Venture Out With Highland Excursions

This fun and tasty tour takes you on a backroads-and-behind-the scenes journey to some places that only locals know-and some that are just a can't miss. Adventure through off-the-beaten-path roads and through beautiful scenery in an authentic Pinzgauer. Stop along the way for photo ops, waterfall gazing, a private tour and tasting, a rustic world-class art center and more, all woven together with fun facts about the culture, ecology, history and heritage of the Highlands Plateau.

EXCURSION SAMPLE ITINERARY*

• Local waterfall with photo op
• Private Tour and Tasting at Chocolate Heaven  |  Go behind the scenes at one of Highlands' sweet success stories-a brand of delicious desserts that are making a name across the Southeast. After a kitchen tour, settle in at the new cake bar for a personal sampling of these divine desserts with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Fire Tower View | Venture onto the grounds of "The Mountain" retreat center to make the short climb up a wooden fire tower to be treated to a spectacular view, including 400-year old white oak trees, found nowhere else in the world, whose unique character and shape have been created by "environmental dwarfism."
• Art Exhibit and Gallery Shop at The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts  |  See the current exhibitions in this world-class gallery and museum, and browse the gift shop for fun and unique finds.
• An orientation of the fun recreation spots around downtown, including Highlands Greenway Trail for later exploration, Founders Park with winter ice skating, and the Highlands Rec Park where Half-Mile Farm guests get free admission to the indoor heated pool during the winter months.

*Tour routes and stops are subject to fluctuate due to weather or other factors and are customizable based on the preference of participants. 
The Pinzgauer seats up to 9 adventurers.

HIDDEN HIGHLANDS AND HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE RATE

Experience $50 per person (special price for guests of Old Edwards hotels)
Just add this adventure on during the reservations process. Available Fridays and Saturdays only.

To book your stay, call 855-271-7246. 

REVIEWS

What was your favorite aspect of this experience?

"Seeing four states from the top of a fire tower, going to a place I've never been, including the new cake factory"

"Being a local, I was surprised and thankful that even on this excursion I was taken to a few places that I had not yet visited. And of course the 71' Australian Truck was just absolutely fun to ride around in too!"

"Just going off road in a fun vehicle with someone that knows the backroads and cool places to point out. If you tend to just do the better known activities in Highlands, this is has a great sense of discovery-without really venturing very far from the downtown area.

What did you learn…any fun facts?

"Environmental dwarfism"

"The oak trees near the fire tower which had suffered from environmental dwarfism was a really neat fact that I learned."

"The whole energy in the forest at the top of that fire tower, and looking out over those ancient trees. It was foggy the day we went, and that just added to the experience up there. It felt like another world."

What to know before you go…

"Dress comfortably and have fun with the fellow excursionists"

"Dress weather appropriately and bring a camera.  No cell phone service most of the trip, this didn't bother me."

"You will be boarding and deboarding via a step stool to get into the back of the Pinzgauer. So if you have any issues with that, then just be aware. The driver is very attentive to your needs and concerned for your safety, so I'm sure they would take extra care."

What would improve the experience?

"I'd like to learn more about Highlands history and The Mountain Retreat Center"

"Can't think of anything. It was worth the cost and the time."

Were any expectations not met?

"None - it was awesome!"

"Really nice variety of stops and fun facts the entire trip. I don't think there was anything I expected that wasn't met."