder Season Dining.
"Let's talk food. While a few spots are seasonal, many local staples are open and ready for you.
Casual Hangs: For a post-hike brew, Whiteside Brewing Co. or The Ugly Dog Pub are the heart of the local scene. You’ll likely find live music on the weekends, like Myron Hyman at the Cashiers Celtic Table.
If you are coming out of Gorges after a hike, check out any of our favorites: Slopeside Tavern or Micas Mountain Kitchen for lunch. Later in the day The Fix and The Library open for late day, evening eats and drinks.
Fine Dining: If you want that white-linen experience, the Old Edwards Inn offers serene dining and world-class spa treatments that feel even more exclusive during the quiet months."
And look who it is, Cassidy is back to take us out.
Here is a little more detail about the weather. Today and Tomorrow: Sunshine dominates across the plateau , with mild afternoons in the mid 50s to mid 60s and chilly, clear nights in the low 30s to mid 40s. It’s a classic Blue Ridge spring—bright, calm, and perfect for hiking or wandering Main Street. By Sunday, Clouds thicken and light rain moves in, especially by midday. Highs hover in the upper‑50s, and breezy conditions make it feel cooler. Expect a shift from sunglasses to rain jackets as the mountains soak up a gentle round of showers. It’s a “start sunny, end soggy”, kind of stretch—great for early‑trip adventures, with a cozy, rain‑washed finale perfect for cafés, fireplaces, and slow mountain afternoons.
"So, pack your layers—mornings are chilly but afternoons are glorious. The shoulder season isn't just a gap in the calendar; it’s the plateau’s best-kept secret. Thanks for listening to The Plateau Pulse. We’ll see you on the trails."
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.

March 9th - Blasting in Highlands



Happy Monday! This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is March 9th, the 68th day of 2026. We’re dropping this podcast late today so let’s check the evening temps around the plateau. At 6pm it is 67 at the Highlands Newspaper, 68 at Cashiers Lake, and 66 atop old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. We’ll cover a more detailed weather report in a second.
Here are some news shorts:
"Drawn to the Plateau" Youth Art Launch,
A major new community collaboration debuted this week. The Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau teamed up with The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts to launch "Drawn to the Plateau," a youth art exhibition. The show highlights the creative talents of local children and reinforces the region’s growing reputation as an arts destination.
News in Highlands includes the “Highlands House" Hotel and Blasting Activity at 424 Pine Street, the site of the former Bank of America building. This project, led by Ross Hotel Partners requires blasting for the hotel's foundation. This phase of construction is critical due to the town's mountainous terrain and is expected to cause intermittent noise and traffic management shifts in the Pine Street area.
The town's primary shopping hub, Highlands Plaza, is undergoing a phased renovation to modernize its facilities. Renovations include aesthetic upgrades and essential structural improvements to accommodate high-volume visitor traffic.
Let’s get outside!
Keep in mind that while temperatures are "near record" highs in the low 70s, the region's temperate rainforest status means you should expect scattered showers and damp trails.
First up, let’s go Waterfall Hopping at Gorges State Park.
This is the week to visit Gorges State Park in Sapphire. With recent rain and warm temperatures, the waterfalls are at peak flow. You will take a strenuous but rewarding hike to Rainbow Falls, where the Horsepasture River plunges 150 feet over a sapphire-blue rock face.
Here is a Pro Tip: If the trails are too muddy, stick to the Upper Bearwallow Falls Overlook, which is a shorter, 30-minute hike from the picnic shelter.
Next up - Scenic Skyline Views on Whiteside Mountain. Located right on the Eastern Continental Divide between Highlands and Cashiers, Whiteside Mountain is the plateau’s crown jewel for hiking. The 2.5-mile loop takes you along the edge of 700-foot vertical cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This is also a great spot for bird watching; look out for Peregrine Falcons, which often nest on the high rock faces this time of year.
OK, here is an Easy-Access "Wet Weather" Wonders in Highlands.
If the forecasted afternoon thundershowers make a long hike risky, stick to the gorge waterfalls along Highway 64. Dry Falls is the must-see—a paved path allows you to walk directly behind the 75-foot roaring curtain of water while staying relatively dry.
Here is a Bonus Stop: Just up the road is Bridal Veil Falls, which you can view right from your car if the rain picks up.
OK, here is your weather forecast!
For your next three days in the Blue Ridge mountains, expect a surprisingly warm but damp stretch across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley:
Today (Monday, March 9): Had warm start with highs hitting 70, and was sunny after some area fog.
Tuesday (March 10): The warmest day of the window, reaching highs of 71 to 72 . Expect "light rain showers" or "broken clouds" throughout the day.
Wednesday (March 11): Temperatures remain mild, peaking around 69 to 74 . However, the skies will stay overcast with a persistent 40% chance of rain as a cold front approaches for later in the week.
Here’s your Travel Tip: Keep a rain jacket handy! We sit in a temperate rainforest zone, so while the "near record" warmth is great for hiking, quick mountain showers are likely.
Ok, in wrapping up, remember, for 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. This is Hannah Lee, we’ll see you again later in the week.

March 2nd - Ski Sapphire Closes, Waterfall Crawl



Happy Monday! This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is March 2nd, the 61st day of 2026.
A quick check of area temperatures shows it is 46 degrees at the Highlands Newspaper, 44 at Cashiers Lake, and 48 atop old Bald Rock Mountain in Sapphire Valley. We’ll cover a more detailed weather report in a second.
And now, for a bit of a bittersweet update for our winter sports fans: yesterday, Sunday, March 1st, officially marked Closing Day at Ski Sapphire Valley.
It really was a picture-perfect finale. The valley saw sunny skies and beautiful 'spring-like' conditions, with a solid groomed base of 12 to 40 inches for those final runs of the 2025-26 season. Looking back, it’s been a fantastic run since they kicked things off in mid-December. From the Frozen Falls Tube Park to the dual-chair lifts, it’s been a season defined by great snowmaking and that classic, family-friendly atmosphere the Plateau is known for.
As for Sapphire Valley, the focus now shifts to the 'green' season. We’re talking hiking at Gorges State Park, golf, and pickleball as the mountain transitions into its stunning spring colors. Huge thanks to the mountain crews for a stellar winter!"
"As we pack away the skis, the Plateau is officially shifting gears. But don't throw those winter coats in the attic just yet—here is how to spend your spring in the mountains:
While Ski Sapphire Valley officially wrapped up its ski season yesterday, the winter fun isn't totally over! The Highlands Outpost in Scaly Mountain is keeping the adrenaline pumping. They are continuing their Snow Tubing sessions and keeping the Scaly Mountain Screamer coaster running. It’s the perfect way to get that final 'snow fix' even as the valley floors start to green up.
Let’s get ready for Spring Festivals & Community Fun:
Easter on The Green on April 4th: Head to The Village Green of Cashiers for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. It’s a community staple for families with kids aged 11 and under.
Orchard Sessions on April 23rd: If you're looking for a sophisticated evening, catch Mike Kennebrew performing live at The Farm at Old Edwards. It’s the quintessential Highlands experience: live music, great wine, and mountain air.
Artistic Awakenings: Stop by The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts to see their new spring exhibitions. Their March 21st reception is a great chance to mingle with the local creative community.
How about some Prime Hiking for Waterfall Season:
Spring is the best time for 'Waterfall Chasing' due to the seasonal runoff:
Rainbow Falls: Located in Gorges State Park, this 150-foot giant is roaring right now.
Whiteside Mountain: This iconic loop is a must for the views, but also for birdwatching. This is the time of year Peregrine Falcons return to nest on the high cliff faces.
Botanical Blooms: For a gentler pace, the Highlands Botanical Garden offers easy walks to see the first mountain wildflowers poking through the soil.
Whether you're hitting the tube slides one last time at the Outpost or hitting the trails, spring on the Plateau is truly unmatched."
"Looking at the skies for the next few days, it’s a bit of a mixed bag as we transition into early March. If you’re heading out for those newly opened hiking trails or hitting the Highlands Outpost for snow tubing, here is what you need to know:
Today (Monday, March 2nd: Expect a grey start to the week across the Plateau. We’re looking at mostly cloudy skies with a few scattered showers possible throughout the day. Highs will hover right around 51°F in Highlands and Cashiers, while Sapphire might feel a touch cooler with a high of 50°F. If you’re out after sunset, expect temperatures to dip into the low 40s.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3rd): The damp weather lingers into Tuesday. You’ll want to keep that raincoat handy as we anticipate light rain and overcast conditions for much of the day. Temperatures remain steady with highs reaching about 51°F to 53°F. It’s a perfect day to explore the indoor galleries at The Bascom or grab a cozy seat at Cornucopia.
Wednesday (March 4th): We start to see a bit of a shift by mid-week. While it stays mostly cloudy, the rain should begin to taper off into light sprinkles early on. We’ll also see a nice little warm-up; highs are expected to climb into the low 60s—reaching up to 63°F in some areas. It’s a great afternoon to scout out a local patio for some fresh mountain air.
Just a quick reminder: March 1st through the 7th is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in North Carolina. Even though it's a quiet start, always keep an eye on the National Weather Service when traveling through these higher elevations."
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.

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