10 Dreamy Overnight Experiences in North Carolina

Regardless of whether vacationers ride their motorcycles, sip some vino or float on a boat before hitting the sack, they’ll find themselves surrounded by memorable digs here. After a night at one of these dreamy destinations, it may be hard to wake up and get out of bed.

1 Buffalo Creek Vacations

photo credit: Ryan Donnell

1 Buffalo Creek Vacations

ClydeSee on map

Engineer a getaway to this ranch where bison roam and refurbished cabooses have literally gone off the rails to provide accommodations posher than any Pullman car. The Gray Caboose and Orange Caboose both sleep five, each with a full kitchen, bath and loft bed in the cupola for kids. Choose from more traditional cabins too. Interacting with buffalo, llamas, goats and mini horses is all part of the family fun.

Website(828) 550-0960Directions

2 Cashie River Tree Houses

2 Cashie River Tree Houses

WindsorSee on map

An elevated walkway connects four tree houses nestled along the Cashie River, where the sights and sounds of nature put you in a state of bliss. Each home includes a queen-size sleeping platform, loft, and outdoor gathering area with chairs and benches for basking in the fresh air and views. All the dwellings are ADA-accessible and pet-friendly too. Get a closer look at the river on a kayak or canoe excursion (rentals available), and go hunting and fishing.

Website(252) 794-3121Directions

3 Bramabella

photo credit: Michelle Johnson, Blush and Blaze Photography

3 Bramabella

Moravian FallsSee on map

Guests at this estate in the Brushy Mountains say it has a definite Garden of Eden feel. The five-bedroom, three-bath home sits on a 40-acre site with a hillside vineyard, butterfly garden, blueberry orchard and stream with waterfalls. A seating area in the heart of the garden begs for “me” time. Meander along easy hiking trails and enjoy ample bird-watching.

Website(305) 798-3184Directions

4 Airlie Pointe Yacht Charters

4 Airlie Pointe Yacht Charters

Wrightsville BeachSee on map

Totally customize your overnight or multiday experience aboard a timeless yacht sailing along the NC coast. You'll float in comfort on a yacht that includes restrooms, showers with hot water and a climate-controlled space. Make this trip whatever you wish by hand-picking the destinations, stops, food and extras.

Website(910) 386-3263Directions

5 Treehouse Vineyards

Treehouse Vineyards

5 Treehouse Vineyards

MonroeSee on map

Quality time and bottles of wine are guaranteed at this 200-year-old family farm. (The on-site winery opened in 2010.) Take your pick of two overnight tree house options: the cozy 300-square-foot Papa’s Dream or the newer – and more spacious – Horsefeathers Hideaway. A third tree house named Date Nite makes for a carefree evening of vino and views.

Website(704) 283-4208Directions

6 Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge

6 Ironhorse Motorcycle Lodge

StecoahSee on map

After a serpentine ride on the nearby Tail of the Dragon (318 curves along an 11-mile stretch of US-129), motorcyclists unwind at campsites, in Old West-style cabins and bunkhouses, or even in covered wagons. When dusk arrives, swap cycling stories by the creekside firepit.

Website(336) 496-0622Directions

7 Graylyn

Graylyn (photo: Visit Winston-Salem)

7 Graylyn

Winston-SalemSee on map

A freezer stocked with ice cream around the clock is just a taste of the perks at this 1920s-era estate, now a hotel and conference center. Guests feel like they’ve arrived at Downton Abbey when a butler greets them at the castle-like Manor House. Intricate details include hand-painted tile marble tubs in some rooms.

Website(336) 758-2425Directions

8 Mirror Hotel

8 Mirror Hotel

MarshallSee on map

Talk about lodgings that blends into their surroundings. These luxury mountain cabins come wrapped with reflective exterior panels that mirror the natural beauty of the secluded setting, rendering the structures nearly invisible. Each cabin has a custom kitchen and bath, a terrace for morning yoga and late-night stargazing, and 15-foot-tall windows that maximize views of forests and mountains. For the utmost guest privacy, each unit also includes its own hot tub, pergola, patio with firepit and alfresco pizza oven. The cabins can fill up quickly, so sign up for email updates to stay in the know.

WebsiteDirections

9 Sugarneck

9 Sugarneck

SanfordSee on map

Hip meets history on the grounds of a longtime haven near the Cape Fear River. New glamping tents have joined The Cabin (built in 1874) as overnight options. The Cabin features a chef’s kitchen and private bath with a walk-in shower, while the glamping tents come with dedicated bathhouses, hot water, gas cooking and firepits.

WebsiteDirections

10 Mother Earth Motor Lodge

Mother Earth Motor Lodge

10 Mother Earth Motor Lodge

KinstonSee on map

If pop art took the form of a hotel, it would be this throwback delight with Route 66-style neon signage, retro furnishings, and a pool with multicolor lights that glow among the surrounding palm trees and miniature golf course. Reopened in 2017, the motor lodge is just steps away from sister establishment Mother Earth Brewing.

Website(252) 520-2000Directions

Dream up your next getaway by exploring all of the spectacular lodgings, restaurants and attractions featured in The Official 2024 North Carolina Travel Guide.