Choose wisely when traveling this summer and select one of these twenty amazing mountain, Piedmont, beach inns, bed and breakfasts, and resorts in the Carolinas and beyond.
MOUNTAINS
Grove Park Inn
This gem located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC is consistently rated as one of the best Carolina inns – and one of the best in the world. The hotel is a beautiful example of the Arts and Craft style of architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only is the Inn regarded as one of the best, it’s 40,000 square foot subterranean spa is ranked at #13 in Travel and Leisure’s best Hotel Spas. If you want an escape back in time with all the latest modern amenities, then the Grove Park Inn is a sure bet.
Esmerelda Inn
Any one of the Esmerelda’s 14 beautifully appointed guest rooms offer a restorative and calmingly serene setting. With stunning views of Chimney Rock, the surrounding Hickory Nut Gorge and the Rocky Broad River, it’s an ideal place if you are yearning to leave all the hustle and bustle of the city behind and reconnect with nature. Its rustic elegance and charm combined with all of the most modern amenities and wonderfully appointed rooms make it an ideal place for either a romantic getaway or a corporate retreat.
Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway
Located just an hour Southwest of Asheville, NC on its own private lake, the famous Greystone Inn has been a favorite getaway destination for guests of even the most discerning tastes since the early 20th century. Some of the most iconic men of industry with the likes of Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and Thomas Edison just to name a few have been coming here to unwind and enjoy all the splendor that is the Greystone. Resting on North Carolina’s largest private lake, you too can come be a part of the rich history and enjoy one of the world’s top croquet lawns, a Kris Spence signature golf course, or get out on the water and do some fishing, boating or swimming.
Gideon Ridge Inn
This quaint bed and breakfast located in Blowing Rock, NC offers unparalleled views of the of the Blue Ridge mountains and offers the feel and comfort of your own personal mountain retreat. In the summer months you can enjoy a hike to Grandfather Mountain, whitewater rafting, biking around the famous Blue Ridge Parkway and in the winter the in-room gas fireplaces offered in most suites and jacuzzis make it the perfect setting for a romantic ski weekend. The Gideon’s European style dining room offers some of the freshest mountain ingredients served in the classical style and the nearby town of Blowing Rock offers shopping and many other options for fine dining. If you are an art lover, their renowned Appalachian arts collection has earned the Gideon Ridge Inn a reputation as a top NC Arts B&B.
The Windsor Asheville
Located in the heart of downtown Asheville, this luxury all-suite boutique hotel offers a fusion of hand selected art and furnishings from some of the most renowned markets in Paris, some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, along with pieces from local artisans from the Asheville area. Initially constructed in 1907, this historic building has recently gone through an eighteen-month historic total renovation and the result is a unique petit parisienne flare with all of the modern amenities that will satisfy even the most discerning of tastes. Even though it’s only been open for 4 months, it has already become a hot spot for celebrities like Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis when they visit the Ashville area. Its prime location on the corner of Walnut and Broadway put you in walking distance of some of the best restaurants, galleries, shops, and breweries in Asheville.
PIEDMONT
The Fearrington House Inn
Located near Chapel Hill, The Fearrington is one of the most critically acclaimed decorated small hotels and Inns in America. This is the perfect venue for lovers of good food, fine wine, and exceptional beauty and service. Executive Chef Colin Bedford is at the helm of the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the US to be green certified, and he is considered to be a star in the farm-to-fork movement. So much so that The Fearrington House Restaurant has been ranked a top 10 restaurant in the US.
The Graylyn
This historical gem located in Winston Salem, NC was built by Bowman Gray Senior who was the son of the founder of Wachovia Bank and Trust Co. and would later go on to become the Chairman Of The Board at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. In its day it was one of the largest and most extravagant private homes in America.The Gray family employed artisans and craftsman from across the United States in order to make their home a masterpiece.It boasted 60 rooms, over 46,000 square feet of space, and some of the most cutting edge craftmanship and technology of any home in its time. Over the years it was donated to Wake Forest University to serve as different teaching facilities but today it serves as a world-class convention center, retreat, and historical icon of the Southeast.
Sobotta Manor
Historic downtown Mt. Airy, the inspiration for the fictional Mayberry, is a quaint town with wonderful shops and restaurants. Located in the heart of the town and the Yadkin Valley wine region is Sobotta Manor, a beautiful home built by a local businessman in 1932. The manor has been renovated and is now an elegant bed and breakfast featuring a mix of antiques, sumptuous fabrics, fine linens and gorgeous gardens. The grand foyer and parlor are elegant and inviting. Its grandeur is easily recognizable, for once you step through the doors of the manor you will notice the ten foot high ceilings, a hand carved staircase, and a wonderful Italian marble fireplace. The exterior is just as inviting. Terraced gardens, columned pergolas, and a wonderful porch complete the Manor’s greatness.
The Holly Inn
Pinehurst is known for its accommodating ways. Home to some of the very best golf and tennis in the entire nation, this quaint village has gigantic offerings. Some of the best shopping and restaurants lay right outside your doors. But, when you aren’t outside shopping or eating or putting for birdie, the Holly Inn has a variety of amenities that will only add to your vacation. The 82 room Four Diamond inn features unique and beautiful room accommodations, rocking chairs to enjoy the perfect Pinehurst climate, and a library to relax and unwind.
The Fork Farm’s Lodge Bed And Breakfast
The Fork Farm and Stables in North Carolina is a premier sporting destination nestled in the forests and rolling hills of Norwood, NC. These expansive 1,600 acres have everything from a world-class sporting clays course to biking and horseback riding trails. It is the perfect destination for the family of adventurers. While there experience the serene, relaxed atmosphere of the Farm while staying in the gorgeous Lodge Bed and Breakfast, a beautiful timberframe building featuring a rocking chair porch, common living area with comfortable seating to mingle and enjoy the big screen television and cozy fireplace.
BEACH
The Tranquil House Inn
This 25 room cozy inn overlooks the picturesque Manteo waterfront as well as the charming streets of downtown. They offer not only a complimentary continental breakfast, but in great southern tradition offer an afternoon wine and cheese tasting. Offering plenty of activities for everyones taste, you can frolic on the beach, shop at the local stores until your heart is content, or just sit on the back deck and enjoy your favorite book.
Inn on Pamlico Sound
This small boutique hotel is the ideal destination for anyone looking for a relaxed weekend getaway. What makes this inn so original is that it encompasses the European boutique hotel experience, all the amenities of a resort, and the coziness and appeal of a bed and breakfast. The abundance of decks, porches, and docks invite you to take in the sights of the Pamlico Sound. While there is a fine dining restaurant serving up the freshest of all ingredients on the premises, this gem is also close to all the fun nightlife and other restaurants that Hatteras has to offer.
Harborlight Guesthouse
Looking out over the Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounded by 500 feet of water, you’ll experience the definition of relaxation. With options like trips to Cape Lookout National Seashore and Lighthouse, or Morehead City’s deep sea fishing, this small inn offers exactly what a beach bum looks for. They offer nightly entertainment and events, or you can do absolutely nothing and enjoy every minute of it.
Graystone Inn
Formerly The Bridgers Mansion this Wilmington jewel was recently restored to its original splendor. Each evening, guests are invited to socialize with others as the staff serves complimentary wine and hor d’oeuvres by the fireplace. You can relax in the library with a glass of wine and good conversation, enjoy your morning coffee and newspaper in the sitting room, or enjoy the evening breeze outside on the veranda.
The Castle on Silver Lake
Situated on one of the Outer Banks most famous islands, The Castle on Silver Lake offers an 11 room bed and breakfast providing guests with a choice of villas or condominiums. A full service breakfast buffet meets each guest in the morning. Experience everything that Ocracoke Island has to offer along with the history of this magical inn.
www.thecastlebb.com
BEYOND THE OLD NORTH STATE
The Inn at Blackberry Farm
Located on a 4,200 acre estate overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farms will not disappoint while showing you why it is considered one of the best in the world. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a spa day to relax and rejuvenate, or partake in the fishing that Hesse Creek offers, there is no shortage of activities to fill your time. Priding themselves on hiring local artisans, their farm-to-fork culinary experience will have no problem satisfying anyone’s appetite. You’ll understand why it was awarded the 2014 Bon Appetit #1 Hotel in America for Food Lovers.
The Primland
Developed in an environmentally conscious manner, in 2012 it became a LEED registered property. Every decision made regarding lodging to activities was designed to keep the environmental effects as minimal as possible. For the stargazers, it features an Observatory Dome with telescope and tours can be scheduled anytime during your stay. If you want to indulge in a childhood fantasy, book your stay at one of their tree houses, offering amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while being only, seemingly, inches from the sky.
Sea Island, Georgia
Offering four different resort options, Sea Island, Georgia is recognized by Travel + Leisure as the world’s #1 and #2 best resorts. All resorts offer guests a wide array of experiences and activities, from fishing and boating, to a hunting preserve and shooting school. It also claims five miles of pristine private beaches, three golf courses, and a 65,000-square-foot Forbes five-star spa. Taking the youngsters? They offer year round adventures, crafts, nature discoveries, and games at the Beach Club.
Chateau Elan Winery and Inn
Chateau Elan, just 40 minutes from Atlanta, boasts amazing vistas of the foothills of Georgia. With a blend of southern hospitality and French elegance, they offer an experience unmatched. Choose from 275 guest rooms, each offering architectural style and class that emulate the French countryside. The Winery offers daily tastings of their Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet and Riesling daily. In addition to wine tastings, they offer cheese and olive oil tastings from local dairy and olive farms.
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff
Settled between lush woodlands and picturesque waters, the Inn at Palmetto Bluff gives you the choice between 50 different cottages to village homes designed with the South Carolina low country in mind, making you feel right at home. Choose between elegance and rustic when dining, with four celebrated restaurants that feature locally sourced ingredients that personify the unique flair of the low country. Spend the day on the pristine and timeless Daufuskie Island, frolicking in the water and playing on the white sandy beaches.