Spring Break is a highlight of the school year for both students and teachers.
While a week out of class is a respite for elementary and middle schoolers, it’s most welcomed by high school and college students as a time off to take a step back, relax and prepare for the last few weeks of the semester leading up to final exams.
Over the years there have been a number of warm and sunny destinations that have become spring break hot spots. From Miami Beach, Florida, to Lake Havasu, Arizona, young people flock to beaches for parties and general debauchery.
What has come as a bit of a surprise has been Highlands’ emergence as a spring break location. While the town may not draw hoards of college coeds, the past few years (since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic) have shown that Highlands is becoming a more popular spring draw for families with younger students.
When nearby states, specifically Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida have spring break for their public school students there is a noticeable difference in the number of visitors to Highlands. As we make our way towards spring break for many school districts in North Carolina, including Macon County, from April 1-9 take note of the increased tourism – It’s just the most recent sign that Highlands is growing into a year-round travel destination.
What was once a second home community, booming from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but mostly desolate the other six months of the year has picked up momentum from April Fool’s Day to Christmas. With spring break, Easter weekend, the Plateau Pickup, and Bear Shadow Music Festival all taking place in the next four weeks there is going to be a lot going on in and around Highlands.
It may not be a sunny spot on a beach, but Highlands has certainly carved out a niche in the spring break travel market. It’s a fitting kickoff to what will certainly be another busy tourism season at 4118 feet.