Discover Unforgettable Unique Places to Stay in NC Now

North Carolina is a state that offers diverse landscapes, rich history, and Southern charm. But beyond its well-known attractions, the Tar Heel State also boasts an impressive array of unique places to stay. From treehouses nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains to lighthouse keeper’s quarters on the Outer Banks, NC is home to some of the most extraordinary accommodations you’ll find anywhere. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most unique places to stay in NC, ensuring your next visit to the state is truly unforgettable.

Treehouses: Sleep Among the Canopy

When it comes to unique places to stay in NC, treehouses top the list. These elevated accommodations offer a magical experience that combines childhood nostalgia with adult comfort.

Treehouse Vineyards, Monroe

Located just outside Charlotte, Treehouse Vineyards offers three distinct treehouse rentals. Each treehouse provides stunning views of the surrounding vineyard and a chance to wake up among the branches. The “Date Night” treehouse is perfect for couples, while the “Papa’s Dream” treehouse can accommodate up to four guests.

The Sanctuary, Asheville

Nestled in the mountains near Asheville, The Sanctuary offers a luxurious treehouse experience. This two-story treehouse features a full kitchen, bathroom, and even a hot tub on the deck. It’s one of the most sought-after unique places to stay in NC for those seeking a blend of nature and comfort.

Yurts: Circular Serenity

Yurts, circular tent-like structures originating from Central Asia, have found a new home in North Carolina’s diverse landscape. These unique places to stay in NC offer a cozy and intimate experience with nature.

Sky Ridge Yurts, Bryson City

Sky Ridge Yurts provides a glamping experience in the Great Smoky Mountains. Each yurt is equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, heat, and Wi-Fi. The site offers breathtaking mountain views and easy access to outdoor activities.

Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, Asheville

For a more rustic yurt experience, Lake Powhatan Recreation Area in the Pisgah National Forest offers yurt rentals. These simple yet comfortable structures provide a unique camping experience with easy access to hiking trails and the lake.

Converted Barns and Silos: Agricultural Charm

North Carolina’s agricultural heritage has given rise to some of the most unique places to stay in NC. Converted barns and silos offer a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

The Silo House at Laughing Llama Farm, Troy

This converted grain silo near the Uwharrie National Forest offers a truly unique stay. The three-story structure features a bedroom, living area, and even a rooftop deck. Guests can also interact with the farm’s friendly llamas and alpacas.

The Barn at Tall Oaks Farm, Glade Valley

This beautifully renovated barn in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a spacious and luxurious retreat. With its exposed beams, antique furnishings, and modern amenities, it’s a perfect blend of old and new.

Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters: Coastal History

North Carolina’s 300-mile coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses, some of which offer overnight accommodations. These unique places to stay in NC provide a glimpse into the state’s maritime history.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters, Buxton

While you can’t stay in the lighthouse itself, the nearby keeper’s quarters offer a chance to experience life on the Outer Banks as it was in the late 19th century. The restored duplex houses are available for weekly rentals during the summer months.

Roanoke River Lighthouse, Edenton

This fully restored lighthouse in Edenton offers overnight stays for those seeking a truly unique experience. The 1886 screw-pile lighthouse has been converted into a cozy one-bedroom retreat with stunning views of Edenton Bay.

Historic Mansions and Plantations: Southern Grandeur

For those interested in stepping back in time, North Carolina’s historic mansions and plantations offer some of the most unique places to stay in NC.

The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville

While not a private home, this historic resort offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the early 20th century. The stone facade, expansive lobbies with enormous fireplaces, and spectacular mountain views make it one of the most unique places to stay in NC.

Graystone Inn, Wilmington

This beautifully restored mansion in Wilmington’s historic district offers a luxurious bed and breakfast experience. With its period furnishings and elegant common areas, staying here feels like stepping into a bygone era.

Luxury Mountain Cabins: Rustic Elegance

North Carolina’s mountains are home to some of the most luxurious and unique places to stay in NC. These high-end cabins offer all the comforts of home with breathtaking views.

Watershed Resort, Bryson City

Watershed Resort offers a collection of luxury cabins with stunning mountain views. Each cabin features high-end finishes, hot tubs, and expansive decks. It’s the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury.

The Swag, Waynesville

Perched atop a 5,000-foot ridge near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag offers luxurious accommodations in a breathtaking setting. The all-inclusive resort features gourmet dining, hiking trails, and some of the most unique places to stay in NC.

Beachfront Cottages: Coastal Retreats

North Carolina’s coast offers numerous unique places to stay, from quaint cottages to luxurious beach houses.

The Inn on Pamlico Sound, Buxton

This boutique inn on Hatteras Island offers a range of unique accommodations, including beachfront cottages. With direct access to the sound and stunning sunset views, it’s a perfect coastal retreat.

Bald Head Island Rentals

Bald Head Island, accessible only by ferry, offers a unique coastal experience. Rent a cottage or beach house on this car-free island for a truly relaxing getaway.

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Tiny Houses: Compact Comfort

The tiny house movement has found a home in North Carolina, offering some of the most unique places to stay in NC for those who want to experience compact living.

River and Twine, Rocky Mount

This tiny house hotel in Rocky Mount features 20 custom-built tiny homes arranged around a central green space. Each house is uniquely decorated and offers all the amenities you need in a compact space.

Acony Bell Tiny Home Village, Mills River

Located near Asheville, this tiny house community offers nightly rentals of various tiny homes. It’s a great way to experience tiny living while exploring the surrounding mountains and breweries.

Glamping Sites: Luxurious Camping

For those who want to experience nature without sacrificing comfort, glamping sites offer some of the most unique places to stay in NC.

Asheville Glamping, Asheville

Asheville Glamping offers a variety of unique accommodations, including domes, airstreams, and tree tents. Their clear dome tents offer a particularly unique experience, allowing you to stargaze from the comfort of your bed.

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge

While technically just across the border in Tennessee, this luxury glamping resort is close enough to North Carolina to merit inclusion. The safari-style tents offer stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains and easy access to the national park.

Houseboats and Floating Cabins: Life on the Water

For a truly unique experience, consider staying on one of North Carolina’s lakes or rivers.

Fontana Lake Floating Cabins

These unique cabins on Fontana Lake offer a chance to stay right on the water. Accessible only by boat, these floating accommodations provide a secluded and peaceful retreat.

Lake Norman Houseboat Rentals

Experience life on North Carolina’s largest man-made lake by renting a houseboat. These floating homes offer all the amenities you need while allowing you to explore different parts of the lake each day.

Cave Dwellings: Underground Retreats

While not as common as some other unique places to stay in NC, the state does offer a few underground accommodations for the adventurous traveler.

Linville Caverns Underground Camping

While not always available, Linville Caverns occasionally offers overnight cave camping experiences. This unique opportunity allows visitors to sleep underground and experience the cave system after hours.

Eco-Lodges: Sustainable Stays

For environmentally conscious travelers, North Carolina offers several eco-lodges that provide unique and sustainable accommodations.

Lakeview at Fontana, Bryson City

This eco-friendly resort offers a variety of accommodations, including unique “treetop soaking cabanas” where guests can enjoy open-air Japanese-style soaking tubs with mountain views.

The Aerie Bed and Breakfast, New Bern

This eco-friendly B&B in historic New Bern offers a unique blend of sustainability and luxury. The inn uses solar power, rainwater collection, and other eco-friendly practices while providing comfortable and stylish accommodations.

Haunted Hotels: Spooky Stays

For those seeking a thrill, North Carolina has several allegedly haunted hotels that offer unique overnight experiences.

The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill

This historic hotel on the UNC campus is said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. William Jacocks, a long-term resident in the 1940s and 50s. Brave guests can request to stay in his former room.

Green Park Inn, Blowing Rock

Built in 1891, this historic hotel is rumored to have several ghostly residents. The hotel even maintains a “Ghost Log” where guests can record their paranormal experiences.

Seasonal Experiences: Unique Stays for Every Time of Year

North Carolina’s diverse climate offers unique experiences year-round. Here are some of the most extraordinary seasonal accommodations that showcase the state’s natural beauty throughout the year.

Winter Wonderland Cabins

When snow blankets the mountains, North Carolina transforms into a winter wonderland. Several unique places to stay in NC cater specifically to winter enthusiasts.

Sugar Mountain Treehouse, Banner Elk

This luxurious treehouse offers stunning views of the Sugar Mountain ski resort. With a cozy fireplace, outdoor hot tub, and proximity to the slopes, it’s the perfect winter retreat.

Snowbird Mountain Lodge, Robbinsville

Dating back to 1941, this historic lodge offers a rustic yet elegant winter escape. The lodge’s “Fireside Packages” include gourmet meals, making it one of the coziest unique places to stay in NC during the colder months.

Spring Blossom Cottages

Spring in North Carolina brings an explosion of color as flowers bloom across the state. Several accommodations offer front-row seats to this natural spectacle.

Biltmore Cottages, Asheville

While the Biltmore Estate is beautiful year-round, spring brings the gardens to life. Staying in one of the on-site cottages allows guests to explore the blooming gardens before and after public hours.

Fearrington House Inn, Pittsboro

This Relais & Châteaux property features beautifully manicured gardens that burst into color in spring. The whimsical “garden cottages” offer a unique, flower-filled retreat.

Summer Beach Houses

North Carolina’s coast comes alive in summer, and these unique beach houses offer extraordinary coastal experiences.

The Duneside Suites, Nags Head

These oceanfront suites are built on 15-foot stilts, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic. The unique design makes guests feel as if they’re floating above the dunes.

The Bottle House, Atlantic Beach

This quirky house is constructed with over 40,000 glass bottles. Its unique architecture and oceanfront location make it one of the most distinctive unique places to stay in NC.

Fall Foliage Retreats

Autumn in North Carolina brings a spectacular display of fall colors, especially in the mountains. These accommodations offer prime viewing opportunities.

Linn Cove Viaduct House, Linville

This modern home sits right next to the famous Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering unparalleled views of the changing leaves.

Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock

This lakeside resort offers a variety of accommodations, from lodge rooms to condos, all surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Themed Accommodations: Stays for Every Interest

North Carolina’s unique places to stay extend beyond just location and architecture. Many accommodations cater to specific interests, offering themed experiences that go beyond a simple overnight stay.

Literary Retreats

North Carolina has a rich literary history, and several accommodations pay homage to this legacy.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Asheville

While you can’t stay overnight in the Thomas Wolfe Memorial itself, the nearby Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds offers a “Look Homeward Angel” cabin, themed after Wolfe’s famous novel.

Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities, Southern Pines

This former home of author James Boyd now serves as a writer’s retreat. While primarily for residencies, they occasionally offer rooms to the public, providing a unique literary experience.

Music-Themed Stays

From bluegrass to beach music, North Carolina’s musical heritage is celebrated in several unique accommodations.

Flat Rock Village Loft, Flat Rock

Located above a music shop in Carl Sandburg’s hometown, this loft features instruments guests can play and is steps away from the famous Flat Rock Playhouse.

The Mast Farm Inn, Valle Crucis

This historic inn offers a “Music in the Mountains” package, which includes accommodations and tickets to local concerts, immersing guests in the area’s rich musical traditions.

Art-Centric Accommodations

For art enthusiasts, these unique places to stay in NC offer an immersive artistic experience.

21c Museum Hotel, Durham

This boutique hotel doubles as a contemporary art museum, with rotating exhibitions throughout the public spaces and guest rooms.

Sculpture House, Asheville

This private rental home is filled with original sculptures and artwork, offering guests a lived-in gallery experience.

Wellness Retreats

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, these wellness-focused stays offer unique experiences.

Shoji Spa & Lodge, Asheville

This Japanese-inspired retreat offers private outdoor hot tub experiences with mountain views, along with spa services and serene accommodations.

Westglow Resort & Spa, Blowing Rock

Set in a Greek Revival mansion, this Relais & Châteaux property offers a luxurious wellness experience with spa treatments, fitness classes, and gourmet healthy cuisine.

Accessibility Spotlight: Unique Stays for All Abilities

Inclusive travel is increasingly important, and North Carolina offers several extraordinary accommodations that are accessible to all.

Accessible Treehouses

Proving that unique experiences can be accessible to everyone, these treehouses offer the joy of elevated living without barriers.

Treehouse Vineyards’ “Papa’s Dream,” Monroe

This treehouse is accessible via a gradual ramp, making it one of the few wheelchair-accessible treehouses in the state.

The Sanctuary at Treetops, Asheville

While not a traditional treehouse, this elevated cabin offers wheelchair accessibility via a private elevator, providing stunning treetop views for all guests.

Sensory-Friendly Accommodations

For individuals with sensory sensitivities, these accommodations offer thoughtfully designed environments.

Quiet Haven Cottage, Brevard

This private rental home is specifically designed for guests with autism or sensory processing disorders, featuring calming colors, soundproofing, and sensory-friendly amenities.

The Mayton, Cary

While not exclusively sensory-friendly, this boutique hotel offers “Quiet Rooms” designed to minimize noise and other sensory inputs, perfect for guests who need a low-stimulation environment.

Mobility-Friendly Unique Stays

These unusual accommodations have been adapted to welcome guests with mobility challenges.

The Pisgah Yurt, Pisgah Forest

This fully accessible yurt features wide doorways, a roll-in shower, and adaptive equipment, allowing guests with mobility challenges to enjoy a unique glamping experience.

The Islander Hotel, Atlantic Beach

This oceanfront hotel offers beach wheelchairs and accessible oceanfront rooms, allowing all guests to enjoy the coastal experience fully.

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Farm Stays: Agricultural Adventures

North Carolina’s agricultural heritage comes to life in these farm-based accommodations, offering some of the most unique places to stay in NC for those interested in rural life.

Working Farm Experiences

These farms offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in agricultural life.

Rising Meadow Farm, Liberty

This working sheep farm offers stays in a renovated 1860s farmhouse. Guests can participate in farm activities, including helping with lambing in the spring.

Fickle Creek Farm, Efland

This organic farm offers both a farmhouse and camping options. Guests can collect eggs, milk goats, and learn about sustainable farming practices.

Vineyard Cottages

North Carolina’s growing wine industry provides unique opportunities for stays among the vines.

Piccione Vineyards Cottage, Ronda

This charming cottage sits in the middle of a working vineyard in the Yadkin Valley, offering wine tastings and beautiful views.

Grandfather Vineyard Cottage, Banner Elk

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this cottage offers a unique blend of mountain and vineyard views, with a tasting room just steps away.

Organic Farm Retreats

For those interested in sustainable agriculture, these organic farms offer educational and relaxing stays.

Tiny Broadfork Farm, Marshall

This small organic farm offers a tiny house stay where guests can learn about permaculture and sustainable farming practices.

Honeysuckle Tea House Yome, Chapel Hill

This unique yome (a cross between a yurt and a dome) sits on an herb farm, offering a tranquil retreat with opportunities to learn about medicinal herbs.

Unique Group Accommodations: Extraordinary Stays for Gatherings

North Carolina offers several unusual options for larger groups seeking a memorable stay.

Castle Rentals

While true castles are rare in North Carolina, these castle-like properties offer a regal experience.

Castle McKenzie, Brevard

This whimsical castle-inspired home sleeps up to 14 guests and features turrets, stone walls, and even a small drawbridge.

The Castle on Silver Lake, Ocracoke

This Outer Banks property resembles a sand castle and can accommodate large groups with stunning views of Silver Lake Harbor.

Converted Schoolhouses

These former educational institutions now offer unique group lodging experiences.

The Old School, Marshall

This converted schoolhouse from the 1920s now serves as a vacation rental, sleeping up to 16 guests in a blend of historic charm and modern comfort.

Glenwood Schoolhouse, Pilot Mountain

This one-room schoolhouse from 1915 has been lovingly restored into a cozy vacation rental, perfect for small groups looking for a unique historical experience.

Island Rentals

For the ultimate group getaway, these island properties offer privacy and coastal beauty.

Copperhead Island, Lake Norman

This 14-acre island on Lake Norman can be rented for group camping experiences, offering a unique outdoor adventure.

The Inn on Pamlico Sound, Hatteras Island

While not a private island, this inn can be rented in its entirety for large groups, offering a coastal retreat with private soundfront access.

Conclusion: Embracing North Carolina’s Diverse Accommodations

North Carolina’s landscape is as diverse as it is beautiful, ranging from majestic mountains to serene coastlines. This variety is reflected in the unique places to stay in NC, offering travelers extraordinary experiences that go far beyond the typical hotel stay.

Whether you’re seeking the tranquility of a treehouse, the historical charm of a lighthouse keeper’s quarters, the luxury of a mountain cabin, or the adventure of glamping, North Carolina has something to offer. These unique accommodations not only provide a place to rest your head but also become an integral part of your travel experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As you plan your next trip to the Tar Heel State, consider stepping out of your comfort zone and into one of these unique places to stay in NC. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks, and everywhere in between, North Carolina’s extraordinary accommodations are waiting to welcome you.

Remember, the joy of travel often lies in the unexpected and the unusual. By choosing one of these unique places to stay in NC, you’re not just booking a room – you’re embarking on an adventure. So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and prepare to experience North Carolina in a whole new way. The state’s most unique and extraordinary accommodations are ready to turn your visit into an unforgettable journey.