If you're planning a getaway, you can go the normal route and book a room at a traditional hotel, or you can be adventurous and spend the night in one of North Carolina's many unique overnight options. From glamping in a yurt, to soaking in a hot tub beside an Airstream, even sleeping with the fishes miles off the coast - these 10 rentals take booking a weekend away to the next level.
1. A floating cabin
While we mainly think of cabins as tucked into the woods or beside a lake, how about floating and spending the night...in the middle of a lake? While Fontana Lake is known for its lively houseboats, there's also floating cabin options, some sleeping up to eight guests. Jump off the front porch for a swim, catch dinner and toss it right into the kitchen, even enjoy stunning sunsets from every which way you turn; you can have that in this wildly unique stay. For information on floating cabins found from North Carolina's coast to mountains, read our comprehensive guide here.
2. Frisco Beach
Many of us dream of falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to a vibrant beach sunset and camping at Frisco Beach will give you just that. Pitch a tent next to the dunes or catch your own dinner, make sure to visit before fall to see the legendary Frisco Beach Fishing Pier one last time. For other amazing campgrounds where no reservation is required, read our article here.
3. Treehouse plus wine
Treehouses take us back to our younger days and inspire a childlike sense of wonder. It's no surprise Treehouse Vineyards honed in on that aspect, while adding an adult twist - wine produced on the property. Treehouse Vineyards boasts award-winning wines while offering two overnight treehouses for rentals and one day rental perfect for getting a group together at one of their many events, like live music! Nestle in the trees and sip some vino, sounds like the perfect late summer and early fall getaway. For more information on Treehouse Vineyards, read our article here.
4. In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
Thirty four miles off the coast of North Carolina is the most unique bed and breakfast, perhaps in America. Frying Pan Tower once operated as a Coast Guard light station to guide ships through the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Today, Frying Pan Tower has been maintained and renovated by a group of dedicated volunteers. While still instilling original touches the first residents might have encountered, you'll find eight bedroom, a stainless steel kitchen, hot showers, full electricity and a recreation room. Getting to the tower requires a boat or helicopter, and it might cost you a pretty penny per night to stay here (with a four day adventure package ranging around $600) but if you have the funds and adventurous spirit to do so, it's a major bucket list item. For more information on Frying Pan Tower, read our article here.
5. A funky and fun seaside motel
The Caribbe Inn is a quintessential beach hotel that combines the nautical whismy of a 'beachy' interior design with a retro experience not normally seen today. Located in Atlantic Beach, each room is decorated in bright colors with sea animals swimming along the walls, fish murals in splashy colors and simply functional rooms not far from the beach. While a unique treasure, it's been rated a Trip Advisor's "Travelers' Choice" years in a row. For more information on Caribbe Inn, read our article here.
6. Glamp in a yurt
While glamping is certainly a craze many of us are all about, Sky Ridge Yurts take it to the next level. A 'Yurt' or traditional Mongolian tent featuring modern day amenities like full kitchens, cushy queen and king size beds, a skylight for stargazing, central heat and air and also a front porch to take in stunning mountain views. Located near Bryson City and Nantahala Outdoor Center, you can mix wild adventure with creature comforts. For more information on Sky Ridge Yurts, read our article here.
7. Shire-inspired hobbit house
While it might seem like you're in Middle Earth, this enchanting micro-castle is tucked away into the mountains of Mars Hill. You'll feel very Frodo Baggins staying in this two bedroom getaway, even better, four-legged friends are also allowed!
8. Feel retro at the Sunset Motel
In the mountains of Brevard, Sunset Motel seeks to recreate vintage days gone by. You'll feel very 1950s and 60s just walking into the lobby adorned in vinyl records. Recreating the classic roadside motel experience, the 55-year-old "retro palace" features groovy rooms with their own aesthetics and even cabin rentals for larger groups. To learn more about Sunset Motel or book a room, read our article here.
9. Former bank turned hotel
The O'Neil in Kinston provides no shortage of elegance while nodding to its banking past. Formerly the Farmers & Merchants Bank which opened in 1924, the O'Neil has been converted into an impressive boutique hotel that retains elements of the past. The two-story lobby features an ornate plaster ceiling more fit for a palace, the original 16-ton vault, and the first operating elevator in North Carolina (while not in use today, it's still a neat aspect to see). The hotel features seven rooms that have their own flair while mixing comfort and elegance. To learn more about the O'Neil, read our article here.
10. Sleep in an airstream rental
This isn't your average airstream, this luxurious rental comes equipped with a hot tub and scenic mountain views. For the more adventurous, sadly, you can't take this airstream (and hot tub) in tow across the U.S., but you are in close proximity to Asheville and all the vibrant city has to offer.
How neat is this? Which one would you want to stay in and what is your top choice? For the upcoming cooler months, I'm eyeing those yurts!
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