Blue Ridge Beauty for Autumn: Part 3 of 3 in Southern Boutique Hotels, Inns and B&Bs

By Denise K. James

Chain hotels often cannot provide the true flavor of a region, but for those of us traveling around the Southeast, we’re in luck: independent lodging options aplenty are waiting to check us in. All of them honor our favorite locations with corresponding art, cuisine, architecture, and excursions, which create a memorable sense of place. 

In this three-part series on Southern Boutique Hotels, Inns and Bed-and-Breakfasts, we’re introducing you to a few of our regional favorites. These spots have everything you need and want from an overnight stay – cozy linens, great coffee – as well as special scenery, surprising touches, and, because we’re Southern Flavor, great food and drinks.

Now that it’s autumn, we’re heading for the literal hills, where the stunning views and crisp air stir a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for this beautiful region.

Happy travels, and rest easy. 

European Elegance in Travelers Rest, South Carolina
Hotel Domistique

In 2013, George and Rich Hincapie saw potential in a former French-inspired inn and vineyard located in Travelers Rest, South Carolina. Though the inn had been vacant for a while, they envisioned it coming to life again as a space for those who love nature, serenity, and great cuisine. Today, Hotel Domestique is a celebrated boutique property that blends European elegance with Southern soul. Located in the South Carolina foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hotel Domistique calls to guests for its stunning mountain views, cycling routes, and fantastic dining at Restaurant 17, a culinary destination located on site. 

Led by Chef Haydn Shaak, Restaurant 17 offers refined Mediterranean dishes inspired by the South Carolina upstate—think house-made pastas, heirloom vegetables, and thoughtfully sourced meats with worldly flavor and a Southern touch. Food and beverage director Danielle Nance curates a memorable dining experience, and the award-winning wine program features a global selection of reds and whites with an emphasis on sustainability. “Whether you're savoring some of Chef Haydn’s handmade ravioli or famous tiramisu, every plate at Restaurant 17 tells a story of place, passion, and precision,” says Nance. 

Overnight guests at Hotel Domistique will find a chic yet relaxing environment. The 13 rooms are each beautifully distinct, with each offering upscale amenities such as fine bed linens, rock showers and soaking tubs, a pantry stocked with essential snacks and beverages, curated local art, and Hyperrice brand massagers. The next morning, choose between indulging onsite with the saltwater pool, in-room massages, private yoga sessions, or simply rent a bicycle and explore the stunning beauty of the foothills. 

Historic Hospitality in Asheville, North Carolina
The Flat Iron Hotel 

Asheville’s Flat Iron Hotel started as an office building with a variety of tenants, including the city’s first radio station, a bar, and even a detective. By 2019, the building needed some TLC to preserve its glory, and the Indigo Road Hospitality Group was up to the task. Today, the Flat Iron’s offices have been converted to rooms and suites; the first floor is a wood-fired Appalachian-Italian restaurant called Luminosa; the rooftop is a three-patio bar; the boiler room hosts a swanky speakeasy; and, according to general manager Jeff Elstro, the entire hotel boasts “the perfect combination of location, history, design, and flavor.” 

Cuisine at the Flat Iron is memorable, with Luminosa sourcing almost everything from the surrounding region. Menu highlights such as pepper jelly pork chops, bone marrow tater tots, and corn agnolotti “have deep roots in Appalachia,” according to Elstro, and are brought to life by Executive Chef Graham House and Chef de Cuisine Sean McMullen. The local approach continues with the on-site bars, including a generous list of fantastic beers, prohibition-era cocktails in the speakeasy, and a thoughtful selection of spirit-free options. “The best way to experience the hotel is to come hungry and try everything,” Elstro says. 

Those who stay overnight at Flat Iron can choose from a wide variety of rooms and suites, including the “Apex” suite with windows on three sides and the double bunk suite, perfect for families. Each floor has a beverage station with coffee, tea, still and sparkling water, and snacks; guests can amuse themselves with a very exclusive scavenger hunt throughout the building, “The Flat Iron has several interesting Easter eggs to look out for,” says Elstro. “Try to find the detective’s door, the painting of a bear stealing a car, or the giant wood sculpture of the building.” The next morning, enjoy breakfast at the rooftop-bar-turned-cafe featuring a beautiful view before getting out to explore the city. 

Refined Relaxation in Greenville, South Carolina 
Hotel Hartness 

Located minutes from downtown Greenville, Hotel Hartness is a boutique hotel surrounded by a lush landscape. The former estate of the Hartness family, the property consists of 73 rooms and suites, a restaurant, a spa, an on-site farm, and a 180-acre nature preserve. At the heart of Hotel Hartness is the original family home, now known as The Manor, which has been carefully preserved and repurposed by Hartness Development to welcome guests. 

Those dining at Hotel Hartness can choose from two wonderful options. Patterson Kitchen + Bar is the property’s signature restaurant, serving elevated Southern cuisine with global influences. Though it has only been open a short while, the restaurant has received awards for its extensive wine list, service, and overall experience. In addition to wine, plenty of well-made cocktails grace the Patterson menu and drinks often rotate with the season. For a more casual meal, visit The Captain, an aviation-style cocktail bar tucked inside The Manor with a menu of small plates to enjoy. Hotel Hartness also offers full-service catering with custom menus, as the property is a sought-after event space for weddings, corporate gatherings, and other celebrations. 

An overnight stay at Hotel Hartness is a luxurious experience, with each room appointed with unique art, Illy Italian coffee makers, robes and slippers, and plush bedding. A handful of suites are located inside the spa and feature soaking tubs and private balconies for elevated relaxation. The next day, guests often choose to explore the 180-acre nature preserve, featuring a 10-mile trail perfect for hiking and biking, or visit the on-site Hartness Farm, an organic farm supplying fresh ingredients to the restaurant and hosting farmers' markets on a seasonal basis. As Hotel Hartness is still emerging, more is to come on the horizon, including a new coffee shop with light bites and locally-roasted joe, special relaxation packages, fitness classes, exciting events, and more.