Outpost Inn
Hippie-modernist meets summer camp. Mid-century mountain rustic with strong creative energy. Analog, unhurried, communal. Closer to Topanga Canyon or Big Sur than typical Blue Ridge lodging.
Book a room with a gas fireplace — 9 of 14 have one and it transforms the experience
Why It Matters
Named one of Esquire's Best New Hotels in America. Every room is individually designed with sourced antiques, curated vinyl, and vintage typewriters. The lobby coffee-to-wine-bar transition is genuinely great — Methodical Coffee by morning, small-batch natural wines and smoked trout dip by evening. All 14 rooms are pet-friendly with private exterior entries.
A 14-room boutique inn in Highlands, NC that commits fully to its hippie-modernist vision. Owner Jason Reeves transformed a cluster of early 20th-century buildings — formerly a retail center, doctor's office, and later a hotel called The Wells — into something that genuinely feels like the mountain cabin of your most creatively eccentric friend. Think Noguchi lamps next to Appalachian rockers, Pendleton blankets, vintage typewriters, and Crosley turntables. The lobby doubles as a coffeehouse by morning and a natural wine bar by night. Named one of Esquire Magazine's Best New Hotels in America.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
The Bunkhouse
A modern take on hostel-style lodging. The bunk setup works for friends traveling together or anyone who likes the summer camp reference played straight. Don't expect tons of storage space.
Bunk BedsThe Double Grand
The best option for groups or those who want real space. Located off the courtyard, it comes with two queen beds, a small living room next to the fireplace, a marble bathroom with rainfall shower, and heated floors. That last detail in winter is genuinely wonderful.
Two QueensThe Grand
Four Grand rooms are scattered across the property, each individually furnished. Photos and exact features vary by unit — worth asking at booking which specific Grand is available.
KingThe Owner's Suite
The flagship room, sitting directly off the manicured front lawn. Modern mountain chic at 500 sq ft — the largest accommodation on property. Suite number 4118.
KingThe Petite
The smallest room on property, tucked on the secluded side of the hotel. Designed for compact comfort — think cozy over spacious. A good solo or budget-conscious couple pick.
QueenThe Signature
A step up from the Standard with an attached living room area — the extra breathing room makes a real difference on a rainy Highlands afternoon.
KingThe Standard
The entry-level king option with the inn's signature linens and full in-room amenity package. Compact but well-appointed.
KingThe Studio
Elevated above the courtyard, this is one of the larger rooms on property. Open-concept studio layout with a king bed and a design sensibility that leans further into the creative/artist angle.
King
The Terrace
A deluxe queen room with its own private terrace overlooking the courtyard and unobstructed views. One of the more desirable rooms for sitting outside with coffee in the morning.
QueenThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Five complimentary custom bicycles available for guests to ride into downtown Highlands, about a 6-minute walk or quick pedal.
Nantahala National Forest and Chattahoochee National Forest are both within a 15-minute drive. Bridal Veil Falls is 2 miles away; Dry Falls is 2.4 miles; Cullasaja Falls is 5.7 miles.
Open-air fire pits in the courtyard with complimentary personal s'mores kits. The social heart of the property on cool evenings.
The inn hosts periodic curated events — live music, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. Check the events page for current programming.
Board games, backgammon, chess, checkers, and puzzles available in the lobby gathering space.
Communal turntable in the lobby plus in-room Crosley turntables with curated albums. The property maintains a perpetual playlist in common areas.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Five custom bicycles available for guests to explore Highlands.
Communal turntable in the lobby plus a curated vinyl collection for guest use.
Lobby stocked with books (NC authors, Foxfire collection, survival guides), board games, backgammon, chess, checkers, and puzzles.
Every room has a Crosley turntable with 3 curated albums and a radio with Bluetooth speaker.
Personal s'mores kits provided; multiple open-air fireplaces throughout the courtyard areas.
Multiple covered porches around the property for all-weather outdoor lounging.
All 14 rooms are pet-friendly. Dogs up to 50 lbs welcome for $50/night. Larger dogs require approval, fee up to $150/night. Breed restrictions apply — call ahead.
Contactless check-in via room code sent by text — no front desk required.
On-site shop selling Outpost Inn sweatshirts, hats, and branded goods.
Every guest receives a complimentary craft beer or glass of wine upon arrival.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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