5 Superb Accommodation Options In North Carolina

From the height of opulence and sophistication, to the allure of history and legend, North Carolina boasts a wide array of unique lodging options. Each one offers an unforgettable experience for the seasoned traveler. In no particular order, here are some choice spots to stay while visiting the Tar Heel State.

Starting off at #1, The Umstead Hotel and Spa spans 12 acres of scenic woodlands overlooking a private lake. Located in Cary, the resort features an interior accented with privately curated fine art. Offering luxury guest rooms and suites, acclaimed cuisine, and a full-service spa, The Umstead has been given a rare five-star rating by Forbes Travel Guide.

Guests may visit The Bar & Lounge to enjoy handcrafted cocktails that utilize seasonal flavors, or select from an extensive collection of wines from all over the world. The Umstead's signature restaurant, Herons, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Its dining room sports a full view of the open kitchen, a private art collection, and floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the surrounding gardens and grounds.

At #2 is the O.Henry Hotel. This Greensboro institution prides itself on its level of hospitality and attentive service. Conveniences include a complimentary Southern breakfast, afternoon tea in the social lobby, jazz performances, and airport transportation. Diners can head to Green Valley Grill, where the chefs specialize in Mediterranean cuisine. The spot offers al fresco dining in the courtyard garden and craft cocktails.

Featuring architectural details like classic North Carolina red brick, pine, and cast granite, the O.Henry Hotel combines elegant Arts and Crafts-inspired style with modern amenities. Rooms are outfitted with custom-designed furnishings, including the hotel's own proprietary bedding. The grand social lobby incorporates a high ceiling and wide arched windows that provide a view of the cloister garden.

Next at #3, Greensboro's Proximity Hotel is the first hotel in America to receive the LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building's design and construction follow the guidelines of the Council's rating system for energy and environmental sustainability. To see an example of the builders' efforts to create an eco-friendly space, guests can visit a bistro bar built from salvaged, naturally-fallen solid walnut trees.

The Print Works Bistro restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to create elevated comfort foods, offering both traditional and modern versions of classic dishes popular in French bistros. Proximity Hotel invites patrons to its lush Bluebell Garden for outdoor cocktail service in a natural environment designed for relaxation.

Coming in at #4 is Blackbeard's Lodge. The waterfront inn, established in 1936, claims to be the most historic hotel in Ocracoke, combining the charm and character of the past with modern amenities and accommodations. With a stately lobby that houses a grand piano and a 19th-century wood burning stove, Blackbeard's Lodge offers surroundings that cater to couples and families.

The area around the Lodge plays host to myriad activities, including sailing, kite-boarding, and charter boat fishing. Further down is the Ocracoke Inlet entrance, where Edward Teach, otherwise known as “Blackbeard the Pirate,” was purported to have lived. Nearby stands the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina.

Finally, at #5 is Talamore Golf Resort. Featuring several onsite courses and packages, Talamore describes itself as the Village of Pinehurst area's premier golf vacation packager. The property is home to Pinehurst Magazine's top-rated private course, Mid South Club. Past guests have included Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Donald Ross.

Talamore's cottages and condominiums feature full kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, covered porches, and barbecue areas. Each accommodation provides convenient backdoor access to the Reservoir Park and Moore County Greenway Trails. The marked pathway is available for running, walking, and biking.