10 Nights
Be prepared for an eye-opening journey. Traveling through South Carolina, Tennessee, and North Carolina means penetrating the heart of the United States. Far from the megacities of the East Coast, you’ll find sites where history is intertwined with an aesthetic style. Strolling through the gardens of Middleton Place or along the narrow streets of Blowing Rock and Savannah, you’ll discover a land full of surprises. And what more can be said about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the famous Grandfather Mountain, designated a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve?
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Hotel and restaurant in town. Holding court in the very heart of Charleston’s famed Historic District, the 64-room Planters Inn is the city’s iconic grande dame hotel. Uniformed doormen welcome every arrival, ushering guests into a sanctuary of elegant style and genteel service inside the gloriously restored circa 1844 building. Soaring ten-foot ceilings, dozens of working fireplaces, and a stunning collection of antiques and Baker Historic Charleston décor, including a sumptuous four poster bed in every guest room, create a luxurious ambiance described by Travel + Leisure magazine as "akin to an overnight with well-to-do friends in their old Charleston mansion." There’s also more to Planters Inn than meets the eye: A hidden courtyard illuminated by flickering carriage lanterns provides a beguiling entry to Peninsula Grill, the city’s foremost dining experience. ... Learn moreless
Another place of remembrance, this residence, which was built in 1755, is the birthplace of one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence. Although the large house is home to a rare collection of furniture, books, and porcelain, visitors mainly come to see its extraordinary gardens. As early...
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. On the scenic southwest plateau of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn and Spa cascades over several acres in downtown Highlands. The historic, European-style resort features a world-renowned spa, private golf at Old Edwards Club, premium leisure amenities, and casually elegant restaurants offering local and regionally inspired cuisine. Guestrooms, suites, cottages and estates include hand-selected furnishings and antiques, fireplaces, balconies, heated marble bathroom floors, robes and slippers. Surrounded by pristine forests, rivers, trails and waterfalls, the village of Highlands brims with live and performing arts, boutique shopping and acclaimed restaurants along its charming Main Street. ... Learn moreless
North Carolina has long attracted gold and gemstone seekers. In memory of adventurers of a bygone era, the small Jackson Hole facility has been mining a seam since 1977, offering young and old visitors alike the chance to pan for rubies, sapphires, topaz, and amethysts at its outdoor covered sluice....
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Owned by Western Carolina University, the Highlands Biological Station (HBS) has a renowned laboratory as well as beautiful botanical gardens open to visitors. The abundant variety of vegetation comes from the nearby Appalachian plateau. Along the forest and lake trails, walkers will discover more than...
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. In wild, imposing natural surroundings, the owners of Blackberry Farm have opened an establishment that prioritises overall wellness, outdoor adventure and inner serenity. Rooms take the form of cabins and cottages designed with nature in mind, places to unplug from the world and reconnect with oneself. The hotel’s two restaurants (Firetower and Three Sisters) both have sublime views and serve the creations of Chef Josh Feathers, who uses healthy ingredients and combines local flavours and culinary techniques. The Property also has an incomparable underground spa offering Ayurvedic treatments. ... Learn moreless
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Restaurant and hotel in the mountains. Re-discover life’s simple pleasures and natural balance at this traditional farm in Tennessee. All year long, a fantastic team made up mostly by women and headed by the young and talented Chef Cassidee Dabney,creates delicious recipes. Borrowing from both haute cuisine and regional heritage, it is based on local ingredients and takes advantage of the cheese, vegetables, herbs and honey produced in the farm. The Wellhouse and its new wellness facilities are rooted in the same philosophy of balance and harmony between body and soul, and offer an enjoyable addition to the many activities provided, amongst which cooking classes, gardening, cheesemaking, fly-fishing or exploring the region in a Lexus or by horse-drawn carriage. ... Learn moreless
This is a unique place: The Dollywood theme park was founded by Dolly Parton, an iconic country music star and a native of the region. The park is full of suprising, thrilling rides and other Appalachian-themed attractions. Many concerts and other music events are held here year round. This is a total...
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The immensely popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place to be for adventurers and nature lovers. The Cherokee Indians called this region "The Land of Blue Smoke" to describe the color of the mists clinging to the summits. When that cloud cover dissipates, those who venture into the thick...
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Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. The path that leads to The Swag is the best of life itself. Strikingly beautiful, it offers all that is essential to mankind: nature, rivers and healing mountain air. Perched almost a mile above sea level, at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — The Swag is a high-altitude retreat boasting breathtaking views of North Carolina’s highest peaks. Located near Asheville, a stay here is the ideal change of scenery to leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, especially after one of the many memorable hikes. Nestled deep in the woods, it is the epitome of a romantic getaway where the concern for the environment, remarkable array of amenities and delicious traditional cuisine only add to its rustic charm. Hosting only a few dozen guests at any one time, The Swag is a favourite of thoughtful travellers who treasure the property’s rare, restorative combination of epic natural beauty and authentic hospitality. ... Learn moreless
This Châteauesque-style mansion, inspired by the French Renaissance, has 250 rooms and constitutes a significant part of American architectural heritage. Built in 1895, the huge residence spans over 175,000 square feet and remains the largest private residence in the United States. Biltmore still belongs...
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Consistently celebrated as one of the most beautiful small towns in North Carolina, downtown Blowing Rock looks like it was taken straight from a postcard. Fewer than 2,000 inhabitants enjoy this small town where antique shops, clothing shops, and excellent cafés and restaurants rub shoulders. The Blowing...
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Grandfather Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most popular natural sites in this part of the United States. Crossing its Mile High Swinging Bridge is an experience in itself. From here you will discover a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The rugged...
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Restaurant and hotel in the country. Midway between the nation’s capital and the historic port of Charleston lies Fearrington House Inn, Restaurant and Spa. The hotel has a relaxed agrarian feel yet cosmopolitan spirit, surrounded by pastures with rare Belted Galloway cows and nestled among exquisite shops and restaurants. Guests can stroll the extensive grounds, enjoy author readings and culinary events, indulge in a spa treatment, browse the boutiques and taste a local brew at a seasonal beer garden or wine and cheese at the wine shop. Not to mention Chef Paul Gagne’s exceptional southern-influenced European cuisine, all just a short drive from Chapel Hill, Raleigh and Durham. ... Learn moreless
The Carolina Tiger Rescue is neither a reserve nor a zoo. The sanctuary, which is open to visitors, was established in 1973 to save and protect wild animals in captivity and in the wild. The site is thus home to felines of every kind—lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, servals, and other wild cats—in wide-open...
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For years, the Duke University Blue Devils have been considered the best university basketball team in the nation (Durham, North Carolina). Having won five NCAA titles, the team is one of the most popular in the country. Many of the team's past players have become big names, even legends, in the NBA—the...
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**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
"As the former Co-Chairman of a worldwide retail chain of specialty stores, I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and experience the world’s most enticing destinations, immersing myself in the finest culture and cuisine that could be found. But I am always drawn to the South. Though I am not a Southerner by birth, I remain physically, emotionally, and spiritually connected to this most romantic region of the United States. I particularly love the Appalachian Mountains, a chain of softly shaped, tree covered ridgelines and valleys that stretch from southern Canada to northern Alabama. It’s fascinating to know these beautiful hills once rose to the heights of the Rocky Mountains and the Swiss Alps but have eroded over centuries to form the scenic landscapes we enjoy today. I first experienced this breathtaking region as a child when I attended summer camp in the North Carolina Mountains. It is only fitting that I have returned as an adult to operate a Relais & Chateaux property in North Carolina.
The South is not without its share of struggles, from racial and social discrimination, to poverty and illiteracy. But the South has also produced some of the most important American writers, poets and playwrights of the American arts. Perhaps true genius is the product of struggle! Southern cuisine is among the most distinct and beloved of all truly American foods. Who can resist Southern fried chicken, potato salad, and sweet iced tea, finished with homemade banana pudding? While many people attribute the first farm-to-table restaurants back to the hippie movement in the 60’s and 70’s in California, I would suggest the concept actually originated in the South where most families ate what they farmed. Many of those family farms continue to this day, and the Southern landscape is peppered with thousands of local markets where farmers congregate to sell their produce. Supporting my local farmers continues to be my passion and is the driving force behind my resort and restaurant.
It is this unique and storied region that I invite you to follow through the landscapes and heritage of North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia…"
