Southern Lady Magazine

Grand Getaways: Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Grand Getaways: Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Grand Getaways: Old Edwards Inn & SpaBy Elizabeth Bonner Czapski

A Carolina mountain escape pairs outdoor wonder with utmost comfort, encapsulating luxury, adventure, and traditional Southern hospitality.

The Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Whether you unwind indoors by a stone hearth or explore the natural wonders all around, it doesn’t take long to realize a trip to Old Edwards Inn & Spa can be almost anything you want it to be. Located on the southern plateau of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Old-World refuge sits in the heart of lively Highlands, North Carolina.

Although built in 1878, the original red brick structure has been enhanced with modern amenities that create an opulent feel in an idyllic mountain setting. Owners Art and Angela Williams have added a spa, wellness center, and heated mineral pools.

The Old Edwards Inn & Spa’s sister property, Half-Mile Farm, is a short drive from downtown.

While it’s tempting to stay inside, don’t ignore the call of the mountains. At 4,118 feet, the inn’s environs thrive with hiking, biking, and horseback riding in nearby wooded forests. You can enjoy canoeing, fly fishing, and more on the area’s lakes and rivers.

For entertainment, you don’t need to journey far, as the hotel is nestled on main street in vibrant downtown Highlands—a village known for its galleries, museums, theaters, and music venues.

Light fare to match the atmosphere at Spa Café (left), decadent dessert at the inn’s signature restaurant, Madison’s (right)

While the town boasts a strong culinary scene, choices at the inn include lounges and alfresco bistros with panoramic mountain views. The signature restaurant, Madison’s, serves sophisticated seasonal dishes that draw from its southern Appalachian setting. 

Refreshed guest accommodations at the Lodge. 

Old Edwards’ sense of hospitality is evident upon arrival at the inn. Guests are greeted with Champagne and then offered complimentary Dove ice cream bars in their room. “They are just one of the little extra indulgences that we like to treat our guests to,” says hotel manager, Jack Austin.


For information, visit oldedwardsinn.com.

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