Top 5 places to stay in Appalachia
I have lived in every corner of this country and have seen some staggering sights. America’s land is as diverse as it’s cultures. This country can be burgeoning and built or utterly untamable or down-right awe inspiring. But no place I have ever been has stayed in my soul like Appalachia; that’s why it became my home. There’s a bustling culture of travel and art and music overlaying a thrumming populace steeped in tradition of community and connection to the land. The oldest mountain range on earth seems to have worked it’s way into my very bones.
The Appalachians, from the stunning views of the Blue Ridge to the steep cliffs of Clayton, the somber stillness of Cherokee to the shifting skyline of the Smokies, are the truest home to history, mystery, and whimsy. It is where one can feel just as justified in reading Thoreau’s Walden as Lovecraft’s Beast in the Cave. Perhaps the most eloquent description of this mountain range’s ancient aura I have found was by a Tumblr user archosaur-automaton:
“The Appalachian mountains are old, formed hundreds of millions of years ago before dinosaurs walked the Earth. They are ancients, elders, witnesses to half a billion years of life coming and going.
To be tall is not a virtue. To be small is not a sin. The Appalachians are eroding under the weight of time, slowly shrinking and returning to the earth from which they sprang”
The mountains have caves with no fossils, no nothing. They are older than bones.
Unfortunately, there will never be enough majesty to stop some nay-sayers. Appalachia has been given a bad rap for being poor, seemingly uneducated, and behind the rest of the country. They can also be dangerous. Despite having one of the world’s most well-known and well-travelled trails, the dense thicket and deep valleys sculpted by time have been known to daze and disorient the most seasoned of hikers, isolating them until the end, sometimes only a mile from population. But don’t be afraid to come experience the bounty of nature. Don’t let those stereotypes fool you.
This is a rich land full of vibrant people and unique experiences. Of course the country music and moonshine is well known, but every town holds surprises and every person a story.
The only thing you truly need to be wary of in visiting this enchanted corner of the country is that you, too, may never want to leave.
That’s it! I’m Coming!
If you are ready to experience the majesty and mystery for yourself, one of the big questions is always where to stay. Sure there’s branded hotels all up and down these parts, but it kind of feels like a waste to stay in somewhere so… bland when you are surrounded by such unique beauty.
Have no fear, here are my Top 5 Places to Stay in Appalachia. From Instagram dream locations, to go-green lodges, to an actual storybook village, there is something for everyone to love.
Lazy Bear Lodge
Valle Cruses, North Carolina
What’s the first thing that people think of with a house in the woods? A cabin! Lazy Bear Lodge takes cabin to a whole new level. Designed like a Bed and Breakfast, it has 5 unique rooms, some featuring out door porches but all of them with breathtaking views and decor that flows seamlessly to the surrounding woods.
Designed in 2005, this three-story log cabin is the perfect balance of luxury and rustic. Owners live on the property to be available any time, ensuring 5 star treatment. Rooms must be booked in 2 day blocks at least but being in close proximity to Boone, Blowing Rock, and Grandfather Mountain there is no shortage of fun things to do whether you want to explore nature or go shopping.
Be aware, this Lodge is not equipped to handle toddlers and their focus is on top experience. Only children 12 and up are allowed. Some people balk at this rule, but it guarantees an atmosphere of relaxation.
The sustainability and rustic charm, plus a perfect location lands this in my top 5. You can easily book a room and check out more about the Lazy Bear Lodge here.
Jamie’s Yurt
Fancy Gap, Virginia
Camping is the next thing people think of doing in the woods, but this yurt brings a whole new meaning to the word. Jamie’s Yurt is a sustainable camping spot with nearly 360 degrees of amazing views.
Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the small town of Fancy Gap, exploring is easy but no one would fault you for going nowhere except the hot tub and firepit to soak in the peace of the mountains. With enough room to comfortably fit 3 guests, its the perfect getaway for a small family or small group of friends.
The interior is a unique but balanced fusion of traditional carpentry, local art and modern convenience. From the perfect couch to binge-watch shows on a rainy day and wifi to post all your amazing pictures, you don’t have to leave modernity behind to still camp.
With all the livable amenities needed, like a full kitchen, washer and drier, and pet friendly atmosphere, Jamie’s Yurt makes the perfect base camp and lands it in my top 5. Book your stay here, but move fast! There is only one.
Asheville Glamping
Asheville, North Carolina
Camping upgrades to glamping, but even glamping got an upgrade in Ashville with this collection of super unique spots. From family friendly glass-front domes with slides to glass cabins perched for panoramic views, Ashville Glamping has something for everyone. There is even a fairytale treehouse built for two!
Glass front yurts and cabins are well appointed with every amenity and include porthole sky lights, perfect for taking in break-taking views in the day and stargazing at night. The tree house, with its suspended rope bridge entrance and limbs going through the building is both romantic and entrenched in nature. They even offer bell tent camping for a more rustic but still opulent experience.
Every part of Ashville Glamping’s ideas are designed to uniquely and beautifully bring you in touch with nature in a whole new way and is situated to be the perfect basecamp as you explore Ashville, the arts capital of NC. This had to make the top 5, and you can start your adventure here.
Ancient Lore Village
Knoxville, Tennessee
What better way to enjoy the misty mountains of the Smokies than in your own slice of enchanted forest. From Inner Earth to Middle Earth, Ancient Lore village is an ode to all things good in fairytales. With whimsical accommodations including the Goblin Dens, Bokee’s Bungalow, and the Fairy House (and more!), there is a place for everyone to live out their favorite fantasy.
Ancient Lore is more than a resort, it’s a retreat with activities and fun for everyone. Open to the public during the day, they offer everything from DND and Trivia nights, to curated brunches and dinners, to axe throwing and archery.
If for some reason you feel the need to venture back to the real world, Ancient Lore Village is only 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville and an easy drive to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg where you can do anything from climbing Clingman’s Dome to enjoying the Dolly Parton Dinner Theater. They also specialize in events like weddings and corporate retreats.
Just for making my geek heart happy, Ancient Lore makes the top 5 but you have to see to believe. Make your dreams come true here.
Heart and Soul B & B
Mount Airy, North Carolina
Historic Mount Airy is a town treasured world wide, both for clinging to it’s quaint downtown and for its influence on the idea of true americana. You may know the town by its other name: Mayberry.
There’s a plethora of Andy Griffith themed tourist traps in the town, but Mount Airy also offers destination shopping, easy access to the blue ridge, and 3 state parks, and over 12 bed and breakfasts, all locally owned and operated, Heart and Soul is my favorite.
This 1901 home has been continually upkept since it’s foundation, right on the main strip of Mount Airy, less than a quarter mile walk to historic downtown with it’s plethora of activities. Every room is curated either historically or thematically, with whimsical or retro touches creating a unique but homey atmosphere. Enjoying breakfast in the communal dining room each morning jumpstarts the sense of community intrinsic to this small town.
For it’s historical yet eclectic feel, Heat and Soul is in the top 5. You can book your stay in this small town gem here.
Well, what are you waiting for? Get exploring and enjoy the hidden wonders of the Appalachians.
