Romantic Weekend Getaway to Highlands and Old Edwards Inn
Drew and I just got back from a 48 hour trip to beautiful Highlands, North Carolina. Originally, I planned a surprise trip for his 35th birthday to New Orleans. His parents honeymooned there many years ago and he always mentioned that he wanted to visit, so I thought it would be the perfect place. However, our family got covid so we had to reschedule and then the weather was calling for rain and temps in the 30s/40s which was not ideal for traveling to New Orleans—so we pivoted and booked a super last minute trip to Highlands which is about 2.5 hours from Atlanta. They say “everything happens for a reason!”
On Thursday, we met my in-laws in Dillard, North Carolina to switch the boys and Scout from our car to theirs. They live about an hour away from Dillard so it was a perfect trading spot. From Dillard, it was about a 30 minute drive up a “winter wonderland” winding road to get to the Highlands. We were blown away at the amount of snow on the side of the road and the sky was foggy so it made us feel just like a winter wonderland. We arrived around 3 and were greeted with outstanding service and a glass of champagne at check in at Old Edwards Inn. We opted for the lodge area of the hotel as the room was spacious and the vaulted ceilings looked amazing. After settling into our room (and tasting the amazing cookies they provide!), we grabbed a bite to eat at Four65 Woodfire Bistro located on Old Edwards Inn. Y’all this place is a MUST if you visit the Highlands. The portions are generous for salads and the pizza was phenmonial. We ordered the brussel sprout and pancetta pizza along with a small greek salad (I recommend both!).
Following our late lunch, we walked around the cute town which is about 3 blocks long split by a road. It is such an idilic town and with snow was even more adorable! After window shopping and getting the lay of the land, we went into the hot tub at Old Edwards Inn. They have two hot tubs (both similar distance from a room in the lodge area), but we went to the more historic hot tub between the lodge and historic part. We had the hot tub to ourselves and were surrounded by snowy mounds and fog. Seriously an amazing view for us, as we have not seen much snow this year!
Following our amazing hot tub experience, we freshened up and headed to the Hummingbird Lounge for dinner and drinks. The Hummingbird Lounge is on Old Edwards Inn property and features the same menu as their flagship restaurant, The Madison, but is first-come/first-serve. As we booked super last minute, Madison’s was completely booked so this was a great option. And y’all, I would 100% recommend going to the Hummingbird for dinner if you get a chance. We split the charcuterie board and their pan seared trout. I am pretty sure that the trout was one of the best things I have ever eaten (it was simply amazing!). We finished our evening off with a Dove bar, which are provided by the hotel.
The next morning, we woke up and walked around town before going to the gym to get a quick work out. We booked super late, so ended up rebooking in the historical part of the hotel as they had a last minute cancellation (we were planning on going to 200 Main as a back up, but lucked out and there was an opening in the historic part of Old Edwards Inn!). *Pro tip: OEI is generally booked, but they can have last minute cancellations-just keep checking their website for vacant and you may get lucky!* Following our work out (they have peloton bikes–bring your shoes if you want!), we packed up from the lodge and headed to lunch/shopping around town.
Our only disappointment was lunch at Wild Thyme. It was recommended to us, so I am not sure if we ordered the wrong thing or service was lacking that day–but we were less than thrilled with the meal and had an upcharge to split a sandwich which made the lack luster sandwich a way over priced sandwich. Following lunch, we headed to the only brewery in town, Satulah, which is a couple blocks away from Main Street. We spoke with the owner who gave us many recommendations around town. It was a small brewery, but had great beer and the best tasting seltzer I have had (it isn’t as sweet as most!).
Following the brewery, we passed the ice rink where we came super close to skating but didn’t have cash so ended up passing (only $5 cash to skate!). Following, our ventures downtown we went back to the hotel to enjoy the hot tub before getting ready for the evening. We were once again the only people in the hot tub and had the place to ourselves! After the hot tub, Drew napped while I took my time getting ready for the evening. Being a mom of little ones, I rarely have the time to get ready so really cherish it!
We headed to Midpoint Restaurant in downtown for dinner. We ended up grabbing a drink at the bar prior and had great conversation with the bartender and a couple from Milton, GA. It was so much fun talking with a local and getting more insight about the town. Following dinner, we headed back to the Hummingbird Lounge for a nightcap and to listen to live music. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful day.
The next morning, we woke up and got a quick workout in before packing up and heading to Mountain Fresh Grocery for breakfast. Mountain Fresh Grocery was recommended to us by many friends and it did not disappoint. They serve delicious and huge portions of food. I highly recommend the greek/vegetarian omelet! Their lunch menu looks great too, but if you want breakfast be sure to show up before 11. Following brunch, we did a little shopping before heading to Cashiers for a quick brewery stop before going to my in-laws to get the boys.
It was a short 48 hour trip, but was so reviving for ourselves and our marriage. I didn’t realize it had been since May that we got away just the two of us (read about our 24 hour trip to Bryson City). It is amazing to have the time together to laugh and talk uninterrupted. I am very thankful that even with all the craziness and lack of alone time with each other, we still have so much fun together! Isn’t it the best when you get to do life with your best friend?!
Recommendations in Highlands:
- Old Edwards Inn:
- Lodge section: In the summertime or if you want a larger, more private feel
- Historic section: In the wintertime for a more cozy feel, but also more “hotel” feel
- section: If you are traveling with a family or group
- Places to Eat:
- Mountain Fresh Grocery: great for breakfast or lunch, also a good general store (and they have a good local beer/wine selection too)
- Hummingbird Lounge/Madison’s: they have the same menu, but Madison’s requires reservations and Hummingbird is more laid-back and is first-come/first-serve (get the seared trout, highly recommend!)
- Four65 Woodfire Bistro: delicious pizza and salad; great, relaxed atmosphere (the Brussel sprout pizza won’t disappoint)
- Midpoint: a great, eclectic and laid-back restaurant; large portions and great service. Their desserts are supposed to be amazing (and they are stunning!)
- Satulah Brewery: Super small and quaint brewery. At first glance I was hesitant about this place, but the beer/seltzer is great and the owner shares so many stories/information about the area.
There are so many more places in Highlands to check out. A lot of places are shut down in January, because it is their low season. We loved it being so quiet and not crowded, so would definitely come back again during the “low” season. However, it would be fun to check out in late fall too for the changing of the leaves or even the summer with our boys.
Do you have any recommendations in Highlands/Cashiers? Where is your favorite mini-getaway?
