October 2026 Episodes

October 23, 2026
Episode: Peak Fall Colors, Polar Plunges, & Dining on the Plateau



Transcript:
Episode: Peak Fall Colors, Polar Plunges, & Dining on the Plateau

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
 I’m Hannah Lee, with your guide to everything happening across our stunning Western North Carolina plateau.
Today is October 23rd, the 296th day of 2026, and let’s look at the weather across our section of The High South. Let’s talk numbers: we’ve got a cool 43 degrees at the Highlands Newspaper, a beautiful 49 down at Cashiers Lake, and 44 way up at Boneyard Gap on Old Baldy in Sapphire Valley.
Welcome to your Weekly Roundup, your audio guide to everything happening across the plateau in Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands, North Carolina. Grab a warm beverage and settle in as we take a five-minute stroll through the latest news, upcoming events, and the incredible food and music scene defining our mountain communities.
We begin with our top headlines and seasonal happenings. Autumn is in full swing across the mountains, drawing visitors from all over to witness the breathtaking peak fall colors along North Carolina Highway 64. With the leaves dropping, local naturalists are hosting guided walks to explore the science and beauty behind the changing canopy. Meanwhile, community conversations are active, with local focus shifting toward regional housing availability and the challenges facing our growing plateau workforce. Looking just slightly ahead to the winter season, registration has officially opened for the legendary Cold Turkey Polar Plunge. This family-friendly event takes place late next month at the Sapphire Valley Resorts to raise vital funds for the Special Olympics of North Carolina.
If you are looking for things to do this week, the plateau is bursting with activity. Art lovers can head over to the annual Fall Colors Fine Art Show, a juried exhibition showcasing spectacular original works by our region's finest artists. For a taste of local harvest, the Cashiers Farmers Market is fully stocked with fresh mountain apples, local pumpkin treats, and cider, making it the perfect starting point before a crisp morning walk through the sculptures at The Village Green. For those who want to lace up their hiking boots, the cooler weather provides pristine visibility at Gorges State Park along the Rainbow Falls Trail, as well as the deeper backcountry paths of Panthertown Valley.
When the sun goes down, the local music calendar comes alive, providing plenty of options to catch fantastic live tunes across the plateau. If you are looking for a great spot to gather, the region features incredible music hubs. Keep an eye out for regular live music sessions and acoustic performances at places like the Cashiers Celtic Table, which blends southern hospitality with a refined Irish twist. You can also catch daytime entertainment at Brookings Anglers in Cashiers on Saturday afternoons or enjoy the lively outdoor concert series like Groovin' on the Green when the weather permits.
Of course, all that exploring works up an appetite, and the dining scene here is world-class. Starting in Sapphire Valley, you cannot miss a visit to the Slopeside Tavern. Situated right at the base of the ski hill, this casual, unpretentious family-friendly favorite offers beautiful slope views and an amazing atmosphere. Guests frequently rave that it serves up the best food and service in the area, beating out many expensive alternatives. The menu goes far beyond typical pub food, featuring standout favorites like their famous tater tots, campfire chili, game-day wings, and hearty burgers. It is also an entertainment destination in its own right, hosting live acoustic music, fire pit evenings, and bingo nights. If you want to explore other Sapphire options, Mica’s has been a staple pub for exceptional food since 1983, while The FIX Bar & Lounge offers an upscale sports-watching environment.
Moving into Cashiers, fine cuisine takes center stage at places like The Orchard Restaurant, where you can enjoy southern-inspired American fare inside a beautifully restored historic farmhouse surrounded by garden views. If you are over in Highlands, the culinary landscape is equally impressive. You can indulge in New American fine dining at Madison's Restaurant inside the Old Edwards Inn, treat yourself to lakeside elegance at On The Verandah overlooking Lake Sequoyah, or dive into contemporary tapas and paella at The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek.
OK! How about this weather?
 Today we are looking at the beautiful southern Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are heading out to the North Carolina plateau this weekend, you are in for an absolute treat. The weather across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley is looking stunning, making it the perfect weekend for chasing waterfalls, hiking, or viewing the autumn colors. Let us dive into your day-by-day forecast.
Starting on Friday, we have a glorious day lined up across the entire plateau. You can expect plenty of bright sunshine and clear blue skies, which is perfect if you are driving along US 64. Up in Highlands, the high will reach 60 degrees with an overnight low dropping down to a crisp 38 degrees. In Cashiers, it will be just a touch warmer with a high of 61 degrees and a chilly low of 42 degrees. Down in Sapphire Valley, you will see a matching daytime high of 60 degrees, dipping down to a cool 41 degrees overnight. Make sure to pack your layers because once that sun goes down, that mountain air cools off fast.
Moving into Saturday, the beautiful autumn weather continues with mostly sunny conditions and just a few scattered clouds drifting through the valleys. Highlands will see a daytime high of 59 degrees and a very brisk low of 35 degrees overnight. Cashiers stays relatively steady with a lovely high of 61 degrees and a chilly low of 34 degrees. Sapphire Valley will hit a high of 59 degrees during the afternoon, with clear skies bringing the temperature down to 36 degrees overnight. It is an ideal day to tackle the Whiteside Mountain trail or spend some time on the water at Lake Glenville.
Finally, looking ahead to Sunday, the weekend wraps up with another spectacular, mostly sunny day. Highlands will top out at 58 degrees during the afternoon and hit its coldest point of the weekend at night with a frosty low of 33 degrees. Cashiers will see a high of 61 degrees with an overnight low dropping to 33 degrees. Sapphire Valley holds onto the sunshine with a high of 58 degrees and an overnight low of 37 degrees.
Overall, it is a spectacular, dry weekend with zero chance of rain to ruin your outdoor plans. Just remember to bring a heavy jacket for those early mornings and late evenings. Enjoy your mountain getaway!
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to check out our Local Music Calendar on our website as there are music sets everywhere this week and weekend. 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. This is Radio Cashiers, keeping you connected to the community all season long.
 See you next time!

Summary:
Join Hannah Lee on Radio Cashiers for your five-minute High South Weekly Roundup across the Western North Carolina plateau! This episode covers peak autumn leaf-peeping along Highway 64, guided canopy walks, community updates on regional workforce housing, and winter registration dates for the Cold Turkey Polar Plunge. Plus, we explore top local activities like the Fall Colors Fine Art Show, seasonal treats at the Cashiers Farmers Market, and hiking tips for Panthertown Valley. Finally, get the inside scoop on the area's vibrant live music calendar and world-class dining destinations across Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands, NC.



October 19, 2026
Episode: Sapphire Valley Slopes, Outhouse Races, and Crisp Autumn Adventures

Transcript:
Episode: Sapphire Valley Slopes, Outhouse Races, and Crisp Autumn Adventures
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
 I’m Hannah Lee, your solo guide to everything happening across our stunning Western North Carolina plateau.
Today is October 19, the 292nd day of 2026, and let’s look at the weather across our section of The High South. Let’s talk numbers: we’ve got a cool 59 at the Highlands Newspaper, a beautiful 64 down at Cashiers Lake, and a 56 way up on Old Baldy in Sapphire Valley.
Alright, winter sports fans and lovers of the wonderfully weird, grab your calendars because we have some major news coming out of western North Carolina. Ski Sapphire Valley just dropped their updates for the upcoming season, and you are going to want to lock these dates in.
First up, let’s talk slopes. The target opening date for the season is officially set for Saturday, December 12th! Of course, that’s all dependent on Mother Nature and when the snow guns can really start firing up, but the countdown to carving down the main run or hitting the bunny slopes is officially on.
But if you want the absolute crown jewel of the Sapphire Valley winter calendar, you need to flip your calendar over to February. Mark down Saturday, February 6th, because the legendary Great Outhouse Races are back!
If you’ve never heard of this, picture a massive, half-day tailgate party at the base of the mountain. People literally build custom outhouses on skis, parade them around for a static judging contest, and then launch them straight down the main ski slope in head-to-head races. It is exactly as hilarious and chaotic as it sounds. The Rotary Club of Cashiers will be out there slinging hot dogs and drinks, there’s live music, and it’s just a peak community tradition. Be sure to use the links to Ski Sapphire on the Radio Cashiers web site and we’ll see you on the slopes!
In other news we are looking at an absolutely jam-packed week of live entertainment, fine dining, and crisp autumn adventures running from Monday, October 19th, through Sunday, October 25th.
Whether you are hitting the trails in Sapphire Valley, shopping the boutique spots in Cashiers, or looking for world-class food in Highlands, we have got you covered. Grab a warm cup of cider and let’s dive right into this week’s top events.
First up, a major community milestone in Highlands. This Wednesday, October 21st, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its massive 95th Anniversary. They are tying the celebration directly into Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day with an Open House at the Highlands Welcome Center right on Main Street from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Stop by for some refreshments, live music, and a raffle to win great local merchandise. No RSVP is needed, just drop right in!
Now, let's talk about the absolute explosion of autumn color happening right outside your window. If you’ve ever wondered about the science behind why these mountain leaves turn such vibrant shades of crimson and gold, you’ll want to meet up for the "Leaves of Change" naturalist walk this Friday morning, October 23rd, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. It's a completely free, all-ages walk along the beautiful Kelsey Trail, starting at Lower Lake Road. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and breathe in that fresh mountain air.
If you're looking for late-night entertainment and live performance, theatre is back on the Plateau this weekend. From Thursday through Sunday, you can catch the "Dracula Double Feature and Other Haunting Treats". It's a fantastic evening of spooky delights built around two short comedy plays by Dennis Snee: Almost the Bride of Dracula and Midlife Dracula.
And for our gamers and shoppers, Saturday, October 24th features a brilliant Mahjong Social at Spruce Interiors. Beginners can join at 10:00 AM for mimosas, a Mahjong 101 crash course, and a lovely lunch from Secret Garden. Experienced players can step in at 12:30 PM for scored play and shopping.
Alright, let’s talk about live music and where to grab a fantastic bite to eat, because the music calendar across Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands is absolutely bursting this week.
If you find yourself over in Sapphire Valley, your first stop for dining and live music must be the iconic Slopeside Tavern. Tucked right by the ski slopes, it is the ultimate casual mountain hangout. Locals love the laid-back, friendly tavern atmosphere, and it’s the perfect spot to tuck into a hearty burger, some wings, or a local craft beer after a day out exploring the valley.
If you want to keep the party going in Sapphire, make your way over to Micas Mountain Kitchen. Micas features fantastic live music at their Firefly Bar every single Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday night, making it an absolute staple for weekend nightlife.
Heading over to Cashiers, the culinary and entertainment scene is just as vibrant. A huge highlight right now is Cashiers Celtic Table. They serve up incredible, traditional Irish fare alongside classic American cuisine. Even better? Every single Wednesday night from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, they host live music to bring that authentic, high-energy Celtic night vibe straight to the heart of Cashiers.
If you’re looking for a great spot to catch a game or relax with an acoustic set, check out Brookings' Blue Line Bar, which is hosting live music this Saturday afternoon with Static 85 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. For great week-round vibes, check out Happ’s Place, where they have live music lined up nearly every single night this week—including Corey Stevenson on Wednesday, Dillon Brown on Thursday, Kayla McKinney on Friday, and Kody Paul on Saturday.
Finally, let’s look at Highlands, which remains a world-class destination for foodies and music lovers alike. If you are looking for classic mountain sophistication, you have to talk about Old Edwards. Throughout the entire month of October, they celebrate Oktoberfest with a brilliant Bavarian flair. You can head over to Madison's or The Wine Garden to enjoy traditional pretzels, authentic Bavarian beers, German wines, and cozy mugs of warm Glühwein.
For a cozy tavern experience with a creative menu, head over to The Ruffed Grouse Tavern at the Highlander Mountain House. They offer incredible dining throughout the week, but you won't want to miss their Blues Music nights on Thursdays or their famous Bluegrass Brunch on Sunday mornings.
If you're hunting for casual, high-energy spots in town, check out The Ugly Dog, which features Bluegrass on Wednesday night, Karaoke on Friday, and Music Bingo this Sunday. Or check out 4118 Kitchen plus Bar for a great cocktail and live music with Matt Molesworth this Thursday evening.
Whether you're raising a pint at the Slopeside Tavern or taking a naturalist walk under the autumn canopy, this week on the Plateau promises to be unforgettable. That’s all for today’s episode of The Plateau Pulse. Get out there, enjoy the music, savor the incredible food, and we'll catch you next week!
How about perfect weather for the next four days. If you are packing your bags for Highlands, Cashiers, or Sapphire Valley, you are in for a stretch of spectacular mountain weather.
Let’s start with Highlands.
For today, expect beautiful blue skies with a high of 69 and an overnight low of 44. Moving into tomorrow, the sunshine continues as the high climbs to a very comfortable 74, dropping down to a crisp 47 at night. On Wednesday, the pleasant conditions hold steady with another sunny high of 74 and a low of 48. Thursday wraps up the four-day stretch with plenty of mountain sun, a high of 74, and a low of 48.
Next up is Cashiers, where things look equally inviting.
Today brings pure sunshine with a high of 64 and a chilly overnight low of 35. Tomorrow, expect mostly sunny skies with a high of 66 and an overnight low of 42. Wednesday will feature clear, sunny skies with a high of 66 and a low of 42. Thursday stays beautifully clear with a high of 66 and an overnight low of 43.
Finally, let us look at the forecast for Sapphire Valley.
Today things start off with bright sunshine, a high of 64 , and an overnight low of 37. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny with a high of 67 and a low of 45. On Wednesday, the sunshine remains dominant with a high of 67 and a low of 45. Thursday keeps the sunny trend alive with a high of 67 and an overnight low of 45.
It is a perfect four days for hiking, exploring the waterfalls, or just enjoying the autumn views across the plateau. Grab a light jacket for those cool mountain mornings and enjoy your trip.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to check out our Local Music Calendar on our website as there are music sets everywhere this week and weekend. 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. This is Radio Cashiers, keeping you connected to the community all season long.
 See you next time!

Summary:

❄️ BIG WINTER UPDATES & OUTHOUSE RACES! 🚽✨
The countdown to winter in The High South is officially ON! In today’s episode of Radio Cashiers, Hannah Lee breaks down everything you need to know about the upcoming season at Ski Sapphire Valley.
Here are the major highlights to lock into your calendar:
🗓️ Saturday, December 12th: Target Opening Day for the slopes (weather permitting)!
🗓️ Saturday, February 6th: The legendary, chaotic, and hilarious Great Outhouse Races are back! Think custom outhouses on skis, head-to-head downhill racing, live music, and a massive community tailgate hosted by the Rotary Club of Cashiers.


October 13, 2026
Episode: Village Green Upgrades – Music – The Fix Update

Transcript:

Episode: Village Green Upgrades – Music – The Fix Update
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers! You’re guide for everything happening right here in our mountain slice of heaven. I’m your host, Hannah Lee, and today we are looking at the week ahead across Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands, North Carolina. We have hit that gorgeous mid-October stretch, and let me tell you, the plateau is absolutely buzzing with the beginnings of autumn color, fantastic local food, and plenty of live music. Grab a hot cider, settle in, and let's dive into what's happening around town.
First up, let’s talk about news and community events. If you've driven past the Village Green in Cashiers lately, you might have noticed some activity. Just yesterday, a major groundbreaking ceremony took place to kick off much-needed upgrades to local playground restroom facilities. Once this project wraps up, the area will feature year-round, fully ADA-accessible restrooms, which is fantastic news for families and community events heading into the future.
Speaking of family events, if you are looking to get the kids outside, the Youth Nature Series at The Village Green is hosting an event this afternoon at four o'clock on the Commons Lawn on Frank Allen Road. This session is all about "Magnifying the Magical World of Moss", a perfect chance for beginner young scientists to explore our unique mountain ecosystem. And for the foodies looking to stock up on seasonal treats, the Locally Grown Farmers Market is happening tomorrow, Wednesday, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at The Commons. It's a wonderful opportunity to choose the "food less traveled" and support our local farmers.
Now, if you look at the official music calendars for our region, there is no shortage of spectacular venues, keeping the autumn nights alive. Up in Highlands, the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street is a major hub this weekend. On Friday night, they host a spooktacular Dracula Double Feature screening paired with some hauntingly delicious, themed treats. Then on Saturday evening, get ready for an absolute powerhouse of a show as the Chi-Town Transit Authority takes the stage—they are an incredible tribute band dedicated to the music of Chicago, bringing heavy brass, intense harmonies, and massive energy.
Another top-tier music venue to keep your eyes on is the Highlander Mountain House right on Main Street. They have a fantastic Sunday Bluegrass Brunch that pairs high-energy acoustic strings with an incredible morning menu. And later this month, their renowned Salon Series will feature an intimate evening performance by acclaimed alt-country and Americana singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards.
If you are looking to dive into the local art scene this weekend, make sure to head to the Fall Colors Fine Art Show on Saturday morning starting at ten o'clock, held near the recreation park area in Highlands. It’s an open-air celebration of fine visual art set right against our jaw-dropping autumn leaves.
Now, let's talk dining because a day out on the plateau isn't complete without some incredible food. Down in Sapphire Valley, you absolutely have to stop by the Slopeside Tavern, located right at the base of the ski area. This spot is a local legend for a reason. It features a massive, dog-friendly, covered patio with a beautiful, direct view of the ski slopes, and the atmosphere inside is incredibly cozy with a warm fireplace. Locals rave that the food is always fresh and way more elevated than standard pub fare—think coconut shrimp over saffron rice, delicious burgers, country fried steak, and an awesome apple butter Old Fashioned to sip on. Plus, they feature great live music on the patio, making it the perfect casual escape from the busier downtown crowds.
If you are exploring other dining options, Mica's Mountain Kitchen—also in Sapphire Valley—offers fantastic American fare with a great outdoor patio.
And check this out, The FIX, also in Sapphire Valley, is officially reopening its original space and unveiling a brand-new look on Wednesday, October 14th. Listeners can look forward to more sports, more music, and an expanded drink selection. The team at The FIX invites everyone to come by, eat, drink, gather, and experience the upgraded atmosphere. They are incredibly grateful for the community's patience and understanding through all their recent changes, and they cannot wait to show off the new space.
Up in Cashiers, you can check out the local brewery scene or the casual eateries lining the crossroads, while Highlands offers upscale options like the tavern at Highlander Mountain House or cozy lunch spots like Bodega by the Bull on North 4th Street, which hosts live music on Mondays.
Before you map out your week, let’s look at the sky with your four-day weather forecast. We are looking at a spectacular stretch of classic autumn weather, but a major temperature drop is on the horizon.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, expect glorious, bright sunny skies with a beautiful high of 78 degrees and a comfortable low of 55 at night. Thursday keeps that perfect streak going—clear, sunny, and reaching another daytime high of 78 with a low of 60 degrees.
On Friday, things start to shift. We will see mostly sunny skies during the day with a high of 74, but a cold front moves in overnight, sending the low plummeting down to a crisp 39 degrees. By Saturday, you are going to want to dig out those heavy winter coats. It will be beautifully sunny but much cooler, with a daytime high reaching only 52 degrees and an overnight low dropping to a freezing 36. It’s the perfect excuse to light up the fireplace!
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to check out our Local Music Calendar on our website as there are music sets everywhere this week and weekend. 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. This is Radio Cashiers, keeping you connected to the community all season long.
 See you next time!
The plateau is buzzing this week on Radio Cashiers! In our latest episode, host Hannah Lee covers everything you need to know for the week ahead across Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands, North Carolina. We break down the brand-new restroom facility upgrades at the Village Green, look at fun youth nature activities, and preview a packed weekend of live music—including a Chi-Town Transit Authority tribute show at the Highlands Performing Arts Center and the grand reopening of The FIX in Sapphire Valley this Wednesday, October 14th! Plus, we serve up some local dining highlights like Slopeside Tavern and give you a heads-up on a major weekend cold front that will have you digging out your heavy winter coats by Saturday. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now at RadioCashiers.com for all the details, links to our local music calendar, and area webcams!

October 9, 2026
Episode: Special Weather Warning Episode


Transcript: 
Episode: Special Weather Warning Episode
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
 I’m Hannah Lee, your solo guide to everything happening across our stunning Western North Carolina plateau.
Today is October 9, 2026, the 282nd day of 2026,
As of this morning, Friday morning, October 9, 2026, autumn weather across the plateau is currently transitioning.
In Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley: Skies are currently overcast and cloudy with a cool temperature of 57 to 58.
Winds are light out of the east-northeast at 3 to 6 mph, and humidity levels are sitting high near 78%.
While conditions are calm right now, this serves as the final window for outdoor storm preparation. A significant multi-day weather event will begin tonight as the indirect moisture envelope of Hurricane Isaias moves into Western North Carolina.
Hurricane Isaias has rapidly intensified over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico into a powerful system. While the eye and track of the storm will remain well to the west of the Blue Ridge escarpment, the system's massive tropical moisture plume will push directly into Western North Carolina starting tonight.
What about Enhanced Rainfall & Localized Flooding?
Forecast Totals: Expect widespread accumulations of 2 to 4 inches across the mountain counties, with 4 to 6 inches locally possible along the east-facing slopes of the Blue Ridge escarpment.
The Mechanism: East-to-southeast winds will create an "upslope flow" effect. The steep mountainsides will mechanically lift and "wring out" the intense tropical moisture, multiplying rain totals on the plateau.
Timing: Light rain and tropical showers develop late Friday night, turning into heavy, persistent downpours throughout all day Saturday before wrapping up early Sunday morning.
Threats: While widespread catastrophic flooding is not anticipated, localized flooding of low-lying mountain roads, creeks, and streams is likely.
How about Gusty Winds & Isolated Tree Damage?
Wind Forecast: Winds will steady out of the east on Friday night, peaking on Saturday with sustained speeds of 15 to 25 mph. Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are expected along the highest ridgetops and gaps.
Threats: Wind gusts of this magnitude can snap weakened tree limbs and push over shallow-rooted trees in saturated soils, potentially causing scattered power outages.
There is a Low-End Tornado Risk.
 A low-end, highly fluid tropical tornado threat will be monitored across parts of North Carolina late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. While the highest risk is focused further east and south, mountain residents should keep an active method of receiving warnings
Here is your day-by-day timeline.
• Friday (Today): Overcast, quiet, and cool with a high near 65°F. Rain chances remain low (10-15%) through the evening. Action: Finalize indoor emergency kits and clear leaf debris from drainage culverts.
• Friday Night: Tropical rain bands arrive after 9:00 PM. Temperatures drop to a low of 53°F with winds beginning to freshen.
• Saturday, (Your WEATHER WARN DAY). Expect 100% tropical downpours and gusty winds. High temperature near 59°F. East winds gusting up to 35–45 mph. Localized flash flooding and travel delays are highly possible in mountainous passes.
• Sunday: Heavy rainfall tapers off early Sunday morning, giving way to persistent cloudy, damp, and misty conditions for the remainder of the day. High of 59.
• Monday & Monday PM: Tropical moisture completely exits the region. Winds shift to the northwest, clearing out the clouds to bring a drastic, beautiful turnaround. Expect full sunshine by Monday afternoon with a pleasant high reaching 72.
Thank you for tuning in! Stay alert this weekend and stay safe!
Don’t forget we have links to many news, weather, road and emergency services at Radio Cashiers.com. For more information items including our suggested dining venues, find area webcams, and other important information, visit Radio Cashiers.com. This is Radio Cashiers, keeping you connected to the community all season long.
 See you next time – stay safe!
Attention Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley residents: A Special Weather Warning Episode of Radio Cashiers is live now! Host Hannah Lee breaks down everything you need to know about the incoming tropical moisture from Hurricane Isaias, which is set to bring heavy, persistent downpours and wind gusts up to 45 mph to our plateau starting late tonight through Saturday. Head over to RadioCashiers.com right now for the full day-by-day breakdown, area webcams, dining recommendations, and direct links to local emergency, road, and weather services to stay safe and connected all weekend long!

October 2, 2026
Episode: October – Leaf Festivals – Food and Music



Transcript
Episode: October – Leaf Festivals – Food and Music
Hello, high south! Welcome back to Radio Cashiers, your go-to five-minute mountain brief.
This is Hannah Lee, and today is October 2nd, the 275th day of 2026.
We are diving straight into the top news, seasonal events, and the unbeatable local scene across Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands, North Carolina.
But first let us check temperatures across The High South.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 61at the Highlands Newspaper, 63 at Cashiers Lake, and 60 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley.
October is officially here, and that means prime leaf-peeping season is finally arriving in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The local hillsides are just starting to showcase their legendary autumn colors, drawing visitors from all over the region.
The first Arts and Craft festival of October starts in Sapphire Vally this weekend! Running 10AM to 4PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
Then the festival news will be on the massive buzz surrounding the upcoming Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. This highly anticipated three-day celebration takes over the stunning Village Green of Cashiers next weekend, starting Friday, October 9th. It is the ultimate autumn destination. They feature a meticulously curated, juried selection of local and regional artisans. If you are looking for authentic, handmade pottery, jewelry, woodwork, and textiles rather than mass-produced items, this is exactly where you want to be. It makes for a perfect weekend activity for families and serious craft shoppers alike.
Now, if you're trying to figure out what to do tonight or tomorrow, our local music calendar is packed. If you track the area’s live music scene, you know that the premier spots to catch great tunes are our local restaurant lounges and open-air greens.
Let's talk food and vibes, because we have three absolute staples you need to check out while you are touring the Plateau. First up, right at the base of the Sapphire Valley ski slopes, is the rustic Slopeside Tavern. This place is a masterclass in casual mountain comfort. Locals rave that the food and drinks here easily rival the most expensive, white-tablecloth establishments in the area. Definitely don't sleep on their famous flatbreads or their Smoked Blueberry Turkey Melt. Plus, they host phenomenal live music sessions on the patio, making it a stellar weekend hangout.
If you are looking for a lively, upscale sports bar atmosphere, you've got to point your compass toward The Fix Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, located right on Highway 64 across from the Sapphire Valley entrance. Founded by country music artist Erica Nicole, it beautifully bridges contemporary elegance with a high-energy neighborhood gem. They have a killer Thursday night burger special, and their weekend breakfast and brunch on the porch is legendary. Even better news for holiday planners: their expanded event space officially opened this week, complete with a private outdoor patio and fire pits. It's an incredible spot for live music, especially on Saturday nights.
And finally, you cannot pass through Sapphire without stopping at Micas Mountain Kitchen on Logan Creek Trail. A beloved mountain fixture since 1985, Micas serves up fantastic comfort food like hand-tossed, scratch-made New York-style pizzas, prime steaks, and fresh North Carolina rainbow trout. The service is incredibly swift and attentive, and hanging out on their expansive wraparound deck or at the Firefly Bar patio is a classic mountain experience. In fact, if you want live entertainment, head over to Micas' patio tomorrow evening at 6:00 PM to catch Myron Hyman playing a live acoustic set.
Before you walk out the door, let’s take a look at the weather so you can plan your mountain adventures for the next four days:
• Today, Friday: We are looking at beautiful, mostly sunny skies for the bulk of the day with an afternoon high reaching a comfortable 74°F. Keep a light jacket handy for this evening, as temperatures will dip down to a low of 58°F.
• Tomorrow, Saturday: Pack the umbrella if you are heading out. A weather system is moving through, bringing a 60% chance of rain and potential afternoon thunderstorms. Highs will hold steady around 72°F, dropping to a humid 61°F at night.
• Sunday: The wet weather lingers. Expect a dynamic, rainy day with a high precipitation chance pushing 85%. It will feel significantly cooler with a daytime high of only 63°F and a low of 59°F.
• Monday: The clouds will clear right out! We will kick off the workweek with gorgeous, mostly sunny autumn skies. The afternoon will be crisp and pleasant at 70°F, but expect a truly chilly mountain night as the low drops down to 51°F.
That wraps up your five-minute brief. Get out there, enjoy the music, savor the incredible local food, and take in those emerging fall colors. Stay safe, and we will catch you next time on Radio Cashiers!

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