Eric Scheffer’s own background is nearly as intriguing. For almost twenty years he was a producer of motion pictures and television commercials in California. He traveled all over the world and worked with numerous well-known actors and entertainers.

Excerpt from Smoky Mountain Living, Spring '03

Highland Lake Inn
by Susan Lefler

Your departure may suffer a slight delay if a peacock should land on your windshield...Thus warns the Highland Lake Inn brochure. And, if you are as fortunate as I was one summer day, one of the resident peacocks may decide to parade in front of you with his tail feathers fanned out and rustling as if he commanded the catwalk in a fashion show.

Within a mile of historic Flat Rock in Henderson County, Highland Lake Inn beckons from the waterfall at the entrance, then leads you along a winding drive through the trees and around the lake to the inn, the first building you see on the property. Rolling fields with the mountains in sight, farm animals, a 11&Mac218;2-acre organic garden, elegant accommodations, and a gourmet restaurant on a par with any in the country—this place is truly a mix of country retreat and upscale lodging and dining. You can swim in the beautiful pool, boat on the lake, play tennis, horseshoes, volleyball. You can hike and visit the farm animals. Highland Lake Inn is home to two burros, multiple goats, chickens, doves, pigeons, ducks, geese, and, of course, the resident peacock. There are yoga classes and massages available on site and a list of numerous fine golf courses in the area. On the other hand, you could just rest in a hammock and take it as it comes.