12 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in North Carolina
North Carolina is brimming with destinations that are perfect for a long weekend. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Black Mountains invite leisurely drives and exciting days on the slopes. Along the coast, the Outer Banks is known for scenic beaches, marine wildlife, and a historic past. Other regions emphasize recreation through golf courses and hiking trails, backed by the Blue Ridge Plateau and the longleaf pine savannas of the Sandhills. Across these landscapes, a sense of hospitality and small-town community make any of them the answer for either active or relaxed getaways.
Manteo
Located on Roanoke Island in the Outer Banks, Manteo is a small waterfront getaway. It is a walkable fishing village-style area with shops and restaurants in a marina setting. Along the Manteo harbor, there is a replica of the 1877 Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, which originally stood in Croatan Sound where it guided local fishermen and sailors. This one serves as a museum dedicated to maritime history. Another nod to the town's historic side, the Waterside Theatre is home to The Lost Colony, the longest-running outdoor symphonic drama in the United States. It tells the story of the lives and disappearance of the English colonists who settled there in the 1500s. The play was first performed in 1937 and remains one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Manteo offers several historic and nature-inspired attractions to fill up a long weekend. The North Carolina Aquarium supports the marine life and coastal ecosystems of the Outer Banks region through conservation and rehabilitation programs. Nearby, the Elizabethan Gardens has a wooded pathway that leads past rose and camellia gardens and waterfront areas with Renaissance-style sculptures of Queen Elizabeth I and Virginia Dare. Across from the Manteo marina area, Roanoke Island Festival Park is a 27-acre site with exhibits on the life of early English settlers. Costumed interpreters demonstrate life in a 1585 settlement. The park also has a replica of the Elizabeth II, a 16th-century sailing ship.
With Nantucket-style architecture, the Tranquil House Inn is along the Manteo harbor boardwalk. Rooms and mini suites with sitting areas are available. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast and the 1587 Restaurant & Lounge.
Beaufort
Part of the Crystal Coast, Beaufort is the third-oldest town in North Carolina. The downtown Beaufort Historic Site has preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings backed by live oak trees and colorful flowering plants. Front Street is lined with waterfront restaurants and shops along Taylor's Creek. Marina and boat views are the focal point of the waterside boardwalk.
Across from Taylor's Creek, the Rachel Carson Reserve is a protected series of coastal islands with salt marshes and wild horses. This area is accessible by ferry or private boat. The North Carolina Maritime Museum explores maritime history and regional shipwrecks, including artifacts from Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge, which wrecked near Beaufort Inlet in 1718.
For downtown proximity and convenience to restaurants and kayaking, the Beaufort Hotel is on the waterfront and has an on-site restaurant, the 34 Degrees North Restaurant + Bar. With a waterfront view, guests can appreciate the scenery from the comfort of their room, and some even have private outdoor areas.
Bath
Bath is set where Bath Creek meets the Pamlico River. It lies in North Carolina's Inner Banks region. Incorporated in 1705, Bath is the oldest incorporated town in North Carolina and features a deep-rooted maritime and pirate history. The Bath Historic District is filled with preserved 18th-century homes and a quiet and scenic waterfront.
The North Carolina Historic Bath compound shares regional history through tours of the 1751 Palmer-Marsh House, the Bonner House, and the 1790 Van der Veer House, which features an exhibit on Blackbeard and the area's pirate history. Water and nature-inspired recreation shape local activities, including boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Bath Creek and the Pamlico Sound are locations for these activities.
The Inn on Bath Creek is right on the historic Main Street. This bed-and-breakfast has rooms with soaking tubs and private sitting rooms. There is access to bikes and kayaks.
Pinehurst
Pinehurst is in the Sandhills region, a small section of the south-central part of the state between the Coastal Plains and Piedmont. It is distinguished by its pine forests and a dry and temperate climate. The village center, a National Historic Landmark District, has New England-style architecture and a variety of boutique shops and restaurants. Pinehurst was founded in the late 1800s as a health retreat. That atmosphere continues in its golf resorts and green spaces.
The Village Arboretum is home to 35 acres of walking trails and native plants. The Pinehurst Greenway Trail has four miles of trails winding around the village. The Pinehurst area is part of a region reported to have more than 40 golf courses, making it a top destination for anyone looking to improve their swing. Courses include the historic Pinehurst Resort and The Cradle.
The Carolina Hotel is near the USGA's Golf House Pinehurst and the downtown area. It has a pool and restaurants. There is a spa and several sports activities, including tennis and pickleball courts.
Mount Airy
A small-town Americana spirit is evident in Mount Airy's downtown. Located in the northwestern part of the state, it is near the Virginia border and the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is the hometown of Andy Griffith and the real-life inspiration for the town of Mayberry in The Andy Griffith Show. The walkable downtown has hints of nostalgia in its antique shops and gift stores. A Mayberry replica courthouse and jail, squad car tours, and a statue all add to the scene. The Andy Griffith Museum celebrates the actor's childhood and career from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock with photographs, props, and memorabilia.
The Surry Scenic Bikeway runs through Mount Airy. From Mount Airy, bicyclists can ride scenic trails to Pilot Mountain or Westfield while taking in views of the mountains and farmland.
Bee's Bed and Breakfast is near the Andy Griffith Museum. The restored Victorian house is decorated with antiques, quilts, and hardwood floors.
Mount Holly
Mount Holly is in the south-central section of the state, near the urban conveniences of Charlotte. It has a small-town atmosphere with a convenient big-city neighbor. Downtown Mount Holly is home to coffee shops, local restaurants, and boutiques near the shores of the Catawba River, allowing convenient access for activities like kayaking and boating.
Tuckaseegee Park has green space along the riverfront and access to the Catawba Riverfront Greenway, a 1.5-mile paved trail. Mountain Island Park is another natural area with 1.5 miles of mountain bike trails through forest scenery. For local and regional art, The Awaken Gallery showcases fine art and Arts on the Greenway shares creativity through workshops and events.
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Airport is one of the closest hotels. Less than 10 miles from downtown Mount Holly, it is near the riverfront. Amenities include a pool, a fitness center, and free breakfast.
Blowing Rock
In Western North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is a natural setting for a weekend getaway. It is named after the nearby Blowing Rock, a cliff-like formation that overlooks the Johns River Gorge. The "blowing" part of the name comes from a unique updraft that can sometimes blow light objects back upward when thrown over. The downtown area is walkable with a village-like feel of brick sidewalks lined with small shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Blowing Rock has a variety of outdoor and historic sites. The Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, known as Cone Park, features trails and a historic 1901 Colonial Revival estate. Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West-themed park with two historic steam locomotives and other attractions, including rides and live shows. Annie Cannon Park has a small garden area and trails that lead to the Glen Burney and Glen Marie Waterfalls.
For a rustic lodge atmosphere with Blue Ridge Mountain views, the Embers Hotel is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. It has an on-site restaurant, The Hotel Embers Restaurant. Suites and premium family rooms are available at this elegant and outdoor-inspired setting.
Banner Elk
In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Banner Elk is sometimes called the "Ski Capital of the South." Combined with a small-town ambiance, several restaurants, and craft breweries, an abundance of four-season ski resorts makes it the perfect year-round getaway. Along with winter sports, these resorts feature fishing, hiking, and tubing. Banner Elk is about 17 miles from Boone.
Grandfather Mountain features more than 2,600 acres of protected land. Within the area, there is a mile-high swinging bridge and hiking trails to view springtime wildflowers and the 5,964-foot Calloway Peak. Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort provide skiing and other outdoor recreation. Banner Elk Winery produces a variety of wine varietals and offers tastings and scenic vineyard views.
Close to the ski resorts, the Lodge at Banner Elk has rooms and suites perfectly suited for an active weekend. Amenities include free breakfast and an outdoor heated pool.
Little Switzerland
Little Switzerland is a seasonal resort village said to resemble the Swiss Alps with its array of mountain chalets and surrounding peaks. Buildings feature Swiss-like architecture and include small cafes and local bookstores. At an elevation of nearly 3,500 feet, the town overlooks the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell. It is along the Blue Ridge Parkway, about an hour's drive from Asheville and Boone. The Little Switzerland Tunnel is among the Parkway's 26 tunnels. Originally created as a summer resort town, the area is open from mid-April to October, some of the best times for spring wildflower and fall foliage viewing.
Long weekends can be spent learning about local history or navigating scenic byways. Highway 226A, known as the Diamondback, is a winding road with switchbacks and hairpin turns, popular with motorcyclists and sports car drivers. The North Carolina Mining Museum, at Emerald Village, features real mines, including the underground Bon Ami Mine that you can take a tour through. It is open from April to October.
Book the Switzerland Inn for a comfortable stay in a historic lodge. Along with on-site restaurants, there is a spa and a pool. Guest rooms, suites, and private houses are available.
Bryson City
In the western part of the state, Bryson City is known for its slow pace and rustic scenery. Downtown Bryson City is lined with shops and local breweries, including Bryson City Brewing. It is a popular gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it an excellent getaway for outdoor recreation like whitewater rafting and trout fishing.
The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad provides scenic rides with views of the city, the Nantahala National Forest, and Fontana Lake. The Deep Creek Area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recognized for its scenic waterfalls and streams, giving hikers a reason to trek.
Near the Appalachian Trail, the Lodge at Nantahala sits along the river and has cabins with kitchenettes. Outdoor seating and fire pits keep the rustic mountain vibe going strong.
Highlands
Highlands, on the southern Blue Ridge Plateau in southwestern North Carolina, is commonly known as one of the highest towns east of the Mississippi. At an elevation of 4,118 feet, it is part of the Southern Appalachian Mountain range. It is one of the wettest regions in the eastern United States, often compared to a temperate rainforest. Downtown Highlands is lined with upscale shops and restaurants for an easy way to relax after a day spent outdoors.
The Nantahala National Forest is home to several waterfalls, including the Dry Falls waterfall, which can be viewed from behind via a wooden boardwalk. The Cullasaja River is well known for rainbow and brook trout fishing. Whiteside Mountain has hiking trails with dramatic 750-foot cliff views above the tree line where peregrine falcons can sometimes be spotted.
For accommodations in Highlands, the Old Edwards Inn & Spa is set on a large property with cottages and suites spread out in a neighborhood-inspired setting. Rooms and suites with fireplaces are available. There is a pool and a lounge.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain, about 20 minutes from Asheville, is within view of the Seven Sisters peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The walkable downtown area has an artsy vibe in its many art galleries and cafes. It is lined with specialty stores where you can pick up gear for hiking and other outdoor activities. Black Mountain has a small-town community spirit defined by the natural beauty of the Swannanoa Valley.
Lake Tomahawk Park is a scenic park with a lakeside trail and a pier for fishing. The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, in a 1941 firehouse, shares the area's local and cultural history through photographs and artifacts. Handcrafted pottery, woodwork, and paintings can be found at the Seven Sisters Craft Gallery and the Mountain Nest Gallery.
The Black Mountain Inn, originally built as a stagecoach stop in the 1830s, has modern amenities with the old-world ambiance of antique furniture and hardwood floors. Picture windows bring in the background setting of mountains and large oak trees. The inn is near the River Trail Loop, which runs along the Swannanoa River.
The Extra-Day Escape
Long weekends in North Carolina can be tailored to a relaxed or active pace. You can take it slow on a scenic train ride through the Great Smoky Mountains or relax with a nostalgic walk along the streets of the real-life Mayberry. Outdoor recreation, such as skiing in the Blue Ridge Mountains and tubing down the Nantahala River, raises activity levels. Mountain cottages and boutique inns make the weekend a success with on-site restaurants and convenient access to downtown areas. Together, these elements create the perfect North Carolina getaway.
