At the end of August, Edwin and I snuck off to the Highlands/Cashiers area of North Carolina for three nights. The trip was for our babymoon in anticipation of our little love arriving later this month. It was perfect! We stayed at Old Edwards Inn in the Highlands and enjoyed every minute of it, our spacious room, the hotel property, and the delicious hotel food. It was an easy drive for us from Charleston and a very welcome break from the hot weather… we had great weather in the 70s! The images in this post are pretty much dedicated to the outfits I wore but I’m going to share what we did below as well. Also, I made an Instagram Reel each day of the trip that I had so much fun making! Keep reading for more on our relaxing babymoon in North Carolina.
1st Outfit: Dress (similar) / Purse / Sandals / Scarf (old – similar, similar) / Earrings
2nd Outfit: Top (also comes in khaki) / Skirt / Sandals (on sale!) / Purse (old – similar, similar)
3rd Outfit: Dress / Loafers (old – similar)
Our Relaxing Babymoon in North Carolina
We had originally planned a different babymoon in July that had to be cancelled due to Covid. The cancelled babymoon was definitely a disappointment at the time but it all worked out in the end because North Carolina was SO great! I will say that it was a HUGE relief to have booked our original and rescheduled babymoons through my sister, who is a travel advisor. She took everything off our hands and made the cancellation/rescheduling process so easy in light of the Covid world we’re living in. I wanted to mention this because a) she’s my sister (!!!) b) I think a common perception is that travel advisors only do big trips but she plans both massive international trips as well as small domestic trips and c) traveling can be stressful during the Covid pandemic so a travel advisor is extremely valuable right now.
My sister, Sarah, is the one who pointed us in the direction of the Highlands and Cashiers, NC when we were looking to reschedule to somewhere we could drive to. It was the PERFECT recommendation because there was plenty to do without it feeling overwhelming with too much going on. often, when I visit somewhere new for the first time, I want to see as many places as possible. This area of North Carolina provided lots of opportunity to be outside and explore but it was still very much a relaxing destination without too many things pulling me in different directions.
Just what we wanted!
One morning, Edwin and I went our separate ways to each do an activity we were craving. I had a morning at the spa at Old Edwards Inn, which was divine! They had such a wonderful prenatal massage and the spa space was really serene and lovely (I felt totally Covid safe!). Edwin spent the morning fly fishing with Brookings Anglers. Edwin was new to fishing the area so he opted for a guided day instead of heading out on his own and he loved his experience and the guide! I would have loved to join but they waded and I was just too pregnant to be wading all day, ha!
My Top Recommendations for Cashiers
One of my sister’s best friends spends a lot of time in Cashiers, NC with her family (they have the CUTEST rental property!) so I tapped her for some recommendations and she really pulled through. We loved every single place she recommended. There is also tons of hiking in the area that is not to be missed!
Where to Shop in Cashiers, NC
The Village Hound / Highland Hiker / The Cashiers Store / Gracewear Boutique / Rusticks / Laura Moser Art Studio / Vivianne Metzger Antiques
Where to Eat in Cashiers, NC
Valley Bakery / Slab Town Pizza / Cashiers Valley Smokehouse / Cashiers Farmers Market / Canyon Kitchen / Whiteside Brewing Co
My Top Recommendations for The Highlands
Our neighbor in Charleston has a house in the Highlands so she gave us a bunch of recommendations leading up to our trip! She hit the nail on the head as we loved every meal and shop. She also pointed us in the direction of a few great hikes including Glenfalls, Dry Falls, Whiteside Mountain, and Sunset Rock. There are TONS of hikes around the Highlands area so this is just the tip of the iceberg but a great starting point!
Where to Shop in The Highlands, NC
Mirror Lake Antiques / Oakleaf / CK Swan
Where to Eat in The Highlands, NC
Mountain Fresh Grocery / Dusty Rhodes Superette / The Blue Bike Cafe / The Bridge at Mill Creek / Madison’s Restaurant / Four 65 / Highlands Smokehouse / Log Cabin / Lakeside Restaurant / Meritage Bistro / Wolgangs Bistro / Paoletti’s / Madison’s Wine Garden / Tugs Proper / Kilwins
Where to Stay in the Cashiers and Highlands, NC Area
Old Edwards Inn / Half Mile Farm / High Hampton / Highlander Mountain House / Rental House / The Halsted House / Greystone Inn / The Wells Hotel /
If you’re planning a trip to this part of North Carolina, feel free to shoot me an email with any questions and I’ll do my best to help. We loved our babymoon so much and are excited to return to the area again hopefully sooner rather than later!
So glad you loved your babymoon! I loved planning it with you!
Xo,
Sarah
It was the best!! A HUGE thanks to you!! xx