Although a storm had struck overnight, the snow had melted by the time my husband Lucas and I awoke in the morning. We never let bad weather get in the way of exploration, thus after a delicious breakfast in bed we left our suite at the Old Edwards Inn and Spa to get up close and personal with some nearby waterfalls.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for being saturated with waterfalls. Within a five mile radius from the hotel itself there are several. Our first stop was to Bridal Veil Falls, which is the only waterfall in North Carolina where you can drive underneath, although because of the icy conditions we were not permitted to do so. The sixty foot waterfall does not have a large volume of water, however it is still a beautiful site to witness and it is convenient to visit since it is on the side of the highway.
We wanted to see more of the waterfalls, but the weather was starting to turn bad again and we did not have much time left before our spa appointment. We quickly headed back into downtown Highlands for a brief stroll.
Then it was time for our couples massage at the hotel’s spa that is world renown. Lucas and I separated before the treatment to spend some time in the locker rooms. I could have easily luxuriated in there all day alternating between the sauna, jacuzzi, and the twelve-headed Swiss shower.
Our massages were sublime and afterwards we shared a sensational cheese plate and bottle of champagne in the fireside lounge amidst a setting of serene elegance.
It was almost painful to leave, nonetheless we had a dinner reservation at the hotel’s restaurant Madison’s that we definitely did not want to miss.
While we waited for our food to arrive, we snacked on flatbread and pimento cheese and drank a Malbec suggested by the in-house sommelier. This AAA Four-Diamond awarded restaurant has the reputation for having the best dining in Western North Carolina thanks to their incredibly talented culinary team that specializes in hand crafting each dish that is ordered. They cook with farm-to-table and local ingredients in order to bring out the abundant flavors that the surrounding nature has to offer.
We started with a complimentary butternut squash soup.
Our entrée consisted of fennel crusted diver scallops mixed with vegetables and mussels in a savory sauce.
For us, dessert was the best part of the meal. The banana, walnut, and caramel soufflé was unlike anything we had tasted before. We were informed that every night there is a different soufflé and the previous night had been a smore soufflé. I can only imagine how amazing that must have tasted!
Oh WHERE TO START? The dripping icicle shot? Amazing. The spa? I’ve never been to anything like that. The DINNER? The soufflé? Seriously?? And fried goat cheese is my FAVORITE thing to put on a salad. Hands-down. Love it.
Hahahaha we are so alike! Everything you love, I love too! If you and your hubby want a romantic getaway, you simply most go there.
Absolutely stunning photos and certainly some elements here that rival some of my favorite European spots!
Wow thank you! I’m so touched, because I admire your work greatly. Certain parts of NC remind me a lot of Europe actually.
Your photography is stunning! Your close-up pictures are really magical and I love how you have your own distinctive style! 🙂
xx
What a compliment, thank you X a million!!! That means the world to me! XO
You’re speaking my language lady! My fam has a vacay home in Clayton which isn’t too far from Highlands. We often go shopping in Highlands when we’re up there. I just LOVE that part of the country!
I’ve never heard of Clayton! Have you visited the Old Edwards Inn and Spa when you’ve been in Highlands? I couldn’t believe how many cute shops were there, though sadly most were closed for the winter. I love this part of the country too!!! 🙂
Wow! Those waterfalls look spectacular! Almost as much as that soufflé sounds… aaah, is it bad to want to go there just so I can have that soufflé?
No hahaha, because I want to go back for the soufflé as well!!! The waterfalls were so gorgeous, I just wish that I had had better lighting to shoot them in.
The soufflé sounds and looks delicious.
Very cool spot to hang out, especially with the lovely waterfalls – great pics!
The weather seemed to have provided a great time to enjoy the spa.
Murissa
Yes! I’m actually glad the weather was so so, because then I didn’t feel guilty spending most of the day in the spa. Yes, the soufflé was sensational!!! Thanks for the kind words re: my pics.
Please sign me up for the spa and everything that comes after it! Today has been a chilly, fall day in Santiago, so a fireside lounge with champagne and cheese sounds heavenly.
I can’t even put into words how amazing their fireside lounge is. The plush chairs, the soft blankets (we bought 2 to bring home with us), the beautiful light from the fire. Oh how I wish this spa was closer to us!!! And how I wish you and I could go there together.
These photos are all so amazing! Looks like you guys had a great time!
Thank you so much and yes a spectacular time! 🙂
Gorgeous shots!
Thank you!!!
posts like this make make me regret not traveling further into my homeland area (Virginia) when i lived there! and NC is right across the border! great photos as always andi!
One thing I’ve discovered about travelers is that they are great about exploring other parts of the world, but terrible about exploring their own backyard. I am definitely guilty of this, but have tried to change my ways over the last two years!!! Thanks for the kind words re: my pics! 🙂
im SUCH a prime example of this unfortunately. and im from richmond, va. sooo much to see there, especially in terms of history, but i never really did. it’s sad 🙁
Well, maybe one day you’ll get to see more of VA! You never know what life has in store for you!!! I never in a million years thought I’d end up where I grew up.
Hi Andi,
Without any doubt, yours are the best pictures I’ve ever seen anywhere in the blogosphere.
Keep up the great work.
Stunning!
🙂
WOW what an incredible compliment thank you sooo much!!!!!!!! I’m REALLY touched! Cheers Sarah!
I love any place that considers Macaroni and Cheese a vegetable, haha – really LOVE your icicle close-up photo. Waterfalls are so soothing…
Isn’t that cute??? It’s true you know! I think I took a hundred icicle shots haha.
Your pictures are so great! I loved the “South” sign- too funny. The water and icicle photos were simply stunning! This post makes me want to visit the Highlands 🙂
Awww thank you sooo much, what lovely compliments!!! I do hope you visit Highlands, because I know you’d be charmed by them just like we were.
These photos are beautiful, and what a lovely trip it looks like you had there. That food has me actually wishing I wasn’t in Mexico right now so I could hunt down something like that soup, salad, dessert!
Ummm Mexican food is the best!!! Now you have me wishing I was in Mexico too haha! Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂
I had no idea North Carolina was so beautiful, great photos Andi.
Oh gosh, I think NC is easily one of the most beautiful states, you must come and visit! Thanks!!!
What beautiful shots! I love VA, but I think next time I’m on the east coast I’ll have to venture slightly further south as well 🙂
Yay!!! I hope you do! Thanks for calling my photos beautiful. 🙂
Wow… You really had a wonderful vacation – beautiful flowers, natural scenic views, elegant accommodation and delicious FOOD! I wish I could also spend some vacation like this despite my busy schedule.
Also, does the waterfall freeze during winter?
Yes, it was a lovely and unforgettable vacation!!! What was so nice is that we weren’t expecting it to be THIS amazing! I love surprises!!! And yes, I think some of the waterfalls in the area do freeze. By the time we went though the weather was warming up.
Beautiful post, Andi! I loved the photos of the place and waterfall, but when I got to the food pics, I was equally amazed. I have not been to NC. Must change that someday.
Yes, you simply must! NC is an incredible state. Thank you kindly for your thoughtful words!!!
That spa pool looks amazing! After seeing these pics I’m really looking forward to visiting NC later in the year.
It was incredible! I spent about an hour in there. Where in NC are you going?
Oh Andi these photos are gorgeous!
Thanks Sarah!
gorgeous pictures!
Thank you dear!
NC looks gorgeous–i’ve awlays wanted to go ! there’s so much of the US i haven’t been to because Ive been too preoccupied with going abroad. I need to start!
It’s so gorgeous!!! Definitely come for a visit!
Oh how wonderfully beautiful, Andi!!! I love waterfalls so much. There’s something about the never-ending, crashing, plummeting water that soothes my soul. I’m so glad you and Lucas got to experience this in such a gorgeous place. 🙂 xo
Thank you sweetheart for your kind words!!! Yes, Lucas and I in such a short time of finally being in the same place have seen sooo much beauty in this world! We both love waterfalls too. XO
That dinner looks delicious!
Beyond delicious!!!
Andi, it is a great post thanks for writing it!
You’re welcome! 🙂
I think there’s no better way to spend a day: sightseeing, being pampered and having a good meal
Amen!!!
Amazing photos! Love the close up ones of the waterfalls. And that desert looks so delicious!
Thank you so much!!! I wish I could have gotten even closer to the falls, but it was SO icy!!! And yes, the desert was delish!
oh my gosh, that spa! and everyday there is a soufflé?! they should make a separate desserts shop just to sell the souffles.. i love them!
Haha that’s a brilliant idea! A soufflé shop!!! Why hasn’t anyone done this yet?
I think I would be in HEAVEN with that souffle! OMG it looks amazing!
Hahahaha I didn’t show, but there were 2! This was we didn’t have to share!!! 😉