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High Hampton
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High Hampton
Situated on 1,400 acres in western North Carolina, High Hampton has welcomed generations of travelers seeking the beauty and tranquility the storied resort has to offer.
Following an extensive two-year renovation and restoration project, the property opened its gates in spring, 2021, inviting guests to rediscover its camp-like wonder—updated with the utmost care to keep all the century-old charm and character intact. One significant improvement, the addition of central heat and air, allows the previously summer- only destination to take reservations year-round. Guests can still make memories splashing in the lake during high season but can also enjoy winter hikes and cozy nights by the fire, as well as the varied mountain foliage that shows off in spring and fall. No matter the season, holidays at the resort are an all-out affair and a not-to-be-missed addition to the event calendar.
EAT, DRINK, REPEAT
There are several restaurants to choose from on-property, ranging from fine dining to casual lunch stops to quick carry away. But breakfast and dinner are the main events, served daily in the historic, chestnut-paneled dining room in The Inn. Here, the mood is cozy and modern- day clubby, where vast windows swathed in rich velvet frame scenic views of the grounds and beloved local landmark, Rock Mountain. In the morning there’s cappuccino, and hot chocolate to be sipped by the stone fireplace, while nibbling on freshly baked pastries and savory mains like croque madame, and farm-fresh greens drizzled with champagne vinaigrette, topped with a perfectly poached egg. Dinner is a more elevated affair—jackets are suggested while t-shirts, sporting attire, and casual wear are not permitted—and the three-course menus change seasonally in their core focus, and weekly based on ingredients, so you can sample a variety of dishes lovingly executed by Executive Chef Zachary Chancey, Executive Chef Scott Franqueza, and Pastry Chef April Franqueza during your stay. Menus lean toward Southern classics, reimagined with a bounty of local ingredients, with everything from a classic wedge salad, dotted with thick bites of Benton’s bacon to a decadent house-made pasta bathed in creamy butter and fresh herbs to Carolina trout, grilled simply, served over broth-plumped peas. The wine pairing is highly recommended; the sommelier will make three personalized selections to complement your meal.
Pro tip: Save room for dessert. The coconut cake, bright sorbets, or anything else that graces the menu will not disappoint. (Breakfast and dinner in the dining room are included with each stay.)
COZY-LUXE LODGING
With twelve rooms housed in the main inn and multiple cottages of all shapes and sizes located throughout the property, High Hampton straddles the rustic-meets-luxury divide to perfection. Accommodations seem to be designed as much for a romantic weekend as a family vacation. Wood floorboards creak, doors stick just a bit, and there are no TV’s to be found. But the Frette linens, wrapped snuggly beneath hand-stitched quilts, and the crisp, black and white-tiled bathrooms, complete with deep soaking tubs and plush robes, provide a measured amount of luxury that feels just right for the boutique resort. Rocking chairs on the porches (including a gorgeous, wide, wraparound version at The Inn) are ideal for enjoying the crisp mountain air-morning to night, any time of year.
SIMPLE PLEASURES
The true beauty of the resort lies in the lay of the land. High Hampton is a nature lover’s paradise where you can spend your days hiking, biking, fishing, or swimming and kayaking in the 15-acre lake. The challenging and picturesque 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course guides golfers through modern greens and fairways with epic mountain views all around. Racquet sport enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the four Har-Tru clay courts, one classic hard court, and four pickleball courts, surrounded by the large High Hampton Dahlia Garden. Courts can be reserved, and private lessons are available. A classic fitness center, croquet, and outdoor ping pong tables are available for those seeking additional recreational pursuits. For a peak High Hamptons experience, simply kick back beneath the shade of an oversized umbrella on one of the loungers that line the meticulously manicured lawn and soak up all the outdoor splendor.
GETTING THERE
Nashville to Cashiers, North Carolina, is a 5 1⁄2-hour drive. Be prepared for winding mountain roads near the end. The nearest major airport is Asheville, North Carolina. (High Hampton, 1525 Highway 107 S., Cashiers, NC; highhampton.com)
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High Hampton
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High Hampton
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High Hampton
Looking to book your High Hampton getaway?
General Manager Stephen McLean shares his season-by-season guide to help you plan your perfect vacay.
• Spring: A hike to Rock Mountain is hard to beat! The wildflowers are emerging, there are pristine views and very cooperative weather with cool mornings and warm afternoons.
• Summer: The lake and pool provide a ton of activities and full family fun. There’s swimming, fishing, kayaking on the lake, paddle sports, golf, the kids’ camp, and more.
• Fall: Guests can enjoy our outdoor activities like golf, tennis, pickleball, croquet— all with a stunning backdrop of changing leaves and cooler temperatures.
• Winter: High Hampton is magical during the holidays, where guests can snuggle up by the beautiful four-sided fireplace, play board games and puzzles all day, write letters to Santa, and decorate cookies, while the adults imbibe in a whiskey or wine tasting. Plus, our event series offers delicious and engaging guest chefs, winemakers, artisans, and more.