16 Top Romantic Getaways in North Carolina | Travel

For touring twosomes on the hunt for a romantic retreat that provides escapes to each the seaside and the mountains, North Carolina is the reply. Although the attractive Blue Ridge Mountains sprawl from Georgia to Pennsylvania, the best peaks are discovered right here. Actually, the Blue Ridge covers most of western North Carolina.

Do you and your higher half desire sunbathing in the sand to trekking the paths? Look no additional than the barrier islands of the Outer Banks. In spite of everything, best-selling romance novelist Nicholas Sparks set a few of his most epic love tales, together with “Nights in Rodanthe,” “A Stroll to Bear in mind” and “Expensive John,” alongside the North Carolina coast. Whether or not you and your accomplice are on the lookout for heart-pumping actions or a heavy dose of leisure, you may discover all of it in the Tar Heel State.

Excellent for duos who crave a mountain getaway that does not skimp on luxurious, Highlands guarantees each. Positioned in southwestern North Carolina close to the Georgia border, Highlands is without doubt one of the highest cities east of the Mississippi River, sitting at an elevation of 4,118 ft. Due to its alpine location, the city gives postcard-worthy views at each flip. In the event you and your accomplice are right here to indulge, examine in to Outdated Edwards Inn and Spa. Listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations, this Relais & Châteaux property gives a wide range of lodging choices, together with cozy cottages with fireplaces and personal terraces. Even for those who do not need to splurge on a keep right here, contemplate reserving a therapy or two on the on-site spa.

For a little bit extra seclusion, reserve a room at Half-Mile Farm, the sister property of Outdated Edwards Inn and Spa. This adults-only retreat sits on the outskirts of downtown Highlands and embodies a farmhouse attraction due to its setting on serene Apple Lake and the 14 bucolic acres of trails that encompass the property. Anticipate rustic-chic decor in the visitor rooms and cabins, which function hardwood flooring, lake views and, in choose lodging, fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Many previous guests praised the excellent service and beautiful grounds as highlights.

Irrespective of the place you select to mattress down, you may need to discover the realm’s waterfalls. Make the most of spectacular photo-ops at Dry Falls, the place you’ll be able to stroll behind the cascading water, and Whiteside Mountain, the place 750-foot-tall cliffs provide panoramic views of the encircling mountains.

With simply 20 individually adorned rooms, screened-in porches, greater than 4 acres of landscaped gardens and a full continental breakfast every morning, The Duke Mansion gives a style of Southern attraction in the center of Charlotte. For the final word romantic retreat, contemplate splurging on the Dowd Suite, which features a shared screened-in porch and a spacious toilet with a soaking tub match for 2, amongst different facilities. Outdoors your digs, you may discover a visitor library – the perfect spot to seize a e-book earlier than retiring to your porch – in addition to a wide range of decor particulars harking back to the mansion’s 1915 debut, resembling checkered flooring and ornate chandeliers. For extra native historical past, contemplate tagging alongside on a (*16*) or a golf cart tour.

The resort would not have a restaurant on-site, however due to its central location, it is inside simple attain of the eateries and bars discovered in the town’s Uptown and South Finish neighborhoods, making the property a great choice for adventurous twosomes desirous to discover the town’s eating scene. Among the metropolis’s greatest eating places, together with Stagioni (an Italian gem) and RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila (a Mexican eatery identified for its energetic patio), are situated inside strolling distance of the resort. What’s extra, The Duke Mansion gives room service for wine, beer and cocktails – excellent for a pre- or post-date night time drink. For extra lodging choices, take a look at the Greatest Resorts in Charlotte.

What may very well be extra romantic than strolling by way of a winery with a wine glass in one hand and your love by your aspect? If this sounds just like the dream situation for you and your accomplice, contemplate a visit to Winston-Salem, referred to as the gateway to the Yadkin Valley. This area in northwestern North Carolina is house to greater than 40 vineyards.

For the final word wine-filled getaway, head to Medaloni Cellars, a sprawling 22-acre property about 15 miles west of Winston-Salem. The vineyard gives views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in addition to three on-site cabins designed only for twosomes. Or, for a style of “Chianti in the Carolinas,” drive about 40 miles northwest of Winston-Salem to Raffaldini Vineyards and be transported to Tuscany through its dry Italian-style wines. Want beer to wine? Join a trolley pub tour of Winston-Salem. You two will get pleasure from native brews as you pedal your method by way of downtown.

After a day of tastings, examine into the 55-acre Graylyn Property, the place visitors are known as “lord or girl of the manor” by the on-site butler employees. Flip the romance up a notch by reserving one of many resort’s premium suites, which tout decorative fireplaces and 17-head showers, amongst different luxurious facilities.

Escape to the Blue Ridge Mountains together with your sweetheart on the historic Omni Grove Park Inn. Constructed in 1913, this Asheville resort boasts an enviable location atop Sundown Mountain and gives sweeping views of the beautiful mountain vary from its eating places and choose lodging. Heed the recommendation of previous visitors and spring for one of many mountain view rooms to profit from your alpine getaway. For a lot of previous lodgers, the unbeatable views greater than justified the expensive room charges.

If you’re not admiring the surroundings, indulge in a therapy (or two) on the resort’s 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa, which options cavernous rock partitions, arches and tunnels. Or, for those who and your accomplice desire extra journey, put in your mountain climbing boots and discover the property’s Sundown Path, which travels inside the grounds up Sundown Mountain. There’s additionally an 18-hole, Donald Ross-designed golf course on-site. If you’re able to discover off the property, contemplate reserving a guided hiking tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway or a walking tour of downtown Asheville. On the finish of a fun-filled day, cozy up by the large stone fire and settle into one of many rocking chairs in the resort’s Nice Corridor.

For {couples} preferring a metropolis escape to a mountain getaway, Durham gives an reasonably priced, but luxurious respite. You may be transported to an English nation home on the elegant Washington Duke Inn & Golf Membership, which sits on the stately Duke College campus on 300 pine-filled acres. Problem your higher half to a spherical of golf on the resort’s 18-hole Duke College Golf Membership course, or enterprise off the property to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Sprawling throughout 55 acres, the attraction shelters a wide range of gazebos, water options and themed gardens, such because the photogenic terrace gardens, excellent for stealing quiet moments together with your sweetheart. Plus, entry to the gardens is free.

For extra leisurely strolling, head to Brightleaf Sq., the place historic tobacco warehouses shelter domestically owned eating places and retailers. Have a good time completely satisfied hour in model on the Counting Home, the restaurant and bar on the 21c Museum Resort Durham identified for its creative cocktails and art-filled ambiance. If a extra informal ambiance is what you are after, heed the recommendation of previous vacationers and head to Fullsteam Brewery, which abides by a “plow to pint” philosophy of utilizing native produce to make its beers.

The Outer Banks is a well-liked trip spot for households, however this chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina additionally gives an idyllic backdrop for these touring sans children. Actually, the Outer Banks supplied the setting for the movie adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel “Nights in Rodanthe.” You and your vital different can really feel like the celebrities of your personal romance flick by reserving a keep on the six-bedroom, oceanfront trip rental used in the movie, the Inn at Rodanthe. Charges at this Hatteras Island hideaway are expensive, beginning at greater than $2,000 every week, however its unbeatable location simply steps from the ocean, its multistory out of doors decks and its distinctive facilities, together with an outside bathe and a fish-cleaning station, could also be definitely worth the splurge.

In the event you and your sweetheart are on the lookout for a extra low-key lodging choice, contemplate The Tranquil House Inn on the Manteo waterfront. Housing simply 25 rooms, the inn offers an intimate ambiance due to its spacious decks and porches, complimentary breakfast, and afternoon wine and cheese reception – a favourite amenity amongst previous visitors. For extra lodging choices, take a look at the Greatest Resorts in the Outer Banks.

Irrespective of the place you and your beau select to hold your hat, you may need to admire the unbelievable coastal surroundings of Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore and the Corolla Wild Horses, wild Spanish mustangs that reside on the seaside between the city of Corolla and the Virginia state line. For assist recognizing these majestic creatures and to be taught extra in regards to the ecology and historical past of the island, join a guided, four-wheel-drive tour of Corolla. Sports activities-loving pairs may additionally have an interest in a paddleboard tour of Kitty Hawk and the North Carolina Coastal Reserve.

Though “Soiled Dancing” is about at a fictional resort in the Catskills, the long-lasting romantic drama was truly filmed in Virginia and North Carolina – extra particularly, Lake Lure. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 30 miles southeast of Asheville, Lake Lure invitations amorous duos to have the “time of their lives.” Verify in to The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, the place stars Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze stayed throughout filming, and deal with your self to a couple nights in Johnny’s Cabin or Child’s Bungalow (lodging named after the movie’s lovebirds).

Spot native points of interest and landmarks featured in the film throughout a guided boat or kayak tour of the lake, or get your coronary heart pumping with a hike to the highest of Chimney Rock at close by Chimney Rock State Park. Although the 315-foot monolith wasn’t featured in the movie, the sweeping mountain views it gives will little doubt encourage romance.

A perfect retreat for {couples} on the hunt for some quiet leisure in a captivating setting, The Fearrington Home Inn occupies a bucolic location on a historic farm about 10 miles south of Chapel Hill. Take your choose between 32 individually designed visitor rooms, which function luxurious touches like heated towel racks in the loos, recent flowers and, in choose lodging, fuel fireplaces.

Outdoors your digs, you’ll be able to stroll hand in hand together with your beloved by way of the property’s scenic grounds, which function about 60 backyard beds related by brick pathways and lawns. Or, get pleasure from a romantic dinner on the on-site restaurant, acclaimed for its domestically sourced menu (the chef makes use of components from the on-site herb backyard) and strong wine choice. You may discover extra facilities, together with boutiques, a espresso store and a spa, in the encircling Fearrington Village advanced, which shares house with the inn.

On the lookout for small-town attraction and loads of journey? Brevard gives one of the best of each worlds. Positioned about 35 miles southwest of Asheville, Brevard sits in Transylvania County, referred to as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Seize a map and discover the area’s greater than 250 waterfalls together with your sweetheart by your aspect. Enterprise to Pisgah Nationwide Forest to snap a selfie in entrance of Wanting Glass Falls, one in every of North Carolina’s most photographed waterfalls. For extra spectacular photo-ops, hunt down Whitewater Falls – referred to as the “King of Waterfalls” – because it’s the best waterfall in the japanese United States. For assist capturing one of the best images of the falls and the encircling mountains, join a guided photo tour.

After a day of chasing waterfalls together with your love, retreat to The Greystone Inn – successful amongst previous lodgers for its beautiful location. Located on Lake Toxaway, the most important personal lake in North Carolina, the Greystone Inn gives simply 30 visitor rooms and suites. Splurge on a Hillmount Traditional room for lake and mountain views, a non-public deck, an in-room fire and a deep soaking tub. On the finish of the day, soothe sore mountain climbing muscle groups with a therapy on the waterfront spa or admire the sundown from the floor-to-ceiling home windows of the Lakeside Eating Room.

Sitting fairly on Bald Head Island, 2 nautical miles away from the North Carolina mainland, the Marsh Harbour Inn offers a tranquil setting for lovebirds on the lookout for the final word escape. You and your accomplice will hop on a ferry in Southport for a fast 20-minute journey to the island, the place the principle modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. Mount Harbour Inn sprawls throughout 10,000 sq. ft and overlooks the island’s marina. You may need to reserve a room with a deck dealing with the marina to admire the views of the Cape Worry seashore.

If you’re not enjoyable on the inn, make the most of the island’s prime options, together with its 14 miles of seashores. Kayaking or canoeing the island’s creeks, mountain climbing the Kent Mitchell Nature Path or biking the 15 miles of roadway will maintain adventure-loving twosomes occupied. After a day spent exploring, flip up the romance with a sundown sail or by climbing the 108 steps to the highest of the Bald Head Lighthouse, which gives 360-degree views of the state’s southernmost barrier island. To indulge in one of many island’s most beloved culinary traditions, time your go to for fall when locals have fun the bounty of the ocean with oyster roasts.

In the event you and your beau are in want of a getaway mild on adventures and heavy on leisure, contemplate The Umstead Resort and Spa, which sits about 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh and is without doubt one of the metropolis’s greatest inns. Sprawling throughout 12 acres in Cary, close to William B. Umstead State Park and overlooking a non-public lake, the resort impresses vacationers with its tranquil setting and splendid, 16,000-square-foot spa. If you’re not admiring the forested panorama from the spa’s floor-to-ceiling home windows, you and your higher half can indulge in side-by-side {couples} massages or calm down with physique therapies and facials.

After you are sufficiently pampered, discover the 3-acre lake through the property’s 1/4-mile strolling path, or peruse the on-site artwork gallery. The gallery includes a assortment of paintings from native and nationwide artists, together with famend glass artist Dale Chihuly. With the assistance of an artwork brochure picked up from the concierge desk, you two can take a self-guided tour of the gallery with out having to depart the premises. You may additionally need to keep on the property for dinner, because the AAA 5 Diamond Award-winning Herons restaurant options multicourse dinners produced from components sourced from close by farms, together with the resort’s personal 2-acre culinary plot. After dinner, head to the Bar & Lounge for nightly reside leisure, a stocked wine cellar and creative cocktails. When choosing your lodging, contemplate upgrading to one of many lake view rooms or suites to profit from the resort’s beautiful location – a advice from previous visitors. Irrespective of which room you select, you may get pleasure from a deep soaking tub, a Nespresso machine and complimentary Wi-Fi entry, amongst different facilities.

After checking in to Chetola Resort, you and your vital different will discover no need to depart this sprawling oasis in western North Carolina’s Blowing Rock. That is as a result of this 78-acre resort gives a wide range of on-site actions and facilities to maintain you and sweetheart occupied for days, together with kayaks, paddleboats, tennis, day by day health and yoga lessons, a spa, mountain climbing trails, an 8-acre lake and garden video games. In keeping with previous visitors, the number of on-site to-dos is a significant spotlight of a keep right here. Observe that the day by day $19.95 resort payment covers entry to actions and use of kit, however spa therapies price further.

After you have labored up an urge for food exploring the resort grounds, tuck in for a comfy meal at Timeberlake’s Restaurant, which options dishes like roasted Carolina quail and pan-seared duck accompanied by reside music Wednesday by way of Saturday.

You and your beau can have three totally different lodging choices to select from, together with Chetola Lodge, Chetola Premier Condominiums and the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort. To make sure a romantic ambiance, touring pairs might need to go for a keep in the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort, which is the resort’s stand-alone bed-and-breakfast. The inn gives simply eight rooms, a private innkeeper, a night wine and cheese reception, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies nightly and complimentary breakfast, amongst different perks. What’s extra, rooms on the inn function fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and, in choose lodging, views of Chetola Lake.

What may very well be cozier than sipping vino together with your beloved in a secluded treehouse? At Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe – about 30 miles southeast of Charlotte – amorous duos can lease one in every of three treehouses. Papa’s Dream Treehouse overlooks the winery’s pond and is supplied with a kitchenette, a toilet with a bathe, a queen-sized mattress, warmth and air-con, and a deck with a grill. Plus, there is a porch with a hammock swing. For a bit extra space, contemplate reserving the Horsefeathers Hideaway, which might accommodate as much as eight lodgers. You and your higher half can have loads of room to unfold out and admire the vines from the treehouse’s 400-square-foot deck or the master suite. Different facilities embrace a kitchenette, one full toilet and one half-bathroom, air-con and heating, and a fuel grill. If you cannot get away for the total night time, contemplate the Date Nite Treehouse, which you’ll be able to lease by the hour. It offers a soothing, secluded setting for having fun with the winery’s tranquil ambiance from the treehouse’s spacious porch. The porch can accommodate as much as six adults – excellent for double dates.

Even for those who do not spring for a treehouse, the vineyards nonetheless provide an idyllic setting for a novel date due to the rocking chairs and lazy swings scattered all through the property. Pack a picnic or buy snacks on-site to pair with the property’s delectable wines.

To not be confused with Beaufort, South Carolina, this North Carolina city with the identical title gives touring twosomes a captivating seaside getaway. Located alongside North Carolina’s Crystal Coast in the southern Outer Banks, Beaufort options boutiques crammed with native wares, a downtown marina, loads of scrumptious seafood, historic websites and ferry entry to Cape Lookout Nationwide Seashore. Acquaint yourselves with the waterfront and the historic district by renting bikes from an clothing store like Hungry City Excursions. As you two leisurely cycle alongside the waterfront and aspect streets, take time to admire the restored historic houses – a lot of that are designated with a plaque from the Beaufort Historic Affiliation. Historical past-loving pairs may even need to put aside an hour or two to peruse the North Carolina Maritime Museum, which options artifacts recovered from Queen Anne’s Revenge (the pirate Blackbeard’s authentic ship), a shell assortment and the skeletal stays of a sperm whale that washed ashore in 2004, amongst different shows.

After you have explored downtown Beaufort, you’ll be able to hop on a ferry to Cape Lookout National Seashore, which is crammed with distant seashores excellent for quiet shoreline strolls together with your vital different. Cap off your day with a sundown dinner at one in every of Beaufort’s in style seafood eateries, resembling Metropolis Kitchen, Aqua Restaurant and Entrance Avenue Grill at Stillwater. Two prime lodging choices in the realm are the Beaufort Hotel NC, Ascend Hotel Collection and the Pecan Tree Inn. For a conventional bed-and-breakfast expertise, e-book a keep on the Pecan Tree Inn, which gives a number of rooms with two-person Jacuzzi tubs and semi-private porches. For entry to a plethora of on-site facilities, together with a seasonal out of doors pool, a waterfront restaurant and a health middle, contemplate the Beaufort Resort NC.

For lovebirds searching for an remoted, adventure-filled getaway, The Swag gives the right all-inclusive setting. Positioned in Waynesville about 40 miles west of Asheville, The Swag occupies 250 mountaintop acres on the border of Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park at an elevation of 5,000 ft. Make the most of the inn’s handy location by mountain climbing into the park, or keep on the grounds and soak in the views from the entrance porch, calm down in a hammock constructed for 2 or sq. off in a sport of croquet or badminton. If you’re able to up the romance issue, take one of many chef-prepared picnic lunches as much as the treehouse.

Since The Swag solely homes 14 rooms, you will not be rubbing elbows with hordes of different vacationers. Most rooms function wood-burning fireplaces, steam showers and personal balconies, however for those who and your higher half are prepared to splurge, contemplate reserving one of many rooms outfitted with an outside bathe, a non-public sauna or a balcony soaking tub. For a lot of previous visitors, the spacious rooms and beautiful views have been the highlights of their visits.

Nestled in North Carolina’s Excessive Nation amid the state’s highest elevations, Boone gives an ideal getaway for adventure-loving {couples}. Powder hounds can be completely satisfied to listen to that the Boone space is house to the longest and largest slopes in western North Carolina, with three ski resorts to select from. After a day schussing the slopes together with your ski bunny by your aspect, you two can retire to one of many space’s cozy cabins – a lot of which come outfitted with a hearth or Jacuzzi.

In the event you and your sweetheart are visiting Boone in the hotter months, you’ll be able to make the most of the nice temps with a hike on one of many space’s prime trails. The two 1/2-mile Crabtree Falls Loop Path results in one of the vital picturesque waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians and is a scenic spot to snap a selfie and even get down on one knee. In the meantime, {couples} who contemplate themselves superior hikers might need to deal with the paths that crisscross Grandfather Mountain; permits are required and difficult terrain, resembling ladders that scale cliff faces, awaits courageous hikers. For a extra low-key trip, hop on the Boone Space Wine Path. The path options three wineries alongside dreamy alpine surroundings. A horse and carriage tour through Moses H. Cone Memorial Park is one other memorable date choice excellent for absorbing the views of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Relating to lodging, you and your accomplice might need to e-book a keep at The Mast Farm Inn for those who’re hoping for a romantic ambiance that does not skimp on luxurious. Take your choose between the seven rooms out there in the Nineteenth-century farmhouse or the 9 personal cottages and cabins out there on-site. The Loom Home cabin in explicit is a favourite amongst vacationing duos due to its fuel fire, personal porch and two-person therapeutic massage tub.