Last week, PJ, the kids, and I escaped for a few days to Highlands, North Carolina—timed with the kids’ fall break but really as a soft, early celebration of our ten-year wedding anniversary. About two hours from our home in Tennessee, but deep in mountain magic once you crest the ridges, Highlands feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie or Gilmore Girls set: brick sidewalks, twinkling lights, cozy little storefronts, and mountain air that makes you slow down.

We stayed in the Sequoia Lake House residence of Old Edwards Inn & Spa, and it was everything we hoped for (and more). This charming, lakeside residence gave us space, privacy, and that magical “by the water” feeling. The kids paddled canoes. PJ and I sipped morning coffee on the porch and just exhaled.

We vlogged the entire time, and you can watch part one and part two of our trip, if you want to see what we did in video form.

Where to Stay

Old Edwards Inn & Spa — Sequoia Lake House Residence

This newest residence of Old Edwards was absolutely perfect for our family. Spacious yet cozy. On the lake. Kayaks at the ready. It’s about an 8 minute drive from Old Edwards Inn & Spa itself, but the lake house feels secluded and private, which is just what we wanted.
Or you could stay at the actual Old Edwards Inn: the historic inn is right in downtown Highlands, so you’re just steps from shops, restaurants, and sidewalks.
Old Edwards itself is steeped in history and charm. The property blends that classic, storied elegance with relaxed mountain comfort.
This kind of place leans luxury, but in a “warm, welcoming, rooted in place” way, not stuffy.

Where to Eat

Breakfast / Brunch

Blue Bike Café — Crisp fall air, casual coffeehouse charm. We had pancakes, biscuits & gravy, eggs. It’s exactly the kind of morning you want when you’re in a mountain town.
Also, places like Mountain Fresh Grocery for lighter fare or grab-and-go goods!

Lunch

Four65 Bistro + Bar — Wood-fired pizza that blew our minds. We agreed: one of the best pizza experiences we’ve ever had (and we’re picky when it comes to pizza).
In between wandering about town, this is a great midday stop.

Dinner

Madison’s (at Old Edwards Inn) — Elegant, thoughtful, seasonal. The food was exquisite, and the staff was wonderfully accommodating toward the kids (which makes or breaks many family dinners).
Also worth noting: Madison’s Wine Garden (a secret-garden–style outdoor space tied to Old Edwards) is lovely in warmer months.

What to Do

Main Street Shopping
The heart of Highlands is its walking, browsing, and discovery. Main Street is lined with owner-operated boutiques, gift shops, art galleries, antiques, home décor, jewelry, and fashion.
Acorns — exquisite jewelry, antiques, home décor, art & rugs.
CK Swan — artistic furnishings & one-of-a-kind objects.
Rosenthal’s Boutique, TJ Bailey for Men, Allison Diane Clothing, Mirror Lake Antiques — all stand out in the clothing, jewelry, and décor space.
The Bascom / Art & Cultural Center
A lovely six-building arts center offering rotating exhibitions, studio spaces, classes, and a calming place to stroll.
Highlands Aerial Park
If your readers have kids (or are adventurous), this is a gem. Zip lines, trails, challenge courses, a giant swing, and suspension-bridge walks.
Nature / Waterfalls / Trails
Highlands is waterfall country. A few that often come up in guides: Dry Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, other hikes through forested trails in the Nantahala / Blue Ridge area.
The Highlands Botanical Garden is also peaceful and beautiful for a slower walk.
Spa Time at Old Edwards
Of course—we couldn’t skip it. The spa at Old Edwards is an indulgent, restorative place. PJ and I booked treatments, luxuriated in the quiet, and just allowed ourselves to sink into rest.
Also check out the Spa Boutique for bath & body products, beautifully curated for guests and non-guests alike.
Cozy Evenings & Fire Pit / S’mores
Some places in the Highlands area (especially resort properties) offer fire pit evenings and s’mores under the stars.

Tips for Visiting

Highlands is manageable on foot. Staying in or near downtown (like Old Edwards) means you can walk to many restaurants and shops.
Autumn is magical. The color, the crisp air, the way the light falls on the mountains—everything is enhanced.
If traveling with kids, mix in “free” nature time (waterfalls, forest walks) with more structured fun (zip lines, art center).
Reservations help. For dinner, spa treatments, etc., especially in the fall, things book up.
Bring layers. Mornings and evenings can get chilly.
Encourage them to wander off Main Street too. Some of the hidden shops on side streets or squares (Wright Square, Oak Square, Fourth Street) are treasures.

A Fall Getaway: Our Trip to Highlands, NC + Travel Guide

Where to Stay

Where to Eat

What to Do

Tips for Visiting