North Carolina Mountains - Beautiful Vistas & Great Retreats!

[giradman]

Old Edwards Inn & Spa - Worth a Stay if in the Highlands Area

The Old Edwards Inn & Spa is a continuing evolving property - this is our third stay here over maybe a 12+ year period; we first stayed in the 'old' historic inn, then in a stand-alone suite room near the Lodge; and finally, in a lovely cottage room just across the street from the main inn. The first quote below indicates that the two buildings from the 1930s & the 1880s were combined to form the currently named inn - this occurred in 2001 when Art Williams purchased and renamed the properties; we probably stayed there on our first visit. Since that time, the Inn & Spa has expanded from just one to three blocks w/ a wide assortment of lodging offered and a tremendous increase in the amenities (see second quote and the pics). Next post will be some waterfalls pending the weather - Dave

P.S. the white circle on the site map includes the original two buildings - expansion above for 2 more blocks is shown - all since 2001!

The Hotel Edwards was a historic hotel building at Main and 4th Streets in Highlands, North Carolina. The main block of the hotel, a three-story brick structure, was built in 1935. It was attached to a c. 1880 2-1/2 story wood frame structure, which was operated for many years as a boarding house or hostelry, and is now the historic main inn for Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The brick block was designed by Linton H. Young, and was built after the construction of the Highlands Country Club brought an influx of summer visitors to the area. The property was operated as a hotel by the Edwards family from 1914 to 1970 and is now owned by Art and Angela Williams (A.L. Williams) of Palm Beach, FL. (Source)

And so it went until 2001, when Highlands allowed one of the largest downtown real estate transactions in memory. Art and Angela Williams purchased Edwards Inn, a historic boardinghouse-turned-hotel, and its accompanying restaurant, Central House, renaming the combined property Old Edwards Inn. Initially, the deal encompassed about a block; all told, it would expand to three blocks, plus three off-site special occasions venues and a private golf course. The hard work and financial risks paid off. Both the resort and its spa have earned four stars from Forbes; AAA gave the property four diamonds. In 2014, Conde Nast Traveler readers named Old Edwards Inn the forty-fifth best hotel in the world, the fourth-best in the country, and the best overall in the South. (Source)

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[scifan57]

Old Edwards Inn & Spa - Worth a Stay if in the Highlands Area

The Old Edwards Inn & Spa is a continuing evolving property - this is our third stay here over maybe a 12+ year period; we first stayed in the 'old' historic inn, then in a stand-alone suite room near the Lodge; and finally, in a lovely cottage room just across the street from the main inn. The first quote below indicates that the two buildings from the 1930s & the 1880s were combined to form the currently named inn - this occurred in 2001 when Art Williams purchased and renamed the properties; we probably stayed there on our first visit. Since that time, the Inn & Spa has expanded from just one to three blocks w/ a wide assortment of lodging offered and a tremendous increase in the amenities (see second quote and the pics). Next post will be some waterfalls pending the weather - Dave

P.S. the white circle on the site map includes the original two buildings - expansion above for 2 more blocks is shown - all since 2001!




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You could go there every year for the rest of your life and not run out of unique areas to stay in.

 

[giradman]

You could go there every year for the rest of your life and not run out of unique areas to stay in.

Hi SciFan.. - you're right! I'm already thinking of the next lodging option at the Inn - and more are being built! Plus, the food has been great in this town - had our third dinner tonight w/ no complaints at all - for those living in the mid-Atlantic states who enjoy mountain get-aways, the Highlands is a great choice. Dave

 

[giradman]

Waterfalls Near Highlands & Cashiers, North Carolina - Part 1

The Highlands & Cashiers Area of North Carolina is famous for scenic mountain beauty and numerous waterfalls, the latter a main reason to visit. Our first 'waterfall outing' is shown in the map below, simply a drive up HW 64W from the center of Highlands - we first made a short visit to Bridal Veil Falls (see first quote below from the link). We also stopped briefly at Bust Your Butt Falls (no one was swimming) - some images below, a combination of my own and several from the web; next up Dry Falls & Cullasaja Falls. Dave

Bridal Veil Falls near Highlands has been famous for generations as the only waterfall in North Carolina to drive behind. However, the section of road behind the falls is now blocked off from automobiles for safety. This allows you to walk behind and enjoy it more. The 60-foot waterfall in Nantahala National Forest doesn't have a large volume of water, making it safe and fun to stand behind. It's located right along US Highway 64 (Mountain Waters Scenic Byway & NC Waterfall Byway), 2.5 miles west of Highlands in the Cullasaja River Gorge. When the highway was originally built, all traffic went behind the falls. But there were major problems in the winter with ice and falling rocks year round! After heavy rain, the water flow increases.

Bust Your Butt Falls - this popular swimming hole and natural slide on the Cullasaja River along US Highway 64 near Highlandsis also known as Quarry Falls. It's a short walk over some rocks from a couple of pull-offs for parking. For added excitement, there is a "jump off" rock for diving into the chilly waters. With all the slippery boulders, be extra careful! And check out the depth of water before diving since levels can vary depending on rainfall. The many large rocks also make a great spot for watching, picnicking and sunning.

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[giradman]

Waterfalls Near Highlands & Cashiers, North Carolina - Part 2

Dry Falls is one of the more spectacular waterfall visits - see first quote from link; a waterfall that one can walk behind and thus keep dry, although w/ a heavy flow the mist will cause some wetness (as on my visit the other day) - pics below mostly mine but some from the web, especially those w/ the winter scenes.

Cullassaja Falls - second quote below (from link) - we did not see these falls that day - the weather was overcast and started to rain during our visit at Dry Falls, so we returned to Highlands and did some shopping in the downtown area (w/ umbrellas) - we will return home in a few days on the same road, so may stop then. Pics below from the web w/ a dramatic video of the falls during the winter. Dave

Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located a few miles outside of Highlands, gives you the rare treat of walking safely behind a waterfall. This 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry. During rainy spells when the water volume is higher, the spray will prevent you from staying totally dry. The real treat is getting a closer look by climbing down the stairs and walking the short path. There are many great vantage points along the way for photos. You may be able to see a rainbow if you and the sun are in the right positions. The spray from the falls may get you a little wet when you walk behind it. But it’s usually just a little mist.

Cullasaja Falls can be seen from the roadside on US Highway 64 (called Mountain Waters Scenic Highway & Waterfall Byway), 8.8 miles west of Highlands, along a very narrow, curvy stretch of highway through the Cullasaja River Gorge in Nantahala National Forest. What a beautiful cliffside drive. Due to the location, there is only a small pull-off for 2-3 cars along the road (on the left if you are heading west from Highlands). Be careful! It's best to park when driving toward Highlands from Franklin so you are on the same side as the pull-off. From Franklin, it's about 8 miles east on US 64 from the intersection of US 441. There is no sign for 250-foot waterfall, so you need to drive slow and look for pull-off.

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[scifan57]

Waterfalls Near Highlands & Cashiers, North Carolina - Part 2

Dry Falls is one of the more spectacular waterfall visits - see first quote from link; a waterfall that one can walk behind and thus keep dry, although w/ a heavy flow the mist will cause some wetness (as on my visit the other day) - pics below mostly mine but some from the web, especially those w/ the winter scenes.

Cullassaja Falls - second quote below (from link) - we did not see these falls that day - the weather was overcast and started to rain during our visit at Dry Falls, so we returned to Highlands and did some shopping in the downtown area (w/ umbrellas) - we will return home in a few days on the same road, so may stop then. Pics below from the web w/ a dramatic video of the falls during the winter. Dave




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There sure are a lot of waterfalls in a small area. Unfortunately there’s nothing like this anywhere near where I live.

 

[giradman]

There sure are a lot of waterfalls in a small area. Unfortunately there’s nothing like this anywhere near where I live.

Well, about to post on our day trip to Cashiers for lunch and to see a couple of more waterfalls - will show a map of 'Waterfalls in the Asheville' area, which are numerous - we've probably been to a couple of dozen over the decades, and whole books are written on the topic. Dave

 

[giradman]

Cashiers - Lunch & More Waterfalls - Part 1

Yesterday, we drove to Cashiers, just 10 miles, BUT on HW 64, a two-lane mountain road, so a good 20 minutes ride. We ate lunch at the wonderful Farmers Market near the HW 64 - HW 107 intersection - Susan had a beef brisket sandwich (meat cooked for 12+ hrs) and I a chicken salad sandwich that was probably the best ever for me (fresh wheat bread, ripe tasty tomatoes, and big chunks of chicken) - recommended!

After lunch, our first waterfall was just south of Cashiers - called Silver Run Falls - brief description below from the link - several pics our mine and others from the web - there were just three swimmers in the pool during our visit, near the trees in one of my photos. Dave

Silver Run Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is just four miles south of Cashiers in Jackson County. This 25-foot waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool with a small beach area. So it's a popular swimming spot in the North Carolina mountains. This means it can be crowded on hot days since its safe for small children to enjoy the water. But on other days, you can often enjoy all by yourself.

There's a forest service sign along the road to mark the small roadside parking area for 4-5 cars. It's a short walk (about 1/4 mile) on a mostly level trail and across a bridge over the headwater of the Whitewater River. There are a couple of observation points along the shore to soak in the views of Silver Run Falls. And many rocks where you can step across to get a different angle.

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[giradman]

Cashiers - Whitewater Falls - Part 2

From Silver Run Falls, we drove south crossing into South Carolina, then headed back into North Carolina toward Whitewater Falls (see map); on our way, there was a spectacular scenic overlook of the South Carolina Mountains and Lake Jocassee, a man-made lake created by the Jocassee Dam (see first quote - from link & pic of dam) - some of the film Deliverance was made in the area and flooded by the rising lake.

We shortly reached the Upper Whitewater Falls Visitor's Area - an easy 1/2 mile paved trail to view the upper portion of the falls; then 150+ wooden steps (recently rebuilt after a forest fire) to the lower observation platform where the entire falls can be seen (first five pics below are mine w/ several from the web) - Whitewater Falls is the HIGHEST waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, dropping over 800 ft with all levels included - see second quote (from link). Of all of my years viewing waterfalls in this area, Whitewater Falls are the most awe inspiring for me - a MUST if visiting the Carolinas. Dave

Lake Jocassee is a 7,500-acre (30 km2), 300-foot (91 m) deep reservoir located in northwest South Carolina created by the state in partnership with Duke Power in 1973. The lake is commonly known for the clean and cold Appalachian mountain rivers that feed the lake. The Jocassee Dam, which forms the lake, is 385 feet (117 m) high and 1,750 feet (530 m) long. The lake is within Devils Fork State Park. Although most manmade structures were demolished before the creation of the lake, divers recently discovered the remains of a lodge which was left intact until the lake rose; it is now below 300 feet of water. Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery was a setting for a scene in the film Deliverance (1972), starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight, produced before the lake was flooded. The site is now covered by 130 feet of water in the lake.

Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 feet! The Upper Falls plummets 411 feet and is 60 miles from downtown Asheville in the Nantahala National Forest. It's on the Whitewater River in the Jocassee Gorge area of North Carolina - in Jackson County. The 400-foot Lower Falls can be accessed from a different location in South Carolina. For an excellent view of Upper Whitewater Falls, follow the paved 1/4-mile walkway to the upper overlook. A lower overlook with an even better view is located at the bottom of 154 wooden steps. The only full views of the waterfall are from these two overlooks. However, some people venture off the trail to try for better views. Tragically, several of these people fell to their deaths or suffered serious injuries at Whitewater Falls. Please stay on the trails.

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[giradman]

Chimney Rock & Lake Lure

Today, we returned home - we had a 'fast food' lunch in Black Mountain just east of Asheville on I-40 - a major accident had been announced probably near the continental descent, so I was worried about a LONG delay - a suggestion to Susan was to head down HW 9S to the Chimney Rock-Lake Lure area (see first two maps below), which we have visited numerous times in the past. Chimney Rock is is a 500+ million year-old granite monolith that offers fabulous panoramic scenes of the surrounding area, including the Broad River and parts of Lake Lure (see first two quotes below).

Chimney Rock is unique in having a 20+ floor height elevator, first opened in 1949 (check the links) - more detailed description in the last two quotes below - we've been up that elevator several times previously - about 10 years ago the State of North Carolina acquired the property which is now a State Park, however, the elevator has been a problem, as described below - has been 'out of service' for about 2 years and a 'brilliant' solution is needed - thus we did not enter the park, which offers MUCH - Chimney Rock can still be reached if one desires to climb, not a solution for us oldsters - the pics below show some 'web' views from the ROCK - also, during our boat ride on Lake Lure (upcoming posts), I captured a few nice images of Chimney Rock and a decent zoomed view showing a lot of people who made the climb today - we'll return once the elevator is operational. Dave

Experience the best of the North Carolina mountains in one place at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, just 25 miles from Asheville in the Village of Chimney Rock and Rutherford County. For the last 100+ years, tourists have journeyed to see this 500-million-year-old towering monolith, and the park's "one-stop shopping" for what the mountains are loved for: dramatic scenery, exhilarating hiking trails, rare plants, native wildlife and one of North Carolina's highest waterfalls (featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans). (Source)

Chimney Rock, the 535-million-year-old monolith for which the Park is named, is considered one of the most iconic sites in North Carolina. From its top, you’ll soak in the 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. You can hike to the top of this towering 315-foot granite outcropping located on the very edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At an elevation of 2,280 feet above sea level, this mountaintop experience will take your breath away. The climb is well worth the effort! (Source)

Chimney Rock State Park is one of the few places in the world with an elevator inside a mountain! Our elevator has been around for quite some time; in late 1947, men began to blast a 198-foot tunnel out of a solid granite cliff which led to the 258-foot elevator shaft. It took eight tons of dynamite and 18 months to complete this massive piece of construction. The elevator was opened to the public in May 1949, the same year the entrance parking lot, three-mile drive to the top parking lot and upper parking lot were paved. Next, the Sky Lounge, a gift shop and snack bar, was built on top of the mountain.

The elevator has always been an important feature of Chimney Rock; it has allowed folks of all ages and abilities to access the top of the Rock. In recent years, the elevator has experienced power issues that have often rendered it inoperable to the public. Shortly after NC State Parks purchased Chimney Rock in 2007, they began to update and/or modernize the Park’s infrastructure. Modernization of the elevator, which had last been updated in the mid 80s, began in 2011. The new elevator reopened to the public in June 2012. However, continued power issues played havoc with providing consistent dependable service, so the decision was made to close the elevator in August 2015 until a permanent solution could be found. The State and Chimney Rock Management’s primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests. The State is currently working diligently with Duke Power, engineers and technicians to get this problem resolved.

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[giradman]

Lake Lure - Introduction & Some Stories From the Boat Ride

We parked at the marina for a pontoon narrated boat tour (about 50 mins and our fourth one) of Lake Lure, just a beautiful man-made mountain lake with gorgeous vistas and lakefront properties that range from old & modest to multi-million dollar estates. We've stayed in the Lake Lure area several times, including the renamed Rumbling Bald Resort - their restaurant offers views that reminded me of a visit to Lake Como, Italy in the early 1970s; below some history of the lake and town founded by Dr. Lucius Morse and others in the 1920s (see first two quotes).

The town of Buffalo, North Carolina lies at the bottom of Lake Lure (likely named after Buffalo Mountain - see pic below); of course, much was flooded by the rising lake waters, including an old 1917 Reo truck, which after 45 years under water, the owner's son recovered the truck - after a restoration, the car was moved to a nearby museum (see link and pic). Just one of the fascinating tales heard during the tour.

A number of movies were filmed in the area, including parts of the Last of the Mohicans (Chimney Rock area, Biltmore House, et al); but regarding Lake Lure, scenes from the film Dirty Dancing (Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey) were done on locale in Firefly Cove, which was a boy's camp previously - many of the buildings from that movie no longer exist but the beauty of the cove and the background mountains remain to enjoy.

A final story (but certainly not the last told on the boat) concerns a small island which attracted numerous snakes (many venomous) during the filling of the lake - this was prime real estate and the snakes had to go! The solution suggested by a hog farmer was to put a bunch of pigs on the island - after a year or so the pigs were much BIGGER and the snakes were gone - take a look at the short video HERE (brief ad before).

The images pretty much parallel these stories - another post to follow. Dave
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In 1902, Dr. Lucius B. Morse and his brothers purchased 64 acres around Chimney Rock (within present-day Chimney Rock State Park) for $5,000. They later acquired enough land in the area to bring the total to 8,000 acres. Lucius Morse's wife Elizabeth is credited with naming the lake (and the town). Included in the area that became the lake was the town of Buffalo, believed to have been named for a nearby mountain that resembled a buffalo. In 1925, the Morse family created Carolina Mountain Power Company and funded the construction of a dam on the Broad River which produced the lake after which the town is named. The full impoundment of Lake Lure was completed in 1927.

At ordinary water levels, Lake Lure covers approximately 720 acres and has a shoreline of approximately 27 miles (43 km). The dam's power plant began operations in 1928 with the sale of electricity to Blue Ridge Power Co., a local predecessor of Duke Power. In 1929, the plans for development came to a halt with the advent of the Great Depression. A mortgage-holder, Stroud & Company, foreclosed on the lake and the dam. Stroud owned them and the power the dam generated until 1965. In 1963, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the legislation that authorized the Town of Lake Lure to issue revenue bonds for the purpose of acquiring the assets from Stroud. The dam, power company, and real estate of Lake Lure were acquired by the Town of Lake Lure in 1965.

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[giradman]

Lake Lure - Lakefront Properties & Mountain Vistas

In addition to the many interesting stories told by our boat captain & narrator, the magnificent lakefront properties and mountain vistas are often breathtaking - maybe why we've taken this boat ride four times!

Lake Lure was fully filled by 1927 and the first house built on the lakefront in 1929 (see pic below), then the Depression hit and development delayed for decades. According to our guide, there are over a 1000 house properties on the lakefront (and some commercial establishments, such as Larkin's Restaurant, marinas, and the resort mentioned previously), but only 25% are occupied year-around; thus, many (and I suspect the larger & more expensive ones) are second (and probably third+) houses. There is one trailer which is 'grandfathered' and many smaller and more modest houses; BUT, the larger homes are those that impress the most.

The pics below are all of mine own (cropped, resized, and some w/ photo editing) - the initial ones are some of the more modest homes and then become more impressive; the eastern shore along the central portion of the cross-shaped lake is lined w/ expensive estates and face the 'million dollar view' of the mountain-scapes (see the overlapping mountain images). On our way home, we stopped at Larkin's restaurant for drinks and a last look of a limb of the lake - I had a local draft beer (Highland Gaelic Ale, made in Asheville) - the temperature was in the low 90s! We were 10+ degrees cooler in Highlands, already missed! Dave

P.S. some property prices HERE for those interested.
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[suenc]

Highlands, North Carolina - New Trip, August 2017!

Susan & I are on a five night trip to the North Carolina Mountains, staying in the one of the highest towns in the state, i.e. Highlands, at over 4,100+ ft - near the Georgia & South Carolina borders but just a 4-hr drive from home. Some pics below from the web - staying again at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa in yet a different part of the always expanding property complex. Eating quite well w/ some great mountain trout for me. The weather has been 'iffy' w/ intermittent rains, so not sure how many good photos I'll get - will post later. This is the land of mountain vistas and waterfalls - plan to see a few of the latter today unless the rains come? Dave
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Great scenery, great food, great hotel. Clumsy hiker (me)

 

[suenc]

Lake Lure - Introduction & Some Stories From the Boat Ride

We parked at the marina for a pontoon narrated boat tour (about 50 mins and our fourth one) of Lake Lure, just a beautiful man-made mountain lake with gorgeous vistas and lakefront properties that range from old & modest to multi-million dollar estates. We've stayed in the Lake Lure area several times, including the renamed Rumbling Bald Resort - their restaurant offers views that reminded me of a visit to Lake Como, Italy in the early 1970s; below some history of the lake and town founded by Dr. Lucius Morse and others in the 1920s (see first two quotes).

The town of Buffalo, North Carolina lies at the bottom of Lake Lure (likely named after Buffalo Mountain - see pic below); of course, much was flooded by the rising lake waters, including an old 1917 Reo truck, which after 45 years under water, the owner's son recovered the truck - after a restoration, the car was moved to a nearby museum (see link and pic). Just one of the fascinating tales heard during the tour.

A number of movies were filmed in the area, including parts of the Last of the Mohicans (Chimney Rock area, Biltmore House, et al); but regarding Lake Lure, scenes from the film Dirty Dancing (Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey) were done on locale in Firefly Cove, which was a boy's camp previously - many of the buildings from that movie no longer exist but the beauty of the cove and the background mountains remain to enjoy.

A final story (but certainly not the last told on the boat) concerns a small island which attracted numerous snakes (many venomous) during the filling of the lake - this was prime real estate and the snakes had to go! The solution suggested by a hog farmer was to put a bunch of pigs on the island - after a year or so the pigs were much BIGGER and the snakes were gone - take a look at the short video HERE (brief ad before).

The images pretty much parallel these stories - another post to follow. Dave
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Scenic boat cruise on the lake What could be better on a sunny summer day?

 

[suenc]

Cashiers - Lunch & More Waterfalls - Part 1

Yesterday, we drove to Cashiers, just 10 miles, BUT on HW 64, a two-lane mountain road, so a good 20 minutes ride. We ate lunch at the wonderful Farmers Market near the HW 64 - HW 107 intersection - Susan had a beef brisket sandwich (meat cooked for 12+ hrs) and I a chicken salad sandwich that was probably the best ever for me (fresh wheat bread, ripe tasty tomatoes, and big chunks of chicken) - recommended!

After lunch, our first waterfall was just south of Cashiers - called Silver Run Falls - brief description below from the link - several pics our mine and others from the web - there were just three swimmers in the pool during our visit, near the trees in one of my photos. Dave




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I looked at it from the top, didn’t dare to climb down all the stairs to see it from below. Nervous hiker.