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OVER 100 YEARS OF VATICAN DELIGHT: Cashiers, North Carolina
In southwest North Carolina, on the southern crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is the historic vacation destination of Cashiers (pronounced Cash-ers). Since the 1870s, families have traveled to the 3,500 foot elevation of Cashiers for an escape from the powerful summer heat of the South. By 1890, entrepreneurs from North and South Carolina were developing resort lodging to accommodate what they called the "summer people". Today, the Cashiers community ranks as one of the most cherished mountain escapes on the East Coast.
Cashiers is a nature sanctuary. The Blue Ridge Mountains - part of the historic Appalachian Mountains - climb to an elevation of 5,000 feet with panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Scenic overlooks capture rolling hillsides, mountain lakes, swiftly flowing rivers and glimpses of more than 15 waterfalls that pour into local rivers and lakes. In fall, Cashiers area woodlands are renowned for displaying the nation's most vibrant autumn foliage.
Located only 130 miles from Atlanta, 58 miles from Knoxville, Tennessee, and 40 miles from Asheville, North Carolina, Cashiers is a convenient escape for visitors from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and other states.
Inviting summer temperatures range from the high 70s to the low 80s from June through August. Evening temperatures drop to a refreshing 50 degrees. An ideal climate makes Cashiers a recreational haven for outdoor lovers.
Endless miles of hiking and biking trails intertwine through the woodlands, providing exposure to the sights and sounds of the forest. The Tuckasegee River is ideal for whitewater rafting and kayaking. Several lakes accommodate fishing, canoeing, water skiing, jet skiing and swimming.
Lake Glenville provides entertainment for the entire family. Originally created to generate hydroelectric power for the Alcoa Aluminum plant, Lake Glenville is the largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi, spanning 1,400 acres with over 26 miles of shoreline. Boating, sailing, and swimming holes with sandy beaches are in abundance.
The Cashiers area is home to over 40 miles of fairways, all within 20 minutes of downtown. The renowned Wade Hampton Golf Club, located in Cashiers, was once the highest rated mountain golf club in the world. Golf Magazine recently rated the course as #84 in the world and #48 in the United States. Sapphire Valley Resort features both the Sapphire Mountain Golf Course and the Red Bird Links Course. For a change of pace, play croquet at the Chatooga Club, home to many United State Croquet Association tournaments.
A scant 50 miles from Cashiers is the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. In 2000, the 500,000-acre park hosted over 10 million visitors, making it the most visited national park in the country.
As more families and visitors arrive in Cashiers, developers continue to accommodate them. Many retirement and second home communities with properties priced as high as $2 million have hilltop views or fairway frontage. Cashiers is also home to a new private residence club, The Mountain Club at Cashiers, which has immediate access to the services and amenities of Sapphire Valley Resort. With its enticing weather, activities, scenery and historic charm, Cashiers is quickly being recognized as one of the country's most desirable mountain destinations.
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