đ usncan Note: 4 Detour Destinations Worth The Trip In 2025
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Take the detour to Old Edwards Inn, Highlands, NC
Old Edwards Inn
Travelers in 2025 are skipping the overcrowded tourist hubs and seeking out what Skift calls âdetour destinationsââplaces slightly off the beaten path that reward curiosity with authenticity, comfort, and a slower pace. According to Unpack â25 Trend Report, interest in hidden-gem destinations and alternative getaways has spiked, as more digital nomads and bleisure travelers look for escapes that balance productivity with discovery.
If youâre ready to take the scenic route, here are four detour destinations that prove the extra miles are worth it.
Old Edwards Inn, Highlands, NC
Nestled high in North Carolinaâs Blue Ridge Mountains, Old Edwards Inn & Spa offers the feel of a European countryside retreatâwithout the transatlantic flight. The property blends historic charm with modern luxury: stone fireplaces, spa-level bathrooms, copper soaking tubs, and terraces that overlook lush mountain views. For a truly immersive experience, the inn and sister property Half-Mile Farm combine tranquility with enriching hosted weekends and culinary events. Half-Mile Farm is also home to Serenity Spa which provides massages and therapies based on botanicals from their garden.
The innâs calendar features a vibrant schedule of experiences, from intimate Chef Dinners with visiting culinary masters to lively Orchard Sessions with live music. Seasonal highlights like the Annual Farm Harvest Dinner and the Oyster & Seafood Fest provide unique opportunities to savor locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine while connecting with fellow guests.
Highlands itself makes the perfect backdrop. The walkable town is filled with art galleries, cozy coffee shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Add in waterfall hikes minutes from the inn and a world-class spa on site, and you have a destination where âlogging offâ feels just as intentional as logging on.
Why itâs worth the detour: Old Edwards combines tranquility, culinary richness, and sophistication, creating a rare space where restoration, creativity, and slow living coexist.
The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, Florida
While Florida is hardly a hidden state, Amelia Island feels worlds away from the bustle of Miami or Orlando. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island sits directly on the beautiful Atlantic coast, where mornings start with breathtaking sunrises over the ocean and high-speed connectivity makes remote work seamless.
Once the laptop closes, the resort delivers a perfect blend of indulgence and exploration. Guests can savor elevated dining at Salt, the propertyâs fine-dining restaurant renowned for fresh oysters and innovative coastal cuisine. Wellness seekers can retreat to the spa for signature treatments like the Awakening Bamboo Massage, or head out on Nature Encountersâcruising with dolphins, birding at Big Talbot Island State Park, or even helping a marine biologist pull a Seine net to catch crabs and shrimps.
The island itself offers a distinct mix of Southern hospitality and coastal charm. In historic downtown, cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture tell the islandâs storyâcomplete with a touch of pirate loreâwhile the 13 miles of pristine coastline offers relaxing activities like horseback riding on the beach.
Why itâs worth the detour: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island balances professional polish with coastal calm, giving travelers the freedom to toggle between boardroom readiness and barefoot luxury.
Graylyn Estate, Winston-Salem, NC
For travelers who love history wrapped in elegance, Graylyn Estate offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the early 20th century. This sprawling property, situated on 55 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, seamlessly combines stately architecture with modern comfort, featuring luxurious guest rooms, gardens ideal for reflective walks, and spaces designed for both relaxation and social connection.
Winston-Salem itself adds to the charm. The city blends Moravian history, arts, and innovation in ways that reward exploration. Step back in time at the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, stroll through the Reynolda Gardens, visit the downtown art galleries, or enjoy craft dining and boutique shopping that highlight local culture. Graylynâs proximity to Wake Forest University and vibrant neighborhoods makes it a serene escape that doesnât feel disconnected from life outside the gates.
Why itâs worth the detour: Graylyn turns a routine stopover into a stay steeped in history and elegance. Guests feel transported to a bygone era while enjoying all the comforts of modern luxury. And for a playful twist, the historic Ice Cream Room offers unlimited treats throughout your stayâa whimsical touch that makes Graylyn unforgettable.
The Inn At Warner Hall, Gloucester, VA
For travelers who appreciate history, coastal scenery, and modern luxury, The Inn at Warner Hall is a detour worth planning. Situated on the banks of the Severn River, this restored 17th-century estate combines colonial charm with elegant accommodations, expansive grounds, and quiet spaces perfect for reflection or long walks.
Established in 1642 by Augustine Warner Iâwhose descendants include the first President of the United States and members of English royaltyâWarner Hall has welcomed influential figures throughout its storied history. This lineage gives the estate a unique gravitas, making every stay feel like a step into living history.
Tavern 1642, nestled within The Inn at Warner Hall, will begin welcoming guests in Fall 2025. This charming, historic pub, named for the year the land was first settled, offers a cozy retreat blending history with great food, strong drinks, and warm hospitality. Guests can also enjoy Austinâs, Warner Hallâs new elegant restaurant, providing a refined dining experience within the historic estate. Named in honor of Augustine Warner I, the restaurant showcases seasonal American cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers, watermen, and artisans.
Why itâs worth the detour: Warner Hall blends history, luxury, and culinary innovation. From cozy pub evenings at Tavern 1642 to elevated dinners at Austinâs, every element of the estate invites guests to slow down, indulge, and immerse themselves in a truly unique coastal Virginia experience.
Why Detours Matter in 2025
With overtourism reshaping travel, detours are less about inconvenience and more about intention. Google Trends and travel research show a surge in travelers seeking experiences that combine authenticity, comfort, and inspiration.
From the quiet mountain luxury of Old Edwards Inn, the breezy coastal energy of Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island, to the grand historic elegance of Graylyn Estate and the colonial charm of The Inn at Warner Hall, these five destinations prove that detours can become the highlight of any journey. In 2025, travelers are learning that taking the scenic route and seeking hidden gems isnât just a detourâitâs the destination.
