The historic High Hampton Inn located in Cashiers, North Carolina is a great place to visit this fall. Located on 1,400 acres surrounded by waterfalls, mountain peaks and wildflowers, High Hampton Inn is a top spot for observing nature's transition from summer to autumn. This member of National Register of Historic Places is a classic rustic stone-and-wood mountain inn overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
High Hampton will be host an Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 16 from noon-4:30 p.m. with a special menu of authentic German cuisine and award-winning beers from the Heinzelmaennchen Brewing Company. Throughout the afternoon, the Atlanta Polka Band and the Euro Volk Dancers, dressed in traditional Oktoberfest costume, will be entertaining on stage on the side lawn.
A unique highlight of the season is a naturally occuring phenomenon, the Bear Shadow. During the last two weeks of October when the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain (between Cashiers and Highlands), a shadow creates a perfect image of a black bear that dances across the tops of the colorful trees. The best place to view the ethereal bear is along U.S. Highway 64 in Cashiers, about one hour before dark.
In addition to the Inn's natural surroundings of rock, lakes and streams, guests enjoy a number of outdoor activities such as miles of hiking trails that spread out from the Inn, golfing on the scenic course designed by George W. Cobb or tennis -- all with autumn colors as a backdrop.
The 117-room resort (with lodge rooms, cottages and cabins, all with private bath) features children's programs and a 35-acre lake for boating or fishing.
Room rates during the peak fall season start from $240 per night and include romantic and rustic accommodations without TV or phone. All guest rooms and cottages have been completely refurbished and updated to carefully retain their mountain character. Included is Full American Plan of breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Take advantage of the "Fall into High Hampton Inn" package which includes a $150 gift certificate with any three-night stay or longer. The resort certificate can be applied toward a game of golf, a spa treatment or to the bill upon check out. This offer is valid Sundays through Thursdays only through October 30.
For additional information about the package or the resort, visit www.highhamptoninn.com.
Cashiers is 150 miles northeast of Atlanta, www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
