Scenic Spots for Romance in North Carolina

North Carolina’s opportunities for adventure, romance and beauty are endless with more than 300 miles of ocean shoreline to the east and beautiful mountain peaks to the west that lie only six hours apart. In between, lively cityscapes hide ample urban nature spots tucked away from the beaten paths that make for an ideal escape with your special someone.

Mountains

1 Season’s at Highland Lake

1 Season’s at Highland Lake

Flat RockSee on map

What is it about brunch that just radiates romance? The leisurely pace? The fluffy, made-to-order omelets? Breakfast cocktails to start the day off right? Whatever the cause, the Sunday brunches at Season’s will elevate your weekend. Enjoy a pre- or post-brunch stroll around Highland Lake after eating locally sourced seasonal fare. Plus, overnight guests can borrow kayaks, paddleboats or canoes for free to use on the 40-acre lake.

Website(800) 758-8130Directions

2 Western North Carolina Mountain Towns

2 Western North Carolina Mountain Towns

Franklin and NantahalaSee on map

Franklin and Nantahala are the perfect blend of mountain tranquility and breathtaking views. One must-see location is Wayah Bald Tower, which sits at nearly 1 mile in elevation and offers heart-stopping views in all directions. For a special meal, check out Caffé REL, a cash-only French neighborhood café that’s been a destination dining experience for years. For a luxurious and secluded stay, head over to Cherokee Mountain Cabins in Nantahala, where mountaintop lodges and luxurious cabins – complete with impressive amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces and creekside views – await.

WebsiteDirections

3 The Blowing Rock

3 The Blowing Rock

Blowing RockSee on map

Love can certainly turn our worlds topsy-turvy, and in Blowing Rock, ancient lore credits an enduring love between two Native Americans as causing the perpetual wind to blow up from the valley below, making the snow blow upside down. Wander hand-in-hand between the legendary Blowing Rock, observation tower, waterfalls and lovely gazebo for a picture-perfect day.

Website(828) 295-7111Directions

4 Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

4 Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery

RondaSee on map

North Carolina has quite a few castles, including this castle-like winery in Ronda, located in Yadkin Valley Wine Country. Owner Jay Raffaldini’s family hails from Italy, so he designed this destination to capture the world of his ancestors, right down to adopting the Italian process of appassimento, which requires drying harvested grapes. Sip and savor its Italian wines while gazing over the vineyard, Stone Mountain and the surrounding wildlife habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation.

Website(336) 835-9463Directions

piedmont

5 Fahrenheit

5 Fahrenheit

CharlotteSee on map

Dinner with a view reaches new heights in Uptown Charlotte, where Fahrenheit has been a rooftop favorite for years. Sporting spectacular views of the skyline, long fire pits and a recently reimagined food menu thanks to chef Rocco Whalen, Fahrenheit is a perfect dinner date – or Sunday brunch – destination for quality time in the Queen City.

Website(980) 237-6718Directions

6 Pinehurst Resort

6 Pinehurst Resort

PinehurstSee on map

North Carolina has its fair share of gorgeous spas and golf courses, and visitors can enjoy both at Pinehurst Resort, a beloved relaxation hotspot for more than a century that features 10 (yes, 10) different 18-hole golf courses. Inside at the lovely, inviting spa, couples can linger all day with access to whirlpools, a eucalyptus steam room and a sauna.

Website(855) 235-8507Directions

7 Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

7 Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park

RaleighSee on map

North Carolina Museum of Art ups the beauty factor with its 164-acre museum park filled with outdoor installations, trails and landscaping. Whimsical photo opportunities abound as you stroll among more than 30 works of art, including oversized sculptures and whirligigs, or disappear among a forest full of chairs.

Website(919) 839-6262Directions

8 O.Henry Hotel

8 O.Henry Hotel

GreensboroSee on map

Have you ever dreamed of traveling back in time to enjoy a Roaring ‘20s party? Look no further than O.Henry Hotel, where art deco decor comes to life at the world-class Thursday Night Cocktails and Jazz and Saturday Jazz Series. Splurge and stay at this grand hotel – designated a AAA Four Diamond – and enjoy afternoon tea along with free transportation to its four sister hotels and restaurants for a truly stress-free, pamper-filled weekend.

Website(336) 854-2000Directions

Coast

9 Merchants Millpond State Park

9 Merchants Millpond State Park

GatesvilleSee on map

Merchants Millpond State Park deserves a place on any adamant kayaking couple’s bucket list for its abundance of wildlife, year-round mild temperatures, pleasant-moving waterways and funky flora. Make a romantic weekend out of it – the ancient bald cypress trees and abundance of Spanish moss make it easy – and camp along the water’s edge at boat-in-only campsites. Plus, you can enjoy 10 miles of hiking trails at this exotic state park.

Website(252) 357-1191Directions

10 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

10 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

BuxtonSee on map

The famed Cape Hatteras Lighthouse makes for an excellent destination to soak in the full glory of the Outer Banks, Pamlico Sound and, of course, the Atlantic Ocean any time of day. Though it is currently closed for climbs due to ongoing restoration efforts, you can still take a frame-worthy selfie from its base. Up the wow factor with dinner at Buxton’s only fine dining establishment, Cafe Pamlico, located inside the Inn on Pamlico Sound.

Website(252) 473-2111Directions

11 Sunset Beach

11 Sunset Beach

Brunswick IslandsSee on map

With a name like Sunset Beach, prepare to be wowed. Plan a full day of beauty by starting with a sunrise beach stroll and ending with dinner and a sun show at Crabby Oddwaters. Known for its waterfront dining and locally caught seafood, this full-service restaurant and bar is open seasonally. If you happen to be visiting from late fall through early spring, head to the beach once more for a terrific sunset; because of the island’s unique positioning, you can watch the sun set from the same spot you saw it rise earlier.

Website(910) 755-5517Directions

12 Sunset Cruise Charter

photo: Kip Shaw Photography

12 Sunset Cruise Charter

EdentonSee on map

Enjoy an up close and personal sunset experience on a romantic sunset cruise charter from Edenton Bay Cruises with seating for only six to ensure an intimate experience. Not only will you get to enjoy a memorable sunset, but looking back at the historic town of Edenton – named by Forbes as one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” – will also delight visitors during this lovely off-land excursion.

Website(860) 367-5786Directions

As you’re planning these fun outings, we want you to also plan to be safe. Check out some helpful tips on how to stay safe hiking, camping and exploring waterfalls, and for daily information on beach conditions and beach safety, check with the destination you plan to visit.