20 Awesome Romantic Getaways in North Carolina
If you are searching for a place that provides escape to both the mountains and the beach, North Carolina is a great place to do so. Even though the attractive Blue Ridge Mountains spread from Pennsylvania to Georgia, this state has the highest peaks. Blue Ridge covers a majority of Western North Carolina. If you and your spouse or girlfriend prefer to sunbathe in the sand or trek the trails, the Outer Bank’s barrier islands are excellent. Whether you are searching for active exercise or relaxation, the Tar Heel State provides it all. The following are 20 romantic venues you can visit in North Carolina.
20. Highlands
According to Travel.usnews.com, this is perfect for couples who crave mountain getaways that offer a lot of luxury. It is situated in the southwestern part of North Carolina, close to the Georgia border. Highlands is among the highest towns on the eastern part of the Mississippi River, and it is situated 4,118 feet above sea level. The town’s alpine location makes it offer appealing views at each turn. If you want to indulge yourselves, you can visit the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The property offers various accommodation options, such as comfortable cottages with private terraces and fireplaces. Even if you are not interested in splurging on a stay there, you can book one or two treatments on the on-site spa. Regardless of the area, you opt to stay in, and you can explore the waterfalls in the area.
19. The Duke Mansion in Charlotte
This mansion provides a taste of Southern charm in Charlotte. It has twenty individually decorated rooms, over four acres of well-maintained gardens, screened porches, and a full continental breakfast. For a romantic retreat, you can splurge on the Dowd Suite that includes a spacious bathroom with a soaking tub and screened-in porch ideal for two, among other amenities. When you get outside your digs, you will come across a guest library, which is the ideal spot to read a book before you retire to your porch. You will also come across other décor details that remind people of when the mansion was built, which was 1915, including ornate chandeliers and checkered flooring. Although the hotel lacks a restaurant, it is situated in a central location, and it is easy to reach the eateries and bars within the city’s South End and Uptown neighborhoods. Therefore, the property is the ideal option for adventurers couples who want to explore the dining scene of the city.
18. Winston-Salem
Nothing is more romantic than walking with a glass of wine and your lover by your side in a vineyard. If this is your dream scenario, you can visit Winston-Salem, which is referred to as the Yadkin Valley’s gateway, situated in northwestern North Carolina. More than forty vineyards are situated in the area. For the wine-filled getaway, you can visit Medaloni Cellars, which is a large twenty-two-acre estate situated around fifteen miles on the western side of Winston-Salem. From there, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountain and 3 cabins designed for couples.
17. Durham
Couples who prefer visiting a mountain getaway can visit Durham to get luxurious and affordable respite. You can visit an English country home at the attractive Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club that sits on the campus of the Duke University on three hundred pine-filled acres. Some of the activities to engage in include playing golf on the 18-hole Duke University’s Golf Club Course or visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. It sprawls across fifty-five acres, and the attraction shelters various gazebos-themed gardens and water features like the picturesque terrace gardens, where you can steal quiet moments with your partner. For a stroll, you can visit Brightleaf Square with historic tobacco warehouses, shops, and restaurants.
16. Outer Banks
This is a popular holiday destination for families, but the various barrier islands off North Carolina’s coast provide a tranquil backdrop for those traveling with their children. The Outer Banks offered the setting for the film adaptation of “Nights in Rodanthe,” a novel written by Nicholas Sparks. You and your spouse can feel like you are starring in a romance film by staying at the Inn at Rodanthe, the 6-bedroom, oceanfront holiday rental utilized in the film. Its location is unbeatable since it is near the ocean. It features multistory outdoor decks and unique amenities, including an outdoor shower and a fish cleaning station, which are worth the money.
15. Lake Lure
Lake Lure is the setting for the iconic romantic drama film “Dirty Dancing.” Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 30 miles southeast of Asheville, the lake invites many couples to have a great time. Couples can visit the 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa, where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey resided during filming. You can spot local landmarks and attractions featured in the movie during a guided kayak or boat tour of the lake or hike to the top of the Chimney Rock at the Chimney Rock State Park, which is close by.
14. Fearrington House Inn in Pittsboro
This is a suitable retreat for couples who are hunting for a charming and relaxing setting. The inn is situated on a historic farm, which is about ten miles on the southern part of Chapel Hill. You can select between thirty-two guest rooms that are individually designed, featuring luxurious touches such as towel racks in the bathroom, gas fireplaces in select accommodations, and fresh flowers. Couples can also stroll through the scenic ground of the property, featuring about sixty garden beds that are connected by lawns and brick pathways. You can also eat dinner at the restaurant, known for the locally sourced menu from the herb garden, which is onsite. The amenities available include a coffee shop, boutique, and a spa inside the surrounding Fearrington Village complex, which shares a space with the inn.
13. Brevard
If you are searching for a small-town charm and a lot of adventure, Brevard is a great place to visit. It is situated about thirty-five miles on the southwestern part of Asheville, in Transylvania County, called the Land of the Waterfalls. The region has over 250 waterfalls. Some of the most photographed waterfalls are Looking Glass Falls and Whitewater Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Eastern USA. After viewing waterfalls, you can visit the Greystone Inn, loved by past lodgers because of its appealing location. It is located on Lake Toxaway, which is the most expansive private lake. The Greystone Inn has thirty suites and guest rooms.
12. Wilmington
If you are searching for a small coastal town that offers a romantic weekend getaway in North Carolina, Wilmington is the ideal year-round destination to spend quality time with your loved one. In the opinion of Ourescapeclause.com, couples can wander through downtown together as they pop in and out of the outstanding boutique shops. They can also explore the Riverwalk or watch the sunset over the attractive Cape Fear River. You can also choose to bask in the sun at Wrightsville Beach or search for seashells at the Johnny Mercer’s Fishing Pier. If you need a more active vacation, visit Carolina Beach, where you can try surfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
11. Rodanthe
This town is very romantic, and for that reason, Nicholas Sparks used it as a setting. This classic town makes an excellent weekend getaway for couples. Apart from enjoying the attractive beach with its attractive sunrises, crashing waves, and gorgeous sunrises, taking a trip to Rodanthe can also include a visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the Chimacomico Lifesaving station, and the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.
10. Bald Head Island
If you need to enjoy quiet time with your partner, this island is an excellent romantic getaway. It is a 20-minute ferry ride across Cape Fear in North Carolina. Couples can enjoy how isolated it feels from the exterior world. No vehicles are allowed on the Bald Head. Thus, everyone needs to travel through a bike or golf cart. It covers more than 12,000 acres, and 10,000 of them are home to nature preserves, untouched beaches, local shops, and little neighborhoods. Some popular spots to visit include the country club, golf course, historic lighthouse, and spa. The lighthouse is called Old Baldy, and it was constructed in 1817.
09. The Swag Resort
It is located on a winding road over 5,000 feet into the mountains. The resort features a wide array of quiet suites, upscale rooms, amenities, and cabins next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Consistently, leading travel publications rank it as a romantic destination in the nation. However, you should remember that it is a seasonal inn, which is open from mid-April to late November.
08. Fuquay Mineral Spring Inn and Garden
If you visit Raleigh, you can take a short drive to the historic Fuquay-Varina, where the healing waters of a mineral spring have rejuvenated travelers since 1858. This is colonial Revival Landmark Inn is set inside the historic district. According to Nctripping.com, the Inn is restored, and it features five accommodation options, which include the romantic and private Carriage House that overlooks the gardens.
7. Chetola Resort: Blowing Rock
When you check into this resort, you will find it enjoyable to spend as much time as possible in it. The sprawling oasis is located in the Blowing Rock of North Carolina. The reason for it is that the 78-acre resort provides various onsite amenities and activities to keep you and your partner occupied for days. This includes tennis, paddleboats, kayaks, daily yoga and fitness courses, a spa, hiking trails, lawn games, and an 8-acre lake. In the opinion of past guests, various on-site activities are an essential highlight of staying there.
6. Treehouse Vineyards: Monroe
There is nothing cozier than sipping wine with your partner in an isolated treehouse. At Treehouse vineyards located about thirty miles southeast of Charlotte, you can rent one of the three treehouses available. Papa’s Dream Treehouse overlooks the vineyard pond, equipped with a bathroom, kitchenette, a bathroom with shower, deck with a grill, a queen-sized bed, air conditioning, and heat. In addition, there is a porch with a hammock swing.
5. Beaufort
This town in North Carolina offers traveling couples a charming seaside gateway. It is located along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina in the Southern Outer Banks. It has boutiques filled with delicious seafood, a downturn marina, local ware, ferry access to a waterfront. You can learn more about the historic district and waterfront by renting bikes from outfitters like Hungary Town Tours. When cycling along the side streets and waterfront, take your time admiring the restored historic houses. If you love history, you can set aside one or two hours to examine exhibits at the North Carolina Maritime museum that features artifacts gotten from Queen Anne’s Revenge.
4. Waynesville
If you and your spouse are looking for an isolated getaway full of adventure, the Waynesville provides the ideal all-inclusive settings. It is situated in Waynesville, about forty miles west of Asheville. It occupies two hundred and fifty acres on a mountaintop on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at the elevation of five hundred feet. You can take advantage of the inn’s convenient location by staying on the grounds or hiking into the park. You can relax in a hammock designed for two individuals or play badminton or golf.
3. Boone
Boone is located in the high country of North Carolina, which is among the highest elevations in the state. It provides a great getaway for couples who love adventure. Power hound will be glad to know that the area has the largest and longest slopes in western North Carolina since visitors can choose from 3 ski resorts. Once you spend many hours as you schuss the slopes with your lover, both of you can stay at a cozy cabin in the area. Many cabins have a Jacuzzi or fireplace.
2. The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary
If you require heavy relaxation, consider visiting the Umstead Hotel and Spa. This hotel sits around ten miles northwest of Raleigh and is one of the best hotels in the city. It sprawls across 12 acres in Cary, close to William B. Umstead State Park, and overlooks a private state park. This hotel appeals to customers because of its tranquil setting and luxurious sixteen thousand square foot spa. The landscape around the hotel is forested, and its windows are floor to ceiling.
1. Chapel Hill
According to Planetware.com, this college town is a perfect mix of fun and romance. You can wander the grounds of the most ancient public university in the nation at North Carolina University in Chapel Hill. You can walk down the brick pavers as you admire the architecture of properties built centuries ago and soaring hardwood trees. Franklin Street, which is the main drag at Chapel Hill, has many boutiques, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
