The Highlands at Sugar

We absolutely love Banner Elk with all its great hikes, Grandfather Mountain, tons of activities, (and we neither ski nor play golf). We bought a two-bedroom unit here and it's gorgeous. The view of mountains goes on forever, the unit itself has a two-story living room with beamed cathedral ceiling, and a stone fireplace two stories high. The jacuzzi is big enough for four people, and there's an upstairs sitting room, so with two bedrooms and two separate convertible couches, it sleeps 8.

Everything inside the unit is in good shape, but the balconies need paint. Maybe that's next on the refurbish list. The indoor pool and hot tub are pretty well maintained, but the exercise equipment is getting a little old.

Banner Elk has marvelous restaurants. We especially like Zuzda--they have over 100 tapas to choose from, and each comes from the kitchen individually made. The lobster bisque is excellent, trout almandine, tempura veggies, and they encourage sharing. It's fun!

Update: the balconies have been redone--they look great now. Do not go to the gem mines in Foscoe--drive down the parkway to the Mineral Museum, go past it a couple of miles to Rio Doce mine. We have come home with pounds of amethyst, rubies, sapphires, and plenty of other stuff. It's fun, and they will cut gems you find for about $45 each. We had them cut a citrine (buttercup yellow) and a silver topaz that flashes silver as you turn it. Both were 32-facet cuts, 2 carats, and perfectly beautiful. And we found them ourselves!

This resort has the friendliest staff of any place I have ever been. They will do anything to help you. Also their little store that sells things like warm hats and extra dishwasher detergent has very reasonable prices. Our kids loved the 2 BR we stayed in. The fireplace was so inviting, our youngest insisted on sleeping on the sofa in the living room in front of the fire place even though she had her own twin bed. There is an opening for storing fire wood that my kids pronounced was Harry Potter's closet room at his home. We had no problem cooking in the fully equipped kitchen or eating in the dining room. The ski slope was a short drive away and we all enjoyed the indoor swimming pool. A great place for a vacation

Views were fantastic! The staff were most helpful and courteous. The accommodations were showing age but were being upgraded while we were there (7/21 - 7/28/07). They just need to get the bugs in the wi-fi fixed.

I was very satisfied with my visit to Highlands. The staff at the desk were all courteous, friendly and helpful. Our accommodations were comfortable and well appointed. The kitchen had all the necessities and the grounds are beautiful and make for good walking. Its location is close to points of interest. I definitely would recommend the Highlands and would return gladly.

We stayed here in October and loved it! The view from our unit was beautiful and the accomodations were very comfortable. (The units are being reburbished this spring.) The facilities are well-maintained, the staff is very helpful and there are lots of things to do. It is a short drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway with great hiking and wonderful views. We look forward to returning this summer.