Looking for a fun destination to cuddle up and stay warm this winter? Here’s a sampling of cozy spots across the state.
Raleigh, N.C. - When the sun goes down, there’s no better place to be than by the light of a crackling fire. These prime destinations in North Carolina boast fireplaces as a central feature amid lush surroundings. From the mountains to the sea, pick one of these choice spots and grab a cup of hot cocoa. Add family and friends. Then, claim your seat by the hearth.
For more information on these destinations and additional details on dining, attractions and fun things to do across the state, go to VisitNC.com. Search on keywords "fireplace" or "fireplaces" for additional choices. For images of the cozy fireplaces, go to www.ncpix.com, e-mail media@visitnc.com or call (919) 733-7420.
MOUNTAINS:
North Carolina is home to the highest mountains east of the Mississippi River. Come explore the peaks, then settle in for the evening at one of these inviting locations.
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock
Gather around the grand fireplace in the original manor estate house at Chetola Resort. Then retreat to a private fireplace in one of the guest rooms, or to the marble hearth in the third-story library. Originally constructed in the late 1800s, Chetola Resort was once home to Luther Snyder, "Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas." The resort sits on 87 expansive acres and features Chetola Lodge, the Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort and Chetola condominiums.North Main St.
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
1-800-243-8652
www.chetola.com
Balsam Mountain Inn
Play chess or work on a puzzle beside the welcoming fireplace in the game room while you sip on hot cocoa or cider. Spend time beside the embers in the cozy 2,000-volume library, or settle into a rocking chair beside the lobby’s wood-burning fireplace. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains by the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 1908 inn hosted guests who arrived at the local railway depot, which was on the highest elevation east of the Rockies. Restored in 1991, the inn also features gracious dining and two 100-foot porches with splendid views.68 Seven Springs Dr.
Balsam, NC 28707
1-800-224-9498
www.balsammountaininn.com
River Lodge Bed and Breakfast
This stone fireplace, some 20 feet tall, is the centerpiece of the great room and provides cozy warmth to the inn's 100-year-old hand hewn timber logs. Glass doors on either side offer views of the Tuckasegee River and the mountains beyond. Relax in rustic elegance and enjoy a fantastic breakfast from innkeepers Cathy and Anthony Sgambato.619 Roy Tritt Rd.
Cullowhee, NC 28723
1-877-384-4400
www.riverlodge-bb.com
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
Stand in awe in front of The Great Hall’s 14-foot fireplaces built from granite boulders hewn from Sunset Mountain. At its 1913 opening dinner, William Jennings Bryan declared that The Grove Park Inn Resort had been "built for the ages." In the decades since, it has become one of the South’s most famous and venerable resorts, host to American luminaries and eight U.S. presidents. After relaxing in the resort’s $42 million spa, take in the view of the Blue Ridge Mountains outside and come for a nightcap by the fire in The Great Hall.290 Macon Ave.
Asheville, NC 28804
1-800-438-5800
www.groveparkinn.com
Inn on Main Street Bed and Breakfast
Settle beside a private hearth in one of the Victorian guest rooms at the Inn on Main Street in Weaverville, just minutes away from all the Asheville area has to offer. Stroll the streets in quiet, quaint Weaverville, home to local art and craft studios and galleries, casual dining and the historic Zebulon Vance birthplace.88 S. Main St.
Weaverville, NC 28787
1-877-873-6074
www.Innonmain.com
PIEDMONT:
Temperate climates make the Piedmont a top destination for year-round relaxation. You can explore a variety of wineries and other attractions by day, and at night snuggle beside a toasty hearth.
Augustus T. Zevely Inn
Moravians originally gathered around the fireplaces located in this 18th century dwelling, now the only lodging located in the Old Salem Historic District. The Summer Kitchen Room on the ground floor has a king-size bed, a heated brick tile floor and raised-hearth cooking fireplace with a functioning bake oven. The large Winter Kitchen Suite located on the first floor has a cozy sitting area situated between the Master Room, with its king-size bed, working cooking fireplace, whirlpool and the private entrance. Also, enjoy the Inn’s porch with radiated heated flooring, which allows guests to comfortably enjoy crisp, cool winter mornings before heading out to explore Old Salem, including its enchanting toy museum, bakery and the nearby Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.803 South Main St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
1-800-928-9299
www.winston-salem-inn.com
The Inn at Celebrity Dairy
Young guests love to search for the single white porcelain doorknob embedded in the masonry around a double fireplace between the Log Cabin and Atrium at Celebrity Dairy. After an invigorating hike through the sprawling 300 acres of mixed hardwood forest, enjoy sunset from the upstairs porch and sample local goat cheeses and appetizers before dinner. This 1820s family-friendly respite offers a one-of-a-kind, authentic country experience at this working farm.144 Celebrity Dairy Way
Siler City, NC 27344
1-877-742-5176
www.celebritydairy.com
Grandover Resort and Conference Center
Following a round on the world-class, 36-hole golf course, warm up beside a rustic stone fireplace in The Colony Lounge, surrounded by walls made from wood of old Southern tobacco barns. Nestled among 1,500 acres of oak, pine, and dogwood, the European castle-style Grandover Resort features two massive stone fireplaces for relaxing at the Lobby Bar before dinner or after a full day of pampering in the Spa.One Thousand Club Rd.
Greensboro, NC 27407
1-800-472-6301
www.grandoverresort.com
The Umstead Hotel and Spa
Following the hotel’s grand opening on January 15, 2007, guests can enjoy sipping or dining on the al fresco terrace, complete with fireplace and a panoramic vista over a three-acre lake. At the end of the terrace, the massive stone fireplace becomes an extension of the world-class Herons Restaurant. Whether waiting for your special table at Herons or choosing its unique bar as a destination, the fireplace will be the hot spot for the area’s see-and-be-seen!100 Woodland Pond
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 447-4000
www.theumstead.com
COAST:
With 300 miles of barrier islands, the North Carolina coast boasts mild climates suitable for year-round golf. Nights are cool enough to relax around a fireplace and renew yourself for the next day’s round.
The French House Bed & Breakfast
Nestled in the heart of Wilmington’s historic district this circa 1850 home features a French Suite with two authentic Victorian fireplaces. The restored coal-burning fireplace in the suite’s private sitting room combined with the antique furniture and setting to make the French Suite the most popular room at the inn. The innkeeper carefully restored the fireplace to keep its antique feel yet make it easy for guests to operate.103 South 4th St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-3337
www.thefrenchhouse.com
Graystone Inn
As this turn-of-the-century inn is frequently used as a set for motion pictures and television, many notable personalities have flanked Graystone’s intricately carved fireplaces. Paneled in Honduran mahogany, the library of this coastal bed and breakfast is a perfect place to relax in front of a glowing fire with a good book or glass of wine. In the heart of historic Wilmington, this port town location offers adventures by day and elegant surroundings for your retreat into evening beside the private fireplace in your room.100 S. 3rd St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
1-888-763-4773
www.graystoneinn.com
Carolina House Bed & Breakfast
Relax by firelight in the parlor of this circa 1880 bed and breakfast located in historic Washington, N.C. The Royal Suite offers an old-fashioned fireplace in a romantic setting. Fifteen miles from Bath, N.C., historic Washington is the perfect setting to sit by the scenic Pamlico River and watch sail boats drift by. Begin your day with an elegant breakfast served by candlelight, then visit the North Carolina Estuarium, play golf or hike in the neighboring state park.227 E. 2nd St.
Washington, NC 27889
1-252-975-1382
www.carolinahousebb.com
Natural scenic beauty, adventure and relaxation, a dining experience for every taste, rich history and warm Southern hospitality come together in North Carolina. Call 1-800-VISIT NC or go to VisitNC.com to plan your next getaway.
CONTACT:
Wit Tuttell
(919) 733-7420
wit@visitnc.com
Jennifer Frings
(704) 364-8969
jfrings@lkmideas.com
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