High Hampton
From Five-Star Feasts to Outdoor Adventure: Why High Hampton is the Most Luxurious Resort in the Carolinas
Nestled at the foot of a breathtaking, vertical rock face in the mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, lies High Hampton—a storied, 1,400-acre estate that has served as a mountain sanctuary since 1922. For nearly a century, this historic landmark was beloved for being "luxuriously laidback."
However, the property entered a magnificent new golden age when the leadership team behind Tennessee’s legendary Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain took the helm. They meticulously restored the historic Inn and rustic cottages to their original glory, infusing the entire estate with the timeless luxury, impeccable service, and world-class culinary standards for which their hospitality brand is famous.
A Preservation of Spirit
The restoration of High Hampton was never an attempt to copy-paste the Tennessee "Blackberry" experience; rather, it was a deeply respectful mission to honor a North Carolina treasure. The design team preserved the estate's iconic bark-sided exteriors, the wide, wrap-around rocking-chair porches, and the original wood-paneled interiors.
Stepping into the main Inn feels like stepping back in time—the nostalgic creak of the floors and locally crafted wooden furniture from decades past remain—but they are now seamlessly paired with modern, luxury refinements like plush bedding, upgraded upholstery, completely renovated bathrooms, and added climate control.
Whether you choose a cozy room inside the historic Inn or a sprawling, multi-bedroom cottage, the atmosphere is one of refined, yet rustic comfort.
The Culinary Heartbeat: Five Distinct Destinations
While nature and the breathtaking mountain terrain provides the backdrop, the culinary program is the resort’s true powerhouse. Given that the property is guided by the team behind Blackberry Farm—widely regarded as one of the premier food and wine destinations in the country—the standard of dining here is world-class. Today, the culinary program is powered by a team of extraordinarily talented chefs who craft elevated, farm-to-table odes to the Blue Ridge Mountains, operating on par with any Michelin-starred or James Beard Award-winning establishment.
High Hampton boasts five distinct restaurants across the property, ensuring a spectacular variety of dining experiences from sunrise till long after sunset.
The Dining Room (Dinner Only)
The Dining Room offers an elegant, elevated evening experience defined by historic American Chestnut paneling and massive windows overlooking a tranquil lake and a rock-faced mountain peak. During the winter months, a roaring fire crackles in the stone hearth, adding a layer of warmth that makes the grand space feel impossibly intimate.
The Format: A refined, rotating three-course farm-to-table prix-fixe menu for $75 per person.
Seasonal Highlights: The progressive menu changes nightly to highlight local ingredients and purveyors. The plant-forward starters are exceptionally creative, featuring dishes like a fresh, crisp Green Salad tossed with shaved market vegetables and a complex smoked onion jam vinaigrette that adds a beautiful sweetness and brightness. Their unique Ranch Salad is one of my favorites, pairing a rich, creamy house ranch dressing with a smoked almond crumble that lends an almost bacon-like depth, offset by crisp dill and pickled notes for a sharp, necessary acid. For something texturally driven, look for the Kohlrabi Salad, which pairs crunch with complexity by layering compressed fennel, sharp apple cider vinegar, toasted hazelnuts, and sweet grilled peaches. Other favorites have included butternut squash soup with curried pepitas, and an onion soup topped with earthy potato hay.
The Pasta & Main Courses: The kitchen’s pasta execution is phenomenal. The Lobster Bisque Ravioli is a flawless — a decadent feature with a rich, velvety lobster bisque sauce and creamy ricotta, brightened by fresh lemon juice and a touch of mint that delivers a pleasant, bitter green contrast. The house-made Campanelle is another showstopper, tossing ruffled noodles in a savory cream sauce made from fresh asparagus, aromatic herbs, bright mint, and sharp Parmesan. Aside from the pasta, you’ll also find seafood like a local trout almondine in brown butter with mixed vegetables, or pan-seared scallops with Carolina Gold rice grits and dashi cream, alongside land-based proteins like Simpson Farm’s hanger steak with black garlic or Joyce Farms guinea hen with a sweet potato pavé.
The Grand Finale: The pastry team turns out creative masterpieces, ranging from fruit-forward North Carolina apple sorbet with ginger and key lime pavlovas to ultra-rich banana toffee éclairs to classic cakes, like their famous Southern chocolate one with salted caramel buttercream.
The Tavern (All-Day Dining)
Tucked into the lower level of the Inn and spilling out onto a shaded terrace with stunning views of Hampton Lake, The Tavern has transitioned into a relaxed, all-day restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and craft cocktails. And the outdoor fire pits are kept roaring, creating the ultimate mountain atmosphere to linger over a drink as the air turns crisp.
The Ultimate Breakfast: The resort's legendary sit-down breakfast has relocated to the tavern. Do not miss the fluffy pancakes with wild blueberry compote, or the avocado toast—perfectly seasoned with pickled onions and thinly sliced cucumber. Be sure to order the breakfast potatoes on the side; they are boiled and then double-fried, resulting in an insane exterior crunch with an interior as fluffy as mashed potatoes.
Lunch and Dinner Favorites: Midday dining focuses on fresh, mountain classics, like their signature Sunburst Trout Dip with house-made chips. You can’t go wrong with the classic Caesar salad with grilled chicken or the signature Tavern burger either. As night falls, the menu transitions to more hearty and comforting dishes, I love the Calamari Frito — incredibly tender crispy fried squid tossed with peppers, a wedge of fresh lemon, and two distinct dipping options: a rich sofrito sauce and a punchy garlic aioli. The pizza is always a fan favorite, and you can’t go wrong with the North Carolina Shrimp Scampi.
Halsted House
Looking out across Hampton Lake and up to Chimney Top Mountain, Halsted House gives you a dose of visual drama before the food even hits the table, thanks to a gorgeous indoor/outdoor dining room. It is refined but unpretentious—making is perfect for a bite when staying on property with friends.
The kitchen keeps things exciting with an eclectic, rotating menu that pairs crowd-pleasing classics with some really fun, globally inspired seasonal plates. You can kick things off with shared plates like an Ahi Tempura Roll packed with mango and avocado and finished with sriracha aioli, Steamed Shrimp Shumai with ginger-scallion oil and chili crisp, an Endive Caesar with white anchovies, or a loaded Halsted Cobb with your choice of grilled or crispy fried chicken. For the mains, they feature everything from an interactive Beef Tenderloin Ishiyaki where you sear the meat yourself on a sizzling hot rock with butter and soy sauce, to a Joyce Farms Spatchcock Chicken served with a pearl onion agrodolce. Or for something more classic, dive into steakhouse cuts like Prime Filet Mignon, or a House Dry-Aged Prime New York Strip, served with a choice of sauce, including but not limited to red wine demi, brandy peppercorn, or bright chimichurri.
The Range House
Perched at the edge of High Hampton’s new practice facility, with epic views stretching toward Whiteside Mountain, the Range House is a casual dining option. Open for lunch, afternoon snacks, and drinks, the menu features everything from morning coffee and healthy, fuel-focused meals to comforting classics, supported by a full bar where you can grab a glass of wine or a pint of craft beer after a round of golf.
Mitch’s Lakeside (Open Seasonally)
Named in honor of a friendly fish fed by generations of young High Hampton guests, Mitch’s Lakeside is an upbeat, casual spot to relax after a morning spent hiking or swimming. Boasting unobstructed views of the lake and mountains, it’s the perfect midday hangout for soaking in the sunshine. The food menu keeps things simple and laid-back with easy poolside crowd-pleasers like loaded nachos, street tacos, and crispy chicken tenders. And the drink program is where they really lean into the summer camp vibes, offering a great lineup of frozen favorites like piña coladas, daiquiris, mojitos, and lemonades that can all be served as refreshing mocktails or spiked with your choice of spirit. Alongside all the traditional classics, they turn out some really creative signature cocktails, like the "My Thai Spritz"—a crisp, refreshing blend of vodka, a house-infused lemongrass and basil simple syrup, coconut water, lime, and soda water that is practically made for sipping by the water.
The Ultimate Foodie Perk
Here is a detail about their culinary program that I find REALLY cool, yet almost no one knows about: absolutely anything you eat or drink on the property—as long as they make it in-house—the culinary team will happily share the recipe with you if you ask. I’ve personally gone home with their signature martini brine recipe, several for their incredible salad dressings, and a handful of dessert recipes for me to recreate at home.
Do As Much (Or As Little) As You Like
The true beauty of High Hampton lies in its versatility. Whether you are seeking a high-energy mountain adventure or want to relax on the veranda in one of their signature red rocking chairs, the resort’s 1,400 acres offer a rhythmic escape that shifts beautifully with each season - although many are still available year round.
Spring & Summer: The Peak of Adventure
When the mountain air warms, the estate truly comes to life with vibrant greenery and sun-drenched afternoons on the water.
Hampton Lake: The heart of summer activity. Paddle the day away with kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, or find a quiet cove to fish for bass and trout. They also offer private fly fishing classes as well. (Fly fishing is available year-round)
Championship Golf: Elevate your game on the spectacular 18-hole course layout painstakingly redesigned by the acclaimed Tom Fazio. It’s a challenging, inspiring landscape that honors the long history of high-country golf.
Racquet Sports & Croquet: Step onto competition-caliber courts for a match of tennis or pickleball—a program developed under the direction of former world champion and local resident, Andy Roddick. Featuring four Har-Tru clay courts and six dedicated pickleball courts, the facilities offer mountain views in every direction. For a change of pace, you can try your hand at the time-honored tradition of Croquet. (These are available year-round)
Dahlia Gardens & Kids Club: Stroll through the historic dahlia blooms while younger guests head to the Kids Club for playground games, guided hikes, and adventures tailored just for them.
Stargazing: Once the sun dips below the peaks, the mountain sky puts on its own show. Thanks to the property's high elevation and secluded location away from city light pollution, the estate offers an incredible canopy for stargazing. Grab a blanket and look up to see the cosmos in a whole new light.
Autumn: The Golden Reset
As the foliage turns to brilliant oranges and deep reds, the focus shifts to the crisp outdoors and cozy, fireside traditions.
Hiking the High Country: Explore over 15 miles of private, meticulously maintained trails. Take a leisurely stroll on the Lakeside Trail or tackle the rewarding Chimney Top Trail for breathtaking summit views of the Blue Ridge peaks. (Available year-round)
Fitness & Wellness: Crisp mornings are perfect for yoga, Pilates, or a session in the state-of-the-art Fitness Studio, outfitted with top-tier Technogym and Peloton equipment. (Available year-round)
The Porch Tradition: This is the prime season for leaning into a complete "nervous system reset." Grab a blanket, order a warm drink, and claim a signature red rocker to watch the afternoon mist roll off Rock Mountain. (Available year-round)
Cooking Classes: Head into the kitchen for an interactive, hands-on cooking experience guided by the resort's culinary team. You can take a class with the Tavern Chef to master casual classics perfect for a busy weeknight—like their signature Tavern Burger. If you want something more upscale, join the chef from the Dining Room to learn the secrets behind elevated seasonal favorites, such as a local trout almondine. These are fully guided classes where you prepare the food right alongside the chef, culminating in a well-deserved feast where you get to eat everything you made. (Available year-round)
Cocktail Demonstrations: Gather around the bar for a masterclass led by the expert beverage team. Unlike the cooking classes, this experience is completely hands-off—allowing you to sit back, relax, watch the techniques, and ask questions while sipping on the signature cocktails being demonstrated. (Available year-round)
High Hampton in the Winter
Winter at High Hampton is split into two distinct, magical halves, providing a quiet, peaceful moment to unwind.
A High Hampton Christmas: During December, the property transforms into a storybook winter wonderland. With toy soldiers lining the drive, towering trees in the lobby, and over 6,000 feet of twinkling lights, it is the ultimate setting for family connection. The month is packed with gingerbread workshops, cookie decorating, holiday cocktail classes, and festive game nights.
Winter Weekend Getaways: From January through March, the resort hosts curated "best of" winter experiences.These intimate weekends feature brisk hikes followed by blazing fires. A personal favorite is the Wine Cellar dinners—where the resort brings in world-renowned winegrowers, such as Christopher Strieter of Senses Wines or Cathy Corison of Corison Winery, featuring exclusive pours paired with exclusive multi-course menus from the kitchen.
Wine & Spirit Tastings: Warm up inside the cozy Inn with a curated "American Whiskey Tour" or "World of Whiskey" tasting led by the expert beverage team. If spirits aren't your preference, exceptional wine tastings are also hosted year-round.
High Tea: A beautifully elegant way to spend a chilly winter afternoon. Sip on hot, premium teas while enjoying a tier of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and miniature pastries inside the cozy, historic setting of the Inn (Available year-round in the Tavern).
S'mores by the Fire: The quintessential mountain winter experience. When the sun goes down and the temperature drops, gather around the outdoor fire pits to roast marshmallows, melt chocolate, and build classic s'mores while sharing stories under the night sky. (Available year-round)
The Reality Check: A Few Honest Notes
No matter how hard I look for a flaw with this resort (and trust me, I try), there are two specific realities worth highlighting if you're planning a trip.
It's an Investment (and How to Hack It)
Given the flawless level of hospitality, the luxury accommodations, and the sheer footprint of the 1,400-acre property, staying here comes with a high price tag. It is flat-out expensive. However, this is the exact resort I personally recommend to my closest friends and family when they want an unforgettable getaway. I firmly believe it is worth every penny they charge. Even if it’s not a place you can swing multiple times a year, it is absolutely a destination worth saving up for.
Insider Tip: If you are a foodie wanting to go because of the food, or simply don't care about swimming and hot weather, go in the winter. This is their off-season, which means the room rates are significantly more affordable. Yet, you still get access to the same luxury accommodations, the exact same caliber food, the signature hospitality, and plenty of activities (including year-round cooking classes, and hiking the two mountains on property, which are only accessible to guests and club members).
The Missing Piece: The Spa Situation
If there is one genuine critique to level at a property of this standard, it's that there is currently no spa on-site. For a resort this luxurious, a dedicated spa feels like a necessity. The property actually used to have one, but due to structural humidity issues, it had to be removed from the main historic building. Currently, the staff partners with a premier local spa nearby and will happily send guests off-property for treatments. That said, rumor has it that the leadership team is already in the process of designing and building a brand-new, standalone spa facility right on the estate. I don't have a concrete timeline for it yet, but once that piece of the puzzle is complete, the resort will be truly unstoppable.
The Verdict
High Hampton is a place that celebrates the passing of time rather than racing against it. It manages to feel massive in its outdoor offerings, yet intimate with its hospitality. The real magic is how they kept the nostalgic, rustic soul of the original property—the creaking floors, the historic bark siding, the roaring stone fireplaces—and layered it with the unbelievable food and effortless, five-star service that the Blackberry team is famous for. It doesn't feel like a stuffy resort; it feels like you've been handed the keys to a spectacular, private mountain estate.
Whether you're a foodie chasing a killer multi-course dinner, a golfer wanting to play a pristine Fazio course, or just someone who needs to sit in a red rocking chair with a blanket and a cocktail to completely reset your nervous system, this place delivers. It has an incredible way of grounding you the second you drive through the front gates, and it completely ruins you for any other mountain getaway. High Hampton stands as the absolute premier beacon of luxury in the Carolinas—and it is, without a doubt, my happy place.
