Travel Guide: Old Edwards Inn Highlands, North Carolina

Outfit

Pre-dinner glass of bubbly!

Outdoor dining at the wine garden

Outfit

Headed to the pool

They have a full-service bar at the pool

The Wine Garden is so beautiful

A pretty orchid arrangement at Hummingbird's

I first stayed at Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina, in April 2021 and fell in love! This is an updated travel guide for those who would like to plan a trip!

When we visited for the first time, it was considered 'off-season' as summer and fall are busy seasons. In 2022, we stayed for our first wedding anniversary, and then again this year for our third wedding anniversary!

About Highlands

First, if you have never visited Highlands, it is a MUST (even if you are not staying at Old Edwards). There are many cute hotels, bed and breakfasts, and VRBO/Airbnb rentals throughout the area. The main street is incredibly charming. It is lined with shops and some restaurants. The shopping is excellent, too. There are many home interior shops, brand names, small boutique clothing, accessory shops, and more. They have brands like J. McLaughlin and even a tiny C.Orrico. You can spend an entire afternoon popping in and out of just the shops! 

Highlands is nestled in the Appalachian mountains. Its higher elevation means the summer temperatures are milder than you may expect for North Carolina. There is much to do outdoors, including hiking and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Old Edwards has a gorgeous golf club. 

The larger regional area is also rich with things to do. You have Cashiers, North Carolina, which is about a 20-minute drive. To the south, you have Clayton, Georgia, another adorable small town packed with cute shops. Highlands is also about a 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta and a 3.5-hour drive from Charlotte. We like going there because it is only an hour from Hiawassee, Georgia. From Hiawassee, you hit Clayton 30 minutes into the drive, and it's always nice to stop there. Then, from there, it's just 30 more minutes to Highlands.

Getting There

I will warn you, though. The road to get into Highlands is SO windy. I'm not one to notice windy roads. I don't get car sick, but this road is on another level. I have to keep my eyes out the window the entire time, and even then, I get a bit nauseous. I have never driven it myself, but my husband drives it. That stretch of road is an experience. It's 100% worth it, but you have been warned! I always say that this is why Old Edwards greets you with champagne upon arrival, so you can block that road out of your mind!!! 

In that same vein, if you are flying, there isn't a 'convenient' airport in the area. The closest airport is Asheville, which is about an hour and a half away, and a small regional airport. The popular airport to fly into is Atlanta, but like I mentioned, that's a further drive. We have always driven from Hiawassee, so it's easy and convenient. From Pittsburgh, though, the drive would be about 9 hours. 

If you are driving from the south, stop at Julep Farms in Dillard, GA! It's the cutest restaurant, shop, and farm! 

Someone messaged me on Instagram, mentioning they are from Boston and wondering if it is worth the flight and the rental car drive. It all depends on what kind of trip you like, but if it were me, I'd say yes, but do a tour of the area instead of just spending time in the Highlands. I'd check out Asheville, Highlands, and Cashiers to make the longer journey worth it! 

Falls Cottage Room (my favorite of all the rooms we've stayed in)

Deluxe Lodge Room

Corner of our Historic Deluxe King Inn room

The decor is stunning.

About Old Edwards

The Old Edwards Inn is located on Main Street, conveniently right in the middle of it all. It is a large property with five different accommodation options. We have stayed in the Inn, the Lodge, and Falls Cottages. 

The rooms are beautifully and luxuriously appointed in a 'rustic chic' design scheme. I preferred our Falls Cottage room over our Lodge and Inn rooms, but you can't go wrong with whichever you choose.

They have Molton Brown amenities, complimentary morning coffee, heated bathroom floors and towel racks, plenty of outdoor access, and spacious rooms. Our Falls Cottage had a wonderful fireplace. 

The property offers 10 different dining options, two outdoor pools, an incredible full-service spa, a workout facility with fitness classes, and a golf club. Don't miss the spa! 

Plus, they have a calendar of events each week, filled with things to do and even special events. 

The rooms are beautiful, charming, up-to-date, and the grounds are meticulously kept. The service is, for the most part, top-notch. 

Something about Old Edwards and Highlands melts stress away. I really mean that in the literal sense. The 'real world' feels far away, like you are in a little cocoon of bliss. 

Two nights is enough to get the whole experience, but even one night is worth it to get a taste of the area. Three nights is ideal for your first stay, so you have a day for the spa and relaxation, exploring the area, and doing activities. I love their pool area and could spend hours just relaxing there. Now that I have visited the area several times, I find just a night to be enough of a getaway! 

Someone asked me about bringing their children to OEI. I've seen children there, though, in my experience, it's mostly adults. There are some cute children's stores on Main Street, and I think children would enjoy the pools! 

Some of the things we have enjoyed dining at Madison's for dinner.

Lunch in the Wine Garden

One of the Outdoor Pools

Pina Colada at the pool bar (it was delish!)

Our dinner table at Madison's overlooks the Wine Garden. I think the window booths are the best—request them if you can!

Four65 Bistro

Dining

There are 10 food and drink options on the property. Madison's is their upscale dining restaurant, which is incredible and the perfect spot for a celebration dinner. It has a cozy, rustic, elegant vibe. 

The Wine Garden is located on Madison's patio, which is gorgeous. We like the Wine Garden for lunch- that's a can't-miss thing to do there as it's just so enjoyable to be seated out there. It's so relaxing. The food is casual and delicious. There are no reservations, so it can get crowded on weekends. You don't have to be a guest at Old Edward's to dine at the Wine Garden, so even if you are just visiting the area, it's worth the stop! 

They also have Four65 Bistro, a wood-fired pizza restaurant that is beautiful inside and a more casual option than something like Madison's. 

You can order food at the two outdoor pools, and they have bars set up for cocktails. A rooftop terrace is beautiful and perfect for an outdoor lunch or cocktail during the warmer months. 

They have a café in the spa, which is delicious. The Lodge has a bar for morning coffee or afternoon/evening cocktails. 

Hummingbird's is a handsome cocktail lounge with wood-paneled walls and live music on occasion. The Grille Room is the only place we haven't been; it is located at the Golf Club overlooking the course.

Many other restaurants are located in Highlands; we love the Ugly Dog Cafe for casual fare in an adorable dog-themed pub-style atmosphere. You all have also recommended the following:

- Paoletti's 

- Lakeside

- Roots and Vine

- Sweet Basil

- Wolfgang's 

- Veranda

- Wild Thyme

- Canyon Kitchen- this one is in Cashiers, but I did look it up, and it looks divine. I want to do a separate trip to Cashiers!

The Dove bars are a fun touch!

Service

The service is top-notch. It's not inexpensive, so for the prices, you would expect excellent service, and they definitely deliver on that. Check-in is such a pleasant experience with welcome champagne. They take care of getting you and your bags to your room since it is a large property. There is lots of parking available and usually right near your room. The towels at the pool are always fresh and well-stocked, and there is even a little sunscreen station. The staff is friendly and attentive. It's such a good place for celebrations as they go above and beyond to acknowledge what you are celebrating! Overall, the experience just makes you want to return again and again!

Overall, I recommend visiting Highlands, North Carolina, and the Old Edwards Inn. We already cannot wait to return!