Spring has officially sprung in Highlands.
While most years mark the season with daffodils, the renewed sounds of birds chirping and the reemergence of local bears, 2021 feels a little bit different.
More than a year into the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the renewal of spring feels like a fresh start. If you look around town it’s easy to see why.
First, is the new coat of asphalt on Main Street. Gone are the cracks and potholes left behind by years of wear and tear and in their place is a fresh, clean driving surface that not only looks much nicer than the previous road but also offers a more comfortable ride.
Soon the project that began with the repaving of Main Street will turn towards 4th Street (US 64) and NC 28. The repaving of both roads will be a welcome addition as Highlands works to put its best foot forward during the 2021 tourism season.
Second, work is progressing on Highlands’ new fire station. Located on Franklin Road, the new fire station site may look like a muddy mess right now thanks to the recent spring rains, but it will soon give rise to a state of the art facility that will serve the town for many decades to come.
The services provided by Highlands Fire and Rescue are the kind that homeowners hope they never need, but having a well equipped and adequately staffed fire department is a key cog in the continued growth and prosperity of Highlands.
Lastly, the country clubs are buzzing again. While Easter weekend is traditionally marked as the opening of Highlands’ many country clubs it’s particularly good to see folks meeting to share a common interest – be it golf, croquet, pickleball or any other outdoor recreation.
COVID-19 kept a majority of country club activity participants on the sidelines in 2020. But as vaccinations become more readily available, and everyone adjusts to the reality of continued social distancing, it is reassuring to think that some level of pre-coronavirus normalcy may finally be returning.
There are vaccination clinics ongoing in the Highlands area and all adults over the age of 18 are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call 828-524-1500.