Luxury Mountain Getaway in Highlands, North Carolina (2/4)

Luxury Mountain Getaway in Highlands, North Carolina

 
Situated among the rolling peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, the four-stoplight town of Highlands, nicknamed “the Aspen of the East,” is one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi River. Boasting an elevation of over 4,000± feet, it is also located in one of the few temperate rainforests in North America. While it is home to only a few thousand year-round residents, it attracts approximately 200,000 visitors a year. Some come for the multitude of outdoor activities in the surrounding Nantahala National Forest, others for the postcard perfect Main Street with its exquisite restaurants, fabulous shopping and great cultural arts scene, and some even visit for the world-class accommodations and spas, but no matter the reason, an escape to this quaint little mountain town is a wonderful getaway for those looking for a weekend adventure within a couple of hours drive from Atlanta.

Check out these visitor favorites when planning your trip. They are time-tested and sure to impress.
 
World-Class Accommodations
 
Occupying several downtown blocks and known for elegant accommodations, Highland is home to Old Edwards Inn, a historic European-style Relais & Chateaux property and luxury resort. A place where serenity and relaxation are the order of the day, this mountain refuge delights with crackling fireplaces, inviting porches, a world-renowned spa, private golf at Old Edwards Club and dining options galore. While plenty of rustic cabins dot the woods, a stay at Old Edwards Inn combines refined mountain charm with top-notch services to deliver an experience unlike any other. Offering a variety of accommodations, Old Edwards Inn has guest rooms, suites, cottages and cabin rentals, each with unique and stunning appointments with period antiques and Italian bedding to create a sumptuously graceful ambiance. And tempting as it may be to spend the weekend wrapped in these fabulous surroundings, you will want to make time to explore all that The Inn, downtown Highlands and the neighboring wilderness has to offer. 
 
If you are unable to secure a room at Old Edwards Inn, the Old Edwards Hospitality Group owns two additional properties in Highland, including Half-Mile Farm, offering luxurious comfort in a peaceful country inn setting, and 200 Main, a motel-chic property that boasts many of the stylish touches found at Old Edwards Inn, but at a casual lodging rate.
 
Dining Destinations
 
Dining in Highlands fills your senses with the rich taste of the terroir and fertile growing region of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to a variety of local farms, gardens and greenhouses, there are a number of delicious eateries, many featuring patio dining and live music. Highlands’ food and beverage scene is characterized by the diversity of multiple Wine Spectator restaurants offering outstanding service in an immersive ambiance and an assortment of fun eateries with a casual vibe but equally delicious food.
 
If you are a guest at Old Edwards Inn or 200 Main, get your day started with breakfast/brunch classics at Madison’s. Conveniently located at The Inn, this dining destination serves up delectable dishes in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. From eggs benedict and fluffy pancakes to steel-cut Irish oatmeal and omelets, best enjoyed with a warm cafe latte or chilled mimosa, you will not be disappointed. If you are looking for something a bit more casual, grab a homemade breakfast sandwich from Mountain Fresh Grocery to fuel the day’s adventure. Other favorites include Black Bear Breakfast and Lunch and Blue Bike Cafe, both offering a mouth-watering breakfast menu all day long for those getting a leisurely start to their day. They also offer outstanding lunch options to take with you to enjoy trailside or for dine-in.
 
Other popular lunch spots include The Ugly Dog Public House serving a wide variety of elevated pub food in a cozy classic pub in downtown Highlands. Four65 Woodfire Bistro and Bar is another great spot for hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches and fresh salads using ingredients from their own gardens, local growers and purveyors. It is conveniently located close to shopping on Main Street at Old Edwards Inn. Also located on Main Street is Bistro on Main, connected to the Main Street Inn. Enjoy an afternoon under the red umbrellas dining on everything from fresh local mountain trout to pimento cheese fritters; there is even live music on weekends! Or stop by The Wine Garden for another can’t-miss patio during warmer weather. Sunshine and stonework mix with great sips, dips, salads and sandwiches for a delightful lunch downtown.
 
For dinner, Highlands is home to five restaurants that have won Wine Spectator awards and offer a variety of cuisines. Dine in the garden pavilion or by the fireside in a historic home at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro. Featuring a wine list of over 1,000 wines, Wolfgang’s serves eclectic contemporary American cuisine with a New Orleans flair, seafood and steaks. Nestled amongst the rhododendrons on the historic Main Street, it was named “Best Place for Dinner in Highlands” by Southern Living Magazine. Ristorante Paoletti, a traditional Italian restaurant, has a decades-old reputation for serving only the finest and freshest meals available. With uncompromising quality and recipes perfected over time, their dishes are bellísimo!
 
For a view, head to On the Verandah for a meal overlooking Lake Sequoyah. An international cuisine and seafood restaurant, the focus is on mixing new, exciting flavors with classic favorites. Using locally grown produce and herbs from the garden to ensure the freshest flavors, the menu includes chicken, seafood, fresh fish and filet mignon. Another lake-front option is Lakeside Restaurant on Harris Lake, featuring fresh seafood, an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and excellent service. And no trip to Highlands would be complete without mentioning Old Edwards Inn’s award-winning restaurant, Madison’s. This AAA Four-Diamond dining destination is known for some of the best locally-sourced dining in western North Carolina. The talented culinary team hand-crafts each dish with farm-to-table, sustainable ingredients from their own gardens and greenhouses. Dine at tables with views of the Wine Garden with a trickling waterfall that can be heard through open windows, or schedule the wine cellar for an intimate setting for up to 12 guests.
 
Outdoor Recreation
 
If views are what you are looking for, Nantahala National Forest is a gold mine. From panoramic peaks to glorious waterfalls, there is a lot to choose from. US Highway 64/28 West has some of the most easily accessible waterfalls in North Carolina, including some visible right from the road!
 
Bridal Veil Falls is the only waterfall in North Carolina you can actually drive behind; however, the section of the road behind the falls is now blocked off from automobiles for safety, but you can still park your car and see the falls from the comfort of your vehicle or get out of your car and stand behind it yourself. About 2.7+/- miles from Highlands on Highway 64, this is a great warm-up!
 
Further along Hwy 64 toward Franklin is Dry Falls. This 75-foot-tall waterfall is a must-see. Flowing over a cliff, it allows you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (hence the name). Everyone can enjoy the view from a fully accessible observation area adjacent to the parking area. It is a short walk from there down to the trail to reach the falls. The real treat is getting a closer look by climbing down the stairs and walking the short path. There are many great vantage points along the way for photos. You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right positions.
 
Glen Falls is a triple waterfall with four great scenic stops along the roughly two+/- mile round-trip hike in the Nantahala National Forest. The upper and middle cascades are the most beautiful. From the parking area, take the woodland trail downhill. It is recommended you not stop until you get to the middle section since it is downhill all the way. Then you can stop at the upper section and other vantage points as resting stops on your hike back uphill.
 
For breathtaking views, give the moderate two-mile hike on Whiteside Mountain a try. A landmark along the Eastern Continental Divide, this loop will take you by cliff edges and sprawling views. You might even see some falcons if you keep your eyes peeled! Also home to Sunset Rock, you can take Main Street to the Nature Center – about ½+/- mile east of town. Walk approximately ½+/- mile to the top to sit on granite slabs and enjoy the sun setting over the town. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and pass the evening on a clear day. 

A Few New Listings This Week