Right in the heart of Cashiers, NC, is a 12.5-acre green space that offers recreational, educational and cultural activities and events for locals and visitors. The Village Green – located at the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107 – is a must-see for anyone looking for things to do while vacationing here in Cashiers NC.
We owe this local gem to three local residents who were dismayed when a hotel chain bought 2 acres at the highway intersection. The residents bought the land from the hotel and donated it to a nonprofit corporation, The Village Green, in 1992. Since then, the space has become a bustling civic space with a large playground, gazebo and picnic areas, gardens and a common area for events and festivals.
Dahlia Garden highlights one of Cashiers’ greatest assets: the variety of dahlias that color the area. The dahlia blossoms range from 2 to 14 inches with petals of pompoms, spidery cactus and daisy-like single blooms.
The Village Green also boasts a woodland area called The Glades with trails through the forest of trees, rhododendron and holly. And if you’re visiting in the springtime, the Azalea Garden will be awash in color from azaleas as well as mountain laurel and rhododendron.
If you have children, don’t miss Village Play, a playground designed by the children of Cashiers NC and constructed by more than 1,500 community volunteers over five days.
In addition to welcoming visitors with its natural beauty, The Village Green plays host to a summertime garden tour, Fourth of July fireworks show, art festivals, Christmas activities and number of community events.
Of note this summer is Groovin’ on the Green, a Friday night concert series that runs through Aug. 30, along with the Biennial Invitational Sculpture Exhibition featuring nine sculptures by emerging and established artists. This exhibition runs through Jan. 1, 2014.
From spring to fall, check out the Village Nature Series, free education presentations about the distinctive nature of the Cashiers area and North Carolina. Upcoming events:
- Blaze Watch: N.C. Lookout Towers with Peter Barr at 7 p.m. Aug. 27
- Birds of Prey with Michael Skinner at 7 p.m. Sept. 24
- Bats Alive! with the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission at 7 p.m. Oct. 29
The Village Green continues to grow and development, making it a key asset for the Highlands-Cashiers area. The space is funded by events and private contributions; it receives no government support. Learn more about The Village Green and upcoming events at www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.