Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a historic property in Highlands, North Carolina, has been voted the South’s Best Inn. The award, based on a survey of over 17,000 Southern Living readers, highlights a unique retreat that masterfully balances intimate discovery with a deep connection to its mountain town community.
Forget sterile, monolithic resorts. The South’s Best Inn, as just awarded by Southern Living, is a lesson in layered hospitality. Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina, didn’t win by sheer size or flashy amenities. It won through a profound sense of place—a delicate alchemy of history, intentional design, and community immersion that redefines what a “retreat” can be.
The inn’s story is rooted in the very fabric of Highlands. Its origins trace back to the late 1800s as the area’s first boardinghouse, a foundational piece of local history that informs its present-day character. This isn’t a fabricated theme; it’s authentic legacy, visible in the original property’s wood-paneled walls and brickwork. The expansions, like the Falls Cottages, The Lodge, and the Hickory Hotel, echo this aesthetic with an approachable, relaxed luxury that respects the past while serving modern travelers.[1]
What immediately captivates is the inn’s intentional sprawl. Director of Operations Thomas Keenan describes a design that fosters “a sense of discovery, almost as if you need breadcrumbs to find your way back.” This isn’t poor signage—it’s a curated experience. A bending staircase or a surprising courtyard creates private moments of arrival. The layout ensures that whether you’re in a multi-bedroom family cottage or a self-contained couple’s suite, your stay has its own rhythm, yet the property never feels confusing. It feels like a small village built for serene exploration.
This spatial design directly enables the inn’s social texture. The Hummingbird Lounge exemplifies this: by morning, it’s a quiet reading nook for locals and guests; by afternoon, it transforms into a lively yet unhurried social hub. Similarly, Madison’s Restaurant offers celebratory dining without the stiffness of ceremony. The environment is consistently “a touch more special than you would expect,” because the specialness emerges from the setting itself, not from staged service.
The spa is the ultimate expression of this philosophy. An immersive calm begins with a glowing fireplace anchoring the lounge, where the gentle warmth of saunas and steam rooms permeates the hallways.[2] At the Spa Café, natural light and simple, healthy fare create a restorative pause. It’s here you witness the inn’s true magic: genuine, unforced moments of connection, like a mother and daughter quietly toasting a birthday, their joy amplifying the room’s serenity.
Why This Award Matters Beyond a Simple “Number One” Ranking
The “South’s Best Inn” title comes from a massive, legitimate data set. Southern Living’s 2025 survey, fielded from July to September, involved over 17,000 respondents rating their favorite places across the region.[3] This isn’t an editorial pick; it’s a direct mandate from a vast community of Southern travelers.
For you, this means the award validates a specific travel ethos. It signals that a growing majority of experienced travelers now prioritize properties that offer: 1) Authentic historical integration over themed facades, 2) A layout that encourages personal discovery and varied social engagement, and 3) Seamless access to both the privacy of a retreat and the vibrancy of the town it inhabits. Old Edwards masterfully delivers on all three, setting a new benchmark for what “luxury” means in a modern boutique inn context.
Your Practical Takeaways: Is This Retreat For You?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Here’s who will thrive at Old Edwards:
- The Curious Explorer: If you dislike cookie-cutter hotels and want a property that feels like a living museum with new nooks to find daily.
- Multi-Generational Groups: The Falls Cottages and Lodge offer connected yet private spaces perfect for families or friend gatherings.
- Couples Seeking Balance: You can book a secluded suite but step out minutes into the walkable downtown of Highlands for dinner and shopping.
- Spa & Wellness Focused Travelers: The spa campus is a destination in itself, designed for a full day of lowercase-l luxury—unrushed, restorative, and deeply calming.
A point of clarity: while the inn spans multiple streets, it is unequivocally centered. You are never far from the heart of Highlands, and the Appalachian mountain views are a constant, beckoning backdrop. The experience is one of anchored discovery, not isolated escapism.
The inn’s address is 137 South 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741, placing it at the literal and figurative crossroads of community and contemplation.
Ultimately, Old Edwards Inn and Spa’s victory is a victory for a slower, more intentional style of travel. It proves that the most memorable stays are built on a foundation of genuine place, thoughtful design that respects the guest’s autonomy, and a quiet commitment to fostering real moments—both solitary and shared. It’s not just the best inn in the South; it’s a masterclass in how to build a hospitality landmark that feels timeless.
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