Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina is a relaxing retreat: the Highland Lake Inn, near Flat Rock.

This gorgeous 180-acre oasis offers a luxurious 16-room inn, the Woodward House…a historic 20-room mountain lodge…and rustic cabins and cozy cottages.

We stayed in a 100-year-old cabin, equipped with modern amenities. If you time your visit right, you can pick fresh raspberries and blueberries out behind the cabins. I didn't even wait to unpack! You can also canoe on a lake…play tennis or volleyball…swim in the Olympic-size pool…or enjoy the beautiful gardens.

Gourmet chefs here prepare elegant mouth-watering meals, using vegetables and herbs straight from the inn's organic gardens. And the Southern country breakfast buffet is a real feast.

Flat Rock is on U.S. Highway 25, about 3 miles south of Hendersonville. The Highland Lake Inn is on Highland Lake Road, just east of Highway 25.

Room rates vary by season and the size of the accommodations, and include the breakfast buffet (except for cottages that have full kitchens). Price ranges are: $109 to $239 a night for the Woodward House; $109 to $189 for the lodge; $89 to $159 for cabins; and $129 to $399 a night for cottages.

For details, visit www.highlandlake-inn.com or call 1-800/635-5101.