In every issue of The Light we highlight an interesting and wonderful place in Florida to visit for a quick and convenient escape. We plan to continue to do this; however, because of our proximity to so many other destinations where you can travel by car or air, we have decided to expand our coverage to include other incredible places to visit. One of our favorite places, especially in the summer and fall, is Highlands, North Carolina. The weather is fantastic and the town is charming, with wonderful restaurants, shops, antiques and crafts. The area is in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which are scenic and majestic. There are lakes, trails, waterfalls, and so much of nature to enjoy.
We enjoy staying at Old Edwards Inn and Spa when we travel there. It is a unique and special resort that offers an intimate and interesting getaway. The minute you check-in you are greeted by attentive staff who welcome you the moment you valet your car. On arrival, you are served a complimentary glass of excellent Champagne.
Each guestroom, suite and cottage is decorated differently and is elegant and comfortable, with all the amenities and luxury you could possibly desire. There are cozy robes and slippers, heated Carrara marble bathroom floors, Frette linens, fireplaces and balconies.
We have visited the resort numerous times and have stayed in both the guestrooms and suites, and have really enjoyed the experience. The cottages are also very nice, but we prefer staying in the main resort.
Old Edwards Inn has a wonderful outdoor bar and restaurant, The Wine Garden, that is amazing. We try to lunch and enjoy cocktails there the entire time we stay at the resort because the weather in Highlands during summer and fall is so beautiful you want to be outdoors. Madison’s Restaurant overlooks the Wine Garden and is a food lover’s delight. The food is simply delicious, and the wine selection is amazing.
For a cocktail and light bite, guests enjoy the Hummingbird Lounge which feels like you’re in the living room of an old mansion that is furnished with sofas and seating areas. The lounge features entertainment on weekends.
The spa offers all types of treatments, rainfall showers, whirlpools, steam room, and saunas. It is very luxurious, and you feel pampered the moment you enter the spa, which also features a café and boutique.
The state-of-the-art fitness center provides guests with yoga and fitness classes, Technogym equipment, personal training, free weights, cardio and weight machines.
One of our favorite things about Old Edwards is the beautiful pool area overlooking the mountains, which is the perfect place to unwind, read a book and just chill out.
Old Edwards Inn is considered one of the finest hotels not only in the United States but in the world, and the hotel has received many awards from travel industry experts like Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.