PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
A few times a year my husband and I hit the road and escape to the mountains. Our destination: Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, just two and a half hours away from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, sits this European-style luxury resort. Surrounded by pristine mountains, lakes, and waterfalls, right in the heart of Highlands, North Carolina, you’ll find the ideal place to relax, celebrate, and simply get away.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
From the moment you pull up to Old Edwards Inn, you’re immediately drawn in by its charming exterior and loads of flowering window boxes.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
There are many reasons to visit Old Edwards, but one of the best is their spa. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and trust me when I say I have visited many a spa in my day. While the spa has a very strict no cell phone/photos policy, I was able to snap a pic of my post-treatment spa lunch.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
Around every corner you’ll always find an inviting fire to cozy up to.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
The town of Highlands is full of great little shops, restaurants, and sweet spots. A personal favorite of mine being Kilwins. I always stop for toasted coconut ice cream and load up on fudge and seafoam chocolates to take on the road.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
There are two different pools on property and plenty of chairs for lounging.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
I always try to visit Old Edwards Inn when they have a specialty event or dinner going on. This time we were lucky enough to attend the Culinary Stars & Whispering Angel six-course dinner with female chefs from around the globe and Whispering Angel wine.
PHOTOGRAPH BY MANDY KELLOGG RYE
Mountain Fresh Grocery is probably one of my favorite places in the world. Part gourmet grocery and wine store, part diner, part best-pizza-parlor ever. We always make a few stops to Mountain Fresh for their coffee, homemade chips, strawberry cake, all the wine, and ALL the pizza! Insider tip, always get a pie for the drive home!
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I’m not sure if it’s the town of Highlands, the mountain air, or Old Edwards Inn and Spa, but the lifestyle quickly becomes part of your fabric—so much so that every time we leave, I find myself planning when we’ll return next before we’re even halfway down the mountain. I assure you, no matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it at Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The air just feels better up there.
