High Hampton Inn  

- Vacations are all about relaxation. In today’s world, with cell phones, televisions and more, one never truly “gets away from it all” when on vacation. At the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina, taking a step back in time to an era where peaceful relaxation was the norm, is the theme.

Since 1922, the High Hampton Inn has been about getting out of your room and out into the world of nature. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, with eight hiking trails, a crystal clear 35-acre lake for canoeing and swimming, tennis courts, and a wonderfully fun golf course, there is no need to stay secluded in your room. Unless being alone and away from everything is just what you ordered.

To encourage guests to get outside and enjoy the beauty that surrounds this 1,400-acre resort, there are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Guests at the Inn have found that truly being away from it all helps them to relax and enjoy their vacation. With so much room to roam, it’s even possible to enjoy your own spot where the rest of the family cannot find you.

Our room was quite cozy, with a beautiful view of Hampton Lake, Chimney Top Mountain and Rock Mountain. While our room lacked air conditioning, being 3,600-feet up in the mountains, the evenings were pleasantly cool and the days mild.

The High Hampton Inn, situated in what is called “Waterfall Central” in North Carolina and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers such long-standing Southern customs as Afternoon Tea, dressing in coat and tie, or dress for dinner, and casual conversation. The Inn is quite rustic, and may not appeal to those looking for bright lights and night clubs, but many find it a welcome change.

There is a Children’s Program to keep the young ones occupied and entertained as well as giving the adults time to relax. The children build crafts, play games and even had a parade using golf carts that they had decorated while we were there.

Being avid golfers, my son and I had to test the course. The course at The High Hampton Inn is by no means long. Measuring just over 6,000 yards from the tips, you will find yourself playing a relaxed, controlled round surrounded by nature’s finest beauty.

The course’s defense is a plethora of elevation changes and tall thick trees surrounding the fairways. The par-3s are particularly tough, and the eighth sits along Hampton Lake with a breathtaking view of the entire resort.

The greens are about the best I’ve played in years. I had forgotten how wonderful bent grass greens are. There is not a single bunker on the property, so I’d suggest leaving the sand clubs at home, and instead bring a trusty fairway wood or hybrid that you can hit nice and straight.

For the non-golfers, the Inn offers a plethora of relaxing services at the new Hampton Spa. Although small and just offsite, the spa provides guests with just enough attention to wash away the stress brought with them to the Inn.

Meals are served buffet style, with the soup coming out an hour before dinner service begins. I strongly suggest trying the soup every day!

We were overwhelmed with the amount of food. While not fancy by any means, meals are very southern "family" cooking. My family enjoyed the BBQ lunch most of all. Breakfasts are especially filling with eggs, fruits, grits and a lot more to choose from. There is no need to start or finish your day hungry.

To find out more about the High Hampton Inn and schedule your visit, visit the resort at (www.highhamptoninn.com) or call them at 800-334-2551.