Hotel, restaurant recognized on Good Morning America
-
Photo by Christopher Lugo/Staff Closed for several years, the property was purchased by Indigo Road - an Atlanta-based restaurant group - and opened to the public in July of last year.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, director of rooms at Skyline Lodge, Lauren Skidmore, said their hotel and restaurant is the perfect romantic getaway for couples.
Closed for several years, the property was purchased by Indigo Road - an Atlanta-based restaurant group - and opened to the public in July of last year. The inclusion of the Oak Steakhouse restaurant within the main building of the Lodge is a welcome addition to the dining landscape of the plateau.
For dinner on the night of Valentine’s Day, Oak Steakhouse will be providing a dinner for two, including a shared wedge salad, a 32-ounce tomahawk ribeye steak and a choice of raspberry rose souffle or red velvet opera cake.
“We did just update our bar menu, so I’m sure there will be plenty of specialty cocktails available, as well as a full stock of red and white wines,” Skidmore said. “For our pastries, we have executive chef Ann White. She actually is our regional for the entire state of North Carolina. She is over eight restaurants when it comes to pastries.”
When it comes to Oak Steakhouse and why patrons should choose it for their romantic night, Skidmore said it is all about the environment.
“Our culture at our company is having a seat at the table,” Skidmore said. “So, we don’t like to say no. We like to focus on bringing guests in and making their experience one in a million. We want to have a great view and ambiance. We are all about family and friends and making everyone feel special. We do actually have a lot of proposals here because of our view. The most popular table overlooks the skyline and is amazing.”
The Hemlock room is one of the largest rooms in Skyline Lodge and features heated tile flooring in the bathroom, as all of the rooms and each room has its own private balcony or terrace.
“Skyline is tucked away from the crowd,” Skidmore said. “We are not on Main Street. We are a mid-century lodge. So, we are quiet, but we have a great nightlife with the restaurant. It’s very relaxing. It is a newly remodeled historical property. We aren’t like everybody else, we are unique, especially with the food and beverage background. With that being one of our main focuses, it really ties everything together.”
Last week, the hotel and restaurant were featured on Good Morning America as one of the best places for a vacation.
“We knew it was coming, but even for just people who are physically here, that is something that we are so proud of,” Skidmore said. “We were thrilled. It was nice to see your name pop up there, especially after they listed Highlands and all of the wonderful things you can do. You can’t but smile and be proud of what you have done.”
Now open year-round, Skidmore said Skyline is a place for locals to take a staycation.
“From the time I have been here, a lot of locals don’t realize that Skyline is even up here,” Skidmore said. “It’s been open since the ‘20s and since it is so tucked away, even though it is only a mile off 64, they don’t realize that we are here. Our main focus is to remind them that we are here for the locals too. If you want to come eat and stay, please do. We want to introduce ourselves to that environment.”
To celebrate the holiday, guests will receive a special Valentine’s Day treat from White upon check-in.
The Skyline Lodge is located at 470 Skyline Lodge Road between Highlands and Cashiers. Call 828-526-4008 for reservations or visit skyline-lodge.com.
- By Christopher Lugo