Romance
Gorgeous sunsets, pristine beaches and lively cities supply swoon-worthy backdrops for couples to celebrate any milestone or simply connect.
North Carolina
Winston-Salem in central North Carolina’s Piedmont region has a walkable downtown and thriving cultural and culinary scenes. Tour the murals and other art installations in the Winston-Salem Downtown Arts District. Then enjoy cocktails with views of the city with your partner-in-crime at Bar Piña (one of the city’s two rooftop bars) before you fill up on tomato pie, fried chicken and other comforting plates at Mozelle’s. Both spots are on Fourth Street, the city’s dining and entertainment hub.
Small town charm draws couples to Chapel Hill, a college town about 77 miles east of Winston-Salem. Admire the exhibits at the Ackland Art Museum, whose 21,000 works of art include European and Asian masterpieces, and meander hand-in-hand among rare wildflowers and leafy forests at North Carolina Botanical Gardens. Grab a bite along Franklin Street, where locals gather in bars, restaurants and coffee shops.
Asheville in western North Carolina is a convenient home base for adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway—a scenic byway spanning more than 400 miles in North Carolina and Virginia—passes right through town. It offers access to unforgettable views of the Appalachian Mountains and activities such as fly-fishing, hiking and camping. When you’re not surveying the area’s verdant forests and towering peaks, catch a show at one of the many live music venues in Asheville, or visit the stately Biltmore Estate, a 250-room castle known as America’s largest home.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Asheville area artists, makers, chefs, performers and shop owners are calling visitors back as major attractions reopen and seasonal festivities are announced—including Christmas at Biltmore, the new “Gingerbread Trail of Giving,” and holiday markets and events. Take this opportunity to steer travelers to a region filled with resilient artists, makers and innovators and help make an impact in Asheville's recovery.
South Carolina
Greenville has a thriving food and drink scene, which includes dozens of craft breweries, wineries and distilleries. Get some fresh air in Falls Park on the Reedy (the city’s big downtown park) or on the 345-foot Liberty Bridge. In Spartanburg, about 34 miles from Greenville, partake in some retail therapy at the many independently owned shops and restaurants. The area also has many family-owned farms, which sell what they grow on-site or at local markets, and thousands of acres of lakes for fishing and peaceful parks and green spaces for walking or biking.
About 25 miles southwest of Charleston, Kiawah Island sports a 10-mile stretch of peaceful shoreland. Unwind in umbrella-shaded chairs on the beach or grab a meal to-go from a restaurant in Freshfields Village such as Cafe Eugenia or Cantina 76 to set up a picnic on the sand. Or spend a few days together on Hilton Head Island, a legendary beach destination known for its dazzling white sands and azure waters. Tee off on a world-renowned golf course, or pedal through the breathtaking coastal landscapes on more than 60 miles of trails. The island is a haven for those who like to travel on two wheels; it has nearly 30 cycling shops offering some 15,000 bikes for rent.
Known as the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands, Beaufort is a city on Port Royal Island between Kiawah and Hilton Head islands. Snuggle up on a horse-drawn carriage on an excursion with Southurn Rose Carriage Tours or spy one of the region’s most beloved marine animals on a boat tour with Beaufort Dolphin Adventures. Or watch ships venture to and from the Atlantic Ocean at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Where to Stay in the Carolinas
Best Western Hotels & Resorts in North and South Carolina offer all of the ingredients to the couples’ retreat of your dreams, from pools and hot tubs to plush king-size beds to complimentary breakfasts work waking up for. To secure the best rates, check out the chain’s special offers and discounts.