The lawn at High Hampton is a popular wedding location

Destination weddings in the mountains are increasingly popular as brides and grooms create two- and three-day events in spectacular settings to enable everyone to spend more time together.   This year, it’s all about celebrating a sense of place by incorporating the culture, recreation, design elements and culinary heritage of a destination in all aspects of the wedding.

When you’ve got two or more days at High Hampton, the possibilities are endless.  In a setting straight out of the movie, Dirty Dancing, cedar shake-clad cottages and a historic inn are nestled on 1,400 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Cashiers, NC.

“As a full service resort, we have so many options available.  A favorite activity is scheduling golf outings for the groomsmen while the bride and her party enjoy the spa,” says Caroline Grogan, High Hampton Inn’s Director of Group Sales and Events.  “If you want to break from tradition, boat races across Hampton Lake, a beach volleyball tournament, or a group hike to the summit of Rock or Chimney Top Mountain complete with a champagne toast at the top are great bonding experiences.”

Signature cocktails are sweeping the bar as a popular way couples personalize their wedding.  Go for a chic-rustic vibe by serving High Hampton’s Apple Pie Moonshine in a mason jar.  Other fun cocktail hour add-ons include a cigar bar, corn-hole matches, driving competitions, and a friendly game of bocce. These are just a few of High Hampton’s specialty wedding options that couples can add to their special day!

As far as a mountain destination wedding and ceremony itself, “Weddings at the Rock” are a High Hampton tradition.  There is nothing that compares to saying “I do” with the dramatic rock face of Rock Mountain and crystalline Hampton Lake as a backdrop to the lush green lawn.  Grand tents are another way to incorporate the great outdoors into the event with strings of twinkling lights or Chinese lanterns softly illuminating outdoor celebrations.

A wedding Celebration at High Hampton Inn

For the great indoors, our Pavilion can be dressed up or down. It can also expand to host large wedding groups, but can also be made to feel intimate for more personal and smaller receptions. The Pavilion offers a covered slate patio that can be transformed to anything from a dance floor and stage for the band to comfy seating beside cozy fire pits.  The Pavilion is also located on the driving range, making green-space work for tenting to add square-footage for the party to spill out into the mountain air.

In NC’s Blue Ridge Mountains, there is no more spectacular a wedding location than High Hampton Inn.  2013 dates are filling quickly, but we still have availability. To plan your dream destination mountain wedding, please email Caroline Grogan or call 828-743-1893.

Becky took a few moments to answer a few questions about why she created the book and what her favorite High Hampton Inn memories are.

1. What inspired you to create a coffee table book about High Hampton?

With the amazing number of photographs that we found when going through boxes that were stored from years ago, photographs that guests sent us, recent ones from our collection, and photos taken by professionals, I wanted to make sure people would be able to see these and enjoy them. It seemed like a great way to show everyone how High Hampton has changed in some ways over the years, yet many things have remained the same, such as the beauty that surrounds us here as well as the traditions and all of the activities that have been enjoyed and continue to be enjoyed by several generations of guests. Also, many people asked if we had a history of the Inn. The two cookbooks, High Hampton Hospitality and More High Hampton Hospitality, include some history but many people wanted to have a book completely devoted to it rather than a cookbook.  Also, High Hampton tends to draw people who value the Inn’s interesting past, so I thought the 90th anniversary provided me with the perfect occasion to create a book that focused on the past 90 years. My only regret is that I could not include all the photos and memories that people shared with me.

2. What types of memories were rekindled when you were putting the book together?

What really struck me when looking at the photos was the continuity that exists at High Hampton. I found photos of many people who came here as youngsters and who continue to come here (as High Hampton homeowners or Inn guests) and enjoy many of the same activities with their children and grandchildren as they enjoyed years ago. Some of these activities include hayrides, Bingo and horseracing, the donkey cart rides, playing field games and hide and seek on the spacious lawn and in the giant boxwoods, swimming and boating, The Teddy Bear Picnic, tea time, golf, tennis, and hiking. It is refreshing to know that many people still value this type of vacation that focuses on time spent with family and the enjoyment of activities that don’t require electricity and value the great outdoors.

3. What is your favorite photograph included in the book?

My favorite photograph in the book is the one of James Ray Connor, the donkey handler with donkeys, Ed and Fred. Stephen McBride, the photographer, captured the love that James Ray has for “his boys,” as well as the love they have for him in return.

Here’s a sneak peek at a few pages from our new coffee table book:

]]> http://highhamptoninn.com/blog/2012/11/90-years-of-making-memories-a-high-hampton-inn-coffee-table-book/feed/ 0 http://highhamptoninn.com/blog/2012/10/fall-foliage-fun-in-north-carolina/ http://highhamptoninn.com/blog/2012/10/fall-foliage-fun-in-north-carolina/#comments Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:07:20 +0000 Staff http://highhamptoninn.com/blog/?p=500 Now that the middle of October is here, we have finally reached the start of peak foliage time in Cashiers!  Everywhere you turn, the trees are awash in bright reds, oranges, yellows and purples. Fall is really one of the prettiest times of year in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Now is the perfect time to book an autumn getaway to experience fall’s favorite hues. Our special packages help put a mountain vacation easily within reach!

Take in the stunning fall colors while paddling across Hampton Lake

In addition to the rainbow of colors awaiting you, we also offer access to some very unique experiences that will make your fall trip even more memorable.

Our Heirloom Tree Garden features a variety of large trees like the Ginkgo tree, Bottlebrush Buckeye, Bald Cyprus, a fiery Copper Beech, and America’s largest Frasier Fir. These trees were planted more than 100 years ago and offer amazing fall color every year.  They are the perfect complements to the main Lodge, which was built in 1932 as a North Carolina vacation destination and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you love waterfalls, southwestern North Carolina is the place to visit. This area is home to dozens of stunning falls that are even more amazing when surrounded by fall foliage. Many of the falls can be easily reached by following scenic U.S. Highway 64 east or west from High Hampton Inn.

For one-of-a-kind views of the fall foliage, you can hike the many trailsthat wind throughout the property. Climb to the summits of either Rock Mountain at 4,370 feet or Chimney Top Mountain at 4,618 feet for a bird’s eye view of the the miles of autumn colors in the valley between Cashiers, Highlands and Whiteside Mountain.

The stunning foliage from the summit of Chimney Top Mountain

Last but not least, mid-to-late October is the ideal time to view the Cashiers Valley’s unique natural phenomenon – the Bear Shadow. During this time of year, a perfect image of a Black Bear dancing across the tops of the colorful trees is created when the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain. The best places to view the ethereal bear are along U.S. Highway 64 in Cashiers, about one hour before dark.

To get a sneak preview of the colors, check out our Webcam!

In honor of the Apple Festival, Chef Sean wanted to share his apple strudel recipe so that you can make a delicious fall favorite with your freshly-picked treats!

High Hampton’s Apple Strudel – a perfect treat for fall

Apple Strudel:

• 1/4 cup bourbon or apple juice
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 2 to 3 Granny Smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, halved, and thinly sliced
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup crushed shortbread cookies
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
• 5 sheets phyllo dough from 1 pound package of frozen dough
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for brushing phyllo sheets, plus more if needed
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Caramel sauce, purchased
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons milk

Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 1/2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, pour the bourbon or apple juice over the raisins and microwave on high for 45 seconds. Let sit for 15 minutes.

Combine the raisins, apples, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon, brown sugar, cookie crumbs, pecans, and butter in a large bowl.

Remove the phyllo dough from the box, unfold, and cover with a damp towel. Place 1 sheet of phyllo on the work surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat with the remaining sheets, brushing each with melted butter, stacking when done, being sure to keep the unbuttered phyllo covered.

Place the apple mixture on the nearest third of the phyllo stack, being sure to leave a 2-inch border. Gently lift the bottom edge of the phyllo stack to cover the filling and fold the side edges over. Continue to roll the stack away from you until the filling is completely sealed in and the seam is on the bottom. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown. Pour over the glaze and sprinkle with cinnamon and confectioners’ sugar. Drizzle the strudel with the caramel sauce and serve.

Will you be joining us to celebrate fall’s favorite fruit? 

 Caroline took some time out of her busy schedule to offer some insight to all of the options available for groups at High Hampton Inn.  Hopefully you’ll think of a stay here when you plan your next trip!

Caroline Grogan – Director of Groups Sales and Events at High Hampton Inn

 1.  What types groups usually book a stay at High Hampton?

We welcome groups of all kinds at High Hampton, the most common being family-oriented groups like family reunions, special celebrations, and weddings.  Business groups also like to come here because our unplugged nature allows attendees to be very productive and stay on-point.  Our team can also work with companies to organize team building and sales incentive activities.  And last but not least, we are a popular destination for recreational groups like golfers, tennis players, and knitters.

2.   Which on-property activities are the favorites for groups to participate in?

The most popular activities for groups would have to be golf and the spa.  People love getting outside, enjoying challenging play and stunning scenery, followed by a relaxing trip to the spa.   However, we have a number of truly unique activities that can be molded into team building exercises or ones that encourage family bonding like boat races, llama Olympics, sack races, fly fishing, and so much more.

3.  Can groups create fun culinary experiences?  If so, what types?

Yes!  Chef Sean is excellent at creating cooking experiences for all types of groups.  He can show you how to make dinners with items from your garden or how to make a meal that will impress your spouse when you return from your business trip. He can also host a mean Low County Boil! Chef Sean also works with our Food & Beverage Manager to pair wines with dishes for the demonstrations.

4.  What has been your favorite group event/experience that you have organized?

The most memorable event I’ve helped plan was a surprise 50^th wedding anniversary dinner. The husband kept it from his wife for a whole year. I wasn’t allowed to call or e-mail him, which meant I had to rely on him to check in every once in a while.  I’ve never seen two people look at each other the way they did on the night she was surprised by him and her children.

Planning weddings is also so unbelievable.  After coordinating with families for a year or more, they have a special place in your heart and begin to see you as a friend and confidant. I am lucky to be involved with planning such precious memories.  To see a bride dancing with her father and look over at you and mouth the words “thank you”—that’s why I do it.

Need help planning an unforgettable event?  Contact Caroline Grogan at groupsales@highhamptoninn.com.

To provide some insight into this festive day, Hampton Bear took some time to answer some questions about the party.

1. How is the Teddy Bear Picnic different from other celebrations?

High Hampton may be the only resort in the world that offers Teddy Bears a memorable vacation, along with their owners. Not only do I get to celebrate the day with all the children, but I get to celebrate with their favorite teddy bears too. The Teddy Bear Picnic is a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to spend the day together, especially during the Treasure Bear Hunt.

2. What is your favorite food offered at the picnic dinner?

After being in hibernation all winter long, I look forward to Hampton Bear’s Fabulous Fried Chicken.  Chef Sean knows it is my favorite and always cooks it to perfection! Like most of the children, I love the Chocolate Bear Cake and Bear Cupcakes too.

3. What is one of the most creative Teddy Bears you have seen at the Teddy Bear Picnic?

There have been so many great bears at my party over the years, but I have to say, the most creative bear has been Elvis Bearsley. The hair and the outfit made me laugh – I was all shook up! I can’t wait to meet the bears this year.

4. What advice can you share with children who will be attending the Teddy Bear Picnic for the first time this year?

I would tell them to be creative in designing their Teddy Bears. There are many different categories where prizes can be won, such as the Best Dressed Bear, the Beary Oldest Bear, the Most Appealing Wee Bear, the Most Interesting Big Bear, the Most Awesome Bear, the Most Overall Huggable Bear, and the Hampton Bear Award.

I want the kids and their parents to be ready for a day of fun and games, and get a good night’s sleep the night before the picnic.

We look forward to seeing all the creative bears dressed up this summer!

Llamas arrive at High Hampton

Move over Fred and Ed, there are new furry friends at High Hampton this summer! No, guests aren’t seeing things; llamas have invaded Cashiers. Serving as furry Sherpas for guided hikes and as golf caddies every Thursday and Friday during the summer, the llamas are a special addition during our 90^th season.

The llamas, previously featured on National Geographic Adventures, Animal Planet and BBC, are undaunted by their new role here at High Hampton Inn.  You may see them carrying picnic baskets, blankets and provisions while accompanying families and children on hikes to Cherokee Campgrounds, around Hampton Lake, and up to the top of Rock Mountain. In the evenings, the llamas will make special guest appearances at the Rock Mountain Tavern, where you are invited to meet and take pictures with the shaggy, friendly animals.  Also, by request, golfers can arrange for a llama to be their caddy.

The llamas arrive each Thursday with owner, Mark English, who has been raising them at his family’s farm in Brevard, NC since 2008. While this is the first summer High Hampton has partnered with English’s company, Llama Caddy, the llamas are already attracting major attention in the short time they have been here. Their hikes and meet-and-greets at the Tavern have become some of our most popular summer activities.

Have you met the llamas yet?

Looking down at Rock Mountain

What are some of your other favorite summer desserts?

Crème Brûlée

A High Hampton crème brûlée topped with fresh fruit

Yield:  6 servings

Ingredients:

1 quart heavy cream

8 egg yolks

1 ½ cups sugar

½ tablespoon orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange extract

1 can non-stick cooking spray (like Pam)

1 pint fresh blueberries

1 pint fresh strawberries

6 tablespoons whipped cream

Method:

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream, zest and the 2 cups of sugar together until the sugar has melted. Pour the cream mixture into a bowl. Place the egg yolks in another large metal bowl and slowly add the cream to the egg yolks with a ladle, while whisking constantly. Be careful not to add the cream too fast as the eggs will harden. Add the vanilla and orange extracts and mix together.

Pour mixture into crème brûlée dishes or ramekins coated with non-stick cooking spray. Place each dish in a larger pan with enough water to cover the bottom half of the dishes. Bake for 20 minutes, or until set, at 300 degrees.

Let cool overnight in the refrigerator. Sprinkle about a tablespoon of sugar on each one and caramelize with a propane torch until the sugar turns brown. Serve immediately and garnish with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Hiking and Fitness Trails – Since High Hampton is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you are guaranteed access to a number of hiking trails. There are 15-miles of well-marked hiking trails on property for you to explore alone or with a guide. To reach the summit of Rock Mountain at 4,370 feet, you will need about an hour-and-a-half.  A four-hour round-trip excursion leads to the peak of Chimney Top Mountain, located at 4,618 feet, and back down.  The Lake Trail is ideal for visitors looking for a mild hike.  The 1.5-mile trail meanders around Hampton Lake, giving you many opportunities to enjoy the area’s flora and fauna.  The Fitness Trail includes 10 exercise stations that will tone your muscles.  The trail begins at the upper end of Hampton Lake and finishes at the base of Rock Mountain. All of these hikes allow for spectacular views and great cardiovascular exercise.

Hampton Lake – Hampton Lake offers numerous ways for you to stay active all day long. The 35-acre lake features a wading pool, swimming area, beach, two docks and swim platforms, and a playground. Spending an afternoon kayaking, canoeing or paddle boating is a great way to get active and enjoy a peaceful summer day on the water.  Those looking for something more vigorous will enjoy swimming laps in the refreshing mountain water.

Enjoying summertime fun on Lake Hampton

Beanstalk – If you are seeking the thrill of rock climbing, the Beanstalk is for you.  The eight-sided, 28-foot climbing tower located outside of the Hampton Health Club and Spa the perfect way for adults and kids to work on total body fitness.  Arm and leg muscles are sure to be toned as you make your way to the top of the rock.

Heading to the top of the Beanstalk at High Hampton

Outdoor Sports – You can also enjoy spending time outdoors playing golf, tennis, and bocce ball. A round of golf on the George W. Cobb 18-hole golf course or playing tennis on one of the clay courts are both great ways to burn some calories. To hone your skills, you can participate in our golf and tennis clinics that are available throughout the year. Our two new bocce ball courts are also great ways to get active and indulge in a little friendly competition.

Staying in shape with a game of tennis at High Hampton

When you visit High Hampton this summer, you don’t have to stop your fitness routine.  By participating in our fun and unique activities, you are sure to stay fit on your trip this summer.

The McKee family enjoying a lovely day at High Hampton

1. What new changes are awaiting guests this year?

During the off-season, we were hard at work preparing for our 90^th season. When you return to High Hampton, you will notice a number of updates throughout the property that include two new bocce ball courts and improved parking adjacent to the Pro Shop and Hampton Market.   We’ve also expanded and re-landscaped the back lawn by the Inn and improved the kennels.  These are a few of the many improvements we’ve made this winter.

In honor of our 90^th season, we are also bringing back some favorite High Hampton traditions, such as nighttime milk and cookies, homemade wooden napkin rings made from the Rhododendron bushes found on the property, and cinnamon toast during tea time.  We will also be featuring some favorite historical recipes on the menu throughout the season.

We are also excited to announce a new Summer Solstice party on June 20^th that will celebrate the start of summer.  The event will feature dancing, S’mores, and fun on the back lawn.

Becky McKee has been working around the clock to create a coffee table book filled with 90 years of pictures, testimonials and High Hampton memories. I can’t wait to see the finished product, which should be available later in the summer. If you love High Hampton as much as I do, it’s definitely an item you should add to your library.

2. What is your best childhood memory of High Hampton?

For as long as I can remember, High Hampton has always been a part of my life.  When I was a child, I enjoyed spending my summer days playing throughout the property.  As I got older, I worked in every position at one point or another.  All of these experiences have provided me with many unforgettable moments, but my all-time favorite memory is of spending warm summer afternoons swimming in or fishing on Hampton Lake.

Children love spending hours swimming, boating and fishing on Hampton Lake

3. What part of the High Hampton property is your favorite?

There are so many great aspects of High Hampton, but I would have to say that my favorite place on the property is at the summit of Chimney Top Mountain because you not only get an aerial view of the estate but you can also enjoy a 35-mile panoramic view shed.  It’s s peaceful and unique place.

The breathtaking view from the summit of Chimney Top Mountain.

We look forward to welcoming you back to celebrate our 90^th season with us!