From New York-based corporate retreats and reward trips for Washington, D.C., sales execs to midsize Atlanta conferences within driving distance, a well-held secret seems to be out. Corporate planners have discovered the stunning slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Jackson County, N.C., and they’re booking up a handful of high-end properties and venues in the region.
Old Edwards Inn always drew attention to Highlands, N.C., for events, but its equally charming neighbor Cashiers recently reopened the historic High Hampton Resort under the Blackberry Farm umbrella. The property has recently been overhauled completely and opened doors again in summer 2021. With 18 inn rooms, 40 cottage rooms and three cabins, High Hampton is excellent for small executive meetings or luxury incentive trips—that’s due to its premiere hospitality service, amenities and hefty price tag (rooms can be upward of $500 a night).
Now, Discover Jackson County—with its quaint towns such as Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Sylva, Balsam, Cullowhee, Glenville and Sapphire—is getting much-due attention from event and meeting planners up and down the East Coast. 
Planners can fit up to 140 guests in Ladyhawke Castle, which is located on a 62-acre estate.Photo: Courtesy of Castle Ladyhawke
Overlooking the Nantahala National Forest and acres and acres of protected land is Bear Lake Reserve and its sister property Castle Ladyhawke. Under new ownership, both properties have leveled up their offerings for indoor/outdoor events and retreats. Bear Lake Reserve is an ideal property for incentives or corporate meetings; Castle Ladyhawke is the perfect spot for an event, dinner, off-site party or smaller corporate retreat. Planners can get up to 140 guests in this picturesque Scottish castle located on a 62-acre estate. The original owner patterned the building—which was built in 2005—after real Scottish border castles. The 10,000-square-foot venue has three suites for VIPs or guest speakers.
At Bear Lake Reserve, planners can rent out different sections of the property for retreats. Homes for rent include luxury townhouses with sweeping views or large mountain estates with every amenity. Choose from a multitude of meeting venues to host retreats or just book the resort for a corporate incentive trip with top earners. 
At Bear Lake Reserve, planners can rent out different sections of the property for retreats.Photo: Courtesy of Bear Lake Reserve
Down the mountain, planners will discover unique venues such as The Village Green of Cashiers and the historic Jackson County Courthouse for other events. The Village Green is Aspen-esque and has a 13.2-acre park and venue that hosts around 80 events a year. The 5,800-square-foot event space has 30-foot ceilings with hand-carved beams across the eaves. Event planners will adore the catering pantry, a green room and a state-of-the-art audiovisual system, while meeting planners will appreciate the stage and flexible space with two smaller rooms for separate break outs.
Jackson County Courthouse is a unique historic space that looks like something out of a film set. The space would be ideal for a presentation or off-site event and holds up to 72 guests at tables, 200 sitting and 120 standing for different configurations. There’s a 25-inch movie screen, full audio and internet. It’s just one of the creative spaces in this charming corner of North Carolina. 
The Village Green of Cashiers' 5,800-square-foot event space has 30-foot ceilings with hand-carved beams across the eaves.Photo: Courtesy of Village Green Commons
It’s hard to beat any season in Jackson County, but spring with the mountain flowers in bloom and fall with the changing leaves are considered high seasons for good reason. Outdoor activities (think: fly fishing, hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, golfing, skiing and rafting) make this part of North Carolina a prime setting for team building and establishing camaraderie.
Even Michelin-star chefs and sommeliers are finding their way to the area, which has been a boon for event planners for those cultured attendees accustomed to fine dining. The Library in Cashiers has a menu crafted by Michelin-star chef Johannes Klapdohr. In Sylva, Lulu’s on Main has an incredible toque who once served Julia Child and attended the American Institute of Wine & Food. ILDA is probably the most exciting addition to the local cuisine scene. Located in adorable downtown Sylva, the husband and wife team, Michelin-trained chef Santiago Guzzetti and sommelier Crystal Pace have created heritage Italian cuisine that is the talk of the region. 
The historic Jackson County Courthouse holds up to 72 guests at tables, 200 sitting and 120 standing for different configurations.Photo: Courtesy of Jackson County Courthouse
The best part? All of these new offerings are only a short drive from Atlanta, Birmingham, Charlotte and Nashville, and only an hour from Asheville Regional Airport.
