The One North Carolina Airbnb You Need to Book for Epic Dark Sky Views

When was the last time you dedicated an evening to the night sky? Growing up in a big city, I never knew how incredible stargazing could be once you escaped the light pollution. Fall and winter are my favorite times of year to go stargazing, honestly, because I love the colder temperatures and fewer bugs. Before the year ends, consider spending a few nights stargazing at this Airbnb in North Carolina. I promise you won’t regret it!

North Carolina is blessed to have plenty of remote areas where you can go stargazing or watch a meteor shower, but few can compare to this dreamy dome in Franklin. 

It’s an idyllic place to connect with nature. The dome is in a secluded area with beautiful mountain views. The road to the property is steep, single-lane, and four-wheel drive is recommended. Low-clearance vehicles may have issues getting up the road. These are the types of vacation rentals where the work is worth the reward! You’ll have all the peace and quiet you could ask for. 

Geosedic domes have become more popular over the years, and with their popularity, they’ve gotten some major upgrades! I remember when these domes first started popping up on the vacation rental market; they were basically glorified tents. I’m pleased to announce that this one truly blurs the line between glamping, camping, and cabin life. 

The two-bedroom, one-bath stargazing dome has everything you need for a comfortable stay: WiFi, heat, air conditioning, a kitchen, and even a washer/dryer! 

Heading outside, guests can enjoy a beautiful view from the hot tub that overlooks the mountains. There’s also a nice seating area next to the hot tub, a grill, and a fire pit with Adirondack chairs.

The mountains give you the perfect open sky to do some stargazing. Now, we can’t control the clouds, so hopefully you’ll get some clear nights. Since Mother Nature likes to be unpredictable, I’d recommend staying at least three nights to give you the best chance for a clear night sky. Turn off all lights and give yourself about 20 minutes to develop your night vision (no scrolling!). Watch the skies long enough and you might catch a shooting star streaking across the sky!

If you're hoping to capture the starry night with a camera, make sure you have a tripod. You'll need it for the long exposure! If you don't have one, get creative. I've used water bottles, rocks, and my backpack in a pinch. I know you think you can hold your phone (or camera) still for 3+ seconds, but I assure you, you cannot. A tripod (and a delayed shutter) will make all the difference.

While your nights will be spent stargazing, you can spend your days exploring the attractions around Franklin. Outdoor adventures, including some incredible waterfalls and hiking trails, surround this charming little town. One of my coworkers has visited Franklin and is already planning another trip.

While you’re in the area, be sure to pay a visit to Caffé REL. This restaurant is the definition of a hidden gem and one that’s worth a detour for. 

Feeling inspired? Check out the Airbnb listing and then try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.