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 via the choices. I made a decision two nights can be very best, one thing pretty shut by/drivable, and after we had settled in the home and loved the vacation season can be finest. This took us into January and the timing lent itself to work effectively for utilizing the getaway as each a time of reflection on 2024, planning for 2025, and an opportunity for us to rejoice David’s January birthday collectively.
We’re sometimes doers and don’t “simply calm down” very effectively, however for this explicit getaway, a while to sit back 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 house, I began there. Previous Edwards Inn and Spa got here up instantly, as I had heard good issues from buddies and acquaintances in regards to the Relais & Chateaux property. I booked us two nights within the historic inn, dinner at their finest 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 be capable of make it to our vacation spot started to floor. I made a decision there was nothing I might do about it both means, 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 verify she can be right here with the children in case we might make it, which was tremendous beneficiant. Fortuitously by the morning of our departure, the roads have been largely clear, which was 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 stunned 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 principle inn, which was in-built July of 1878. The rooms are properly up to date although with heated lavatory flooring and our room, room 18, was spacious and really snug.
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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 referred to as Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar, so we walked over to it to assert a window seat. We cut up the Caesar salad and a Napoletana pizza with fennel sausage, ricotta, mozzarella, tomato, basil, and garlic. Each have been wonderful.
With absolutely bellies we determined to stroll round and get our bearings. We wandered the comfortable 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 means 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, enjoyable and speaking, and beginning to take a few of our 2025 intentions and taking them one step nearer to turning into full on plans. The afternoon flew by and shortly we realized it was time to vary so we might make it to our dinner reservation.
We had 6:00 reservations at Madison’s, a farm to desk restaurant situated 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 effectively within the snug 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 visitors gathered as effectively. The fireplace truck and hearth 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, in order that they directed us to a cute little spot name the Blue Bike Cafe only a block down the road. They steered us effectively 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 effectively appointed two stage facility to get in leg day.
As soon as fed and exercised, we have been prepared for some relaxation and leisure, so we showered and made our solution to the spa, about an hour earlier than our appointments. The spa could be very good, with the co-ed solarium and leisure 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 stunned that there was no males’s dry sauna, since we did have one on the women’ facet. I loved the facilities as effectively, then we each went in for 80 minute massages. It was great.
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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 just some 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 uncertain 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 fastidiously navigated the quick (icy) walkway and the repay was enormous. Dry Falls was beautiful, particularly with the icicles that embellished it. We discovered that it was as soon as 4 occasions as huge as Niagra Falls (loopy, proper?!) and that is what’s left of it at the moment. It’s breathtaking. I want iPhone photos did it justice.
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We returned to Previous Edward’s Inn final afternoon and arrange store within the Hummingbird Lounge. We meant to get dinner throughout the road at The Tavern, nevertheless it was closed for cleansing for the week. Loads of the city appeared to be taking a relaxation after the vacation season, which is comprehensible. I’d love to return 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 form 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 effectively, since they serve meals from Madison’s restaurant.
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We ate breakfast the following morning again at Blue Bike Cafe (wonderful, once more), after which took off in the direction of house feeling relaxed, mentally rejuvenated, and finest off all, linked. It was enjoyable to be reminded of how a lot enjoyable we have now collectively and we’re excited to tackle the brand new 12 months.
The women beloved 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 bought my toes again beneath me on the home. Is that not one of the best feeling? Grateful!
Have you ever been to the Highlands? Do you have got a favourite little mountain city to go to? Historic Inns- do you’re keen on them or favor extra fashionable lodging?
