This New Boutique Hotel in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains Has Fire Pits, Rooms with Forest Views, and a Nordic-inspired Spa

Outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains can now stay at the region’s newest boutique hotel, Trailborn Highlands, which officially opened on July 1. 

Located in downtown Highlands, one of the towns with the highest elevation east of the Missipppi River, the property is surrounded by lush forest views. It offers an experience rooted in local culture and nature without compromising on modern amenities and conveniences.

Everything on-site — from the welcome gift (a pack of local wildflower seeds) to the decor, culinary program, and curated list of experiences — is designed to immerse guests in the destination authentically and interactively. The 63 rooms and public spaces are awash in natural hues and textures like exposed stone and wood, referencing the property’s stunning surroundings, while original artworks and decor items in various media highlight the region’s artistic heritage. 

The accommodations blend minimalism and comfort thanks to a masterful combination of earthy hues and cozy textiles. Some rooms feature private balconies, fireplaces, and outdoor seating areas, while inside, guests are pampered with plush Parachute robes, Tivoli radios and speakers, sleek kettles by Fellow, and Grown Alchemist bath products.

Highlands Supper Club, the hotel’s signature bar and dining space, is still in the works and will open later this summer. Located in a 1920s log cabin adjacent to the property, it features many original furnishings and architectural details, including three fireplaces, log dining chairs, and exposed wood beams. The menu will focus on regional Appalachian flavors like grilled North Carolina oysters paired with local brews and wines, and guests can also dine outside on the patio.

Those who venture off-site should consult the custom local guide-approved experiences: think forest bathing, rock climbing, fly fishing, and hiking to local landmarks like the beautiful Glenn Falls. Travelers seeking to engage with the destination on-site can book pressed flower workshops, cocktail-making classes using all-natural shrubs, or a session at the Nordic spa (also still in the works but slated for a late summer opening). Yoga mats and complimentary bikes are also provided to hotel guests.

Trailborn Highlights’ expansive outdoor spaces were made for relaxation, with amenities like fire pits, picnic areas, and games. However, travelers are also within walking distance of many restaurants, antique stores, and other locally owned businesses.

The property is also located about an hour away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. It’s also conveniently accessible from Atlanta; Asheville, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Trailborn opened its first property last year in Estes Park, Colorado, the gateway to Rocky Mountains National Park, with more openings coming up near the Grand Canyon; Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; and Mendocino, California. 

Nightly rates at Trailborn Highlights start from $280, and you can book your stay on staytrailborn.com.