If it’s your first time visiting High Hampton, you may wonder why you see adults and children walking around with carrots and apples in their hands.  These items aren’t snacks for people.  Instead, they are treats for our resident miniature donkeys Fred and Ed, who love snack time and being petted.  You can ask the front desk staff to assist you with gathering fruit and vegetables from the kitchen so you can feed Fred and Ed.

High Hampton Inn's miniature donkeys - Fred and Ed

High Hampton has been bringing generations of families together for 89 years.  Some of these families have been here some many times that they know the ins and outs of this unique destination.  So, what do you do if you are a first-time visitor and aren’t familiar with High Hampton’s special traditions?  Have no fear!  These tips will give you the inside scoop on the Inn so you’ll feel like you’ve been coming here for generations!

Your Table Awaits!

Dining at High Hampton is truly a unique experience.  All meals at the Inn are served in the spacious Dining Room and feature buffets loaded with fresh local fruits and vegetables and high country favorites like mouthwatering fried chicken.  You are assigned a table that you will return to throughout your visit, meaning you will never have to worry about not finding a seat.  The most interesting aspect of dining at High Hampton is that you are asked to dress for dinner.  Men of all ages are asked to wear a suit and tie, and women should dress accordingly.  On Monday and Thursday nights, the dress is business casual so a coat and tie are not required.

Daily Fun!

Each day, a list of activities will be placed in the foyer outside of the dining room.  Activities that require a fee will be marked with an asterisk.  Sign up sheets will be located on the table to the left, under the bulletin board.

Summer fun at High Hampton on the lake

Splish, Splash, Fun!

The 35-acre Hampton Lake is a highlight of summer activities.  You can swim, fish and non-motorized boat here while enjoying the surrounding scenery.  The lake features a roped-off shallow area for younger swimmers and a floating diving dock for the older kids.  You can rent paddle boats, canoes, rowboats, kayaks or a sailboat for $7 per hour from the front desk and spend the afternoon floating on the shimmering water.  Fishing aficionados will delight in the fact that there are no fees to fish the lake, but anything caught should be released.  If you forgot your fishing gear, you may rent a pole for $1 per hour or buy a kit for $15 from the front desk.

Create Your Own Bouquet!

High Hampton is home to more than an acre of stunning dahlia blooms every summer.  There are hundreds of flowers, in a rainbow colors, and you are allowed to cut them to place in your room or to take home with you.  The front desk is happy to provide you with scissors and a vase so you can decorate your room.

If you are a seasoned High Hampton visitor, what are some other tips you would share with a first-time guest?