If you like your vacation to feel like it’s set in a movie, say, Dirty Dancing’s Kellerman’s Mountain House (except Southern), then High Hampton is probably for you. This idyllic mountain getaway has been around since 1922. And in 2021, the Beall family (best known for their Blackberry Farm resort) took control. They renovated and restored the property, bringing their signature commitment to quality, service and appreciation of the landscape — all while keeping High Hampton’s century-old charm intact. They worked some of the vintage furniture into the space, making it both wholly modern and connected to its past.
Today, High Hampton’s 1,400 acres offer one of the most refined ways to experience the Nantahala National Forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains from Cashiers, N.C. Cashiers (pronounced “Cashers,” the “i” is silent) is a remote mountain town, including a small “downtown” with some charming boutiques, a brewery and restaurants. As you turn off NC-107 and drive through the winding road and gated entrance, you’ll feel like it’s even more remote, passing a par-71 golf course tucked into a temperate rainforest. You’ll be greeted by a team ready to park your car (you likely won’t need it for your stay, but if you do, the 24-hour valet will fetch it), transport your luggage, and walk you through the amenities, from the mountainside private lake, to the swimming pool with views of the mountains, to hiking trails, the kids club and rainy-day board games.
High Hampton feels as exclusive as it is. The resort shares its facilities with an on-site membership club, so you might find club members and property owners in the boathouse, restaurants and golf carts tooling around the property. But still, even on a sold-out holiday weekend, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to commune with nature alone, have a romantic dinner under the stars, or make s’mores with friends and family around the communal firepit.
What’s Nearby
High Hampton is 75 miles from Asheville (the closest airport) and 29 miles from Sylva, a vibrant mountain town with three different bookstores, breweries, restaurants, tea shops and more. It’s just 12 miles to Highlands, another affluent mountain community, and to lots of waterfall hikes on the roads between the two.
Remember, mountain roads can be deceiving, and a 12-mile drive can take 30 minutes or more, depending on weather.
What to Do
You didn’t come to the mountains to ignore the outdoors. Azalea-lined hiking trails leave from the property, offering challenging hikes along Chimney Top and Rock Mountain. You can also opt for easier strolls, playing on the Tom-Fazio-designed golf course, challenging a friend in a pickleball game, swimming (in the lake or pool), playing croquet, kayaking, paddleboarding, stargazing and more. There may also be cooking classes, fly-fishing classes and yoga sessions, depending on when you show up.
What won’t you do? Watch TV. There are no TVs in the guest rooms so you can disconnect (although there is Wi-Fi in case you can’t).
Where to Eat
Staying at some resorts means eating at the same table, meal after meal. High Hampton is not some resorts. Choose from fine dining in the Dining Room and more casual fare in the Tavern, plus poolside eats and three restaurants in the membership club — most of which offer scenic views. While the Tavern doesn’t have the prix fixe menus of the Dining Room, it still offers impeccable service and delicious food. The restaurant’s hummus and vegetable platter was anything but simple, resembling an artist’s palette — so rich in color.
Heading on a hike? Grab a basket of snacks (a welcome gift) from the reception desk, and pack some non-hiking gear to wear to dinner in the Dining Room. Head sommelier Tyler Wesslund has developed an innovative wine list, with categories such as “Women winemakers we love,” “Who doesn’t love a good deal?” and “Last call.”
How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep
The rooms at High Hampton are designed for shut-eye. There are no screens — not even digital clocks — to disrupt your REM (though there is an analog clock if you need to check the time). Blackout curtains shut out the mountain sky, and plush Frette bedding — readied for you by nightly turndown service — is primed for sleep.
Choose from guest rooms in the original inn or separate cottages with small patios. Some bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs. Request one if that’s part of your wind-down routine.
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