Joining fellow guests at the inn for a lively game of bingo in the huge downstairs lobby. Curling up on one of the sofas in the lobby to read a good book or working on needlepoint. Or going outside on the porch to play a rousing game of ping pong. How about a game of croquet on the lawn or enjoying the sunset from a rocking chair on the porch.
It sounds like a scene from days gone by, but it is a scene played out any time you go for a visit to the High Hampton Inn in the quaint country town of Cashiers, N.C. The inn hasn’t changed much over the years, which is why guests return year after year. Some guests have been enjoying vacations at the inn for more than 50 years, with no plans to stop.
The resort is nestled high in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Tall hemlocks and mountain laurel accent the mixed hardwoods of the 1,400-acre resort. Majestic mountains, a private 35-acre lake and gardens surround the historic country inn.
The architecture of the inn is rustic and blends with the natural beauty of the mountains and valley. Inside the large lobby, guests will find a huge chimney with four fireplaces. Comfortable mountain-crafted furniture fills the room.
The décor of the rooms is all “mountain rustic.” Hardwood walls and soft, white comforters all lend to the old-fashioned feel of the inn. There are no telephones or televisions, which also adds to the rustic charm. Cabins located near the inn are also available for rent.
Activities include a full-service spa and health club, golf course on the grounds, and water activities at the 35-acre lake. Boats are available for rent, and a small beach area is provided, as well as a playground.
As for outdoor activities, fly fishing classes are offered and they are popular with guests. Hiking is also popular. On the grounds, you will find 20 miles of hiking, including treks to the top of two mountains and one around the lake.
We hiked on the Lake Trail, which is an easy hike alongside the lake. We started off at a cottage to the side of the trail. After crossing a bridge, we were on the trail. We saw lots of greenery all over the trail, including a canopy of trees overhead. There was a beautiful tree tunnel and it was shady. It had just rained and everything was glistening. We passed over several hills but none were that difficult. Lots of birds in their nests were spotted as we walked. We also saw signs for mountain laurel and rosebay rhododendron. Deer nests or hideouts could be spotted along the trail.
We saw a beautiful spot where you could see the lake and the High Hampton Inn. It was a perfect photo spot. We stopped and took several photos and rested a few minutes.
Special events are planned throughout the year at the inn, including bridge tournaments, golf school, tennis clinics, a teddy bear picnic, children’s programs and artist workshops.
In August, Dinner in the Dalais will be featured. Guests can sit outside in the garden surrounded by the fragrant flowers. Guests can also snip off a few of the flowers and take them to their room. There is also a herb garden and you might see a chef in it getting something for the next meal.
Just down the road from the inn is the resort’s spa and health club. A shuttle takes you there. When you enter the spa, friendly Faith checks you in and gets you set up for your appointment. A workout room is located in the spa and classes are offered.
After getting into your soft robe and slippers, you go to the quiet room where you can sip water, read a magazine and relax as soft music plays. There are individual locker rooms and showers.
Jennifer was my massage therapist for my warm stone massage. She started off with my scalp and face and it was very relaxing. Warm stones were used to gently massage my back, legs, feet and hands. Aromatherapy oils were used which added to the soothing effect. It was a great massage.
A kids’ camp is offered two times a day on the grounds, with both morning and evening sessions offered. Arts and crafts, games on the grounds and swimming in the lake are offered in the morning session. Snacks and lunch are also included. Chipmunks are spotted all over the grounds and a friendly one even ran into Noah’s Ark, the headquarters for the kids program, to the delight of all the children.
While there is plenty to keep visitors busy, many come just to relax and refresh themselves. The scenery is peaceful and tranquil and enables visitors to leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visiting with the other guests lends to the family atmosphere in place at the inn. The staff members are also very friendly and add to the family atmosphere.
Meal time is a special time at the High Hampton Inn. Three meals a day are included in the daily rate, and they a real treat. Even if we wandered out exploring for the day, we made sure to be back to the inn for meal time to see what special treats the chefs had prepared. The three meals are served buffet style.
Lunch and dinner options during our stay included roast prime rib of beef, Yorkshire pudding, trout, crispy roasted white potatoes, chicken Wellington, broiled lemon pepper catfish, veggie stuffed portabella mushroom, mahi mahi, BBQ ribs, beef stroganoff, fried shrimp and clam chowder. Dessert choices included cannolli, tiramisu, éclairs, black bottom pie, Oreo cake, chocolate cake and berry pie. Breakfast included buttermilk pancakes, bacon, sausage, corn beef hash, fruit, toast, gravy and biscuits, eggs (fried or scrambled), muffins, different kinds of jellies and Danish. Everything was exceptionally prepared.
The evening meals are formal with men wearing suits and ties and women in their “Sunday best.” This also lends an old-fashioned feel to the stay, and is a real treat.
Each afternoon, tea is offered in the lobby. Hot and iced tea, coffee and sweet treats are offered.
NEARBY WATERFALLS
Waterfalls are all around High Hampton Inn. A list to choose from is available from the hotel. We chose Bridal Veil Falls and Dry Falls, both located on Hwy. 64, just outside of Highlands, an approximate 30-minute scenic drive from the inn.
At Dry Falls, you take a trail to get down to the waterfall. You can walk under the falls on the trail. At the end of the trail, you turn around and go back. There is a nice parking area and steps leading to the falls. It’s a short walk. You do get a little damp when you walk under the massive falls.
At Bridal Veil Falls, you can walk or even drive under the falls. It’s right on the road and you don’t have to hike to it. It’s lovely.
For more information on the High Hampton Inn, go to www.highhamptonin.com or call 1-800-334-2551.
Angela Gary is an editor with MainStreet Newspapers Inc. She can be reached at AngieEditor@aol.com.
