A number of months in the past, among the many craziness of transferring, I made a decision David and I wanted an evening or two away collectively. I’m typically the instigator of the journeys/journey in our household, so I began pondering by the choices. I made a decision two nights can be ideally suited, one thing pretty shut by/drivable, and after we had settled in the home and loved the vacation season can be greatest. This took us into January and the timing lent itself to work nicely for utilizing the getaway as each a time of reflection on 2024, planning for 2025, and an opportunity for us to have a good time David’s January birthday collectively.
We’re sometimes doers and don’t “simply chill out” very nicely, however for this explicit getaway, a while to relax and a therapeutic massage sounded dreamy. I had heard good issues in regards to the little mountain city of The Highlands in North Carolina, and being that it was solely a 90 minute drive from our new residence, I began there. Outdated Edwards Inn and Spa got here up instantly, as I had heard good issues from pals and acquaintances in regards to the Relais & Chateaux property. I booked us two nights within the historic inn, dinner at their greatest restaurant, and massages for 2, then we counted down the times with keen anticipation.
Because the weekend approached, so did the prediction of snow, and my considerations of if we’d have the ability to make it to our vacation spot started to floor. I made a decision there was nothing I may do about it both manner, and made up my thoughts to benefit from the snow (which we did). Mother even got here up a pair days sooner than deliberate to ensure she can be right here with the children in case we may make it, which was tremendous beneficiant. Thankfully by the morning of our departure, the roads have been largely clear, which was a superb factor as a result of the windy mountain roads to get to the Highlands would have been a bit too thrilling for my liking if they’d have been iced up. Fortunately the ice was solely on the facet of the mountain within the type of beautiful icicles and frozen waterfalls for us to admire and nothing on the roads to make us slip.
We arrived noon and have been fortunately shocked to have our room prepared already, so we checked in and went to place our issues away. We had a Historic Deluxe Room in the primary inn, which was inbuilt July of 1878. The rooms are properly up to date although with heated rest room flooring and our room, room 18, was spacious and really comfy.
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We have been there with a full afternoon stretched out forward of us, so we determined to get lunch after which discover, because the resort sprawls a number of acres proper in the course of The Highlands’ cute downtown space.
On property is a pizza spot known as Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar, so we walked over to it to assert a window seat. We break up the Caesar salad and a Napoletana pizza with fennel sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and garlic. Each have been glorious.
With absolutely bellies we determined to stroll round and get our bearings. We wandered the comfy hallways of the historic inn and poked our head within the spa earlier than crossing the road to go to the health heart, the swimming pools (which have been closed for the season however had open sizzling tubs), and the lodge. By late afternoon we made our manner again to the Hummingbird Lounge, a comfy spot inside the historic inn portion of the resort, and ordered a smoked bourbon drink (for him) and an espresso martini (for her).
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The afternoon was fabulous and simply what I used to be after. We simply chilled, stress-free and speaking, and beginning to take a few of our 2025 intentions and taking them one step nearer to changing into full on plans. The afternoon flew by and shortly we realized it was time to vary so we may make it to our dinner reservation.
We had 6:00 reservations at Madison’s, a farm to desk restaurant positioned proper within the historic inn, so we walked the 2 flights as much as our room to vary, and got here again down for dinner. The service and meals was excellent, with the complimentary pimento cheese and my scallops stealing the present.
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We each slept nicely within the comfy mattress however have been startled awake at 7:00 by the fireplace alarm. It appeared persistent so we rolled off the bed to decorate and go right down to the foyer the place different half sleeping company gathered as nicely. The fireplace truck and fireplace fighters confirmed up and found there was some incident within the kitchen with a reduce line in a hood or one thing like that. After about 20-Half-hour they have been capable of get the alarm to cease. At that time we have been up and able to go.
The kitchen was out of service on the inn, so that they directed us to a cute little spot name the Blue Bike Cafe only a block down the road. They steered us nicely as a result of breakfast was scrumptious! I had shrimp and grits with eggs and David raved in regards to the grilled breakfast burrito and the dipping sauce. Afterwards we walked to the health heart, a nicely appointed two degree facility to get in leg day.
As soon as fed and exercised, we have been prepared for some relaxation and rest, so we showered and made our option to the spa, about an hour earlier than our appointments. The spa may be very good, with the co-ed solarium and rest room being the spotlight for me. The rooms are cozy and cozy. Within the males’s space, David loved the whirlpool and steam room, however was shocked that there was no males’s dry sauna, since we did have one on the women’ facet. I loved the facilities as nicely, then we each went in for 80 minute massages. It was fantastic.
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We relaxed collectively afterwards within the solarium, chatting and sipping coconut water and sizzling tea. Finally we determined to get gown and go exploring. We performed a sport of chess within the lodge the place a pleasant waitress tole us about two waterfalls only a few minutes’ drive away. So we loaded as much as go see Bridal Veil Falls, which was proper on the facet of the freeway.
We have been not sure about Dry Falls, inside the Nantahala Forest, as a result of we had heard the trail was icy, however determined to go for it anyway. I’m so glad we did! We rigorously navigated the brief (icy) walkway and the repay was enormous. Dry Falls was beautiful, particularly with the icicles that embellished it. We came upon that it was as soon as 4 occasions as large as Niagra Falls (loopy, proper?!) and that is what’s left of it right this moment. It’s breathtaking. I want iPhone footage did it justice.
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We returned to Outdated Edward’s Inn final afternoon and arrange store within the Hummingbird Lounge. We meant to get dinner throughout the road at The Tavern, however it was closed for cleansing for the week. Plenty of the city appeared to be taking a relaxation after the vacation season, which is comprehensible. I’d love to come back again in summer season and fall and see it in all it’s bustling glory, however feeling like we had the wintry city to ourselves was its personal sort of cozy particular expertise.
Hanging out within the Hummingbird Lounge ended up being the proper endcap on our fast getaway. We scored a sofa by the fireplace, chatted it up, and loved dinner there as nicely, since they serve meals from Madison’s restaurant.
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We ate breakfast the following morning again at Blue Bike Cafe (glorious, once more), after which took off in the direction of residence feeling relaxed, mentally rejuvenated, and greatest off all, linked. It was enjoyable to be reminded of how a lot enjoyable we’ve got collectively and we’re excited to tackle the brand new yr.
The women liked their time with Nana and since David needed to take off that afternoon for some work journey, mother even stayed one other night time to take the children to basketball whereas I received my toes again beneath me on the home. Is that not the most effective feeling? Grateful!
Have you ever been to the Highlands? Do you could have a favourite little mountain city to go to? Historic Inns- do you like them or choose extra fashionable lodging?
