Outer Banks
Located off the North Carolina coast and surrounded by 900 miles of water, these barrier islands are comprised of wildlife refuges, maritime forests, sand dune beaches, small romantic hotels and bustling seaside towns.
  
First Colony Inn
6720 S. Virginia Dare Trail, Milepost 16
Nags Head, Outer Banks,NC
T: +1 251 441-2343. 26 rooms. US$ 125-
www.firstcolonyinn.com
Historic shingle-style inn with wrap-around porches.

Roanoke Island Inn
305 Fernando St.
Manteo, Outer Banks, NC
T: +1 252-473-5511. 9 room b&b. US$ 118-
www.roanokeislandinn.com
On a large lot surrounded by gardens, it has expanded since the 1860's when it was the innkeeper's great-great-grandmother's beachfront cottage. In a quiet setting, yet only a block from Manteo's shops, restaurants and waterfront activity.


Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Lush southern Appalachian mountains with craggy peaks, noted fall color, and expansive views. A world heritage designated site.

The Swag Inn
Waynesville, North Carolina
T: +1 828 926-0430. 16 rooms. US$ 265-
www.theswag.com
Rustic inn with deluxe amenities sits on mountain ridgeline overlooking the Smoky Mountains.This romantic hotel is located 30 miles west of Asheville.


Asheville
Asheville sits in a pretty river valley between the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountain ranges. Made noteworthy in the art world by its Black Mountain College, a progressive experimental college - now just a museum - that's noted for the 1950's art icons (de Kooning, Twombly, Rauschenberg, Motherwell & more) and poets who taught there. The "Santa Fe of the east", downtown Asheville has over 30 art galleries and 50 restaurants. Also here and open for touring is the largest private residence ever built in the US - the Vanderbilt family's chateau-like Biltmore Estate.

1891 Cedar Crest Inn
674 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina
T: +1 (828) 252-1389. 9 rooms. US$ 145-
www.cedarcrestinn.com
Gracious southern hospitality is found at this romantic "Pink Lady" Victorian inn. The inn features fine woodwork, period antiques, a wrap-around porch, and four acres of lawn and gardens.