If you drive up the winding curves of Highway 64, the air starts to change. It gets thinner. Crisper. By the time you hit the 4,118-foot elevation mark, you’re in Highlands, and right there at the main intersection, looking like it’s been holding down the fort since the dawn of time, is the Highlands Inn.
It’s old.
I mean, properly old. Established in 1880, this place isn’t just a hotel; it’s basically the reason the town exists in the way it does today. While a lot of people flock to the ultra-modern luxury resorts nearby with their infinity pools and minimalist spas, there’s something about the Highlands Inn North Carolina that feels more like coming home to a wealthy great-aunt’s house. One who has very good taste in porches but doesn't believe in elevators.
Honestly, if these walls could talk, they’d probably tell you to slow down and grab a rocking chair.
The Reality of Staying in a 19th-Century Landmark
Let's be real for a second: if you're looking for a generic Marriott experience, you're going to be confused here. The floors creak. That's not a defect; it's a feature. When Samuel Truman Kelsey and Clinton Carter Hutchinson founded Highlands, they envisioned a health resort and a commercial center. The Highlands Inn was the cornerstone of that vision.
The architecture is classic Federal style, mostly. Over the decades, it has been expanded and renovated, but it retains that sprawling, wooden-clad charm that is increasingly rare in a world of glass and steel. You’ve got the Main Inn and the more "modern" (relatively speaking) Kelsey-Hutchinson Wing.
The rooms are distinct. You won't find two that are identical. Some are cozy—which is real estate speak for "small"—while others give you enough room to actually stretch out. But the draw isn't the square footage. It’s the fact that you can step out onto the veranda and watch the fog roll down Main Street.
Why the Location Actually Matters
You're at the corner of Main Street and 4th Street. This is the "Main and Main" of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can walk to basically everything.
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- Want a world-class dinner? Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro is right there.
- Need a high-end fly fishing rod? Highland Mountaineer is a stroll away.
- Just want to see where the locals get their coffee? You're in the thick of it.
Being at the Highlands Inn North Carolina means you don't have to touch your car once you park it. In a town where parking during the peak leaf-peeping season (October) is a nightmare, that is a massive, underrated perk.
Debunking the "Drafty Old Building" Myth
A lot of people worry that "historic" means "uncomfortable."
That’s not really the case here. Yes, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places (it has been since 1990), but the owners haven't just let it rot. There’s a delicate balance between preserving the 1880s vibe and making sure the Wi-Fi actually works so you can post your mountain photos.
The beds are comfortable. The linens are high-quality. But yeah, you might hear your neighbor's footsteps in the hallway. It’s part of the deal. If you want total soundproof isolation, go to a bunker. If you want to feel like you’re part of a living history book, stay here.
The Famous Porch Culture
You haven't actually experienced Highlands until you've spent an hour on a rocking chair at the Inn. It’s sort of a local rite of passage. You see the hikers coming off the trails at Whiteside Mountain, looking exhausted but happy. You see the "summer people" in their crisp linens heading to the Old Edwards Inn for a spa treatment.
It’s the best people-watching spot in the state. Period.
What Most People Get Wrong About Highlands
Highlands has a reputation for being "snobby."
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I get why. It’s expensive. The real estate prices are astronomical. But the Highlands Inn North Carolina represents a bridge to a time when this was just a rugged mountain outpost. It keeps the town grounded. While the town has become a playground for the wealthy from Atlanta and Charlotte, the Inn feels accessible. It’s elegant without being pretentious.
A common mistake travelers make is thinking Highlands is a "year-round" destination in the traditional sense. It’s a seasonal town. From January to March, things get very quiet. Some shops close. The Inn is quieter. But if you like the smell of woodsmoke and having the waterfalls all to yourself, that’s actually the best time to go.
Hiking and the Outdoors
You aren't just here for the shopping and the food. The natural beauty surrounding the Inn is staggering.
- Dry Falls: You can walk behind the waterfall. You’ll get a little misty. It’s worth it.
- Bridal Veil Falls: You used to be able to drive under it, but now it’s mostly a walk-up spot. Still iconic.
- Glen Falls: A triple-tiered beauty that requires a bit of a hike but pays off in spades.
The Inn serves as a perfect base camp for these excursions. You go out, get muddy, see something breathtaking, and then come back for a warm shower and a glass of wine on the porch.
The Economics of a Historic Stay
Let's talk money. Highlands is not a budget destination. However, the Highlands Inn North Carolina often provides a more mid-range entry point compared to the ultra-luxury resorts nearby that can run $800 to $1,200 a night during peak season.
You’re paying for the soul of the place. You're paying for the fact that the building hasn't been torn down to make room for a generic condo complex. When you stay here, you’re essentially funding the continued preservation of one of Western North Carolina’s most important architectural landmarks.
A Note on Dining
The dining scene in Highlands is punchy. It hits way above its weight class for a town with a permanent population of under 1,000 people. Within walking distance of the Inn, you have access to James Beard-caliber food. But don't sleep on the simpler stuff. Grab a sandwich and head to the park.
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The Logistics: Getting There and Staying There
Driving to Highlands is an event. If you’re coming from Atlanta, it’s about two and a half hours. From Asheville, it’s about an hour and a half of some of the most beautiful—and winding—roads in the country.
Pro Tip: If you get motion sickness, take the route through Franklin (Hwy 441) rather than the "Gorge" road (Hwy 64 from Cashiers) if you want to avoid some of the tightest switchbacks. But the Gorge road has the waterfalls. Your call.
Booking the Right Room
If you want the full "I'm in 1880" experience, ask for a room in the original Main Inn. If you want something that feels a bit more like a standard hotel room, the Kelsey-Hutchinson wing is your best bet.
- Main Inn: Authentic, historic, varying sizes.
- Kelsey-Hutchinson Wing: Slightly more modern layout, more consistent.
The Verdict on Highlands Inn North Carolina
Is it for everyone? No.
If you need a gym with 40 treadmills and a room that smells like "New Hotel Smell," you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate the fact that the wood under your feet was milled before your grandparents were born, you’ll love it. It’s about character. It’s about the fact that Highlands wouldn’t be Highlands without this specific building on this specific corner.
It’s been through fires, depressions, and the total transformation of the region, and it’s still standing. That’s worth something.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of a stay at the Highlands Inn North Carolina, you need to plan for the nuances of mountain life.
- Book 4-6 months in advance if you plan on visiting during the October leaf season. The town hits 100% capacity quickly.
- Pack layers. Even in the summer, the temperature can drop 20 degrees once the sun goes down.
- Check the local event calendar. The Highlands Playhouse is right nearby, and catching a show there is a quintessential local experience.
- Visit the Bascom. It’s a stunning visual arts center built in a former hosiery mill, and it’s a short walk from the Inn.
- Commit to a "No-Car" Saturday. Park the car on Friday night and don't touch it until Sunday. Walk the shops, hit the local nature center, and eat at the neighborhood spots. You’ll feel the "mountain time" kick in much faster.
- Research the "Shadow of the Bear." If you're visiting in late October or mid-February, head to the Rhodes Big View Overlook around 5:30 PM to see the famous bear-shaped shadow emerge over the valley. It's only a few minutes' drive from the Inn.
By focusing on the history and the walkability of the Highlands Inn, you aren't just booking a room; you're securing a front-row seat to the best version of the North Carolina mountains.