North Carolina Odd Inns and Unusual
Places to Stay - Castles, Yurts, Treehouses, and Haunted Hotels
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Biltmore House in Asheville, North
Carolina
Biltmore House is a Châteauesque-styled mansion near Asheville,
North Carolina, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between
1889 and 1895. It is the largest privately-owned home in the United
States, at 135,000 square feet and featuring 250 rooms. Still owned
by one of Vanderbilt's descendants, it stands today as one of the
most prominent remaining examples of the Gilded Age, and of
significant gardens in the Garden à la française and English
Landscape garden styles in the United States. The estate
remains a major tourist attraction in Western North Carolina and has
over 1 million visitors each year. The grounds include 75 acres of
formal gardens, a winery and the Inn on Biltmore Estate, a AAA
four-diamond 213-room hotel.
Complete Story, Photo, and Video
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Falling Waters Resort and Yurt Village in Bryson
City, NC
The Falling Waters Adventure Resort is located in
the middle of one of the premier outdoor activity
areas in the world. Located adjacent to the
Nantahala Gorge, with outstanding whitewater
rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing,
canoeing and kayaking. Near to the Appalachian
Trail, Bartram Trail and the many trails of the
Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A mountain
biker's heaven, with hundreds of miles of exciting
trails, including the internationally known Tsali
mountain bike trail. And just a scenic drive to the
Olympic Ocoee River and the Chattooga National Wild
& Scenic River for additional great rafting
opportunities. Fontana Lake has over 600 miles
of shoreline, and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
provides scenic steam & diesel excursions, including
an unforgettable Raft'N Rail Excursion.
Complete Story and Photos |
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Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe, North Carolina
As a kid growing up on a farm in eastern North
Carolina, Phil Nordan built many treehouses. In the
spring of 1999, He decided it as time to build a
treehouse for adults - for my wife, Dianne, and me.
This treehousee sits 30 feet in the air and the
lower level as a treehouse for our daughter when she
was little. Since that time, we have received a lot
of attention from newapapers and national magazines
about our treehousee. It is equipped with a double
bed, ceiling fan, couch, an outdoor fireplace,
phone, rocking chairs, and much more. The two
porches allow breathtaking view of the vineyards,
our pond, and our horses. In 2004, we decided that
it was time to plant a vineyard in Monroe, NC. This
was the beginning of Treehouse Vineyards. We planted
our first vines in the spring of 2005. Since that
time, we have planted eight varieties of Muscadines.
Complete Story and Photos |
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The Haunted Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC
Built in 1924 by university trustee John Sprunt
Hill, along with alumnus and local businessmen, Tthe
Carolina Inn was constructed to be a first-rate
establishment accommodating visitors and graduates
of the UNC Chapel Hill Institution. The design was
most interesting, combining classic elegance with
Georgian style that was meant to mirror the facade
of the George Washington’s home at Mt. Vernon. The
Carolina Inn, voted one of America’s Top 10 Haunted
Hotels by about.com, invites guests to spend an
evening with its longtime resident ghost, Dr.
William Jacocks. A friendly spirit, he enjoys
playing practical jokes on those who stay in what
was once Dr. Jacock’s permanent home, Room 256. Complete Story and Photos |
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