North Carolina is a coastal state in the Southeast region of the United States. Home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it is the perfect destination for a relaxing weekend getaway. In this article, we have handpicked the best weekend getaways in North Carolina, ranging from the Highlands to the Outer Banks.
- The Umstead Hotel and Spa
- The Durham Hotel
- The Sanderling
- Rhode’s Motor Lodge
- Trailborn Surf & Sound
- Meadowbrook Inn
- Trailborn Highlands
- Pamlico Station Edgecamp
- The Fearrington House Inn
- Greystone Inn
- Blind Tiger Asheville
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is one of the best weekend getaways near Raleigh, North Carolina. Nestled on 12 acres of lakefront landscape, it is a sanctuary for exploring Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The 150 guest rooms are spacious and sumptuous, with the smallest standing at 540 sq ft. They are each adorned with classy furnishings, privately curated artwork, and a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub.
At the heart of the hotel is its expansive outdoor pool deck, surrounded by lounge beds, cabanas, and lush greenery. You can also go for a plunge in the outdoor hot tub, break a sweat at the 24-hour fitness center, or enjoy a treatment at the in-house spa. For meals, Herons is the signature restaurant that celebrates fresh produce from local growers and One Oak Farm, the hotel’s very own farm, less than a mile away.
The Durham Hotel
The Durham Hotel is one of the best design boutique hotels in Durham, North Carolina. Located in the heart of downtown, it partnered up with LA studio Commune Design to transform a 1960s Space Age-style building. Inspired by its distinct facade, the interior is reimagined with a Mid-Century Modern charm.
The Durham Hotel offers 53 stylish guest rooms & suites in a similar aesthetic. They are stylish & colorful, each featuring blue carpets, mustard curtains, a red tabletop, Raleigh Denim blankets, and Mid-century modern furniture. They also come with plush bedding, a work desk, free wifi, and other essentials.
In addition, The Durham Hotel features a 24-hour gym to keep your fitness routine intact. You will also find three dining and drinking venues on-site. For instance, The Restaurant at The Durham specializes in American classics and regional dishes, while the Roof is an open-air venue for drinks and light bites.
The Sanderling
The Sanderling is one of the best luxury boutique hotels in the Outer Banks, NC. Nestled at the beachfront of Duck, the 14-acre property is perfect for a seaside getaway. Recently reimagined by Ward + Grey, the interior showcases an elegant contemporary classic design. The 123 rooms & suites come in ocean-inspired palettes, featuring custom furnishings, floral touches, patterned carpets, and private balconies.
There are two outdoor pools at The Sanderling Resort, including a kid-friendly pool and a separate adults-only pool. You can also indulge in a treatment at the 8,000 sq ft spa, go for a guided yoga session, or work out at the gym. There are four dining & drinking venues on-site. Helmed by award-winning chef Vivian Howard, Theodosia is the hotel’s signature restaurant that specializes in Southern coastal cuisine.
Rhode’s Motor Lodge
Rhode’s Motor Lodge is a cool and affordable getaway in North Carolina. Located in the town of Boone, it partnered with Loden Hospitality to reimagine a 1950s motel. Inspired by the building’s time period, the interior showcases an updated mid-century modern design with the essence of a mountain lodge.
The 54 guest rooms are minimalistic and stylish. Their design centers around a cozy white and earthy palette, accented by light wooden furnishings, custom headboards, plaid blankets, and handmade art. You will also have all your essential amenities, including plush bedding, a TV, a speaker, and free wifi.
Besides, the hotel features plenty of gathering spaces on-site, including an expansive porch with a fire pit and a lobby lounge with games and a pool table. The Canteen will be in charge of your meals. The in-house bar and restaurant serve casual homestyle dishes alongside a rotating selection of beverages.
Trailborn Surf & Sound
Trailborn Surf & Sound is one of the best new boutique hotels near Wilmington, North Carolina. Tucked away on Wrightsville Beach, it transformed an old resort into a cool beachfront escape. Envisioned by Post Company, the interior is refurbished with a playful contemporary design. The 151 guest rooms feature wavy striped headboards, light blue ceilings, maritime touches, Bellino lines, and Tivoli speakers.
A major highlight of Trailborn Surf & Sound is its outdoor pool, surrounded by shaded loungers and cabanas. Other amenities include direct beach access, watersports equipment rentals, a fitness center, a lawn, and many more. You will also find three dining & drinking spaces on-site. For instance, La Duna Paradiso is an al-fresco restaurant that specializes in Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Meadowbrook Inn
Meadowbrook Inn is one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina. Located in the town of Blowing Rock, it is a charming home base for exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The small boutique hotel offers 62 cozy guest rooms and suites. They come in earthy and light blue tones, each outfitted with mountain-inspired furnishings and modern amenities. Some suites also have an open-air patio.
Besides, Meadowbrook Inn features a spacious indoor swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of outdoor adventure. You can also break a sweat at the fitness center or check out the vegetable and herb garden. There are no restaurants on-site, but a High Country breakfast buffet is available every morning. Just steps away from downtown, you will also find plenty of dining options nearby.
Trailborn Highlands
Trailborn Highlands is one of the best new boutique hotels in the Highlands of NC. Surrounded by 4.5 acres of forests, it is a great retreat for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by the surroundings, studio LOVEISENOUGH crafted the interior with an earthy contemporary design. The 63 rooms feature custom furnishings, checkered carpets, retro Tivoli speakers, and Grown Alchemist toiletries.
During your stay, you will have access to a Nordic Spa, a cozy lounge, a back patio with firepits, guided experiences, and more. Highlands Supper Club is in charge of the meals at Trailborn Highlands. Housed inside a historic log cabin, the restaurant serves comforting Southern classics and smoky Carolina barbecues. There is also a grab & go market with curated snacks, drinks, and picnic baskets.
Pamlico Station Edgecamp
Pamlico Station Edgecamp is one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina. Located in Cape Hatteras, it is the perfect seaside escape to explore the Outer Banks. Designed by the renowned Jonathan Adler, the interior showcases a quirky contemporary charm. The 14 guest suites are each equipped with colorful designer furniture, playful objects, a living room, a dining area, and a full kitchen.
Immersed in the Outer Banks’ natural beauty, Pamlico Station offers convenient access to beautiful beaches, world-class fishing, and different water sports. Besides, the hotel features an outdoor deck with a cold plunge, hot tub, and sauna, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor adventure. The concierge can also help arrange curated experiences such as private yoga sessions or in-suite massages.
The Fearrington House Inn
The Fearrington House Inn is a beautiful boutique hotel in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Nestled on 1,600 acres of gardens and pastures, it is the perfect countryside retreat to reconnect with nature. Housed inside a white 1980s inn, the guest rooms and suites evoke a classical charm. Their design revolves around muted tones, each outfitted with elegant furnishings, Egyptian linens, and Molton Brown bath products.
Besides, the hotel features an outdoor pool with loungers where you can go for a refreshing dip and cool off. You can also indulge in a luxurious treatment at the spa or explore the lush gardens. The epicurean experience at the hotel is nothing but fabulous. For instance, The Fearrington House Restaurant showcases a fresh and creative tasting menu, while The Belted Goat serves coffee and house-made pastries.
Greystone Inn
Greystone Inn is a tranquil weekend getaway in North Carolina. Tucked away in the majestic mountains, the luxury boutique hotel comprises multiple historic houses on the shores of Lake Toxaway. The 30 guest rooms are spread across The Mansion, The Hillmont, and the Lakeside Cottages. Their design centers around neutral and earthy tones, finished with elegant classic furnishings and modern amenities.
The hotel is the perfect home base for exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy outdoor activities such as river tubing, boat cruising, fishing, ziplining, and many more. There is also an in-house spa with nourishing treatments and massages. As for meals and drinks, The Restaurant at The Greystone presents fresh seasonal cuisine, while Mansion Bar serves a selection of wines, craft cocktails, and beers.
Blind Tiger Asheville
Blind Tiger Asheville is a cool weekend getaway in Asheville, NC. Situated near the city center, it occupies a 19th-century Queen Anne villa. Behind the burgundy facade, the interior blends old-world charm and modern design, showcasing an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furniture.
Blind Tiger Asheville boasts 14 one-of-a-kind accommodations, each designed individually. Some feature a soothing white palette, while some come in a moss-green theme. Our favorite includes Albers, which is one of the more contemporary suites. You will also find all your essentials, such as plush king bedding.
Blind Tiger Asheville offers a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast every morning, but there are no proper restaurants or bars on-site. However, you won’t have to worry as there are ample dining spots in Asheville. For instance, Pack’s Tavern offers different fresh and succulent comfort food.
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