While colder temps make it easy to fall into a routine of staying in your jammies and binge watching your favorite shows on Netflix, we suggest you embrace the change of seasons and escape to one of these cozy North Carolina destinations during the winter months. There’s no time like the present to plan your next escape!
5 Cozy Places to Get Away This Winter
Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804 • (828) 252-2711
After a day of exploring the eclectic town of Asheville, warm up by one of Grove Park’s several stone fireplaces. Guests can also enjoy incredible panoramic views of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains from the Inn’s expansive veranda. Just in case you aren’t sold yet, how about soaking in an underground mineral pool and getting pampered at their award-winning spa? For more information, click here.
The beautiful entryway of the Grove Park Inn | Image: Grove Park Inn
Chetola Resort
185 Chetola Lake Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 • (828) 295-5500
Located in the quaint mountain town of Blowing Rock, the Chetola Resort was established in 1846 and has been one of N.C.’s go-to lodges ever since. Get outside and take in the fresh mountain air on a walk around Chetola’s 87 acres, or spend the day on the nearby slopes of Beech Mountain. Make sure to get dinner reservations at the historic Manor House for an upscale dining experience with dishes like pan-seared duck and roasted Carolina quail. This year, Chetola is offering a Mountain Holiday Special through the end of the year. For more information, click here.
A peek at one of Chetola’s rooms overlooking the lake | Image: Chetola Resort
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
100 Woodland Pond Drive, Cary, NC 27513 • (919) 447-4000
The Umstead Hotel and Spa brims with Southern charm and offers guests a peaceful retreat with its serene surroundings and luxurious accommodations. There’s no reason to leave the property — guests can get cozy in their room in one of the hotel’s pillow-top beds or deep-soaking tubs and take advantage of 24-hour concierge services. If you want to get outside, you can meander around the property’s tranquil three-acre lake or take a ride on one of their complimentary bikes (if it’s not too cold, of course). The hotel is also known for its impressive five-star restaurant run by James Beard-nominated chef Steven Greene. For more information, click here.
Relax under a cozy blanket by the fire | Image: The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main St., Highlands, NC 28741 • (866) 526-8008
Located right on Main Street in Highlands, N.C., Old Edwards Inn is the ultimate place to go for a cozy getaway. With top-of-the-line accommodations like heated marble bathroom floors, rainfall showers and luxurious French linens in each room, it’s no wonder Business Insider named it the Best Hotel in N.C. From start to finish you’ll enjoy your stay and won’t want to leave the property. Guests are greeted with a bubbly champagne welcome upon arrival, and there are three heated, outdoor mineral pools on-site to take advantage of. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? For more information, click here.
We can’t imagine anything more relaxing than sitting by the fire at Old Edwards Inn. Image: Gil Stose Photography
The Fearrington House Inn
2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC 27312 • (919) 542-2121
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life at The Fearrington House Inn, located on an estate full of peaceful pastures and colorful gardens surrounded by forest. The elegant and secluded retreat offers guests the feeling of being disconnected from the outside world while still providing upscale dining, spa treatments and rich amenities. The Inn’s suites even include fireplaces if you really want to get cozy. Each morning guests can enjoy a gourmet breakfast. For more information, click here.
It’s hard to leave a room this comfy! Image: The Fearrington House Inn
Enjoy your cozy getaway this winter!
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Find more fabulous seasonal escapes in our “Travel” section. From Southern destinations to adventures abroad, we have ideas for every kind of traveler!