“I’d strongly advise dedicating some of your time to the enchanting Down East Carteret County, a well-kept secret nestled on the Crystal Coast,” says Wax. Down East refers to several waterfront communities in the county — including Bettie, Straits, Harkers Island, Gloucester, and Smyrna — and each embraces a slower way of life. “Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the enduring spirit of village life, a living legacy of generations sustained by the art of commercial fishing. For a deeper connection to our regional heritage, a visit to the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center is a must; it’s an authentic portal to our history.”
15 Best Weekend Getaways in North Carolina, According to Locals
From quaint towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains to relaxed beaches and bustling cities, these are the best places to visit in North Carolina for a quick trip.
Lydia Mansel is a freelance writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com.
Published on November 7, 2023
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Not all vacations need to be extended, expensive trips. Sometimes, a simple weekend getaway — in the form of a cozy mountain retreat, a couple of days at the beach, or a whirlwind city escape — is the perfect way to satisfy a travel itch. While there are numerous East Coast destinations to choose from, it’s sometimes easier to first narrow down the search; in this case, to North Carolina, a state with a wide range of fun, fulfilling places to explore.
“North Carolina is a really interesting, diverse state with sub-locations that are almost entities in and of themselves,” says Tiffany M. Griffin, co-owner and co-founder of Bright Black, a Durham-based retail shop. “The mountain ranges are some of the best on the East Coast (and in the country), the Outer Banks have some of the best beaches in the country, the cities are walkable and all [have] their own vibe, and the food rivals some of the best in the country.”
The state’s coastal towns — Beaufort and Emerald Isle, to name a few — frequently appeal to those searching for relaxation mixed with adventure. Others, like Matthew Weinstein, the executive chef of Oak Steakhouse in Highlands, find themselves drawn to the mountains. “Whenever I think of a weekend getaway, the first place that comes to mind is Western North Carolina… I think about hiking and camping, but I also love getting a cabin rental and disappearing into the woods,” he explains. No matter where you choose to spend your weekend, though, Griffin suggests bringing an open mind: “When you visit, don’t come in with preconceived notions of ‘the South,’ because I guarantee North Carolina will not fit into any of them. It’s a state difficult to describe and best experienced in real life.”
Ready to plan a quick trip? Keep reading to discover some of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina, according to locals.
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Asheville
For what chef Weinstein calls “small city mountain charm,” book a flight to Asheville Regional Airport. He recommends staying at the Grand Bohemian Hotel, which is in close proximity to the famed Biltmore Estate, and grabbing a meal at Cúrate, Corner Kitchen, or Buxton Hall Barbecue. While Asheville is one of the most popular spots for seeing fall foliage, it also offers year-round access to some of the best hiking trails and waterfalls in the region.
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Black Mountain
“I like to think of Black Mountain as Asheville’s chiller cousin,” says Griffin. “It has the mountain vibes without the crowds. It’s a bit more quaint. A bit more diverse. A bit more affordable. And if you really need a fix of the bustle of Asheville, it’s only 20 minutes away.” When planning your weekend itinerary, she recommends leaving room for trips to Dripolator for coffee and Blue Ridge Biscuit Company, where you’ll find “one of the best biscuits in Western North Carolina.”
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DOWNTOWN C-VILLE
Quirk’s Main Street location is perfectly downtown, with incredible access to the region’s historic and cultural landmarks.
everything but usual
DISTINCTIVE DINING
With a signature restaurant, three bars, and a cozy coffee house, creative delights are all around you when dining at Quirk.
everything but usual
ART-FORWARD
Art is at the center of each stay, from easy access to downtown Charlottesville’s galleries and programming to our own on-site Quirk Gallery, a curated art boutique, and creative touches from local and regional artists in every space.
