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200 Main in Highlands, North Carolina: A Hidden Gem Hotel in the Blue Ridge Mountains

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200 Main: A Hidden Gem Hotel in Highlands, North Carolina (Complete Stay + Things to Do Guide)

If you’re searching for a hidden gem hotel in North Carolina tucked inside a charming mountain town, let me introduce you to 200 Main in Highlands, North Carolina — a place that feels cozy, elevated, and romantic.

Highlands is one of those rare destinations that still feels undiscovered. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the North Carolina–Georgia border, this small town is surrounded by waterfalls, scenic hikes, winding mountain roads, and cool alpine air — yet remains incredibly walkable and intimate.

I visited Highlands for New Year’s, and it was truly the perfect romantic winter getaway. Think cozy dinners, quiet streets, mountain air, and fireside energy without crowds or chaos. The weather was cold but comfortable — crisp mornings, clear days, and ideal conditions for hiking and waterfall exploring.

This stay was part of a romantic New Year’s getaway, and it honestly couldn’t have been a better setting — peaceful, scenic, and quite magical.

Where Is 200 Main Located?

200 Main is located right on Main Street in downtown Highlands, North Carolina, which means:

  • You can walk to amazing restaurants, coffee shops, and bars

  • You’re only minutes from waterfalls and hiking trails with the car

  • You get the charm of a mountain town without needing to drive everywhere

If you love staying somewhere that feels central but still serene, this location is very ideal.

First Impressions: Cozy, Mountain-Chic & Thoughtfully Designed

From the moment we checked in, 200 Main felt warm and welcoming. The front desk staff greeted us with a glass of champagne by the fireplace in the lobby, which was the perfect start to the trip.

The property’s design is also gorgeous; it blends modern mountain design with cozy details that make it feel more like a boutique lodge than a traditional hotel. The property and rooms had a lot of warm wood tones, comfortable and inviting spaces, and a relaxed but elevated vibe overall.

It’s the kind of place where you immediately slow down — which is exactly what you want in a mountain getaway (you can get the vibe of this by seeing the images below of where I spent a good amount of time on the trip- by the cozy fireplace!)

Our Room at 200 Main

Our room was spacious, quiet, and thoughtfully laid out — perfect for relaxing after full days of hiking and exploring the Highlands.

What stood out most:

  • Super comfortable bed

  • Cozy seating area for coffee and mornings in

  • Clean, modern bathroom with heated floors

  • Mountain-town charm without feeling dated

Everything felt intentional, comfortable, and easy — no over-the-top luxury, just really well done.

Why 200 Main Is a True Hidden Gem Hotel

What makes 200 Main special is how well it fits the town of Highlands itself.

This is a hotel for travelers who:

  • Love nature-first destinations

  • Want walkability + scenery

  • Prefer quiet luxury over big resorts

  • Are looking for a romantic weekend or cozy escape

Highlands is still largely under-the-radar compared to places like Asheville or Boone, and 200 Main reflects that same low-key, refined energy.

Getting to Highlands, North Carolina ✈️🚗

Getting to Highlands was easier than expected and part of the fun. We took a nonstop flight from Fort Lauderdale to Asheville (AVL) via Allegiant, rented a car at the airport, and then enjoyed a scenic 1 hour 30 minute drive into the mountains.

The drive from Asheville to Highlands is beautiful — winding roads, forest views, and waterfalls all along the way. It immediately sets the tone for a slower, more peaceful kind of trip!

Things to Do in Highlands, North Carolina 🌲💧

One of the best parts about staying at 200 Main is how easy it is to experience the best of Highlands. This is a destination made for slow mornings, cozy meals, and nature-filled afternoons.

Here are the highlights I’d recommend:

  • 🥾 Sunset Rock Hike – short hike with big views overlooking downtown Highlands (walkable from 200 Main and Old Edwards Inn also has a guided hike option for this!)

  • 💧 Dry Falls – iconic walk-behind waterfall you can stop at on your way into or out of town

  • 💧 Glen Falls – tiered waterfall with flexible turnaround points (great hike if you do the whole thing!)

  • 💧 Cullasaja Falls & Bridal Veil Falls – easy roadside waterfall stops

  • 🏔️ Whiteside Mountain Overlook – dramatic cliff views just outside town

  • ⛸️ Ice skating at Kelsey Hutchinson Park – charming winter activity, walkable from the hotel

  • 🍽️ Downtown dining – Madison’s Restaurant for breakfast is a must! We had an amazing breakfast here and it was located at the Old Edwards Inn which is a sister property of 200 Main. Delicious food and such a cozy atmosphere!

  • 🎶 Live music – Hummingbird Lounge or seasonal events around town (Old Dog Pub Karaoke on Friday nights is a must)

Everything feels close, relaxed, and unrushed — which makes Highlands such a special place to unwind. By the end of the trip, we kept things simple: breakfast in the room, one last stroll through town, and an easy drive back to Asheville feeling refreshed.

Final Thoughts: Is 200 Main Worth It?

I highly recommend staying at 200 Main and recommend this experience if you’re looking for:

  • A hidden gem hotel in North Carolina

  • A romantic mountain getaway

  • A walkable small town surrounded by waterfalls and hikes

200 Main in Highlands, NC is one of those places that quietly exceeds expectations because it’s not flashy, crowded, and has the best mountain charm I’ve seen in North America!

If Highlands has been on your radar, this is your sign to go — and 200 Main is the perfect place to stay.