Trailborn believes guests don’t have to rough it to explore the great outdoors. With boutique hotel vibes and resort-level amenities, the brand is a contender, with outposts in Mendocino, California; Wrightsville Beach; Williams, Arizona; and soon, Jackson Hole. Nearby, Trailborn Highlands (North Carolina) sits on 4.5 wooded acres, walking distance from the charming downtown for shopping and dining, close to waterfalls and hiking and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.
For a weekend with the guys, book dinners at Highlands Supper Club at Trailborn, a historic log cabin with fireplaces, indoor and outdoor dining and a menu for the most passionate meat lover. Arrive early for Trailborn Après Hour and grab a signature Old Fashioned from the bar and mix and mingle around the outdoor (wood) fire pit. When we visited, a group of guys were decamped in the private dining room. The overall mood was convivial and celebratory, the meal was satisfying and notably exceptional.
Executive chef Aaron Kulzer is at the helm and extols the virtues of the nearby family farm from which his beef is sourced. “This summer, I’m excited about a beautiful ribeye from Brasstown Beef in nearby Franklin, NC. The quality is outstanding and it keeps my ingredients close to home. I’m going to chargrill it and plate it with smoked‑garlic mashed potatoes, bright chimichurri and honey‑roasted carrots.”
Be sure to start your meal with the biscuits served with whipped local honey butter and if you’re lucky, your server will pack a few for a snack later. The Beef TarTare (with roasted bone marrow mousse) or High County Oysters (grilled with red Chile butter) were our favorite apps. Entrees are red meat-forward with trout, salmon and a lion’s mane mushroom main rounding things out.
There are a handful of great hikes within a 30-minute scenic drive from Trailborn in the Nantahala National Forest. Our favorite was Glen Falls, a 2.4 mile out and back moderate hike with an upper and lower waterfall, overlooks and just enough steep, rutty climbs to add a challenge. Both the Glen Falls and Chinquapin Mountain Trails start from the same parking area, so hit them both for a more strenuous workout.
Back at Trailborn, reserve an hour to yourselves at the Nordic Spa featuring a private wood-fired sauna, cold spritz, fire pit and refreshments.
The lobby lounge, plus the back patio and fire pit, provide spots to gather, sip and share stories. A small curated market, cooler bags, bikes and guided excursions are all available for your trip. Dogs welcomed. Men, too.