Skyline Lodge

"This revamped motor lodge in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains is a value-conscious option for appreciating North Carolina’s great outdoors in all seasons (It’s also a great choice for couples who like to travel with their dogs, even on romantic outings). Guest rooms surround a lifestyle-driven lawn (cornhole and s’mores, anyone?) where pups and peeps are free to roam. In-house restaurant, Oak Steakhouse, is located at the edge of the property, meaning fabulous drinking and dining is literally just steps away. Days here are often about rewarding hikes, and there are dozens of trails to choose from, including Whiteside Mountain, a short-but-steep two-mile trail with sweeping views from the highest vertical cliffs in the eastern United States. Discover the myriad, breathtaking waterfalls the Highlands are famed for, starting with the exhilarating ascent to High Falls in Lake Glenville’s Pines Recreation Area as well as a trip to serene Ranger Falls. In warmer months, look forward to boating, biking, horseback riding, and fly-fishing—you’re in prime North Carolina trout territory, after all (90 minutes from Asheville)." - Paul Rubio