Family vacation to Old Edwards Inn & Spa

Back in March I pretty much knew our summer trip to Spain would be canceled.  We were so looking forward to getting back to San Sebastian, seeing the boys teachers again, and going to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona for the first time.  But we soon canceled.  Then we thought let’s book Nevis for July, hoping things would feel safe by then.  Another favorite place to travel!  Well plan A and plan B didn’t feel safe this summer.  But Plan C ended up being amazing (and safe!!) for our family!  And one we hope to make a tradition.  A road trip up to Highlands, North Carolina- specifically the old world charm of The Old Edwards Inn.  The last time we were up there my oldest was in my tummy, and we were there for a wedding.  We actually went to a Sunday brunch at the Piermont Cottage 8 years ago!  

Due to the pandemic, we decided a road trip up would be best.  We’re just not ready to hop on a plane yet, even though for future trips, the direct from Sarasota to Asheville looks as easy as it gets!  We were thankful to have borrowed an old school Nintendo to help with the drive, that comes preloaded with a bunch of games from the 80’s.  JB and I aren’t great at technology, but they hooked up to his tvs in his car with an HDMI cord, and boom!  Hours and hours of fun for the boys.  I’m never wild about screen time, but I liked that they played together, and that the games weren’t violent like so many we see today.  A bonus was that it helped my boys not get car sick going up the windy roads!

Making memories as a family is always important to us, but right now it was important we did it as safely as possible!   So we decided that we’d eat outdoors, pack a picnic, or grab takeout.   Which ended up being perfect with two busy boys in tow.  We also decided we’d just stick to ourselves this trip as much as possible.  Which meant late evening swims when most everyone was gone, and enjoying our gorgeous cottage.   We felt Highlands was extremely safe.  Masks are strictly enforced in Highlands, and hand sanitizer is all over the downtown.

From the moment we arrived to Old Edwards Inn, we felt both welcomed and safe.  I rolled up there in my tennies that had mud all over them from a trail ride, but of course they were as gracious as could be.  The boys were given Dove bars at check in, and Jb and I had a delicious champagne cocktail to kick off our vacation.  A fun fact is you can get complimentary Dove bars at a few different locations at OEI.  We definitely did that a few times during our stay (:

Prior to our arrival we had been in touch with our personal concierge, one comes with any stay in a private residence at OEI, who had set up everything from groceries in our fridge upon arrival, to tee times, to horseback riding trail rides to discovering the best hiking trails for our family.  We were in touch with them throughout, and every morning we would get a text asking how we were doing, and if we had questions, and any requests.  They can set up anything you can dream up!  Movies on the lawn with truffle popcorn, private dinners with a chef, babysitting for a parents night out …  Truly the only limit is your imagination.  They can arrange it all!

I cannot say enough good things about the staff at Old Edwards Inn.  Even while wearing a mask, they managed to make us feel at home, safe, and at ease.  I loved the tags around their neck showing their smiling faces.  Something about knowing what their face looks like behind a mask was extra nice!  One thing I noticed from chatting with a few different employees — They genuinely LOVE their jobs there.  And it shows in their enthusiasm, care, hospitality, and cheer.

We stayed at the Piermont Cottage, which is an 1800’s beauty.  I LOVE old houses, and this one is just perfect in every way.  Restored and comfortable with plenty of room for a big family or extended family joining.  When you drive up, you are just instantly taken back in time.  But yet, you’ve got all the modern conveniences of course (:

The furnishings and finishings are stunning throughout.  Each bedroom is so special, with antiques, and gorgeous rugs.  There are a couple fireplaces- and to my absolute joy we used them at night!  Temps dipped into late 50’s when we were there at night.  I was beside myself coming from the Florida heat.  Coming home to the house at night all lit up, beds turned down, and some chamomile tea on the porch with my husband while the kids were in bed, was such a treat!

The grounds of the Piermont Cottage are beautiful.  With hydrangeas everywhere, and plenty of room for my boys to explore.  The boys enjoyed lots of outdoor time and played football on the lawn.  The location of the Piermont Cottage is right by the Falls pool, but tucked away for complete privacy.

At the time we were there they were booking at 50% capacity, and some of their dining was only available to guests.  We made a few meals inside our cottage, and grabbed delicious pizza for take out at FOUR65, a woodfire bistro.  Our only dinner out was to The Wine Garden.  It’s outdoors, and tables are properly distanced.  There’s a waterfall running throughout- it’s just as magical as I remembered.  It even rained while we were there but we didn’t get a drop under the umbrella!  both Four65 and the Wine Garden are musts!

I had a few of y’all reach out and say “I didn’t realize there’s so much for kids to do there”.  While there’s world class golf (one of my husbands all time favorite course!) and an incredible Spa facilities – perfect for an adult trip.  There is also a ton for the kids to do! It’s perfect for family fun!

• Two gorgeous pools.  We loved their pools … and great pool service!
• Unlimited Dove bars!
• Golf that is perfect for playing with your kids.  Glencove’s “The Saddle” is what our personal conceriege recommended and it ended up being the perfect course for kids.  JB loved it, just as much as the kids.  It’s a 12 hole, par three, walking course.  It has waterfalls, and a lake stocked with trout.  Their was a fly fisherman out there while the boys were golfing!
• Fishing!  You can take fly fishing courses at OEI.  We didn’t think the boys were ready for that level of fishing, so we opted instead for Andy’s trout farm.  They caught so many fish, and had so much fun!
• Hiking!  There are so many trails leading to waterfalls.  We did “Secret Falls” which was my favorite.  We were the only ones on the trail that morning, leading to a big waterfall.  The boys immediately wanted to swim, even though it was cold!   Thankful we brought extra clothes for them.  We also did Dry Falls, which is a super easy one.  I recommend downloading the app AllTrails, and it’ll give you reviews about trails nearby.  We can’t wait to go back, and go to many more.
• Horseback Riding.  I loved this especially because OEI’s personal concierge booked us on the “river trail” at the Dillard House Stables.  I can’t recommend this experience enough!
• Scaly Mountain Tubing – you can do this during the winter with snow, or in the summer.  Both are equally as fun.  I remember going here as a kid, and loving it.  After Wes went down one time, he said “this is the best day of my life!”.  We went together as a family, and they also went just the two of them a bunch too.

Old Edwards Inn has a property for everyone.  Half Mile Farm is perfect for couples- honeymoons, anniversaries, and baby moons.  While the estate cottages are great for families or multi generational travel looking for privacy and personalized service.  And there is something so special about staying inside The Inn!  Right now is a great time to book a stay.  With their Stay More, Play More deal you’ll get to add in amazing experiences.  The more you stay, the more experiences you can choose – On them!

{Thank you to Old Edwards Inn & Spa for hosting our family!  It was a dream!!}

{Photos by McSween Photography}