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| Do you need a
recommendation of a great place to stay for your North Carolina mountain vacation? Are you looking for a special mountain cabin,
inn or NC Resort? We're here to help! The places on this North Carolina Favorites Page are just that - our favorites and
those of other mountain lovers. We have hand-selected all these Favorite
Places and add more to our list as we
find them or they are recommended.
If you have questions or need additional
information, just
email us anytime - and have a great
mountain vacation! |
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Knife and Fork Restaurant -
located at 61 Locust Street in downtown Spruce
Pine. A remarkable menu utilizing local foods
and products created by the top award-winning
chef of the 2011 WNC Chef's Challenge. Chef Nat
Allen and co-owner Wendy Gardner offer a simple
environment they call Provincial Country with a
sophisticated cuisine. Menus include daily
specials and a good variety of delectables from
a grilled trout sandwich to roasted beets and
rabbit rillettes. Knife and Fork in open for
lunch and dinner weekdays, dinner on Saturdays
and Sundays for Brunch. |
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Sweet Onion Restaurant in downtown
Waynesville
NC offers a good variety of good food with virtually everything on the menu
tasty and plentiful. You'll be ready for a long hike the next day. You MUST get
a side of mac 'n cheese, which should be called MAX and cheese, made
with ziti and a multi cheese blend that you can't stop eating. The trout is great too and
add a pleasant "happening" atmosphere and professional service and that makes it a favorite. |
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LaZoom Comedy Bus Tours - Our Favorite guided tour
because it's the funniest thing on wheels. The
tour shows you Asheville "with a twist". The daily
tour season runs from April 15 through October 31 with
special events, live comedy shows, live music and
holiday tours all year long. Get on the bus and laugh
your Asheville off! |
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Western North Carolina Nature Center
is a living museum of
plants and animals native to the Appalachian region and
our favorite place for kids of all ages to learn
about mountain wildlife. The Center's mission
is to increase public awareness and understanding of all
aspects of the natural environment of Western North
Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences. WNC
Nature Center strives hard to meet the needs of our
adopted 'critters' and our community. Each year we
welcome 100,000 visitors through our doors - of which
30,000 are school children attending the Nature Center
in conjunction with their classroom curriculum. |
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The Folk Art Center
Home base for the Southern Highland
Craft Guild, the Center is the hub of
traditional and contemporary mountain
art and crafts. Our favorite place to
see the best in current mountain craft
exhibits. With changing
exhibits in both the focus gallery and
the main gallery and the permanent
exhibit all styles are displayed.
Demonstrations and educational
opportunities are scheduled regularly.
The members shop is visited by thousands
of tourists and locals annually |
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Chimney Rock Park
Standing atop the Chimney Rock, a 500
million-year-old giant granite monolith
overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors
are awed by the breathtaking view that
spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them
and 75 miles across the Carolinas.
Our favorite events park whether
you're on your own, with your family or
a member of a large group. The
state-owned park, located in Chimney
Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000
acres, including the Chimney itself and
Hickory Nut Falls and the beautiful
Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is
a "must see" for any trip to the
mountains. |
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Larkins on the Lake and The Bayfront Grill - An award winning wine list and
creative cuisine which has been featured in numerous newspapers and television specials in
the Southeast. From the fresh mountain trout to the hand cut steaks and the tender ribs,
Larkin's will live up to your expectations of what a dining experience should be.
Located directly on Lake Lure - you can arrive by boat! |
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Favorite Place Highlight: |
The Grove Arcade is
an architectural marvel as well as an historic
landmark in downtown Asheville. Built by
E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the
Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929
and thrived until World War II as one of the
country's leading public markets. Today the Arcade
houses restaurants, specialty shops, galleries
and year around special events such as the the
Winter Wonderland and Gingerbread house Display
in December.
The Grove Arcade is located at
1 Page Avenue,
downtown Asheville NC. |
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Favorite Places to Stay (in no
particular order) |
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Mount Mitchell Vacation Rentals -
4 rentals from which to choose, all with unique
personalities. What makes this a favorite is they are everything they
advertise and more, and, the price is a
TOTAL PRICE, no surprise extra fees and additional taxes. And your hosts are just
plain great folks. Mountain view, golf course view or river view. 3-4 bedrooms, 1-3
baths. WIFI, fireplace, gas grill, Cable TV, Pet
Friendly,
riverfront, mountain view or on the golf course. $850 - $1050 TOTAL!
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BURNSVILLE NC |
Get photos, details
and availability |
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The Lion and the Rose Bed and Breakfast - . A beautifully
restored mansion offering rooms & suites with fireplaces, fridge, full GOURMET breakfast
WIFI, 24hr guest pantry, robes. The interior is loaded with antiques and original details.
Guests keep returning year after year to this exceptional place. You can walk to downtown
from the prime location in Asheville's historic Monford district. Rates are reasonable and the hosts are the best with
attention to every detail for quality and comfort. |
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ASHEVILLE NC
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See photos, details and reserve online |
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 Nantahala
River Lodge is a unique riverfront cabin directly on the Nantahala River
with
1400 feet of river frontage, privacy, quick access to area attractions, luxury
accommodations and world class fishing. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, flatscreen TV, and a beautiful interior decor.
Right outside the front door is the rushing
river and world-class fishing. Within walking
distance you'll find the Nantahala River Launch
Site where Class II and III whitewater rafting
begins, the Bartram Trail, and a paved path that
winds along the river bank. |
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BRYSON CITY NC |
See
cabin photos and availability |
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The River Lodge Bed & Breakfast
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A wonderful country setting but only minutes from attractions and Western
Carolina University.
You'll love the 800+ feet riverfrontage on the Tuckasegee River, the balconies,
porches, patio. This is "rustic elegance" at its
best with a waterfall on
site and daily gourmet breakfast with fresh ingredients
and handmade breads. |
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SYLVA -
CULLOWHEE |
See
Lodge photos and details |
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Incredible 50 mile views
from outside areas and inside rooms - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths,
sleeps up to 12. Nestled on the side of a
mountain with panoramic vistas. Hot tub,
hammock, HDTV, WIFI, children's playhouse and
playground, gas fireplace. 10 minutes to
downtown Asheville. $250 - $295
night, $1650 week. |
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ASHEVILLE NC
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Get details
and photos |
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 Dancing Stones
1800s restored Log Cabin on the Cherokee
Reservation.
Experience
history and heritage in this mountain view log cabin. Gas
fireplace, sleeping loft, waterfall fountain,
plenty of rocking chairs, cable TV/ DVD and full
kitchen. Near the Great Smoky Mountains National
Park. An Affordable Favorite at $75 night, $450
week. |
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CHEROKEE NC |
See cabin photos and availability |
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 Streamside vacation home on 82 acres - 3
bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Fish for trout
right outside your door and enjoy total
seclusion in the serene wooded setting. Newer cedar home
50 feet from Beech Creek, stocked trout waters. Hot tub, covered porch and open
deck with grill, fireplace, video games, onsite
hiking. $235 - $265 night, $1450 week. |
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BANNER ELK NC |
Learn more |
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 Ridgetop cabin getaway with mountain views -
Favorite hammock view in the mountains! 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,
sleeps up to 6. Covered and open deck with
stunning mountain views, rockers,
hammock and gas grill. Wood-burning fireplace.
Onsite hiking and waterfall. $180 - $200
night, $1300 week. |
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BAT CAVE - CHIMNEY ROCK |
See cabin photos and get rental rates |
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 Vacation rental with view of Black Mountain-
Favorite affordable views with a classic
mountain getaway. 2
bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Beautiful view of
the Swannanoa Valley and Black Mountain. Relax
and renew in this comfortable cabin with stone
fireplace. $100-$125 night, $625-$650
week. |
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BLACK MOUNTAIN
NC |
Get cabin details |
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 Beautiful sunsets at this mountain cottage
- A favorite location convenient to all
the High Country cities and attractions. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Beautiful
pasture to mountains view, covered deck with
grill and hammock, fireplace, WIFI, lots of
peace and quiet. Located minutes to shops and
restaurants. $219 night, $1025 week. |
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BLOWING ROCK NC |
Get photos and rental availability |
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Nantahala Lake home rental with dock -
A Lakefront vacation rental
favorite because it includes the
boat and lots of family fun. 4 bedrooms,
3.5 baths, sleeps up to 12. Fish and ski boat,
paddle boat, canoe, and two kayaks
available. Private dock, covered decks, gas grill,
pool table, fireplace, WIFI. $290 - $375 night,
$1600 - $4400 week . |
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Nantahala NC |
see photos and availability |
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Murphy Log Cabin
Rental - Our
favorite style of contemporary clog
cabin with lots of natural wood and
views to the outside mountains. 3 bedrooms 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Wonderful mountain
views, game room with air hockey, fireplace, lots of deck. On
2 acres in gated community, easy access.
$85
- $95 night, $600 - $665 week. |
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MURPHY NC |
get details and availability |
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Mountain views and waterfall -
A favorite for privacy in a
natural setting but an easy
drive to area attractions. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleeps 6.
Wonderful mountain views and
only a short walk to Hebron
Falls. Deck with gas grill,
fireplace, DVD and video
library, located on 12 acres
with trails and easy
access only 6.1 miles to Blowing
Rock and 8.4 miles to Boone.
$180 night, $990 - $1300 week. |
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BLOWING ROCK NC |
Check current rates and availability |
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Upscale log Cabin rental with waterfall and
streams - Favorite use of
natural on site materials. 2 bedrooms plus loft, 2 baths, sleeps
6. 20' stacked river rock fireplace, large
covered deck, garden, hammock and streams.
Seating at the waterfall. WIFI. $200 - $250
night, $995 - $1150 week. Located mid-way
between Brevard and Sapphire Valley. |
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BREVARD NC |
See photos and check availability |
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Luxury Lakefront Cottages -
Our favorite esthetic with amazing
interior decoration combining luxury
with total comfort all in beautiful
lakefront settings. 4 Luxury lakefront Cottages with private
docks, canoe, awesome lake to mountain views. 3-6
bedrooms, 2-5 baths,
luxurious bedding & linens, fireplace, rustic elegance decor,
lakeside hammock, WIFI. 185-$425nt, $1100-$7000wk |
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CASHIERS -
GLENVILLE |
See cottage photos and rental details |
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Creek-front Contemporary Cabin
- Favorite for family play in the woods. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Fish for trout
or play in the creek right in your own backyard.
Hot tub, creekside hammock, charcoal grill,
firepit, fishing poles, "beach" area at creek.
Located in between Andrews and
Murphy. $125 night, $650 week. |
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ANDREWS NC |
Check availability |
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NC
Mountain City Guides
Get everything you need
on ONE easy to use page for
each of our 50+ NC mountain cities.
We've done the searching so you don't
have to.
Find a locator map, cabin and
vacation rentals, Inns, camping,
restaurants, maps, weather, attractions,
outdoor activities, galleries, shops and
more.
CLICK
HERE |
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Favorite things to do: |
 The Blue Ridge Parkway
The word "BREATHTAKING" was surely made to
describe the experience of traveling the nation's longest scenic rural
parkway. With dozens of scenic overlooks and hiking trails there are endless
opportunities to see and feel the magic
of the NC mountains. You can spend a few
hours, the entire day of take a week to
journey from one end to the other with
stops along the way at lodging and
restaurants on or near the Parkway. |
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Sandy Bottom Trial Rides
Fresh mountain air, breath-taking scenery and an old
fashioned down-home friendliness greet you when you visit family-owned (for
4 generations) Sandy Bottom
Trail Rides. Enjoy a leisurely ride on picturesque trails
over mountain ridges and through scenic meadows and wooded areas.
Rides are
designed for all ages and horseback riding abilities
with no
weight limits, and the flexible to meet your needs, including wagon and
buggy rides. |
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 Mt Mitchell State Park
is located off The Blue Ridge Parkway at Marker
#355 between Asheville and Little Switzerland. There are a few places in the world that still stand apart
from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of
low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. At an
elevation of 6684, is the highest peak in the Black Mountains and in
the East. The park offers overnight rustic
camping, picnic areas, trails and breathtaking views
from a height above the clouds.
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 Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education located in
ta pristine setting in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Penland Craft Gallery is
one of the best contemporary craft galleries in
the United States and offers student and
instructor exhibits as well as local
professional works for sale. The school campus
is surrounded by artist studios open for self-guided tours and purchase of their
art and craft products. Penland offers one, two, and eight-week workshops in books &
paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood.
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 The Orchard at Alta Pass
on The Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 328.3. Over 100 years old, the
Orchard and its "apple house" sit right on the Parkway providing some of the most amazing scenery in
North Carolina. You can purchase REAL apples from a REAL orchard without all
the "spit and polish" that leaves you wondering
what you're eating. The Orchard serves as an
Appalachian cultural and historical center
celebrating the people, music, art, and natural
beauty with live "music and more" Wed - Sun, May
through the first week in November. |
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Biltmore
- America's" Castle" was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt and is preserved and
maintained today by his descendants. With
interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms,
65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive
collection of art and period furnishing it is
one of the East's most popular attractions. Once
a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now
includes a winery; trails, gardens & grounds to
explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm,
a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler
Village. Plan on spending at least one full day
or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to
offer. |
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River Arts District is a special place FULL of creativity and positive
thinking! Old warehouse and factories that were once abandoned, blighted and forgotten
have now been transformed into a hub of art and environmental activity. The core of the
area is a concentration of art and craft studios and galleries with year around open
studios and demonstrations, plus special events. As the District has grown restaurants
have opened, including Smoky Bones, a favorite of the Obamas and a micro-brewery, Wedge
Brewery. Get calendars, maps and details for artists, studios and tours. |
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The Corner Kitchen
Restaurant has been a favorite with both locals and visitors virtually since the day the doors opened.
It's often the "little things" that count and in this case the homemade vegetable chips added to lunchfare are truly the best chips on
the planet. But then, they'd have to be great to get noticed alongside the rest of the remarkable menu. It's hard to find a place you don't want to eat in Asheville, but put this one at the top of your list.
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Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Established by Congress in November 2003, the
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (Trail)
recognizes and celebrates the natural abundance and richly varied cultural
history of the North Carolina mountains. The Heritage
"trail" includes Agricultural, Craft, Cherokee heritage, Music and Natural heritage
components. |
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NC
Favorite Mountain Places
