I am not a fan of cool weather, but one of the advantages of Fall is the breathtaking natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the leaves change colors. My friend, Liz of Eat.Move.Make and I took a Girlfriend’s Getaway to the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina to experience the spectacular fall scenery for ourselves. And, we received pampering from the staff as well. A total win-win.
The High Hampton Inn isn’t your typical inn. Located on top of the mountain, the High Hampton is nestled off the road and remains locked in a gentler, less rushed time period. The rustic inn, with its screen doors, wood decor, cozy fireplaces and wide covered porches beckoned me to enter. Guests can choose to stay in one of the rooms inside the Inn or in a cozy cabin located beside a winding stream. We were given a cabin with two large bedrooms, two baths and a shared living room. Three red rocking chairs were on our porch, giving us relaxing views of the creek.
High Hampton is seeped in tradition and incredibly family focused, bringing families back to stay with them year after year. Families who rent a room (or cabin) are given the first option of renting the same spot the next year. There’s plenty to explore around the High Hampton too. We visited the Dahlia garden, where guests are encouraged to pick Dahlia’s for their rooms and to ask for a mason jar before checkout to take Dahlia’s home. The Dahlia garden is huge and has been a fixture of the Inn for 104 years. Each Fall, to preserve the Dahlia’s, the tubers are dug up and placed in storage until spring when they are carefully replanted.
Situated on 1400 acres, High Hampton Inn is the perfect family retreat with activities for every member of the family. If you are feeling sporty, golf, hiking along the historic trails, and water activities are available. I couldn’t decide between paddle boating, canoeing or kayaking. During June, July and August kids ages 3-9 can participate in the Kid’s Club activities, with themed activities including hay rides and slip n slide day. Youth and Teens have their own programs with options including zip-lining and river tubing.
For those of us who enjoy rest and relaxation, there are comfortable chairs set up on the lawn with spectacular views of Rock Mountain. It’s the perfect spot to stop and watch the sunset. There’s also my personal favorite spot; the High Hampton Spa. The Hot Stone Massage is a must try. It’s 50 minutes of shear bliss. As I came out of the spa I was told I looked relaxed enough to fall over. (I was!) The spa also includes a fitness center and outdoor activities for the kids. What child wouldn’t want to climb the rock climbing wall or shoot a few hoops?
Other fun activities the kids will want to see:
Llamas on Thursdays- during the peak season, live llamas are available for petting on the grounds for petting.
Ed and Fred– the cute miniature donkeys who love to eat from your hand and have their heads scratched.
And the dining! You will not go hungry at High Hampton Inn. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in the main dining room in a buffet style setting. One fun tradition I observed was the seating arrangements. Families return to the property year after year and are moved closer to the front of the dining room with each trip. During a trip, guests are assigned one table they will use for the entire visit, making it easy to dine whenever the Hall is open. Breakfast and lunch are casual meals, but dinner is more formal. Men are required to wear a collared shirt and jacket, but we wore “business casual” to meals. I loved seeing the children in their cute dresses and ties. A traditional tea is served in the lobby every afternoon at 4 o’ clock.
The High Hampton Inn embodies everything a good vacation should have; good food, comfortable lodgings and plenty of activities for the entire family. The staff is friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is peaceful. Two things the Inn does not include in their rooms or cabins is wi-fi and television. These are available in the main lodge. Cell phone service is spotty so come prepared to unwind, relax, and enjoy the tranquility.
Have you visited the High Hampton Inn? What was your favorite experience?
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Haven’t been there. It looks like a really great place to stay, so country.
What a fun getaway you and Liz had together! This looks like the perfect location for a girls getaway. I am so excited to see him my girlfriends at a blog and conference next week.
This looks like such a beautiful place! I’d love to stroll around those grounds, they look amazing.
If I will be given the privilege to visit a place like this, without doubts I would go and bring my kids! Such a lovely place to behold!
Never visited the high Hampton inn but it looks just lovely. Very peaceful and cozy. Like s great place for a little getaway!
This looks like it would be a wonderful and relaxing place to stay! Being a country girl, this is definitely my cup of tea!
I really like this place. Your pictures really do show the beauty.
This looks like so much fun – i love the woodly feel that the hotel has. I could easily just move in here and grow up there with the amazing scenery.
Never been there but the place looks so wonderful. And omg – that bed. I’m sure it feels comfortable to lay around and rest and cuddle, haha! I just know its gotta be soft, haha!
I have never been but this looks like a really beautiful place to stay. Glad you had a great time.
What a gorgeous inn!! I love North Carolina but have never been to the High Hamptons Inn. Great post!!
This looks like such a peaceful place to stay. I would love to visit here some day even just for a weekend. They have so much to do and I love the little donkey. Thanks for sharing this amazing place.
High Hampton Inn looks like a really great place to stay, I love a country setting.
High Hampton Inn looks like a fantastic place to stay. It looks so calm and serene that I would love to go and relax there!
I would love to visit a place like this!! What an amazing place to be able to relax and catch up with friends.
That looks like a wonderful place. I love the scenery, and I love the inn itself. Love it!
Hanging out with you was the best part, of course! But it was just really nice to have a slow pace and really enjoy the beautiful natural setting in the mountains. I loved it there!