Recommendations of places to stay in North Carolina?

[FrugalSaver]

Looking at Asheville and the Ourer Banks.

Any recommendations for places to stay in those two locations?

Things to do?

I'm, building my own list but looking for thoughts from people that have done it before or live there.

Thanks!

[Abe]

Used to live near the outer banks. We'd go to Ocracoke or Hatteras and swim in the ocean. You can also rent a boat and sail around in the sound. There's a lot of fishing there too. Watch out for mosquitos if you go to one of the parks areas, but it's nice to get away from the crowds if you go camping there. It's been a while, so I'm not sure what restaurants are still there.

[asauer]

What time of year are you going?  Summer?  I live in NC and visit both areas unite often.  In OBX I would recommend staying near Hatteras or Duck if you like it quiet.  If you like having a bunch of non beach activities, then stay around Nags Head/ kitty Hawk.  We prefer the latter and highly recommend going to jockeys ridge state park.  If you have kids, the aquarium and the Island farm are really fun.

For Asheville, i’d Recommend staying near Pack Square if you’re looking to stay in town.  Tons of really nice B&Bs around there.  If you want to be closer to hiking trails, I recommend staying closer to the outskirts near Pisgah forest.  If you go in the summer, don’t miss Sliding Rock- great fun and a place to cool off.  Hope that helps!

[Duchess of Stratosphear]

I've heard the botanical garden in Asheville is really nice. This should be a good time of year to see it. Also the Biltmore House--kind of expensive, but in addition to being able to tour the house, there are acres and acres of gardens to see as well.

I second the Jockey's Ridge recommendation. One of the coolest places I've been in NC or maybe anywhere.

[partgypsy]

I've heard the botanical garden in Asheville is really nice. This should be a good time of year to see it. Also the Biltmore House--kind of expensive, but in addition to being able to tour the house, there are acres and acres of gardens to see as well.

I second the Jockey's Ridge recommendation. One of the coolest places I've been in NC or maybe anywhere.

Yes, if you have never been to Kitty Hawk, visit it and the aviation museum and jockey's ridge. Plus there are a lot of other things you can do there. Beach is always free. But if willing to spend money can go hang gliding or on sound side kayaking. All along the outer banks, there are free or low cost parks and refuges, and of course light houses : ). A cool thing to do is take a boat tour to Shakleford banks. No guarantee you will see the wild horses, but it is still cool.

[mm1970]

My sis used to live there.

My nephew got married in Lake Lure (where Dirty Dancing was filmed), it was lovely!

During that trip my big sis and my husband and I spent a week on Holden Beach.  Just north of Myrtle Beach.  Also lovely.

Don't know anything about OBX, though my brother and SIL like to go there. 

[ol1970]

The Grove Park Inn, I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Even if you don't stay there at least go have dinner there one night on the veranda overlooking the mountains, its memorable.