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These hotels are worth booking a summer vacation around, serving as muses for ideal trip itineraries—from the mountains to the coast and everything in between.
No longer just places to throw your bags or rest your head—or get up at 4am before they lock the yogurt fridge—hotels have become destinations in their own right. Leaning into “retreat” as part of the experience, these beacons of hospitality are local identifiers and proud gateways to their surrounds. About so much more than where you stay when you’re away, they are a reason to travel all their own—which is precisely why we handpicked them as muses for ideal trip itineraries. Running the gamut from retro to mod and motor lodge to tower, we present a host of hospitality selects for every style and budget you’re gonna want to book your next trip around—from mountains to coast and everywhere in between—plus precisely what to do once you check-in to your hotel. We even crossed state lines and curated a dozen reasons to escape in place for a staycation sojourn. So whether you’ve gotta fast car or a ticket to anywhere, let this guide take you there. Because, baby, we were born to roam.
Photo courtesy of NC Crystal Coast
Southern Charm
Beaufort, NC | Our Pick: Pecan Tree Inn
BRB, this B&B has us living out our best Jane Eyre life. If you’d “always rather be happy,” the 1866 schoolhouse converted Victorian-style inn housing all the signature Beau-fert charm and history is calling you to “America’s Favorite Town.” Besides daily tea service (natch), on-property wine shop and ever-apropos music lessons, a maritime of marvels beyond its walls await. Peel yourself from your porch perch (or don’t—no judgment) for some coastal culture at the NC Maritime Museum; schedule some retail therapy at the famed boutique shopping; or park it at NC’s most visited Fort Macon State Park for some birdwatching (300+ species!) and dolphin spotting. Or just go with the flow via ferry rides, paddleboarding and kayaking (bonus encounters with wild horses frolicking in the dunes or dolphins swimming alongside you likely)—then post up waterfront to watch the boats drift by. And, of course, it ain’t Beaufort without the beach and coastal eats. For chews and brews with views, regulars dock it at Front Street Grill, Black Sheep and 34 North Restaurant. Sea la vie! pecantree.com
Photos courtesy of The Burrus House Inn
Coastal Cool
Manteo | Our Pick: The Burrus House Inn
“The Outer Banks… paradise on Earth.” John B. said it best—the world is def your oyster in the quaint coastal home of the first official English settlement. Buff up on your Colonial knowledge with one of the myriad historic walking tours to get schooled on stories of pirates and the Underground Railroad; or swap history for mystery and discover a “new world” at The Lost Colony of Roanoke. After working up an appetite traipsing around town, dig into the city’s cool culinary digs with a seafood sampler (Blue Water Grill and O’Neal’s Sea Harvest are local faves), then embark on a sip sesh at Outer Banks Distilling (the Kill Devil Rum is a must). Once you’re ready to settle in for the night, the sophisticated coastal grandmother-esque Burrus House Inn on the water awaits with daily social hours serving wine and cheese, panoramic sunrise/sunset views, and complimentary bikes. Paradise found, indeed. burrushouse.com
Photos courtesy of hotel
Let There Be Light
Kure Beach | Our Pick: The Lighthouse Kure Beach
The “kure” for summertime blues found via this Pleasure Island paradise. Blow past the populous high-energy vibes of Wrightsville and Carolina Beach to choose your own quieter coastal adventure. Trade frown lines for tan lines and bask in the sunshine at the beach; throw in a line or two from one of the East Coast’s oldest at Kure Beach Fishing Pier; connect with nature with a guided kayak tour at Zeke’s Island Reserve; or channel your inner Steve Erwin at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. And no matter where the day takes you, stay lit with an overnight at newly reno’d boutique hotel The Lighthouse, offering ocean views from every room. … Alexa, queue “Ocean Eyes” by Billie Eilish. kurelighthouseinn.com
Cove photo by Organic Digital Design, courtesy of hotel
Waterfront Escape
Wilmington | Our Pick: The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Life’s better on the water—period. Boat life meets boutique hotel life at these stationary houseboats on the Cape Fear River, where a charming riverwalk stroll takes you to the heart of all downtown Wilmington has to offer. From ~water-full~ eats and drinks to daytime/nightime entertainment to arts and culture stops and more, you really can have it all—with awe-inspiring views no less. And we’ll all float on OK… thecovewilmington.com
SIP/SUP
Shape up those sea legs at Seabird; sip some suds at the city’s only floating bar and restaurant Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill; and nightcap it at The Blind Elephant. Then, for a boost, stay caffeinated via joe from Hidden Grounds or Drift (pro tip: That breakfast burrito is the ultimate hangover cure).
SHOP
Shopping cardio is the best cardio (!). Step off those culinary cals and strike gold at various flea shops and vintage marketplaces, where the thrill of the hunt is a treasure in itself. There’s no doubt you’ll find a hidden gem or two within the 6,000-square-foot Antiques of Old Wilmington—or shop till you drop at The Cotton Exchange’s 30 specialty stores. Challenge accepted.
SOUND OFF
Get your groove on at Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park via a stacked setlist of summer shows—think Slightly Stoopid (July 27), Train (Aug. 11) and Band of Horses (Sept. 2). A “casual party” awaits!
Hump Day Home
Winston-Salem | Our Pick: Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
Welcome to Camel City! Southern charm meets modern spunk at the swanky Cardinal Hotel located within the historic art deco-inspired Reynolds Building, aka the former home of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company HQ—and the architectural inspo for the Empire State Building (!). When hunger strikes, head downstairs to The Katharine to sample a unique blend of French and Southern fare (think tartare, escargot and other quintessential brasserie eats) paired with a craft cocktail or sparkling wine. And “mischief is never far” with Incendiary Brewing and Camel City BBQ Factory just a short stroll away. … Or, save the drama for a vino tasting or light hike with furry friends at winery-meets-llama farm Divine Llama Vineyards. Hey, where there’s wine, there’s a way! thecardinalhotel.com
Queen City Ish
Charlotte | Our Pick: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte
For the royal treatment, look no further than Raleigh’s modern sister metropolis where big-city vibes aplenty thrive among the bevy of award-winning bars and restaurants, outdoor adventures, concerts, museums, and other attractions. Further lap in the luxury via NC’s only (!) The Ritz-Carlton hotel, offering *suite* experiences like a rooftop garden, spa and tasting room—to name but a few on-site points of interest. OK, queen! ritzcarlton.com
| The Crown Jewels | The Place to Be | Vibe Check | Fun Fact |
| Sports | Bank of America Stadium for Charlotte FC | Game face: on. Cheer on CLT’s soccer stars as they #BuildTheLegacy. | The team joined MLS as a member of the Eastern Conference in 2022. |
| Eats | Supperland | “Southern steakhouse meets church potluck” at this restored midcentury church boasting a whimsical menu. | To really get in the spirit, you can reserve a spot at Supperland Speakeasy. |
| Drinks | Humbug | With an MO of “always delicious, never pretentious,” rest assured there’s no humbug activity here. | Named after a now-defunct magazine from the ’50s |
| Retail | Atherton Mill and Market | Come for the shops (from Anthropologie to Sephora and more), stay for the Saturday farmers market and other events. | The reinvented mill was formerly used as a streetcar station platform. |
| Arts + Culture | Museum of Illusions | You won’t believe your eyes—literally—as you make your way through unique visual and sensory experiences. | MOI is the first new museum to open in CLT in 10 years—and boasts 60–80 illusions. |
A Getaway to Remember
New Bern | Our Pick: The Harvey
A prominent fixture of Nicholas Sparks books, the picturesque town nestled along the Neuse River promises an, ahem, novel experience. In addition to its literary roots, The Birthplace of Pepsi also offers myriad dining, drinking, shopping and sightseeing ops. To rest up for your fully-booked itinerary, cozy up at The Harvey, an historical e-boutique hotel (read: no front desk) that leans into history and “redefines sophistication” with spacious bathrooms, balconies overlooking the town and artwork inspired by the natural world. Dreamland delivered. harveync.com
- Outdoor ed: East Coast Greenway, 2 River Cruises, Banx Watersports
- Textbook vacay: The Birthplace of Pepsi, Tyron Palace, New Bern Battlefield Park
- Lover’s leap: Persimmons, A Walk to Remember Tour, Cork Wine Bar & Bistro
Keeping It Mainstream
Washington, NC | Our Pick: Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast Inn
Fun fact: NC boasts the first township to honor the first U.S. president in its namesake (!). Founded in 1776 at the junction of the Tar and Pamlico rivers, the “original Washington” is the gateway to the second largest estuary on the East Coast—and boasts wildlife and water views for days. Happiness comes in waves with waterfront walks, boating (oh, sail, yes!), swimming and sunning. Life’s a beach—er, river! elmwood1820.com
Come sail away: Feeling knotty? Test some time on the tiller at the Little Washington Sailing School, or paddle over to Castle Island to sun and swim. Find balance: Get bendy at an Inner Banks Outfitters paddleboard yoga class. Stay dry: Towel off and take a hike or get hooked by dropping a line at Goose Creek State Park. History lesson: Souvenirs from American trials and tribulations litter the town, including a cannonball stuck in the side of the Marsh House (really). Wash it all down: Sip on a boozy bev from bank-turned-bar/restaurant/distillery The Hackney, or scream for ice cream at Main Street Scoops. Catch some z’s: Rest up after a day of sightseeing with supper and a soak in a vintage tub at Elmwood 1820 Bed & Breakfast, the reigning “architectural crown jewel” of the town for over two centuries.
Photos courtesy of hotel
Hopping Around
Asheville | Our Pick: Princess Anne Hotel
In Asheville, imbibing is serious business. Work up a thirst by taking a hike or hitting up the mountain town’s largest summer music and arts festival, AVLFest (Aug. 1–4); then crawl through the many breweries (Wicked Weed Brewing and Burial Beer Co. are faves), rooftop bars (The Roof at The Radical promises a, well, rad time), wine bars (hey, Botanist and Barrel!) and dives. Our fave: Dive bar-meets-riverfront oasis Getaway River Bar extends chill vibes via the best of both worlds. Post sips-sesh, the charming Princess Anne Hotel awaits for a B&B-like retreat with all the accommodations of home without any of the responsibility. We see you, made-to-order brekkie in the morning. It’s called balance, sweetie. princessannehotel.com
Appalachian Awe
Boone | Our Pick: Rhode’s Motor Lodge
Camping—but make it a motor lodge… and one of the “coolest new hotels in America” per the likes of Travel + Leisure, Garden & Gun, The Boston Globe… you get the point. Set life on rewind without sacrificing conveniences via this drive-up motor inn-meets-boutique hotel experience that reimagines your Boone vacay while positioning you right in the heart of High Country—whether for trekking the former stomping grounds of country kings Luke Combs and Eric Church for, ahem, a “hell of a view;” boarding the fam to Tweetsie Railroad; blowing off some steam at Blowing Rock (whitewater rafting, wineries, spas—oh, my!); taking on the lodge’s expert-guided hikes and fly-fishing trips… or just setting up camp, cuppa in hand, from your porch Adirondack against the fire pit. But were you even in Boone if you didn’t join the mile-high club (the Mile High Swinging Bridge—America’s highest suspension footbridge that literally swings—that is)? Hey, all roads lead here for a reason. rhodesmotorlodge.com
Holy Smokes
Bryson City | Our Pick: Lakeview at Fontana
Lake life meets mountain life at this almost-too-good-to-be-true Smoky Mountain spa resort where staying ~high~ equals an aromatic open-air treetop soak within a completely private cabana boasting amazing views (you read that right). If they can get you out of the mountainside pool (yep, they have that too!), venture beyond the peaceful inn for picture-perfect vistas of wildflowers, waterfalls and other ’Grammable scenery best seen by hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or by ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. When you’re ready to ~wine~ down, swig some vino and snack on a fresh Amish cheese board while taking in panoramics at Deep Creek Winery. Ah, feels like heaven. lakeviewatfontana.com
Weekend Wanderlust
Robbinsville | Our Pick: Snowbird Mountain Lodge
Book a “coolcation” sans the polar temps (aka where the highest July temps barely break 80) a la Snowbird, tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains just a stone’s throw from Lake Santeetlah. For more altitude, less attitude, pick your path from lush trails to winding creeks—then unwind in the relaxing retreat. Here, your ideal weekend itinerary—“so you can come as you are and leave as you’re meant to be.” Read: Less time planning and more time peaking. snowbirdlodge.com
Easy like summer morning: No Wi-Fi, best connection. Ease into those “lost in the woods” feels over panoramic deck views and a page-turner from the lobby library.
Chase waterfalls or adrenaline: Escalate your adventure via the scenic route off Cherohala Skyway for 90-foot cascading Bald River Falls—or go wild with some whitewater rafting and zip-line tours at Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Lake life: I dip, you dip, we dip—or remain afloat—at nearby Lake Santeetlah, perf for canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and beyond.
Take a hike: Equal opportunity (early risers 🤝 night owls) hikes abound with trails threaded throughout the lodge property. Pro tip: Lookout points are ideal for golden hour.
Tail of the Dragon: Go free range on the 11-mile 318-curve Route 129—aka a hotbed for hot rods (think moto and sports car enthusiasts). Dramamine encouraged for gut checks.
Refuel fireside: Simmer down for the day with a handcrafted cold one, local brew or one (or three) sips from the ~500 handpicked vinos at rustic Fireside Bar.
Wine & dine: Four-course fresh feast with Smoky views? Say less. See you at The Dining Room.
Get social: Swap Bravo Summer House drama for cozy fireplace vibes and new friends at Snowbird’s Summer House.
Cash In
Cashiers | Our Pick: Hotel Cashiers
Fun fact: This romantic retreat is so deep in the mountains that the area is considered a “census-designated place” rather than a town (!). After taking in the rural gems (peep the former smallest post office in the U.S.), prowl over to Panthertown Valley, the “Yosemite of the East” boasting over 6,000 acres of backcountry wilderness and trails nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smokies (read: Ancestral Cherokee grounds). In need of more mountain air? Ignore TLC and do go chasing waterfalls (and rivers and lakes!) at Whitewater Falls, which plunges ~400 feet over the mountainside and reigns as the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. After a long day of outdoor adventuring, treat yo’self with a cold one at Whiteside Brewing Company, and close out your day in the true mountain way with a bonfire and friends at Hotel Cashiers. Sounds, ahem, fire. hotelcashiers.com
Hooked on Hookville
Charlottesville, VA | Our Pick: Keswick Hall
For summer and chill, there’s “Charlotte” with the “ville.” Lap up quiet luxury with a seamless stay at this blissful retreat—what with its Forbes five stars (soft flex), three-star Michelin chef (hard flex) and champion golf course (on-par flex). But if you’re lookin’ to add some rev to the R&R, top stops should include sips through Virginia’s wine country (Pippin Hill, King Family, Veritas and Barboursville are go-tos); off-the-beaten-path local fave Duner’s; Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello (because ’Merica, duh); peak pours (and views) at the Quirk hotel rooftop bar; an alfresco hang at the Historic Downtown Mall for street vendors, boutiques and dining aplenty (s/o Bizou and The Whiskey Jar); and, when in the ’ville, a UVA walking tour (she’s a beaut!)—and barhop for the brave. Then bring it home to the Hall for a spa sesh, on-property pickleball or dip in the picture-perfect pool. See, Virginia really is for lovers. keswick.com
All the Riches
Richmond | Our Pick: Quirk Hotel
Stay quirky and classy via an enriching jaunt to River City, named after the 348-milelong James River that twists through VA’s cap city, also popular for its walkable eccentric museums, galleries and breweries. Call artsy Quirk Hotel home base, which—aside from the on-site Q Rooftop bar and Quirk Gallery—provides a pretty-in-pink stay for you and Fido (OK, pooch package!). After Sarah James Barker is settled in, waltz the grounds of the Virginia Museum of Fine Art, or keep it casual (and bring your pup) to embark on the “ultimate walkable brewery crawl” through Scott’s Addition. Then, bring it home with a taste of James Beard-nominated L’Opossum’s affinity for cocktails, French cuisine and being wild at heart. Je t’aime! quirkhotels.com
Give a Dam
Greenville, SC | Our Pick: Grand Bohemian Lodge
Yeah, that Greenville. You know the one—a perfectly midsize up-and-coming city centered around a breathtaking waterfall (an attraction in its own right) that effortlessly blends natural excursions with primo culinary marvels, award-winning sips, and arts and culture gems. In short, a feast for the senses—no matter what type of traveler you may be. Hot, dam! kesslercollection.com
Fall in love: One look at the Reedy River Falls and you’ll be head over heels—and take a picture, it’ll last longer. Take a walk: GVL’s extensive Swamp Rabbit Trail boats 28 miles of greenway for walking and biking, traversing through several parks and other hot spots. Drink up: Beer lovers are gonna wanna giddy on up to Yee-Haw Brewing Co., while rooftop resto/bar Juniper is guaranteed to lift your spirits. Entering euphoria: Happiness found via this four-day foodie fest Sept. 19–22 spotlighting 200+ chefs, bev professionals and musicians. Luxury lodgings: A boutique experience awaits at the Grand Bohemian via on-site upscale cuisine and cocktails, a tranquil spa, art gallery and more—with gorge views of the falls to boot.
Hammock Time
Georgetown, SC | Our Pick: The George Hotel
Costanza, Clooney, Washington… adding to a roster of iconic Georges—and with equal relevance and rizz—boutique newcomer The George Hotel unfurls a whole new way to experience one of SC’s oldest cities. For a seaport slumber situated along the storied waterfront straight out of a Nicholas Sparks book, tuck in to boutique luxury in Georgetown’s Historic District hideaway on the Hammock Coast—the quintessential Lowcountry stretch between Charleston and Myrtle Beach boasting the Palmetto State’s most pristine award-winning beaches. OK, George… we see you swayin’. thegeorgehotelsc.com
Pier to plate: Get low on some classic Lowcountry cuisine and shuck among yourselves with a vintage oyster plate at The Independent—or get hooked on Southern seafood dockside at River Room Restaurant. Safe harbor: Soak in the sights, sips and shops from America’s Best Coastal Small Town on a Georgetown Harborwalk stroll along the Sampit River. Par excellence: Fairway to heaven found. Let out your inner Tiger Woods and tee up for some of the best golf in the U.S.—par none. Gone fishing: It is that deep. Score *reel* impressive catches via Silver Tuna Sport Fishing deep-sea fishing adventures. Feelin’ nauti: Drop an oar on a guided kayak tour of the beaut that is the Black River—and its enchanting cypress swamps!—with Black River Outdoors Center.
Chuck It
Charleston, SC | Our Pick: The Restoration Charleston
Our summer crush is Chuck(town)… and he’s pullin’ out all the stops for the summer fling. therestorationhotel.com
Restore Yourself
If Carrie Bradshaw had a Charleston crash pad, this would be it. Positioned off King Street with two distinct stay ops, the choose-your-own-adventure historic The Restoration will lull you, woo you and restore you with spacious hotel suites or homey one- and two-bedroom suites—then send you off into the bosom of the retail district to shop, eat and drink your heart out. (Jimmy Choos not recommended.)
Le Rooftops
You haven’t seen The Holy City until you’ve seen it from a roof. Find perspective at a range of rooftops—from the vibey The Vendue to a lookout from The Watch, you’ll no doubt be living on a prayer.
Horsin’ Around
Less corny, more living out your The Notebook fantasy (set in nearby Seabrook = close enough), find the Noah to your Allie and slow hoof it around the Holy while you get schooled on history, like the “haint” Carolina blue piazza ceiling paint that spooks the ghosts. Oh, and those famed ghost tours are worth a scare too.
Dine Like Kings
Chuck 🤝 James… Beard that is. The Southern short king has no shortage of celebrated—and celebrity—spots worth a nosh. Musts include Fig, Millers All Day, XO Brasserie, Rancho Lewis + Lewis Barbecue, 167 Raw, Leon’s, The Darling. … Basically, Chuck’s a total food mood.
Culture Vultures
It really is a colorful life. From Rainbow Row and Pineapple Fountain to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum (and water taxis while you’re at it), endless ops abound for cutting to the regal city’s historic bones.
To Market
Chuck has all the spoils—and promises to spoil you. From boujee boutiques to the famed City Market vendors, even the “I don’t shop” types will wanna take in some retail cardio.
So Savvy
Savannah, GA | Our Pick: Perry Lane Hotel
Life is like a box of chocolates indeed at Georgia’s sweetest coastal city, where cobblestone streets, Spanish moss-covered oak trees and antebellum architecture elicit enchanting fairy tale vibes—echoed within the charming Perry Lane Hotel, what with its elegant rooms, innovative dining ops and botanical rooftop oasis serving views for days. NTM Sav’s biggest draw: Its open-container policy—meaning you can stay sippin’ with a traveler from any bar, restaurant or hotel and along any trolley/walking tour… or while just perusing the scores of shops along Broughton or River streets (pralines at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen are a nonnegotiable). Here, five must-dos to stay savvy beyond the sip ’n’ stroll. perrylanehotel.com
⚾️ Savannah Bananas game: Go bananas for “fans first” baseball—aka a-peel-ing entertainment in the form of dances and other antics.
🍽️ The Olde Pink House: Think pink for an elevated Southern dining affair feat. fried green tomatoes, Lowcountry she-crab soup, crispy lobster tail, pan-seared salmon and the like.
👻 Haunted pub crawl: Booze and boos collide in this combo ghost tour and pub crawl feat. double the spirits.
🍦Leopold’s Ice Cream: Did you even go to one of the “World’s Friendliest Cities” if you didn’t get a treat from this nee-1919 sugary scoop haven? No. No you did not.
⛲️ Forsyth Park splash: Do it for the obligatory “when in Savannah” pic—and to say you were at the setting of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. P.S. Nearby Chippewa Square is also the site of the park bench scenes in Forrest Gump.
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We are honored to be featured alongside so many other unique and gorgeous destinations in NC! Thanks for including us, Raleigh Magazine team! -The Cove team