Taking It All Inn

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”
Philippians 4:7

I have had a wonderful birthday week!

May I share?

My friend Kathy planned lunch and an afternoon in Mentone that gave us a chance to catch up on our everyday living!  You can see many of the pictures I took that day here:  Simple + Southern Sunday.  My brother and sister-in-law planned a sweet birthday lunch at my Daddy’s!  Katy has a day planned for us coming up in a few days that I am sure will be featured on the blog.  Seth and Allie made me a beautiful present that was inspired when we were vacationing at Triple Creek Ranch seen here:  Triple Creek Ranch: A Montana Hideaway (Part One) and Triple Creek Ranch: A Montana Hideaway (Part Two). Then, I came home on Friday to find presents on the porch. My precious friend, Joann had handcrafted something beautiful for me!  Stay tuned for an upcoming “Tablescape Tuesday” to see Seth & Allie’s gift, along with Joann’s!

I promised on last Thursday’s blog (Roadtrippin’ and Tablescapin’) that I would share what we did for my birthday.  Butch, as always, had planned a fabulous get-a-way!  We went back to Old Edwards Inn & Spa in Highlands, North Carolina–the same place we celebrated my birthday two years ago!  Highlands is located in the southern Appalachians within the Nantahala Forest.  Old Edwards Inn is a European style resort with a casual but elegant ambiance!  The spa has been named a top hotel spa in North America by Conde Nast and both times, I can say it was heavenly!  There are several dining options and all are outstanding!  You can visit their website here: Old Edwards Inn.

I hope you will cozy up in a comfortable chair with a good cup of coffee and celebrate with me!

Beautiful scenery along the route to Highlands

I love how beautifully Old Edwards has maintained this historic property!

The Inn gives an aura of “an old monied county club”, but that is not the case at all.  There is no stuffiness or pretense, just perfect Southern hospitality

Old Edwards has won many coveted awards!

The entry to our spa suite

Sitting area by the windows with house-baked cookies awaiting our arrival!

Our suite had a golf theme with beautiful fabrics, art, and books!

The weather turned chilly, so the fire was warm and cozy!

Of all the hotels we have visited, this has to be the one of the most amazing baths!  Gorgeous marble shower, tub surround, and heated floor gave it a spa feel!

Roof top terrace restaurant closed for the winter!

German Oktoberfest was still being celebrated!

Lovely view into the dining room

Shopping at Acorns, an Old Edwards shop!

Olive oil tasting at Mountain Fresh Grocery, an upscale phenomenon!

The ever cheerful patterns of Tracy Porter dinnerware at a Highlands shop!

Dining room reception area

Small starter plate of house-made pimento cheese and spicy buttermilk crackers!

Vanilla roasted pears and crispy goat cheese fritters, kale and arugula salad, candied walnuts, butternut jelly with walnut vinaigrette!  Perfecto!

Bourbon glazed pork belly and poached farm egg with cranberry-cornbread purée, roasted oyster mushrooms and kale chips!

Springer mountain chicken and dumplings:  Benton’s bacon wrapped chicken breast, celery root and green garlic purée, glazed baby carrots, roasted sweet potato gnocchi and spring onions with natural pan jus

Individual old fashioned chocolate chip pie with salted caramel ice cream!

Clubby dining room

Hummingbirds Lounge

Fresh flowers is a must in a nice hotel!

The library–one of my favorite spaces!

Met this lovely and vivacious lady, Lisa, who was also celebrating her birthday on the 30th.  I think we became instant friends!

More shopping!

Beautiful outdoor spaces for the world class spa!

Richly paneled and furnished hallway in the spa

Spa cafe offering a healthy menu

The spa’s Fireside Lounge!

Complimentary teas and fruit in the Fireside Lounge!

Calming and peaceful solarium where we enjoyed solitude after our afternoon of spa treatments!!

Dinner on my birthday was at a restaurant outside of the hotel!  Sorry no food pics!  Just my sweet husband and me!!!

Rose petal turndown service was a perfect ending to my birthday!

Thank you for celebrating with us!  What about you?  What are you celebrating?  We would love to hear about your everyday living.  Please share in your comments below!

Blessings,
Pam

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”
Philippians 4:8

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