Best Places to Stay in the North Carolina Mountains

If you’re itching for a getaway that combines cozy cabins, stunning views, a dash of Southern charm, all with the natural beauty of being outdoors, you’ve hit the jackpot because we are sharing the best places to stay in the North Carolina Mountains. 

From the artsy allure of Asheville to the rustic retreats in Boone, the quaint inns of Blowing Rock, the lodge life in Cherokee, to the intimate B&Bs in Hendersonville, the North Carolina Mountains are begging to be explored. So, grab your sense of adventure (and your pup, too), because we’re about to embark on a mountainous journey that’ll leave you totally prepared for your own escape. 

Let’s do this! Read on!

Why the North Carolina Mountains?

The North Carolina Mountains are like nature’s playground on steroids! First off, the scenery is ahhhhmazing! Lush forests, rolling hills, and mountain peaks that look like they are from another country,

There’s also this vibe. The air is so fresh it practically gives your lungs a high-five. 

The diversity of the landscape means you can go from hiking trails in dense forests to chilling by a tranquil lake in no time.

Let’s not forget the charming mountain towns. Each of these small towns has its own personality, from artsy Asheville with its hipster cafes to the laid-back vibes of Boone. And don’t even get us started on the local eats – think farm-to-table goodness that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

And, of course, there’s the adventure factor. Whether you’re into hiking, zip-lining, or just sitting on a cabin porch with a good book and a cup of coffee, the NC Mountains have got you covered.

North Carolina is where it’s at and we’ve got the perfect travel guide for you for the NC Mountains! Whether you want to camp, looking at vacation rentals, hotels, or lodging in a cozy cabin, we’re your friendly tour guides of the best places to stay in and around the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Our Top Picks for the Best Places to Stay in the North Carolina Mountains

Before we get to the various areas and the places we recommend, if you are looking for the Places for the Best Camping in the North Carolina Mountains, you must see our list! 

Also, just remember, while a lot of these places offer plenty of amenities like outdoor pool, fitness center, game room, and probably a cool gift shop, the outdoors in the mountains of North Carolina can be your entertainment. It’s also the best place to get your fitness on, naturally.

Asheville 

Right in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a hotbed for adorable cabins and some luxurious places. There are lots to do in Asheville like Breweries and Biltmore Estate.

The Grove Park Inn, also known as the Omni Grove Park Inn, is your top-of-the-line digs in the Asheville area. 

You want an award-winning spa, pampering, and a fireplace as big as your house? This is your place! One of the best things about the Grove Park Inn is the amazing mountain views.

If you are into boutique hotels, you must visit The Restoration Hotel in downtown Asheville. Bonus, you don’t have to leave it if you don’t want to. The property features an impressive rooftop bar, a coffee bar, and two on-site restaurants. Oh, and they treated Bea and Rue like little princesses.

Foodies can rejoice! Downtown Asheville is a culinary playground. From farm-to-table restaurants to quirky food trucks, you can indulge in everything from gourmet delights to down-home Southern comfort food. For those of us who do not eat meat, this is your dining heaven! It’s like a full kitchen for the vegetarian and vegan in you with every single restaurant.

If you are looking for more of a glamping in a treehouse vibe, we highly suggest you consider Asheville Glamping. They have treehouses, and domes, and have some accommodations that are pet-friendly.

Boone

Boone, NC, isn’t just a dot on the map; it’s a vibrant hub cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and oh boy, does it have its own special flair! 

This adorable mountain town sits pretty at an elevation of around 3,300 feet, giving you breathtaking views and that crisp mountain air. The scenery here is like a painting that changes with the seasons, from vibrant fall foliage to winter wonderland.

If you’re an adventure seeker, Boone’s your perfect destination. Hiking, skiing, zip-lining—you name it, and the mountains around Boone deliver. Grandfather Mountain and the Blue Ridge Parkway are like the city’s extended playground.

Oh, and let’s not forget the Daniel Boone connection. Named after the legendary pioneer Daniel Boone, Boone, NC, carries a piece of American history. It’s like living in a town with a built-in story.

You must stay at The Horton Hotel while visiting Boone. Crafted by H.W. Horton in the 1920s, our historic structure pays homage to the rich traditions of our quaint town, offering a one-of-a-kind boutique experience. Originally, the Horton building served dual roles as a Studebaker dealership and the renowned Spainhour’s Department Store.

In addition to the 15 guestrooms, The Horton Hotel offers a rooftop bar and lounge presenting breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the nearby mountains and downtown area. This elevated haven is a favored destination for both locals and visitors, where a diverse array of craft cocktails, beer, and wine is served to elevate your experience.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is known as North Carolina’s Hallmark Town. Looking for a mix of small-town charm and mountain allure? Blowing Rock’s got you covered. 

So where do you stay? We recommend the Chetola Resort for the super deluxe situation. This place looks like it should be the feature of a Hallmark Movie… you know, the one where the family is going to be bought out by the big name resorts chain, but they find a way to keep the charm with some big event? Yeah, that’s the place. 

The Chetola Resort has an exclusive dining room (Timberlake’s Dining), a sport recreation offering for anyone, and it just has the best views, ever!

Cedar Mountain/Brevard

If you’re looking for a peaceful, private stay in the North Carolina mountains, Emerald Lake Retreat near Brevard is a standout.

Tucked just 0.8 miles from the Fawn Lake access to DuPont State Forest, this 41-acre property offers a true mountain escape, without being totally off the grid.

The retreat includes two full homes (The Lodge and The Cottage), along with two cozy one-bedroom cabins (The Laurel Cabin and The Rainbow Trout Cabin).

Each space includes a kitchen, fireplace, and outdoor area with lake or forest views. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants to unwind with hiking trails, paddleboarding, and a quiet, scenic lake right outside their door.

Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a wellness-focused reset, Emerald Lake has the space, the views, and the quiet you’re probably craving.

Cherokee 

For a bit of Native American culture and mountain tranquility, Cherokee is a great pick. You’re practically neighbors with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hiking trails, scenic drives, and the awe-inspiring beauty of one of America’s most visited national parks are at your doorstep.

If you are into the Casino thing, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort combines gaming excitement with top-notch entertainment, dining, and a luxurious stay. We think you should explore staying at the Great Smokies Inn. It offers rustic charm and makes you feel like you are getting involved with the true culture of the Cherokee Indians.

Hendersonville 

Fancy a more intimate experience? Hendersonville, NC is a delightful spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s sure to steal your heart! Why? Well, it is apple country! If you check out our list of the best orchards to go apple picking in the NC Mountains, Hendersonville ranks with the most orchards.

There is so much to do in Hendersonville. Hendersonville was home to the famous poet and writer Carl Sandburg. You can tour his historic home, wander through beautiful gardens, and soak in the literary vibes.

Nature lovers, get ready to be wowed. Hendersonville is a gateway to some stunning waterfalls. Check out places like Triple Falls and Hooker Falls for a dose of waterfall magic.

If you’re in the mood for some live entertainment, the Flat Rock Playhouse is a renowned regional theater that stages Broadway-style productions and musicals.

Hendersonville is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque Lake Lure. Enjoy the scenic beauty, take a boat tour, or just relax by the water; it’s a serene escape.

For our place to stay while doing all of these fun things, we want to tell you about The Horse Shoe Farm.

For a luxury stay with deep roots in local history, The Horse Shoe Farm is hard to top. Once a working farm, this expansive property has been reimagined as an upscale retreat that still holds onto its pastoral charm.

Guests can stay in beautifully renovated homes and cottages while enjoying standout amenities like The Stable Spa, one of the area’s top-rated wellness experiences, and The Silo Cookhouse, a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local flavors in a cozy, elevated setting.

Set on peaceful land just outside Hendersonville, the farm gives you space to breathe, plus the chance to visit with resident animals or simply take in the mountain views.

Whether you’re planning a spa weekend, a romantic getaway, or just need to unplug for a bit, The Horse Shoe Farm delivers a calming, thoughtful escape.

It’s a perfect blend of modern comfort and countryside soul, ideal for anyone craving relaxation without sacrificing a sense of place.

Foothills, NC

Don’t sleep on the foothills of the North Carolina Mountains. The Foothills, NC region includes areas like Hickory, Morganton, and Lenoir. These spots might not boast the dizzying heights of the mountains, but they’ve got their own appeal with picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and a slower pace of life.

We recommend the 2nd Street Inn in downtown Hickory if you are looking for quaint guest rooms that are quaint with a modern industrial flair, this is the perfect place for you. 2nd Street Inn is a historic building that has been renovated to be a fantastic suite with the comforts of home. It is within easy access to the main street downtown, outdoor activities, special events in the town square, and a short drive to the actual mountains. 

It’s a place where you can enjoy a bit of elevation without needing oxygen tanks, and where most things you want to do and see are within walking distance. 

So, if you’re ever craving a taste of the mountains without the full climb, the foothills are where it’s at!

Yadkin Valley

The Yadkin Valley is wine country in North Carolina. It is a massive river valley covering over 1.4 million acres of rolling foothills in the northwest part of the state. It stretches from the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the eastern edge of the Piedmont.

Everything you search for will tell you stay at a chain hotel on one of the vineyards, but let us tell you about a hidden gem that we simply adore and cannot keep a secret: Thousand Trails Forest Lake.

Forest Lake is like a little slice of paradise, sitting pretty on 306 acres of lush forests, green fields, and rolling hills in Advance, North Carolina. This campground isn’t just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent. It’s a haven along the banks of the Yadkin River. When we rolled in, we opted for one of their charming cabins, and let us tell you, it was the right choice!

Now, let’s talk activities. Forest Lake Campground isn’t playing around. They’ve got miles of trails that are practically begging for you to lace up those hiking boots or hop on a bike. It’s not just about getting your steps in; it’s about those zen moments you’ve been craving. We rolled Betty White around in her stroller, surrounded by nature, finding our inner peace. Yep, that’s the vibe at Forest Lake.

Charm and Coziness for Vacationing in the North Carolina Mountains

When it comes to choosing your ideal vacation spot in the North Carolina Mountains and the surrounding areas, options are abundant. Whether it’s a historic hotel in the small town of Boone, a charming inn in Hendersonville, or soaking in the cultural richness of a stay in Cherokee, each location offers a unique flavor for your getaway.

Some people want hot tubs, indoor pool, water sports, live music, and all the free wi-fi they can get. We want the experience of relaxation, adventure, rich history, and taking in the unique places hidden by most while visiting the NC Mountains.

Our perfect spot? We want to wake up to breathtaking views and relaxation at Forest Lake, explore vibrant downtowns like Asheville and Blowing Rock. Great things are to be seen and experienced in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. 

From outdoor adventures to cultural hotspots, these places to stay aren’t just accommodations; they’re your gateway to an unforgettable vacation experience. Pack your bags and enjoy the adventures! Remember, life is about the experiences, not the stuff.

Please note: Hurricane Helene devastated much of Western NC. Please call the locations you are interested in prior to visiting to make sure they have reopened, or plan to when you want to visit.

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions