Checking Into 200 Main // Our Stay in Highlands, NC
Highlands, North Carolina, is a picturesque small town nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. Highlands is located just across the border from Georgia, making it a convenient weekend destination from Auburn. Who doesn’t want to beat the heat during the summer months by escaping to the cool mountain air for a couple of days?
George and I were invited to a wedding in Highlands and decided to make it a long weekend trip! After winding our way up into the pine-filled mountains, we checked into 200 Main, a property recently acquired and renovated by the Old Edwards Hospitality Group (which is known for their award winning accomodations and spa). As someone who loves a taste of luxury without too much of the price tag, we found 200 Main to be the perfect spot for us. This mountain lodge chic property is located right on Main Street, which makes it an easy walk to all of the restaurants and shops. If you’re visiting Highlands for the first time, I would recommend staying on Main Street or within walking distance!
The staff at 200 Main were incredibly friendly, offering to help with luggage, hiking recommendations and any sort of questions. They suggested a hike to Whiteside Mountain for our first-timer’s visit, and we gladly took them up on the tip.
We stayed in their King Porch Fireplace suite, which was incredibly spacious and comfortable. The room had a plush king bed, Frette linens, Molten Brown (London) bath amenities, a heated marble bathroom floor (AMAZING!), a gas fireplace, Nespresso machine, and a private porch with rocking chairs! Our view from our porch looked out on the picnic area (complete with hammocks) and was shaded by trees. It almost felt like we were in some sort of cozy tree house.
The 200 Main property is built on the side of a hill and has a lot of great outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy, including a picnic area complete with multiple hammocks (which also happens to be dog friendly), a pool (shaded by giant umbrellas), and a firepit area surrounded by adirondack chairs. The firepit is lit every evening at 4 pm for guests to gather around. One of the sweet 200 Main staff members mentioned they’ve had many a guest meet each other around the fire and become friends.
On-site amenities also included a fitness room and a game room. As soon as George and I heard there was a PAC-MAN game on the premises, we popped down for a two-player match. The game room also had checkers, ping pong, foosball and a shuffleboard table (and, of course, a fireplace)! I also think one of the major perks of staying at an Old Edwards property was the ability to access their amenities around town. George and I were able to book a round of golf at Old Edwards Club (INCREDIBLE VIEWS) and grab breakfast at Madison’s Restaurant (breakfast is only available to guests of their properties).
During our first evening, we were able to attend one of their “Orchard Sessions” at The Farm and see Erick Baker perform live. These concert sessions are open to the public and very popular. One gentleman and his son drove all the way from Maryland just to see Erick perform in the orchard! The Farm is a beautiful venue with lush gardens - we felt like we were in some sort of musical secret garden. As the rays of sun peeped over the treetops, the breeze rustled the crapapple trees, and the lyrical strumming of guitar chords reached my ears, I was lulled into a state of mountain-summer bliss.
We loved our stay at 200 Main and can’t wait to return!
Photocred: Molly Harris || @mollyharris.photo
Lunch at Bistro Four65
