Words by Emily Davis
Photography by Courtney Snyder
Seasonal residents and weekend visitors flock to Cashiers, North Carolina, for the cozy, small-town atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery. Now, a charming hotel and bustling brewery combine to transform the heart of Cashiers, offering comfortable accommodations, a sociable atmosphere, and top-tier brews to residents and tourists alike. The Wells Hotel and Whiteside Brewing Company, together owned by Mat Barnwell, offer a memorable experience for those who wish to stay and play near the crossroads.
The Wells Hotel
Positioned close to the crossroads in the center of town, The Wells Hotel stands as a testament to Southern hospitality and timeless charm. This boutique hotel, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, offers guests an intimate and luxurious retreat. From its rich history to its modern amenities, The Wells Hotel is a destination that seamlessly blends comfort with the allure of the mountainous landscape.
Although Cashiers is known for its relaxed ambiance and small-town charm, the Wells Hotel is perfectly positioned within easy walking distance of downtown shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Or, stroll over to the nearby Village Green to enjoy the enormous playground, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals. For outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel's concierge service provides assistance in planning excursions such as hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby waterfalls.
Historic Elegance
Originally established as The Laurelwood Inn in the early 20th century, The Wells Hotel changed ownership in September 2020. Since then, the entire property has undergone meticulous renovations to preserve its historic charm while embracing contemporary comforts. The exterior of the hotel exudes a classic Southern aesthetic, with a welcoming porch adorned with rocking chairs — the perfect spot to unwind and people-watch as locals and tourists stroll through town.
The lobby, fully modernized with touches of the original, warm wood decor remaining, welcomes guests with a sense of nostalgia. The careful preservation of architectural details allows visitors to step back in time while enjoying the modern conveniences that make The Wells Hotel a haven for relaxation.
Outside, lush landscaping combines with small ponds and trickling water to remind guests that they are embraced by a temperate rainforest. At night, twinkling lights create a magical atmosphere, and the firepit area provides space for families to gather and new friends to meet.
Luxurious Accommodations
The Wells Hotel boasts a range of elegantly appointed accommodations, each thoughtfully designed to provide a comfortable and stylish retreat. Truly a boutique hotel, the Wells is comprised of 19 rooms and suites, plus two standalone cabins. From cozy rooms with rustic charm to spacious suites with mountain views, every detail has been considered to ensure a memorable stay.
Guests can expect plush bedding, upscale furnishings, and modern amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers. The combination of historical ambiance and contemporary luxury creates an inviting atmosphere, making The Wells Hotel a sought-after destination for those seeking an authentic mountain getaway.
The Brewer’s Cottage and Brewer’s Cabin
The Brewer’s Cottage and Brewer’s Cabin provide private havens for guests who desire a bit more seclusion, room for a family to spread out, or both. Located at the back of the property, each of the free-standing units includes a downstairs bedroom and well-appointed bathroom, a loft bedroom, and a full kitchen. The Brewer’s Cottage, just added in the summer of 2023, also includes a second bathroom upstairs. The cozy cabin ambiance and covered, screened porches allow for the rejuvenation one expects in a mountain vacation while situated close to the action — and the property’s own brewery — in town.
Whiteside Brewing Company
Positioned a hop, skip, and a jump away from Wells Hotel — or perhaps just a short walk for those who imbibe — Whiteside Brewing Company serves up a variety of house-made beers, selected ciders, and cocktails along with delectable American pub fare.
As the name implies, guests who dine al fresco can take in a view of Whiteside Mountain from their seats. And outdoor options do abound at this brewery, where the setting provides as much enjoyment as the beer itself. In addition to the indoor dining room, guests can choose from tables on a covered, heated deck; underneath the pavilion in full view of the stage; or even the meadow where children play during the day and firepits often burn at night. Those who crave an al fresco ambiance with a touch of privacy can grab a cozy table next to the outdoor fireplace out front.
As of June 2021, the brewery has produced all of its beers on-site, with Brewer Ryan Glenn producing an eclectic mix of lagers, ales, stouts, and more. The menu includes a variety of brews with incredibly diverse flavor profiles, and the staff works to create new options seasonally.
The Perfect Complement
While the brewery focuses on crafting excellent drink options, the food menu is designed to perfectly complement the local libations. Options center around classic American pub fare like wings and sandwiches but with stylish twists such as the Brussels Stouts, Pretzel Bites, and Sweet Potatoes and Goat Cheese appetizers.
A focus on high-quality ingredients prompted restaurant management to seek out Providence Farmstead beef, from which all burgers are created on-site. Orders placed on Monday are packaged and shipped on Thursday so that the weekend’s burgers are the freshest available anywhere in the region.
Other notable standouts include the pub’s own twist on the Reuben sandwich — the Rachel — and jumbo chicken wings tossed in your choice of sauce. Try the stout chili sauce for something uniquely delicious. The Mother Hen, Whiteside’s version of a fried chicken sandwich, is rumored to be a local favorite.
Special Events
With its expansive property and festive atmosphere, White Brewing serves as the ideal hotspot for celebrations and local events. The pub can be rented for private parties, and the large meadow provides plenty of room for outdoor celebrations. During the busy season from Spring to Fall, guests are treated to a variety of live music acts — from authentic bluegrass tunes to classic rock favorites — on the pavilion stage.
On February 16, 2024, the brewery hosted its first annual Winterfest, a festival celebrating regionally-produced beers. For a single admission price, participants sampled beers from Whiteside plus featured brews by six different independent breweries from around the Western North Carolina region. Held the night before the local Outhouse Races, Winterfest promises to become a local favorite event in years to come.
Elevated Food Truck
Located in the parking lot of Whiteside Brewing Company, the Elevated Kitchen food truck supplies additional satisfying food options. Guests at The Wells Hotel can meander through the property’s meadow and grab enormous cat head biscuits, burritos, and other breakfast favorites featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Recently, Elevated has expanded its menu to provide lunch on selected days and a fun Chinese food menu on Wednesday evenings. The truck also provides tempting grub during special events at the brewery, helping to relieve the primary kitchen and reduce wait times for hungry pub-goers. For updates on their menu offerings and specials, patrons should follow the Elevated Kitchen page on Facebook. Online ordering is available so that customers can conveniently pick up their food on the go.
A Focus on Community
A favorite hangout for locals, Whiteside Brewing Company endeavors to give back to the community it calls home. Local non-profit organizations frequently host the pub’s Trivia Nights, with a portion of profits donated directly to them. These nights mark not only an opportunity for philanthropy but a great time for visitors and locals alike. The restaurant and outdoor pavilion come alive with teams — often with amusing monikers — competing to prove their mastery of obscure facts and curious tidbits.
Throughout the months of March and April, the brewery hosts Grub for Good. Each Thursday night, a different local charity is featured and receives a percentage of that night’s proceeds. At various other times, they sponsor round-up campaigns, allowing patrons to “round up” their checks and donate the difference to area causes. In this way, the restaurant seeks to give back to the community that has so enthusiastically received it.
More than just a place to rest and eat, The Wells Hotel and Whiteside Brewing Company combine rustic mountain ambiance, local flavor, and fully modern accommodations to create a truly unique spot to stay and play. Whether a short weekend jaunt or a longer stay, guests can count on rejuvenation, connection, and an authentic experience in one of the most picturesque corners of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Visit thewellscashiers.com, call 828-761-6289, or email hello@thewellshotel.com to book your stay and learn more about The Wells Hotel.
Visit whitesidebrewing.com or call 828-743-6000 to order online and learn more about Whiteside Brewing Company.
Visit elevatedkitchennc.com or call 828-547-0075 to order online and learn more about Elevated Kitchen Food Truck.