Romance In NC

Connect Around Fabulous Fireplaces

When the sun goes down, there’s no better place to be than by the light of a crackling fire. These fabulous 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.

Looking for a fun destination to cuddle up and stay warm this winter? Here’s a sampling of cozy spots across the state.

Mountain Region
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. 1-800-243-8652

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 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. 1-800-224-9498

The Lodge on Lake Lure
Settle beside a stone fireplace in the rich chestnut-paneled great room as you look across Lake Lure onto the mountains. Built by the North Carolina Highway Patrol for their R&R destination, The Lodge is now an elegant country inn and the only B&B on Lake Lure. Elegantly appointed with art, antiques and collectibles. 1-800-733-2785

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
Stand in awe in front of The Great Hall’s14-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. 1-800-438-5800

High Hampton Inn and Country Club
Two fabulous fireplaces await you at the High Hampton Inn, where you’re 3,600 feet closer to heaven. Outside, this 1,400-acre estate is accented with mixed hardwoods and evergreens. When you come inside, choose between the main lounge or the lobby to warm up beside the hearth. 1-800-334-2551

                          
Piedmont Region
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 Southern Early Decorative Arts. 1-800-928-9299

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 200 acres of mixed hardwood forest, enjoy sunset from the upstairs porch and sample local goat cheeses and appetizers before dinner. This 1820’s family-friendly respite offers a one-of-a-kind, authentic country experience at this working farm. 1-919-742-5176

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 1500 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. 1-800-472-6301

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 likely be the hot spot for the area’s see-and-be-seen! 1-919-447-4170


Coast Region
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 Cedars Inn
Ward off winter winds at a fireplace overlooking the harbor in this circa 1768 inn. Originally host to visiting sea captains, The Cedars is listed as one of Fodor’s “15 Great American Bed and Breakfasts.” Spend a memorable day exploring the heart of Beaufort’s Historic District, then rest by your room’s private fireplace in this historical seaside town. 1-252-728-7036

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 the intricately carved fireplaces in this seaside bed and breakfast. Paneled in Honduran mahogany, the library 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 as you retreat into evening beside the private fireplace in your room. 1-888-763-4773

Carolina House Bed & Breakfast
Relax by firelight in the parlor of this circa 1880 bed and breakfast located in historic Washington, NC.  Next to Bath, the oldest town in the state, 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. 1-252-975-1382

added: December 4, 2008

updated: December 20, 2011