Enjoy the Mountains of North Carolina at High Hampton Inn & CC

The High Hampton Inn & CC in Cashiers, North Carolina is a place for all the seasons of our lives—as families with children, young adults with a romantic inclination, singles who are adventurists with an outdoors and sport mindset, such as I, and couples returning with their adult children and grandchildren to celebrate life up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

I absolutely loved my visit as much for the people I met and the hikes I took, as for the golf and spa activities.

The moment I came on property, seeing the tall hedges and driving through a bit of the golf course, then arriving at what can only be called a large resort estate, I immediately felt at home and knew I was in for a unique, relaxing and fun stay. Though I walked up the front steps it felt as though I was skipping up them with teenage excitement. I noticed the National Register of Historic Places plaque mounted outside on the North American chestnut bark siding. Then I opened the door and voila, the lobby lodge said ‘hello, welcome and make yourself at home’ all in one gaze.

I was indeed home and personally welcomed by Mark Jones, a previous General Manager, now a local elected official and the High Hampton Historian. He grew up here and never wanted to leave the mountains or the resort where there are fifth-generation guests and third-generation everybody else. Mark tells the story like you were present years ago when Wade Hampton came upon the property in the early 19th century, when the McKee family took ownership and started hosting guests in 1922, and  how Will Jr. and his wife Becky have carried on and added to the traditions created by his grandfather E.L. McKee and father William Sr.

I like the story of how Will’s grandfather hired J. Victor East, a contemporary of the great Bobby Jones, to build a golf course. After 11 holes were completed, he presented a bill that exhausted the budget so E.L. stopped construction. East countered, stating there has never been an 11 hole golf course and E.L. responded saying that there is one now! The sand greens were converted to grass greens and an additional seven holes designed by famed architect George W. Cobb were added to complete the sporty, beautiful and fun-to-play golf course that is present today.

CLICK here for a Video Interview with Historian Mark Jones

Like any family, the people whether on staff or guests at the resort, are what fill our vacations with pleasure and interesting interactions. I was thrilled to meet Hap Chandler, who was born in 1921, and has been coming to High Hampton since age 14 in 1934 for the fried chicken on Sunday. He was enjoying the beautiful day with his lady friend Ms. Gaynor Screven of Birmingham, Alabama and his two daughters Laura and Barbara.  Hap and Gaynor make a loving couple and I don’t think I have met two nicer people in the whole world. Meet them for yourself in this interview:

CLICK here to meet 94-young Hap Chandler

CLICK here for Hap & Gaynor’s Love Story

If you want to feel young again and get in touch with yourself, friends, relatives or a lover, the High Hampton Inn is the place to go. It is just different, so you are different. There is no air conditioning, internet or electronic gadgets to discharge you so you get recharged. The climate outside and the climate inside are conducive to pure connection, entertainment and fun. Meals in the Main Inn are intimate, delicious and nourishing. Sportcoat attire with ties on Friday and Saturday nights make the dining experience an event as special as the cuisine itself.

I took a hike each day, the first was a little over four miles up to Rock Mountain, the second was a little over three miles up to Chimney Top. Both were spectacular and somewhat challenging to this aging, Florida flatland golfer but easily doable. Nature along the well-marked and maintained trails and the view from above were spectacular. There is something about hiking a trail for the first time and the feeling of wellness, even though a bit fatigued you don’t feel it, when you are standing atop a mountain and looking down from where you came from. There is no more beautiful country than the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina!

CLICK here for a Video Interview with General Manager Clifford Mears

GM Clifford Mears tells it like the High Hampton Inn delivers—simplicity, a place to get unplugged and reconnected with what is important in life—family, friends, nature and yourself. He’s right about the beauty, the safe environment for families and the fantastic choice of amenities. I went to the Hampton Health Club & Spa for a therapeutic deep tissue massage and pedicure. Both were awesome. They certainly fulfilled their promise to “deliver peace and relaxation in a sanctity of nature.”

Whatever the season, the High Hampton Inn in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a piece of heaven for sure. Why not come and experience life as it ought to be and can be for you, family and friends at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina, only a few hours from Atlanta.

I am happy I did!