The Rise of the Toxaway Inn and the Golden Age of Mountain Luxury

Following the creation of Lake Toxaway in the early 1900s, a new era began — one that would shape the lake and surrounding mountains into a destination for elegance, innovation, and southern hospitality. At the center of it all stood the legendary Toxaway Inn, a grand symbol of the region’s transformation.

Lake Toxaway Inn

In 1903, the Toxaway Inn opened its doors, becoming one of the most luxurious mountain resorts in the southeastern United States. Financed and developed by E.H. Jennings of the Toxaway Company, the inn was the crown jewel in a vision to make Lake Toxaway a world-class retreat.

Perched above Lake Toxaway, the Toxaway Inn offered about 300 rooms, lavish dining, modern conveniences, and panoramic mountain views. Its guests arrived by rail, disembarking at the Toxaway Train Depot, where porters whisked away their trunks for a mountain escape that promised both tranquility and refinement.

A Playground for America’s Elite

During its heyday, the Toxaway Inn attracted some of America’s most notable figures — including Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and members of the Vanderbilt family. These guests came not only for the clean mountain air but also for the social prestige of belonging to this hidden luxury enclave.

Visitors spent their days boating, horseback riding, golfing, and enjoying cool mountain breezes, far from the city's summer heat. Evenings were filled with elegant dinners, dances, and live music echoing through the grand halls of the inn.

The Toxaway Inn was more than a hotel; it was a statement. It represented an era of innovation and elegance, when travel and nature converged to create a unique North Carolina experience.

The Railroad Connection

None of this would have been possible without the railroad. The Southern Railway’s Champion Line extended its reach deep into the Blue Ridge, allowing visitors from Atlanta, Charleston, and beyond to access the resort. The train not only brought guests but also luxury goods, fine linens, and the ingredients that stocked the Toxaway Inn’s kitchens.

The railroad’s presence laid the groundwork for communities like Lake Toxaway, Sapphire, and Cashiers to flourish, connecting these mountain towns to the outside world for the first time.

A Legacy That Lives On

Though the original Toxaway Inn no longer stands, its influence still echoes throughout the region. Many of the homes, lodges, and restaurants that now surround Lake Toxaway, including The Grand Olde Station, continue the tradition of hospitality and community that the inn once inspired.

At The Grand Olde Station, we honor that golden age through our historic atmosphere, our focus on local cuisine, and our love of storytelling. Every meal and every gathering carries a touch of that timeless Toxaway spirit.

A Note of Gratitude

This historical reflection wouldn’t be possible without the research and preservation efforts of the Historic Toxaway Foundation. Their commitment to capturing and sharing the stories of this remarkable region helps keep Lake Toxaway’s legacy alive for generations to come.