The Mountains Are Calling

… and three elevated hotels just a short drive from Raleigh are answering.

Raleigh temps have dropped down to the 60s recently, which can only mean one thing—fall is coming, and naturally, a trip to the mountains is in order. While summer travel meant beach trips, lake days and city escapes, fall calls for woodsy hikes and snuggling around a fire. Answering the call are three elevated hotels in the North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia mountains worthy of booking an autumn getaway around. So pack your bags, and prepare to *fall* in love. 

Mountain Mama
Blue Ridge Mountains, VA | Our Pick: Primland Resort

There’s def no feeling blue in the mountains when you follow country roads home to Primland Resort, a luxe Auberge Resorts Collection mountain retreat (read: the No. 1 rated resort in the Southeast U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler!) known for its idyllic outdoor recreation, from seasonal hunting and horseback riding to golfing at one of Virginia’s top championship golf courses—NTM trails aplenty for avid or beginner hikers. Once you’re all tuckered out, the Auberge Spa and a feast from one of the three on-site restaurants are sure to rejuvenate and restore. Essentially, those mountains are calling—and you better pick up. aubergeresorts.com/primland

Cue the Quirk
Pigeon Forge, TN | Our Pick: The Wayback Hotel

“Ordinary is overrated.” Get in tune with your “weird side” via this retro paradise in the heart of Eastern Tennesee’s quirky always-buzzing mountain town known for its fam-friendly attractions, award-winning shows, Smoky Mountain hikes/views and more. After all, there’s no fun in being normal. Here, three must-do’s in town. waybackhotel.com

Dollywood

Good golly, Miss Dolly! Channel “sweet summer lovin’” with over 50 world-class rides—plus exclusive shows, crafts, shopping and dining. dollywood.com

The Island

You’re on island time now. … Tennessee’s No. 1 attraction delivers fun for the whole fam in the form of carnival rides, arcade games, laser tag, ropes courses, a Ferris wheel and more—NTM local shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and a spa. islandinpigeonforge.com

Pigeon Forge Snow

No snow, no problem. America’s first indoor snow park offers year-round snow tubing in a cool 60–70-degree environment. So chill! pigeonforgesnow.com

Keep Calm & Get High
Highlands | Our Pick: Trailborn Highlands

Summit seekers, time to get high—and lost in the woods. Dubbed the “Aspen of the East,” the brand-new fully redesigned and renovated mountain resort tucked in the lush woods’ll have you changing your OOO to “find me never.” Bask in stunning Blue Ridge Mountains views with your morning coffee or afternoon tea around the lobby fireplace or in the gardens; take the plunge or sweat it out in the Nordic spa complete with a sauna and cold plunge showers; then devour a unique dining experience at the destination restaurant and bar located in a historic log cabin (anticipated to open by the end of September). And if you must leave the hotel, guided outdoor adventures like rock climbing, sunset hikes, fly-fishing and horseback trail riding aplenty await. Besides, life is always better with views. staytrailborn.com