July Episodes

July 28, 2026
Episode: Meteor Showers – Salamanders - Music


Transcript:

Episode: Meteor Showers – Salamanders - Music
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Monday! Let’s get this week started by finding some summer fun!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 28th, the 209th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 66 at the Highlands Newspaper, 68 at Cashiers Lake, and 68 near Bone Yard Gap at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
OK, this is going to sound a bit geeky but bear with me!
Two major meteor showers, the Southern Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids, are set to peak simultaneously overnight on Thursday, July 30, into Friday, July 31, 2026. According to reporting syndicated on MSN via Live Science, the Southern Delta Aquariids are the more active of the two, capable of producing roughly 25 faint shooting stars per hour under ideal conditions. In contrast, the Alpha Capricornids are much slower and less frequent, averaging only about five meteors per hour, but they are highly anticipated for their ability to generate exceptionally bright, colorful fireballs that slice through the darkness.
Stargazers will face a significant visual challenge this year, as the double peak occurs just one night after July's full Buck Moon, leaving the lunar surface 98% illuminated. This intense moonlight glare will threaten to wash out many of the fainter streaks from the Delta Aquariids. To secure the best possible views, astronomers recommend finding a dark location far from city lights between midnight and dawn, positioning yourself so that the bright moon is physically blocked by a building or a tree. If the moonlight overrides the display, skywatchers can look forward to mid-August, when the highly prolific Perseid meteor shower will peak under a completely dark, moonless new sky
Other than the chance of seeing a meteor shower, the premier experiences on the plateau this week begin with the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival's landmark forty-fifth anniversary season, which brings masterful classical performances across the region including special sextet selections in Cashiers and a weekend celebration with the Atlanta Chamber Players.
Nature lovers can also venture out after dark for the Salamander Meander guided night hike to explore cool, damp forest habitats and search for the region's most elusive native amphibians alongside local naturalists. Sponsored by the Highlands Biological Foundation at the Highlands Nature Center.
For an uplifting musical afternoon, the community can attend a public choral concert presented by the acclaimed Trey Clegg Chamber Singers at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.
Finally, the week wraps up with the highly anticipated outdoor town concert series, featuring live community performances from Byrds and Crows at Town Square followed by a lively set from Yacht Rando at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park the next evening.
Here’s Cassidy looking at two special music events and your weather outlook.
Hello everyone!
For an uplifting musical afternoon, the community can attend a public choral concert presented by the acclaimed Trey Clegg Chamber Singers at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands.
Finally, the week wraps up with the highly anticipated outdoor town concert series, featuring live community performances from Byrds and Crows at Town Square followed by a lively set from Yacht Rando at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park the next evening.
How about the weather? Up on the mountain plateau this week we can expect an active start followed by beautiful summer skies. Tuesday brings a chance of scattered afternoon thunderstorms with a high of 77 degrees and a low of 65. Once those storms clear out, Wednesday through Friday will feature gorgeous, mostly sunny conditions perfect for outdoor exploring. Daytime highs over those three days will range comfortably between 74 and 79 degrees, while nights will remain crisp and cool as overnight lows drop to between 60 and 61 degrees.
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.

July 24, 2026
Episode: Music Everywhere on the Plateau and Cashiers Greenway Ramble




Transcript:

Episode: Music Everywhere on the Plateau and Cashiers Greenway Ramble
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Welcome to Friday! Let’s find some weekend fun!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 24th, the 205th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 65 at the Highlands Newspaper, 66 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.
Welcome to your travel guide for a spectacular weekend ahead on the breathtaking Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. I’m going to cover the music in this episode as Cassidy has a special segment about the Cashiers Greenway Rambel.
If you love incredible music paired with jaw-dropping mountain scenery, this upcoming week is packed with unforgettable experiences.
Kick off your musical journey with the prestigious Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. Their week four lineup features Solo Stars, showcasing powerful classical works by Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. You can catch this intimate performance at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Saturday, July twenty-fifth, or enjoy it in Cashiers at Lewis Hall at The Village Green on Sunday, July twenty-sixth.
 If you stay through the early part of the week, the festival continues with their Sizzling Sextets program, bringing masterworks by Brahms and Tchaikovsky to life in Highlands on Monday, July twenty-seventh, and Cashiers on Tuesday, July twenty-eighth.
For a more casual outdoor vibe, head down to the regular Groovin on the Green concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers on Friday, July twenty-fourth. Pack a picnic and a lawn chair to enjoy the high-energy dance tracks and timeless hits of Gotcha Groove under the open sky.
The plateau also boasts a fantastic lineup of intimate, local venue music throughout the week. Over in Sapphire, check out the live acoustic sessions on the patio at Micas Mountain Kitchen on Saturday afternoon, July twenty-fifth.
On Sunday, July twenty-sixth, catch Nashville singer-songwriter Charles Walker performing an afternoon Americana set at The Fix Restaurant Bar and Lounge.
Beyond the incredible melodies, the region invites you to explore its unmatched natural wonders. Your ultimate outdoor destination this week is Gorges State Park. Spanning over eight thousand acres of temperate rainforest, this rugged park sits right near the tripoint where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet. It is a backcountry paradise featuring twenty-six plunging waterfalls, sheer rock walls, and fifty-six miles of pristine hiking trails. You can access the stunning Rainbow Falls trail right from the park or enjoy a picnic outside the gorgeous Grassy Ridge Visitor Center. Best of all, there are absolutely no day-use fees to explore this magnificent park.
 Whether you want to lose yourself in a classical violin solo or hike through a lush river gorge, the plateau is calling your name this week.
Here’s Cassidy with an update on the Cashiers Greenway Ramble along with your weather for the weekend.
Hey guys, construction is currently underway on a major expansion of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, a collaborative community initiative led by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County, and Vision Cashiers.
The project aims to create a safer, healthier, and more walkable community by building several new trail segments. These new pathways will connect U.S. Highway 64 at the Chamber of Commerce to Frank Allen Road, link N.C. Highway 107 to Frank Allen Road, and extend along Frank Allen Road itself.
Additionally, a new connector trail will link the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library to the Cashiers Lake development. Local contractors Ben Riddle (Cashiers Construction), Miguel Mireles (Mireles Landscaping Services), Arielle McIntyre (Kintyre Design), and Bobby Botev (Highland Mark) have all volunteered to complete the rough path construction, finishing, landscaping, and utility installation at cost to support the project.
To enhance safety and overall accessibility for residents and visitors, the updated trail network will introduce bollards equipped with internet access and downlighting. The expansion relies heavily on joint cooperation with Jackson County alongside private landowners—such as Cashiers Lake—who have granted essential trail permissions across their properties. This phase supports WALK CASHIERS' ultimate vision of creating a five-mile, fully interconnected trail system. Future trail segments inside the Cashiers Lake development are planned to join the Ramble and eventually link directly to Summit Charter School. Once all segments are finished, students from Summit Charter School will gain a safe, continuous walking path from their campus straight to the community library and the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau.
Ok, let’s look at the weather.
If you are heading out to the beautiful southern Blue Ridge plateau this weekend to explore Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley, you will want to keep a rain jacket nearby.
We are looking at a humid and active summer weekend across the mountains with daily chances of rain and storms. On Friday, expect steady showers throughout the day developing into scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Heads up, if you are planning to go the Groovin on the Green, they may need to reschedule this one.
 Temperatures will be quite mild for July, reaching a daytime high of sixty-seven and dropping down to an overnight low of sixty-four.
Moving into Saturday, the damp pattern continues but you will see a bit more daytime clearing. Plan for a mix of clouds and sunshine in the morning before scattered thunderstorms arrive later in the afternoon. Temperatures will warm up slightly, hitting a high of seventy-three before dipping down to a low of sixty-five at night.
Finally, on Sunday, the region will see the most sunshine of the weekend. However, do not drop your guard completely, as typical afternoon pop up thunderstorms are still on the radar. Sunday brings the warmest temperatures of the weekend, peaking at a comfortable high of seventy-eight before cooling down to a crisp low of sixty-five overnight.
Enjoy the lush green scenery, stay safe on the mountain roads, and have a wonderful weekend 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:
Happy Friday from Radio Cashiers! This weekend on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is packed with incredible live music and outdoor adventures, though you will want to keep a rain jacket handy for humid summer showers and afternoon thunderstorms. From classical performances by the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and outdoor sets like Groovin on the Green to exploring the gorgeous, fee-free trails of Gorges State Park, there is no shortage of ways to find weekend fun. Plus, we dive into the exciting new multi-mile expansion of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble trail network designed to make our community safer and more connected. Head over to RadioCashiers.com to check out our Local Music Calendar, view area webcams, and find all the links and dining recommendations from today's episode!

July 21, 2026
Episode:
Wild Encounters – July’s Buck Moon and Comet Tempel 2


Transcript:
Episode: Wild Encounters – July’s Buck Moon and Comet Tempel 2
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday! We hope you had a great weekend; it’s been a bit warm hasn’t it.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 21st, the 202nd day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 68 at the Highland’s Newspaper, 68 at Cashiers Lake, and 69 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
We were so pleased to see Wild Encounters, featuring Carlton Burke of Carolina Mountain Naturalists, is back. It offers an opportunity to learn about Western North Carolina's native wildlife on Tuesday, July 21, from 6:30-7:30pm. This free, registration-required program serves as a fitting replacement for the long-running Mountain Wildlife Days formerly held in Sapphire Valley by the late John Edwards. For more information, please visit the event organizer's website.
OK, here are a couple of astronomical items of interest for you!
July’s Buck Moon rises as the first full moon of midsummer, reaching its peak brightness in the early hours of July 21. The name comes from the season when male deer begin growing new antlers, a reminder of renewal and the rhythm of the natural world. In western North Carolina, the Buck Moon will appear large and golden as it climbs over the southeastern horizon just after sunset on July 20, then shine brightest overnight as it reaches full phase. Viewers can catch it from any open overlook or ridgeline, but even backyard skies will offer a clear view thanks to its high summer arc.
 Warm nights, long visibility, and the moon’s low early rise make this one of the easiest and most beautiful full moons of the year to enjoy across the mountains.
This August, Comet Tempel 2 will be brighter than it has been in nearly sixty years. It will reach its peak brightness on August 2 as it passes closest to the sun. Because of how its orbit lines up with Earth, skywatchers are getting a rare treat. In western North Carolina, the best time to see it is after midnight. Look low in the sky toward the south. The best viewing nights will be around the middle of the month when the moon is dark. You will still need binoculars or a small telescope to see the comet's faint glow and short tail. Scientists are also excited to study the comet closely to learn more about how these space rocks change over time.
Cassidy
Hey, it’s Cassidy with a music update and your warm weather update.
The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival (HCCMF) presents a standout week featuring the "Battle of the Bands" with the Eirlys and Formosa Quartets on July 20-21, followed by the "Solo Stars" performances on July 25-26. These concerts, showcasing works by Mozart, Mendelssohn, Bach, and others, take place across venues in Highlands and Cashiers. Visit Radio Cashiers.com for links to the festival. And don’t forget to check out our Local Music Calendar on our website as there are music sets everywhere this week and weekend.
Here is your detailed, day-by-day weather breakdown across the plateau for the next three days. (July 22): Expect mostly sunny skies in the morning, giving way to growing cloud cover by the afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop later in the day. Daytime highs will reach 79 to 80°, dropping to overnight lows of around 64.
Thursday (July 23): This will be the clearest day of the stretch, offering beautifully bright and sunny conditions. High temperatures will peak around 83 while a mostly clear night will bring a refreshing low of 66.
Friday (July 24): The morning starts out bright and sunny, but a shift occurs in the afternoon with an increasing chance of thunderstorms. Highs will hover near 84, cooling down to a humid night with lows near 65.
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.
In this week's episode of Radio Cashiers, hosts Hannah Lee and Cassidy bring you a packed update for the Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley region, featuring local temperatures, a three-day weather outlook with highs reaching the mid-80s, and a reminder to check out the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival alongside their packed Local Music Calendar at RadioCashiers.com. Nature lovers can look forward to the return of "Wild Encounters" with naturalist Carlton Burke tonight, July 21, honoring the legacy of Mountain Wildlife Days, while skywatchers get a double treat with the peak of midsummer's golden Buck Moon and a look ahead to Comet Tempel 2, which will shine at its brightest in nearly sixty years this August.

July 17, 2026
Episode: Pottery – Summer Arts – Reflections of my Life



Transcript:

Episode: Pottery – Summer Arts – Reflections of my Life
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
We made it to Friday again, congratulations!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 17th, the 198th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 68 at the Highlands Newspaper, 70 at Cashiers Lake, and 68 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
OK, here are some pottery and arts shows to check out this weekend.
The 15th Annual Summer Pottery Show is happening right now! It kicks off today, Friday, July 17th, and runs through Saturday, July 18th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days.The event is hosted at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, located at 323 Franklin Road in Highlands, North Carolina.This seasonal showcase is a true celebration of local talent, highlighting the incredible skill and creativity of The Bascom's resident Studio Members. Every single piece you'll see was actually created and fired right on-site in their ceramic studio. Visitors can explore a massive, diverse selection of handmade functional pottery and unique sculptural pieces. It is the perfect opportunity to find a one-of-a-kind treasure for your home while directly supporting the local artists behind the craft.Swing by today or tomorrow to meet the makers and experience the vibrant Highlands arts scene firsthand. You can find more details and directions at The Bascom.
If you're looking for the perfect weekend plan to soak in some incredible local culture, you are in luck! The highly anticipated Summer Colors Fine Art Show is happening this weekend, running Saturday, July 18th through Sunday, July 19th. The doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM both days, making it the perfect day trip or weekend activity. Everything is taking place completely indoors at the beautiful Sapphire Valley Community Center, located right at 207 Sapphire Valley Road in Sapphire.This fantastic event is a curated, juried showcase presented by the talented folks over at the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers. It is an amazing opportunity to browse and shop a stunning variety of fine art, all created by incredible local and regional member artists. You'll get to experience a truly colorful celebration of mountain creativity, meet the artists behind the work, and maybe even take home a unique masterpiece of your own. Admission is totally free, so grab a friend, beat the summer heat indoors, and come support our local arts community! For more details on the event, head over to Art League of Highlands-Cashiers."
Rick
After five life-changing years, the owners of Crossroads Custard are stepping down to focus on health and looking for a motivated buyer to continue their sweet legacy. The community will deeply miss Badge and Jille's warmth behind the counter, but everyone holds onto hope that the new owners will keep the beloved tradition of pup cups alive. We used to have many interesting meetings there with the late Thomas Taulbee – I think it was his favorite social spot. Best of luck to them! Interested buyers can reach out to Jille at jille@crossroadscustard.com to help write the shop's next chapter.
Music
Hey, it’s Cassidy with your music and weather update. Alright, folks, I am not allowed to tell you exactly how old Rick is, let’s just say his playlist has some serious mileage and spans quite a few decades! But the man has great taste. He recently unearthed an absolute gem: a late-1960s timeless classic called 'Reflections of My Life.'But here is the coolest part—he tracked down an updated, intimate, re-recorded version done just a few years ago by the original singer and songwriter himself, the late, great Dean Ford.Rick just uploaded this incredible video over at Radio Cashiers.com. If you want to see it, just head to the website and click on the Visuals tab in the navigation menu. Now, I hope the copyright police don't come knocking for us sharing this snippet, but we just couldn't resist. Turn it up... here is the opening!
This is a great version of a timeless song!
Here’s you weather!
If you are heading up to the plateau this weekend, expect a classic summer pattern across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley with warm days, crisp mountain nights, and a high chance of passing thunderstorms. On Friday, you will see a mix of sun and clouds with scattered afternoon thunderstorms developing across the region. High temperatures will top out around 80 degrees, dropping down to a comfortable low of 65 degrees overnight. Saturday looks to be the wettest day of the weekend, so you will want to keep an umbrella handy. Thunderstorms are likely throughout the day, bringing cooler air with a high of 77 degrees and an overnight low around 64 degrees.By Sunday, the persistent rain begins to taper off. You can expect mostly overcast skies with just a few lingering afternoon showers. Temperatures will rebound slightly, reaching a high of 79 degrees before dipping to a cool weekend low of 62 degrees.
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:
In this episode of Radio Cashiers, Hannah Lee highlights the 15th Annual Summer Pottery Show at The Bascom and the Summer Colors Fine Art Show at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. The community also prepares for a bittersweet transition as the beloved Crossroads Custard owners step down after five years, while the show notes feature a special, intimate re-recorded version of "Reflections of My Life" by Dean Ford, uploaded to the Radio Cashiers website. Weekend weather across the Highlands-Cashiers plateau calls for a classic summer pattern with warm days in the upper 70s to low 80s and a high chance of afternoon thunderstorms, particularly on Saturday. For more community updates, local music, and the detailed, visit Radio Cashiers.com.

July 13, 2026
Episode: Cashiers Plein Air Festival – a Society Returns - the Swingin Medallions



Transcript:

Episode: Cashiers Plein Air Festival – a Society Returns - the Swingin Medallions
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Hey it’s Monday, and this is a special edition of Radio Cashiers podcast to review the Cashiers Plein Air Festival starting today.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 13th, the 194th 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, 65 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.
The Cashiers Plein Air Festival is an exceptional, biennial cultural event that beautifully merges fine art with environmental stewardship. Held over six days in July, the festival transforms the scenic mountain landscape of Cashiers and the surrounding Plateau into an expansive, open-air studio.
The festival offers extraordinary public access to creative processes through scheduled live demonstrations. Attendees can watch acclaimed national and international artists translate the region’s forests, streams, architecture, and mountain vistas onto canvas in real time. These intimate sessions allow viewers to witness firsthand how plein air painters navigate shifting natural light and atmospheric conditions.
Here are some Dynamic Community Highlights.
• The Quick Paint Challenge: A fast-paced, high-energy event on the final Saturday where artists race against the clock to complete a painting outdoors, creating a thrilling spectator experience.
• Public Gallery Exhibition: Hosted at Lewis Hall at The Village Green, the multi-day public gallery allows visitors to view an incredible collection of freshly dried, locally inspired original works.
• Awards Ceremony: The festival culminates in a celebratory evening where standout pieces receive recognition, giving attendees a chance to mingle with the creators.
This is Art with a Purpose!
What truly elevates this festival is its profound connection to community preservation. The exhibition doubles as a major art sale, where visitors have a rare opportunity to purchase unique, local landscapes. A significant portion of all art proceeds directly supports the continuous care, preservation, and maintenance of the community's treasured public green space, making it a highly rewarding experience for both casual art enthusiasts and serious collectors.
The artist demonstrations for the Cashiers Plein Air Festival are scheduled for the following times:
• Monday, July 13th: Lila McAlpin | 11:00 am to Noon
• Wednesday, July 15th: Steve Puttrich | 11:00 am to Noon
• Thursday, July 16th: Michelle Held | 11:00 am to Noon
• Thursday, July 16th: Greg Barnes | 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• Friday, July 17th: Sarah Sneeden | 11:00 am to Noon
All these sessions are completely open to the public at The Village Green.
OK, let’s go to Cassidy for updates about the history of Sapphire Valley, music and the weather.
Hi everyone, the Sapphire Valley Historical Society is officially making a comeback. Originally founded back in 2014, the organization made incredible early strides clearing out the historic Stone Basin. They even drew up big plans for custom lighting, seating, and professional landscaping before the project had to be put on hold. Due to unexpected work obligations, the group unfortunately went dormant, and the historic basin has since become completely overgrown again.
The Plan for a Revival
• August Presentation: The society's founder, Rick, is making a presentation at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley this August in the hopes to spark an interest in the Society.
• Fresh Restoration Projects: The newly reformed core team plans to tackle the basin's restoration as well as several other community preservation projects across the valley.
• Camp Partnership: The Stone Basin sits directly on the beautiful grounds of Camp Merrie-Woode. Management there has graciously agreed to spearhead a massive cleanup this fall as soon as camp sessions end. Better yet, the camp has committed to assisting the Society in maintaining the historical landmark permanently going forward.
Listeners are invited to check out the society's website to see the current condition of the basin or use the provided maps to safely explore the landmark in person.
Ok, here is a reminder we covered last Friday. Get ready to move and groove because the legendary Swingin Medallions are heading our way! Known far and wide as the undisputed "Party Band of the South," they are bringing their high-octane beach music and timeless hits right here to Sapphire Valley for the massive Concert on the Slopes!
Now, this is happening on a Tuesday, but don't worry about cooking. Our friends at Slopeside Tavern are breaking their usual Tuesday closure and opening their doors at 5:00 PM sharp for full dinner service.
Here is your ultimate game plan for the perfect night out:
• 5:00 PM – Lock in Your Spot: Arrive early to grab your concert tickets and set up your lawn chairs. Trust me, the best spots go fast!
• 5:15 PM – Fuel the Party: Walk right over to Slopeside Tavern for incredible food and ice-cold drinks. Pro tip: order the house-made loaded hummus to start. It is phenomenal!
• 6:30 PM – Show Time: Take a quick 30-yard stroll back to your chairs, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.
Don't miss the party of the summer!
About our weather? If you live or are visiting our Western North Carolina plateau over the next four days, you can expect a typical summer mix of passing showers and clearing skies across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley. Monday starts off wet with rain and daytime highs staying cool in the upper 60s to low 70s. By Tuesday and Wednesday, the clouds will begin to break up, bringing partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures reaching the mid to upper 70s. Thursday looks to be the pick of the week with mostly sunny conditions and highs climbing into the low 80s. Throughout the entire four-day period, overnight lows will remain crisp and comfortable, dipping down into the upper 50s and low 60s.
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.

July 10, 2026
Episode: Farmers Markets and The Swingin’ Medallions 



Transcript:

Episode: Farmers Markets and The Swingin’ Medallions
Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Friday and here we are again, looking for family fun this weekend.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 10, the 191st day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 71 at the Highlands Newspaper, 73 at Cashiers Lake, and a bone chilling 69 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
Hey everyone, welcome back to another episode of the Radio Cashiers Podcast, your ultimate audio guide to life, culture, and flavor up here on the scenic Plateau. If you’ve spent any time navigating the winding roads between Cashiers and Highlands, you already know that our food scene is unparalleled. But if you truly want to taste the mountains, you have to bypass the standard grocery aisles and head straight to our local markets. Today, we are mapping out the absolute best spots to grab farm-fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and maybe even a plate of world-class barbecue. Let’s dive in!
First up, let's talk about the crown jewel of our local produce crawl: the iconic Cashiers Farmers Market. Located right at 78 US-64, this isn't just a place to buy tomatoes; it's a full-blown mountain tradition.
• The Vibe: It’s a beautifully curated, rustic market where you’re immediately greeted by the sweet smell of fresh pies and the market's famous resident Golden Retrievers!
• The Goods: They have an incredible selection of seasonal fruits, vibrant vegetables, custom jams, local cheeses, and even frozen, ready-to-eat entrees for those nights you just want to relax at the cabin.
• The Secret Weapon: You cannot leave without trying their on-site barbecue. Regulars know that grabbing lunch here on Saturday morning before checking into your weekend rental is practically mandatory.
• Now, if you cruise down the road into Highlands, the market scene shifts a bit. While you won't find one singular massive barn, Highlands excels in highly curated, community-driven pop-ups and localized markets.
• The Saturday Pop-Up
• If you are looking for that classic open-air community feel, head over to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street. On Saturday mornings throughout the season, they host a wonderfully intimate local farmers market right near the pavilion. You can grab your morning coffee, stretch your legs, and pick up fresh produce directly from regional growers.
Whether you are looking to slow down and chat with a farmer at Founders Park, grab a rack of ribs at the Cashiers market, or stock a luxury pantry at Mountain Fresh, the Plateau has you completely covered.
We want to hear from you: what is your absolute favorite thing to buy at our local markets? Drop a comment on our Facebook page or tag us in your weekend cooking photos on social media.
Until next time, eat well, shop local, and enjoy the mountain air.
Cassidy Music
Hey guys, it’s Cassidy with your music and weather update. Get ready to move and groove because the legendary Swingin Medallions are heading our way! Known far and wide as the undisputed "Party Band of the South," they are bringing their high-octane beach music and timeless hits right here to Sapphire Valley for the massive Concert on the Slopes!
Now, this is happening on a Tuesday, but don't worry about cooking. Our friends at Slopeside Tavern are breaking their usual Tuesday closure and opening their doors at 5:00 PM sharp for full dinner service.
Here is your ultimate game plan for the perfect night out:
• 5:00 PM – Lock in Your Spot: Arrive early to grab your concert tickets and set up your lawn chairs. Trust me, the best spots go fast!
• 5:15 PM – Fuel the Party: Walk right over to Slopeside Tavern for incredible food and ice-cold drinks. Pro tip: order the house-made loaded hummus to start. It is phenomenal!
• 6:30 PM – Show Time: Take a quick 30-yard stroll back to your chairs, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable night of music under the stars.
Don't miss the party of the summer!
Ok, let’s check the weather and it looks a bit damp. Listeners heading to the beautiful North Carolina plateau this weekend can expect a classic mountain mix of comfortable afternoon warmth, crisp evenings, and a strong chance of rain. Across Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley, the weather patterns will remain highly consistent as a system moves through the region.
On Friday, expect partly cloudy skies early on, giving way to scattered afternoon thunderstorms. Friday will be the warmest day of the weekend, reaching a daytime high of 77 degrees and dropping to an overnight low of 61.
Moving into Saturday, temperatures will cool down slightly as overcast skies take over. Showers and thunderstorms are highly likely throughout the day, so keep your rain gear close by. Saturday brings a daytime high of 75 and a nighttime low of 60 .
Sunday will wrap up the weekend with the highest chance of persistent rain. Thunderstorms and steady showers are expected most of the day, making it perfect for indoor resort activities. Sunday will see the coolest temperatures of the weekend, with a daytime high of 72 and a chilly overnight low of 59.
If you plan to hike or enjoy the local waterfalls, try to secure your outdoor plans early on Friday before the heavier weekend rain moves in.
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.

July 7, 2026
Episode: What To Do Now That the 4th is Over and Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park



Transcript:
Episode: What To Do Now That the 4th is Over and Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Tuesday and we hope you had a great weekend on July 4th at the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday. It does seem that the nation was able to put aside all politics and have just a good time.
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 7th, the 188th day of 2026.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region.
Reviewing our area’s weather stations shows it is 66 at the Highlands Newspaper, 68 at Cashiers Lake, and 66 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
We had a spectacular holiday weekend down in Sapphire Valley, especially with all the family fun at Yankee Doodle Dandy Day. With just a little bit of moving around, we found the perfect sweet spot to catch both the Lonesome Valley and the Country Club of Sapphire Valley fireworks, and both shows were absolutely great. To top it all off, one of our neighbors must have spent five thousand dollars or more on his own neighborhood display. It was quite nice, lasted about fifteen minutes, and really gave us an incredible front-row finale right from home.
OK. Let’s have a post July 4th getaway update. Now that the holiday weekend crowd has cleared, it is the perfect time to experience Sapphire Valley, Cashiers, and Highlands like a local.
First on your list, head into Highlands for a quiet morning stroll along the Whiteside Mountain trail. The early week peace means you will have sweeping valley view’s mostly to yourself.
Next, cool down by driving along Highway Sixty-four to view the waterfalls without the heavy traffic. Pull over for a stress-free look at Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.
After that, spend a relaxing afternoon browsing the boutique shops and antique stores around the Cashiers Crossroads.
For lunch or dinner, secure a patio table at one of the top tier restaurants in downtown Highlands. Booking a table is much easier now that the weekend rush is over.
Later in the day, rent a canoe or paddleboard to enjoy a calm, crowd free session on Fairfield Lake in Sapphire Valley.
Finally, do not forget to check the Radio Cashiers local music calendar online. The big holiday concerts are done, but the intimate weekly live music sessions at local venues are just heating up.
Cassidy
Hey – it’s Cassidy with a new feature. Frequently through the summer season we plan to highlight one of our area community parks. This week we’re in Highlands. The Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park is the vibrant, open-air centerpiece of downtown Highlands, North Carolina. Located just blocks from the main shopping district at 411 Pine Street, this beautifully maintained public square serves as a peaceful rest stop by day and a bustling venue for community gatherings, seasonal festivals, and live entertainment by night. Named after the town's original 1875 founders, Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson, it offers an ideal blend of natural mountain charm and local culture.
We hope you will check it out!
OK. What does the weather have in store for this week?
Here’s your mountain getaway report where we are looking at a classic summer pattern across the plateau over the next four days. Listeners traveling through Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley should prepare for warm, humid days accompanied by daily rounds of afternoon showers and scattered thunderstorms. In Highlands, expect daytime highs to hover around 80 degrees with overnight lows dipping into a crisp 63 degrees. Just down the road in Cashiers, the temperatures will follow a very similar trend, bringing daily highs near 80 degrees and evening lows around 62 degrees. Meanwhile, Sapphire Valley will track just a couple of degrees warmer, reaching daily highs of about 82 degrees before cooling down to lows of 64 degrees at night. Make sure to pack your rain gear alongside your hiking boots so you can safely enjoy the waterfalls between those afternoon clearing breaks.
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.


July 3, 2026
Episode: July 4th Festivities on the Plateau and Lake Glenville Dam Release



Episode: July 4th Festivities on the Plateau and Lake Glenville Dam Release

Welcome back to Radio Cashiers!
Happy Friday and Happy July 4th weekend. Wow! There is allot going on in The High South today through Sunday evening!
This is Hannah Lee with Radio Cashiers and today is July 3rd, the 184th day of 2026. In fact, there’s so much going on, I am going to cover the July 4th festivities and Cassidy will cover the Lake Glenville dam release and the weather.
Let’s check temperatures across the Highlands – Cashiers – and Sapphire Valley region. It’s been a bit warm and muggy this week.
Reviewing our area weather stations shows it is 81 at the Highlands Newspaper, 79 at Cashiers Lake, and 71 at the top of old Baldy in Sapphire Valley. As a comparison, it is already 87 at our Chestatee station located just down the road in North Georgia. Cassidy we’ll cover a more detailed weather report later in this episode.
It’s a big Fourth of July weekend across the Plateau, and we’ve got celebrations lined up from Cashiers to Highlands, Sapphire Valley, and Lake Glenville.
We start Friday night, July 3rd, right here in Cashiers at The Village Green. From 6:30 to 10 PM, the community comes together for a free celebration with live music, food trucks, craft beer, and of course — fireworks at dark. Bring a blanket, bring your friends, and settle in for a classic Cashiers summer night. Heads up, be sure to visit the fireworks page on The Village Green website for special road closures and parking information.
Then on Saturday, July 4th, the party moves up the mountain to Highlands. Festivities begin at noon at the Town Ballfield and Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. Expect traditional field games, a hot dog lunch, and plenty of small town Fourth of July charm. When the sun goes down, Highlands lights up the sky with nighttime fireworks.
Also on Saturday, Sapphire Valley Resort hosts its daytime Yankee Doodle Dandy Day starting at 10 AM. It’s a full on family festival with live music, food, bounce houses, and pony rides. A perfect daytime outing — just remember, Sapphire Valley does not host evening fireworks.
And finally, we wrap up the holiday weekend on Sunday, July 5th, at Lake Glenville. The lake community comes alive with an 8 PM boat parade, followed by 9:30 PM fireworks launched from The Pointe. You’ll get the best views from a boat on the water or from land at The Pines Recreation Area.
A full weekend of music, food, family fun, and fireworks — spread across the Plateau and ready for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s Cassidy with a bucket list item for you.

Cassidy
And here is a perfect treat for this weekend – the Lake Glenville Dam release at High Falls!
If you’ve spent any time in the mountains around Cashiers, you know our landscape has a way of surprising you. But a few times each year, Lake Glenville delivers one of the plateau’s most powerful, can’t‑miss natural events: the scheduled dam release that transforms High Falls from a quiet, elegant cascade into a thundering, full‑force mountain waterfall.
During a release, Duke Energy opens the gates at the Lake Glenville dam, sending a surge of water down the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River. What begins as a controlled engineering operation becomes a dramatic wilderness moment. High Falls—normally a serene, photogenic drop—roars to life, exploding into a wide curtain of whitewater that you can feel in your chest before you ever reach the base.
For hikers, this is one of the most unforgettable experiences on the plateau. The trail to High Falls is moderate but steep in places, winding through rhododendron tunnels and shaded hardwoods before opening up to the rocky amphitheater below the falls. On dam‑release days, the sound hits you first: a deep, rolling thunder that grows louder as you descend. When you finally step out onto the viewing rocks, the entire gorge is alive—mist rising, water churning, the falls throwing off energy you can practically taste in the air.
It’s beautiful, but it’s also serious. The surge is fast, cold, and extremely powerful. This is not a swimming day. Visitors should stay well back from the waterline, keep footing cautious on wet rock, and treat the event with the respect it deserves. The Forest Service and local guides emphasize safety every year, and for good reason.
Still, for anyone visiting Sapphire Valley or Cashiers, the dam release is a rare chance to witness the raw, untamed side of the Blue Ridge. It’s a reminder that beneath our peaceful lakes and quiet trails, these mountains still hold tremendous force—and every now and then, they let us see it.
If you’re planning to go, it’s this Saturday starting at 10am, pack water, wear sturdy shoes, and give yourself time to enjoy the hike. And when you reach High Falls, take a moment to stand still, breathe in the mist, and feel the valley rumble. It’s one of the plateau’s great seasonal spectacles—and one more reason this corner of North Carolina keeps people coming back year after year.
OK, here’s your weather report.
Highlands, Cashiers, and Sapphire Valley roll into the July 4th weekend with warm, mostly sunny days and those familiar afternoon mountain storm chances. Highs land in the low to mid 80s through Sunday, while nights cool comfortably into the low to mid 60s. Expect patchy morning fog, bright holiday afternoons, and a few pop‑up thunderstorms that are typical for early July in the mountains, making it a classic summer weekend for celebrations across the Plateau.
It’s time for your Fourth of July weekend across the Plateau — from Cashiers to Highlands, Sapphire Valley, and Lake Glenville. However you celebrate, stay safe, enjoy the music, enjoy the fireworks, and enjoy this beautiful mountain summer.
Thank you for tuning in! Don’t forget to check out our Local Music Calendar on our website as there is music sets everywhere this 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.


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