When you go to High Hampton Inn, you’re going to hear three distinct sounds: laughter, the clanging dinner bell, and silence. The laughter is from groups of children splashing around in the lake or from golfers coming off the green — their laughter punctuated by witty comments and slaps on the back. The ringing bell announces lunch and dinner and is followed by the crunch of gravel paths as everyone converges on the dining room, half-starved from hikes, swims, and golf games. Then there is the silence.
High Hampton Inn has managed to maintain the traditional appearance of the Inn — most of the North American Chestnut bark (now an extinct chestnut variety) is still intact on the Inn — and the integrity of the resort as well. Guests will not find telephones or televisions in their cabins and cell phone service is hard to find on the mountain. What guests will find are staff members that treat you like family, a peaceful spa, award winning gardens, good food, and the carefree comfort you thought you could only have at an old friend’s home. When you’re here, everything in the outside world seems to cease to exist, which means you’re free to genuinely enjoy the company of your friends and family without distraction.
If you have never visited High Hampton Inn, now is the time to start planning your next vacation. After all, there is something to be said for an establishment which has been perfecting their traditions for nearly a century.
High Hampton Inn Traditions
Feeling a little hungry before bed? No worries. The kitchen serves warm cookies and milk every night at 9:30-10:30pm.
If you catch a whale of a fish, don’t throw it back; the chef will prepare it fresh for your dinner.
Have you ever seen a miniature donkey? High Hampton Inn has two—Fred and Ed.
Pick up apples and carrots at the kitchen and give them a snack, or enjoy a hayride with these two.
Men, don’t forget your suit and tie. Ladies, pack your heels. Dinner at the Inn is always a fancy affair.
A new tradition at the Inn is the invasion of the llamas during the summer. These guys help out during guided hikes in the mountains and even substitute as golf caddies on the green.
HISTORIC TRAVEL: More of Our Favorites
Barnsley Gardens Resort: Adairsville, Georgia
877.773.2447 • barnsleyresort.com
This gem of a resort will envelop you with heirloom gardens, a fantastic spa, and gourmet restaurants. Guests have a choice of accommodations within 62 private guest rooms and suites or 12 independent cottages, each individually decorated in a refined country style featuring hand-picked reproductions and estate items. Click here for the full story.
Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa: Mobile, Alabama
800.992.2694 • renaissance.reservationcounter.com
A premiere boutique hotel located in downtown Mobile on the site of Andrew Jackson’s military headquarters for the War of 1812, this luxurious hotel is decorated in outfitted with modern amenities for ultimate comfort.
Candlelight Inn: Eufala, Alabama
334.687.7702 • candlelightinneufaula.com
Built in 1864, this antebellum inn offers a warm and inviting country atmosphere. Cozy suites and rooms are furnished with antiques and adorned with needlework pieces.
Fort Conde Inn: Mobile, Alabama
251.405.5040 • fortcondeinn.com
Built in 1836, the Fort Conde Inn is a Victorian-style boutique hotel. Each room offers a working fireplace and classic designs: elaborate chandeliers and high ceilings. The rooms are equipped with free wi-fi and flat screen TVs, providing 19th-century charm without sacrificing 21st century conveniences.
The Generals’ Quarters Inn: Corinth, Mississippi
662.286.3325 • thegeneralsquarters.com
Consisting of not just one but two beautifully restored antebellum homes, this 10 room inn offers the perfect relaxing getaway with abundant grounds and large shady trees. The rooms are well-appointed with modern amenities.
Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa: Point Clear, Alabama
251.928.9201 • 800.544.9933 • marriott.com
Built in 1847 in Point Clear, the Grand Hotel Marriott is a historic beach resort with beautiful views of Mobile Bay. The elegant and modern furnishings in the guest rooms and suites provide a peaceful getaway with a classic sensibility.
Henderson Park Inn: Destin, Florida
888.836.1105 • hendersonparkinn.com
Anyone looking for the perfect marriage of sumptuous comfort and outrageous beauty need look no further. Fall in love with the glorious beach views while luxuriating in the romance of Victorian-inspired furnishings in this all-inclusive bed and breakfast.
Historic Banning Mills: Whitesburg, GA
770.834.9149 • 866.447.8688 • Historicbanningmills.com
Looking for more adventure than luxury? This family getaway is centered on a Zip line trail covering over 40, 000 lineal feet. The largest zipline park in the world offers comfortable but no-frills accommodations in their lodge, private cabins, and RV center, and campground.
Malaga Inn: Mobile, Alabama
800.235.1586 • 251.438.4701 • malagainn.com
Custom-designed rooms outfitted with period furnishings and reproductions maintain the refinement of the past.
Mentone Springs Hotel: Mentone, Alabama
256.634.4040 • [email protected].
Enjoy the rockers on the wraparound porches. Soak in the mineral springs that have been drawing guests for hundreds of years. Located atop Lookout Mountain, this rural retreat is perfect for rejuvenating mind and body.
Monmouth Plantation: Natchez, Mississippi
800.828.4531 • mouthplantation.com
This restored antebellum plantation, situated within 26 acres of gardens, possesses historically accurate furnishings in each of its 30 luxury rooms.
St. James Hotel: Selma, Al
800.678.8946 • historichotels.org
Experience the Old South at this 1837 hotel overlooking the Alabama river. A stone courtyard with iron fountain invites visitors into a cool, calm oasis. Each of the 42 rooms is decorated with period-style décor. Looking for history? Visit sites such as the Battle of Selma and witness the location where the first steps were taken in the Selma to Montgomery March during the Civil Rights Movement.
Winston Place: Valley Head, Alabama
256.635.6381
This antebellum mansion at the base of Lookout Mountain represents the Old South ideal of “open air living.” Suites and rooms are furnished with lush bedding and traditional Southern style.
text by Cassandra Ramos Lenard
