I recently spent a weekend at the
High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, N.C. and had such a beautifully relaxing experience. High Hampton Inn has 1,400 acres and gorgeous views with so many wonderful trails, a huge lake, and tons of old fashioned activities for families to partake in. (and a few new ones like the Zumba fitness classes.)
My kids left for a 10 day trip to Alaska with their dad the weekend I was able to visit the Inn so they didn't get a chance to experience it, but we will be back - and soon. What a beautiful, wholesome family friendly place. It was so refreshing to see teenagers throwing around a football and taking hikes and families playing games outside together. Every night there was something going on in the lobby for families. You can always find several generations of family playing bingo together and enjoying board games and chatting in the main lobby of the Lodge. There is one television in the main lobby and few families were catching up on the tennis matches while others played ping pong outside on the huge porch.
The rooms at the High Hampton Inn are considered rustic and you won't find televisions, phones, or air conditioning. We left the windows open through the day and night with a fan provided by the Inn - what a lovely way to sleep - the fresh mountain air felt fantastic!
Another one of my favorite things about my stay was the Full American Meal plan which is included in the room cost. This works out to a HUGE money and time saver. We all know how crazy expensive feeding a family who has been out hiking, swimming, canoeing, paddling, playing tennis, golf, and waterfall trips can get. We were most assuredly ready for meal time when it was ready for us. And WOW - every meal was fresh, full of variety, and very delicious. We enjoyed tons of fresh fruit and vegetables at the meals. There are so many choices of salads, meats, side dishes served on the buffet. And the dessert table - YUMMY! I mention the Meal Plan being a time saver as well, because once you arrive you are assigned a table and you have that table for the duration of your stay so you never ever have to wait for a table to open up. LOVED the "no waiting for a table" thing!! I have been on so many family reunions where a hungry crowd of 20 of us had to wait for the restaurant (1) to have tables open, and (2) for them to put the tables together for us -- and when you are ready to eat, and more importantly, your children are ready to eat, this is never a fun 10 - 30 minutes! You will not have that problem at High Hampton Inn - you will never have to wait for a table and you will always get to sit together - making your family time so much more relaxed and enjoyable!!
They also have a beautiful spa and health center on the property. I had a wonderful and much needed facial and learned a few handy and inexpensive tips from Mel (thanks very much Mel - you were AWESOME!)
The Inn is doing something new this year called
Dinner in the Dahlias where 30 guests will be seated at a long table decorated with and surround by the heirloom dahlia blooms. I assure you this is going to be an amazingly beautiful experience. The dates for Dinner in the Dahlias will be on August 30 and September13, 2011. Guests will learn all about the history of the Inn’s stunning flowers while enjoying a delicious multi-course meal under the twilight sky. The price for the dinner is $52 per person, and it will begin at 6 p.m.
Rates: Spring and Fall rates range from $127 to$148. Summer rates start at $145 to $165. All of these rates are based on Double Occupancy. Many of these rooms are pet friendly. Room rates include Full American Plan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Rooms are considered rustic and are without televisions, phones, and air conditioning. Additional Fees: Once a third person is added to the room, there is a $72 extra occupancy fee. Children ages 4 thru 8 in room with 2 adults will be charged a meal fee of $41. All children ages 3and under are free.
They also have
Vacation Homes for rent which would be
perfect for a family reunion! To find out more about High Hampton Inn or to book your stay,
visit here. For a great review on some of the standing traditions of the Inn (like the coat and tie at dinner for men),
visit here!
Disclosure: High Hampton Inn hosted me for two nights in exchange for this review.
