Skyline Lodge in Highlands, NC: A Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Escape

A Legacy Reborn

Built during the Great Depression as a luxury retreat for wealthy survivors of the 1929 stock market crash, Skyline Lodge in Highlands, North Carolina, has found new life as a boutique hotel. The transformation is thanks to Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the team behind some of the Southeast’s most beloved restaurants. When they relaunched the lodge in 2021, it marked their first foray into the hotel industry.

Mid-Century Mountain Style

From the moment you arrive at Skyline Lodge, it's clear this isn't your average mountain lodge. The retro-chic property, conceptualized by Frank Lloyd Wright student Arthur J. Kelsey, leans into clean, low-slung lines and expansive windows. The interiors are inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, featuring reclaimed wood, cork, stone, and natural hues that mirror the surrounding landscape. It's not trying too hard to be cool — it just is.

Designer Carrie Dessertine of Mey + Co brought the interiors into the present without stripping away the lodge’s soul. In the 40 guestrooms, you'll find penny tile bathroom floors, original art, wood paneling, custom furniture, and cozy throws. Many of the rooms have fireplaces and terraces with mountain views, offering a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Oak Steakhouse: A Culinary Gem

The best steaks in town are found on the second floor at Oak Steakhouse. An offshoot of Indigo Road’s original in Charleston, Oak is the first and only steakhouse in Highlands and has become one of the area’s most sought-after dining spots. Executive Chef Matt Weinstein and his team work with local farms and producers to craft a menu that honors Appalachia. Think venison Wellington with prosciutto and celery root purée or mainstays like Sunburst Farms trout. There's Certified Angus Beef, of course, and signature sides like beer-braised mushrooms and truffled mac and cheese.

For a nightcap, enjoy a sip by the granite fireplace in the lounge or outside around the crackling fire pit, taking in the sounds of the creeks below.

Under the Stars, On the Rocks

Beyond incredible dining at Oak, Skyline’s chef dinners are a favorite among locals and guests. These monthly, one-of-a-kind dinners are held under a covered pavilion, complete with string lights, a four-course family-style meal paired with wine, and a rotating cast of acclaimed guest chefs.

At a recent dinner, guest chef Luke Owens, owner of Native Fine Diner and Julep Contemporary Kitchen in Greenville, North Carolina, collaborated with Chef Weinstein to create an unforgettable meal. The menu included apps like pork belly skewers and pate egg rolls, followed by a tomato-watermelon salad, swordfish piccata, spatchcock chicken, and a finale of vanilla bean and honey semifreddo. Wine pairings flowed freely, and the outdoor setting felt more like a scene from a movie.

This summer’s lineup promises even more star power. In July, it’s Chef Trey Smith, co-owner of Saint-Germain in New Orleans (a tasting-menu gem), who has multiple James Beard nominations for "Best Chef: South.” Then, in August, it’s Chef Jennifer Carroll, owner of Philly-based Carroll Couture Cuisine, who has garnered numerous accolades, including Eater’s Chef of the Year, Bravo’s Top Chef appearances, and recognition as the protégée of renowned chef Eric Ripert by the James Beard Foundation.

These monthly dining events are intimate, wildly atmospheric, and book up fast.

Come for the Views, Stay for the Vibe

Skyline is also surrounded by some of the best hiking, fly-fishing, and waterfall-hopping in the area. Also convenient is downtown Highlands. But it’s okay if you just want to hang out at the lodge. Between fireside cocktails, reading nooks, and unforgettable dining, it’s less about unplugging completely and more about plugging into something different.

Upcoming Events

The next guest chef dinner event is scheduled for August 12, 2025, featuring Chef Jennifer Carroll from Carroll Couture Cuisine in Philadelphia. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early. Visit skyline-lodge.com for more information and to make your booking.